One of many things that made us set up FeGoo was the years of travel we have under our belts and the impact that it causes to the land, air and people. The world is massive place with so many great places to explore, but we should all travel a bit more sustainably. One small change is one step in the right direction and if millions of people took just one step the impact will be huge!

What is sustainable travel?
The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “development [which] meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunity for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social, and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity, and life support system.”

Other buzz words are responsible travel, eco-tourism and green travel. These terms, along with sustainable travel encompass the idea of being more conscious of how we travel. They seek to minimise negative impacts on the environment and aim to have a positive impact for local communities and economies.

Here are a few ways you can travel more sustainably :
• Start at home– before leaving on your next adventure think about what you are packing and taking with you, especially in your wash kit.

All of our body care products are made using natural, organic ingredients and have been designed to have minimum impact on the environment.

• Buy local– When travelling, it can be tempting to find and go to shops or restaurants that remind us of home (McDonalds, Costa, Subway just to name a few). While there is nothing wrong with this, I’m sure you didn’t travel half way across the world to eat and buy the exact same stuff you can get back home. Where is the adventure in that?
We travel to explore and discover exciting new things, so get out there and do just that. Support local souvenir shops, eat where the locals go and try a new dish. The best part is that by doing this, you are not only supporting sustainable travel but by avoiding tourist hotspots, your wallet will be a lot fuller, helping you to stretch your dollar even further.

• Think before you haggle– It can be tempting to haggle at the local markets and is the culture in places like South East Asia, it’s important to keep the bigger picture in mind and ask yourself, if saving that extra bit of cash is worth it. That 40 Thai Baht (£1) might not be a lot for you, but it could mean a meal for that person’s family. You had enough to hop on a plane, book a hotel and come over with spending money, who really needs that little bit of money more?

• Minimise your footprint– Think twice about accepting that plastic bag while overseas. Why? In developing countries, waste management is a major problem and we can unwittingly contribute towards it. The locals may not understand the impact that waste has on their environment or have effective waste removal set up in their communities.

• Stay in locally owned accommodation– Opting to stay in locally owned accommodation, which can include guesthouses, B&B’s, Airbnb’s or you could even couch surf. Doing this you are helping support local business and helping boost their local enconomy, rather than going to a foreign owned hotel or resort company.

• Don’t Give to beggars– This is a tough one because seeing a child or even an adult beg on the streets pulls on any decent person’s heart strings. However, part of travelling responsibly is keeping in mind that some are doing it because it is easy money and that there are children being taken out of school and forced to beg on the streets (remember Slum Dog Millionaire). Obviously, this is not the case for everyone, but if you want to help out, buy the person food or something to drink instead.

• Use Public Transport– Making use of public transport is a way you can reduce your carbon emissions footprint. Instead of a taking a taxi, grab a bus ticket and travel with the locals. It’s a great way to see the place you are staying in and keep your budget healthy. Alternatively you could hire a bike and start exploring.

• Final Point, Travel with a SMILE and spread the GOOD VIBES – You are a tourist after all in their country, smiling is free and when you smile at others, it gives them a boost of happiness! It will change the way they perceive you and you may even make their day just from a smile.

Have you been on a recent adventure using our products? We would love to hear your story and feature it on Our Community section of the website.