In recognizing the importance for travellers to travel sustainably, The Travel Corporation (TTC) family of brands (among them Trafalgar, Insight and Contiki) has introduced a downloadable checklist designed to help clients (and those who book them) become more responsible travellers, ultimately helping to protect and make a positive impact on the planet, its people, and wildlife.
Produced in conjunction with TTC’s not-for-profit TreadRight Foundation, the 2024 ‘Make Travel Matter Checklist’ covers four main recommendations:
- “Planning and Packing” – Such as bringing a reusable bottle, locating water refill stations, and downloading the Tap app to find water anywhere.
- “Getting Around” – Focused on minimizing the carbon footprint of transportation choices with the tip of trying out a local bike share program. Additionally, the checklist provides guidance on choosing businesses such as hotels, airlines or tour operators based on those who have a commitment to responsible travel through initiatives such as a sustainability strategy with measurable goals, or a Climate Action Plan as a roadmap to reduce emissions. For example, The Travel Corporation releases an Annual Impact Report which shares progress on their sustainability goals aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- “Sleeping and Eating” – Travellers are encouraged to choose accommodations that have recycling, waste, and water conservation programs, and use renewable energy.
- “Experiences that Matter” – Focuses on supporting experiences and businesses that empower communities and protect wildlife, including ethical shopping and not supporting illegal wildlife trade by avoiding any purchase of wildlife products.
“One of the most frequent questions we are asked is how to be a more conscious traveller,” says Shannon Guihan, TTC’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of The TreadRight Foundation. “The intention of our 2024 Make Travel Matter Checklist is to help our guests, travellers and travel partners by providing them these accessible sustainable travel tips and making them aware of where they are spending and investing their travel funds.”
She adds, “Whether you are an experienced globetrotter or a first-time explorer, the checklist is straightforward, yet covers pre-trip planning, what to do while travelling and other impactful ways that travellers can support a destination and the local communities they visit. It’s a great resource to share with friends and engaged citizens and help make a collective difference.”
Agents and client can download the interactive checklist HERE.