Ring in 2020 with Some New Year’s Travel Resolutions

New year, new start! January’s here, and it’s time to give some thought to the resolutions you’ll (hopefully) be keeping over the coming months. Perhaps you’ll vow to exercise more, to eat better, or to spend more time with family. But how about making some easy-to-keep promises that’ll have a real impact on the world around you?

At Blue-Roads Touring, we’re always thinking about ways to make travel more sustainable – and we strive to make a positive difference wherever we go. Take a look at some of our New Year’s travel resolutions, and remember: small efforts go a long way when it comes to being kind to the planet. 

1. Bring your own water bottle

It’s all too easy to buy a plastic bottle of water, drink the contents and then put it in the bin. But consider for a moment the environmental impact if every one of us were to do this even a handful of times per year; it’s a rather scary prospect. Plastic bottles end up in the ocean, negatively affect wildlife and contribute to billions of tonnes of waste each year. 

Do your bit to tackle single-use plastics by taking your own refillable drinks bottle with you when you travel. Not only will you help to save the planet from the scourge of plastics and keep the places we visit beautiful, but you’ll save yourself some money too.

 

2. Say no to plastic straws

Whether we ask for them or not, our drinks are often presented to us complete with a convenient (yet all-too-disposable) plastic straw. Again, it can be easy to overlook the impact that straws can have on the environment – but these everyday items have an enormous knock-on effect, causing serious damage to marine life and further contributing to the global plastic crisis. 

So, how can you help? Whenever possible, pass on plastic straws. In the grand scheme of things, going without them is a small price to pay in the name of truly sustainable travel.

 

3. Take 3 for the Sea

It’s such a simple thing to do, but this is one resolution that has the potential to make a huge difference. 

If you happen to encounter some beautiful blue waters during your Blue-Roads Touring tour (or even strolling along the shoreline back home), keep an eye out for litter – and take the time to pick it up and dispose of it properly. Think of all the rubbish that would be removed from our oceans if all of us did this every time we could!

 

4. Join the 10 Pieces Litter Collection Initiative

This initiative revolves around the idea that wherever in the world we go, we should aim to ‘take only photos, leave only footprints’ and ‘take out more than we bring in’. 

Much like the Take Three for the Sea scheme, travellers are encouraged to not only remove their own rubbish, but to actively contribute to waste reduction efforts and make a positive impact in each destination by removing ten pieces of litter on their way through.

5. Stay on established paths and walkways

Whilst we at Blue-Roads Touring are all for taking the road less travelled, when it comes to preserving areas of natural beauty (or keeping wildlife safe and happy), we recognise the importance of keeping to pre-established walkways and paths wherever possible. 

When we stray from assigned pathways, even with the best of intentions, it is always possible that we could inadvertently disrupt a delicate balance of flora and fauna. Most walking or hiking paths have been carefully laid out in order to afford visitors the best possible views – so, by sticking to these trails, not only are you likely to have the best and safest experience, but you’ll also help to make sure that the area remains just as unspoilt as when you found it.

 

6. Respect local wildlife

In addition to the above, it’s also vital that when we do come across an area’s wild inhabitants, we do not interfere with them. Whilst it may be tempting to give animals a morsel of food, or maybe even reach out for a stroke, in doing so we may do the creatures more harm than good. 

Many wild animals have a very specific diet, so even a seemingly harmless snack can cause untold harm. Also, it’s important to remember that many of the creatures you’re likely to come across are wild animals, not domesticated pets. So, for your safety (and theirs), it’s best never to touch them or try to move them out of their natural environment.

7. Eat in local restaurants

Last but not least, we always encourage our guests to dine at local establishments where possible. This might seem like a small thing, but it can be easy to forget that many of the people we come across on holiday depend on tourism for their livelihood.

If you can, steer clear of chains, venture away from resorts and immerse yourself in a world of fantastic local cuisine and culinary discovery. Not only will you be supporting the local economy, but you’re almost certain to have a far more rewarding gastronomic experience.

So, there you have it. Seven incredibly simple, yet infinitely impactful environmental resolutions that we should all aim to adhere to this year. As travellers, we have a responsibility to commit to change – and to do our part to ensure that the amazing places we’re lucky enough to explore during our lifetime stay just as spectacular in the years to come.