Joanna James
Sustainable holidaying has never garnered more attention and there’s no reason for your trip to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka to be an exception. Here’s to a conscious and eco-friendly holiday in the charming teardrop. Come, explore and discover the world of excitement that awaits, responsibly.
When it comes to sustainable tourism, the journey matters as much as the destination (or even more so), as it can contribute to making your holiday sustainable or otherwise, significantly.
It goes without saying that air travel, while unavoidable, generates extensive greenhouse gas emissions. So, if possible, reducing the number of flights or opting for direct routes will significantly contribute to lowering your carbon footprint.
You could also make use of public transportation as most parts of the island nation have a reliable train and bus network.
Walking and cycling aren’t certainly negligible, not only because they are the friendliest of the environment but also because Sri Lanka is blessed with scenic landscapes and surroundings that you can experience in a more intimate way by walking or cycling.
Sustainable tourism is not only about being conscious of the environment but also contributing to local communities and the economy. For instance, while you may choose to stay at the best hotel in Kandy, including the likes of Aarunya Nature Resort and Spa, your options for contributing to empowering local communities are plentiful.
Savour the island’s mouth-watering authentic cuisine by dining at local restaurants and food stalls, which would benefit not only the establishments themselves but also local farmers, fishermen, and chefs.
Authentic shopping has evolved to be a part of the classic holiday experience, so make the shopping on your holiday also sustainable. Make sure your purchases are truly authentic by steering clear of mass-produced souvenirs and buying handmade crafts, textiles, and artwork from local artisans.
When it comes to hiring guides and tour operators, don’t only go local, make sure they are being ethical in their operations.
The charming island nation of Sri Lanka, while a top tourist destination in the world, is rather conventional and conservative in its ways. So, as responsible travellers, it is only right that you respect the local culture, customs and values. From dressing modestly to learning a few local phrases and paying attention to social norms, they might be simple acts, but they sure do go a long way.
Overtourism is one thing that isn’t receiving the attention it deserves, and Sri Lanka is no exception when it comes to attractions and sites. Get off the beaten path and explore lesser-known destinations, and enjoy the best of both worlds.
Travelling can easily generate a lot of waste and what can be done about it is being proactive in reducing your waste. Bringing reusable items, avoiding plastic packaging and disposing of waste responsibly are only a few ways you can reduce your waste while on holiday.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
