Traveling seems to be the thing we miss most during this pandemic. I miss capturing the perfect Instagram picture, sharing every moment of each vacation. It has been a while since we asked the question, where should we travel next? Surely, we will all be eager to travel again and thus endeavor to know what pandemic-inspired lifestyle changes we will carry through even after old patterns of life return.
Here are some tips on how we can be a more sustainable traveler as we become increasingly conscious of taking care of our environment and of each other beyond this pandemic.
Leave No Trace
- Don’t litter. Be considerate of the places you visit.
- Remove the packaging of any encased items you may need to carry, especially plastic wrappers, before leaving home.
- Bring your own shopping bag to avoid adding to the plastic waste problem in many of the communities.
- Lose the straw – if you want one, bring your own personal reusable straw.
Choose and Practice Sustainable Accommodation
- Conserve water and take shorter showers. The average hotel guest uses over 300 liters of water per night!
- Choose to travel off-season for better prices and less crowds.
- Research and get to know your accommodation provider (hotel, guest house, etc.) and their sustainability practices.
- Support responsible tourism organizations who actively advocate for responsible tourism.
At SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), we are totally committed to continuously supporting the promotion and implementation of sustainable tourism practices in the Philippines through creative and eco-friendly efforts.
To know more about how SMHCC, alongside our properties, remains proactive in the protection of our common home, visit our website through this link: https://lnkd.in/g6f8v3q
Be an Ambassador for Peace and Support the Local Economy
- Ask for permission when possible before taking photographs.
- Educate yourself and conduct research about the place you are visiting as well as its culture, people, and practices. Remember that you are a guest in their home.
- People in different places do things differently. Respect their ways and do not try to change them.
- Dress appropriately. Note local dress codes and adhere to them.
- Do not purchase or eat endangered species.
- Support the local economy. Buy locally made souvenirs or eat at local restaurants – enjoy the local culture.
And lastly, do your research! Being a well-informed traveler enables you to minimize the contribution to environmental or culture-related problems, therefore helping you be a more sustainable tourist.
See you all at our SMHCC properties for your next travel destination!
