Why Consider Sustainable Travel in 2025 and Beyond?

Climate change impacts the entire world. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, global temperatures increased by two degrees during the period from 1850 to 2023. It results in greater potential and severity of weather phenomenon including drought, floods and hurricanes. This is according to recent findings from NASA. Plus, it puts a strain on society – shifting populations, reducing food production, adding burden to the energy grid and putting greater strain on natural resources.

It’s everyone’s responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible. And “everyone” includes those who travel.

What can travelers do?

Sustainable travel is trending right now. It’s the concept of organizing your trips in a way that minimizes negative environmental impact. For details about this term and what it means, check out this National Geographic article on the subject.

Want a clearer picture of what sustainable travel looks like?

A recent blog post from State of Matter sheds light on the details of what sustainable travel looks like. Plus, it gives great input on what travelers can do to help the cause.

Three pillars of sustainable travel:

• Environmental sustainability – involves making conscious decisions to protect the environment, including cycling, walking, choosing public transport, using renewable energy sources, avoiding tours that exploit wildlife or damage habitats and the like
• Social sustainability – encompasses travel's cultural and social facets, including honoring local customs, promoting community growth, and ensuring tourism doesn't exploit or harm locals
• Economic sustainability – focuses on fostering income generation and job opportunities for local communities

The article goes on to provide things you can do to travel more sustainably. Highlights include:

• Packing light – lighter packing weight means greater fuel efficiency when transporting luggage
• Taking direct flights – direct flights mean less takeoffs and landings which reduces carbon emissions
• Staying in eco-friendly accommodations – these accommodation options are designed to help you reduce your carbon footprint
• Avoiding single-use plastic – avoid disposing of plastic needlessly by utilizing refillable water bottles
• Taking public transportation – public transportation reduces pollution caused by motor vehicles
• Traveling slow – Opt for options that include cycling and hiking as opposed to driving carbon-emission vehicles
• Eating local food – eating locally grown foods not only helps support the local economy but also reduces pollution due to shorter delivery distance from farms to your plate
• Support local business – reduces transportation costs, pollution associated with transportation and supports the local economy
• Respecting local culture – encourages a sense of identity and preserves diversity at locations you travel
• Going camping – is a great way to practice sustainable travel, but be mindful to take only pictures and leave only footprints
• Being cautious of wildlife tourism – Only do tours that’s respectful of the wildlife and avoid those that promise up-close encounters that could disturb habitat and animal safety
• Volunteering with local communities – this is a great way to immerse yourself into a culture while also helping to ensure said cultures future

How to pack more sustainably:

• Use biodegradable and eco-friendly products whenever possible
• Bring reusable items
• Reduce plastic usage – there are many biodegradable alternatives available
• Consider a capsule wardrobe that includes only essential clothing, often constructed of natural and biodegradable materials

Does it cost more to travel sustainably?

The benefits of sustainable travel is significant. It reduces carbon output, supports local economies and cultures, and contributes to a healthier planet. Traveling in this manner isn’t cheap though. Expect to pay at least 10% extra for sustainable travel as compared to comparable non-sustainable travel options.

How do you protect your sustainable travel budget?

“It’s important to hedge against the risk associated with traveling sustainably,” says Dan Drennen, Director of Sales and Marketing at Travel Insurance Center^®. “And obtaining suitable travel insurance is a viable way to accomplish this.”

According to Drennen, travel insurance can provide coverage for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. This is especially important for sustainable travel excursions since the cost is usually greater.

What are some travel insurance coverage options?

•  Accidental death and dismemberment
• Baggage delay or loss
• Emergency medical coverage and evacuation
• Trip cancellation delay or interruption
• And more

“You’ll be glad you have coverage if it’s needed,” says Dan. “So many unforeseen things can occur. You might not be able to go on your trip due to illness. Or perhaps political instability makes your travel destination unsafe. What if a hurricane decimates the location you were planning to go see? What if you’re already there when the hurricane strikes – emergency evacuation can be costly?”

The list of things that could go wrong are virtually endless. That’s why travel insurance is so crucial. And even if nothing goes badly, travel insurance provides peace of mind. You’ll rest easy knowing your travel investment is protected.

Where can I get travel insurance?

You can always go directly to an insurance carrier to obtain travel insurance. But which carrier has the most suitable plan for your specific needs and budget? You could spend a lot of time researching the many carriers to find the plan you need. Or, you could use Travel Insurance Center. The Travel Insurance Experts at Travel Insurance Center will do the work on your behalf. They have access to many top insurance carriers and are happy to provide you with coverage options that meet your needs. Plus, they do it at no cost to you.

If you’re planning a trip, sustainable or otherwise, do give Travel Insurance Center a call at 1.866.979.6753 or go online for a complimentary quote. The in-house Travel Insurance Experts will search far and wide to find you the best travel insurance policy for the best price. Give them a call today.

*Travel insurance must be purchased before a storm is named to have trip cancellation protection. Once a storm is named, trip cancellation protection is no longer available for hurricanes.

Travel Insurance Center is operated by Senior Market Sales LLC a licensed insurance marketing organization.  Insurance services provided by Senior Market Sales LLC.  This is a solicitation.