The tourism and leisure sectors are also affected by greenhouse gas emissions and their harmful consequences for the environment. This is even a major concern for many players in the travel world, who are now seeking to adopt a sustainable approach. Indeed, even though the VIDOC-19 crisis has considerably limited our travel in 2020, more and more people are still travelling every year under normal circumstances, and many will certainly leave to explore the world again as soon as the situation allows. Yes, but how can we travel in the carbon footprint era and practice green tourism? While in the United States and Europe the notion of 'flygskam', translated as 'the shame of flying', is spreading, there are actually various ways to reduce one's carbon footprint in terms of transportation, a necessity in order to continue traveling for as long as possible
Ensuring vehicle occupancy rates
Families or groups of friends have often been seen leaving with several cars in order to keep their independence during the holidays. But rather than using a large number of vehicles, it is advisable to optimise their occupancy rate and to carpool as much as possible. Before leaving with several people, you should think about counting the number of holidaymakers and don't hesitate to skip one or more vehicles as soon as possible! Likewise, people who are going to a very specific place to spend their holidays and who do not plan to use the car on site are strongly advised to register on the carpooling platforms. This limits the number of cars in action and saves you money!
Another interesting way to travel in the age of carbon footprints is the motor home. Why? Because, depending on its size, it allows several people to travel together and not have to use several vehicles. At Camperdays, there are camper vans of different sizes that can accommodate five to seven people. An option that can therefore satisfy families as well as groups of friends, and which has been proven to have lower CO2 emissions than for travellers who use the car and stay in a hotel. Not forgetting that the motorhome offers a unique experience: the ability to travel wherever you want without having to worry about accommodation. Travelling in a motorhome is often a great opportunity to get closer to nature, as well as leading us to use only the bare necessities, thus considerably reducing waste
Use the most ecological means of transport
Flying is still the main cause of greenhouse gas emissions for a traveller, especially for stopover trips, since CO2 emissions are highest during take-off and landing. Of course, it remains an unavoidable way to reach certain distant destinations. But by changing behaviour, such as travelling less often but longer to destinations that require air travel, then you inevitably contribute to reducing your carbon footprint.
Not forgetting that there are other means of transport that are known to be much more environmentally friendly, and which guarantee an equally exotic stay. Trains and buses, for example, allow us to travel in a more environmentally friendly way, and in Europe they are highly developed means of transport. From France, you can very easily, and with time, reach the Iberian Peninsula, Southern Italy, Eastern Europe and Northern Europe!
We don't always know it either, but the boat is also a good way to travel in the age of carbon footprint while reducing the impact on the environment. Such as travelling on board a cargo ship, for example. Although the journey is longer and more expensive than by plane, it is an environmentally friendly way to reach far away destinations such as the West Indies, South America and even Australia! Notice to those who have time on their hands and want to live an unforgettable experience! Still concerning the boats, you should also think about river cruising to be part of an ecological and sustainable approach. In France, Portugal, the Netherlands or Germany, boats without a licence are real houses on the water and allow you to slow down time by travelling on rivers and enjoying the nature, heritage and gastronomy of many regions of interest. In addition, some companies offer the possibility of renting liveable boats with 100% electric propulsion.
Travelling in the era of the carbon footprint is therefore possible! This requires a review of one's priorities, adapting one's behaviour to contemporary requirements, and those concerning the environment are more topical than ever. In any case, whether by train, boat, camper van or even bicycle, there are still many ways to get around while limiting greenhouse gas emissions and allowing you to continue discovering the beauty of the world, all while taking it easy
