Featured post, contributed by sustainability blogger Jemma Lane | Instagram  @jemms.adventures

Having travelled so much I have learnt the importance of our planet and being more sustainable. So, around 18 months ago, I decided to start my sustainability journey. I really think it’s something that everyone should consider. It’s never too late to start your journey and, as I always tell myself, the smallest changes can make a big difference.

I try to help people implement things that I have learnt in my daily life, especially in my current job as a teaching assistant… educating the young generation about our planet is an important step for our future and the future of our planet.

HOW CAN YOU TRAVEL IN A MORE ECO-FRIENDLY WAY?

Travel is on our minds more than ever before. With everything that we've all been through the last 18 months, people are starting to look forward to what the future can bring - and starting to travel and make travel plans again.

TIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

It's important to think about how we can travel in a more eco-friendly way from now on. Here are a few tips to help you with this.

1. Don't always fly. It's not always possible, I know, but sometimes you can interrail - get a bus of some kind, hire a car. Just think outside the box a little, and you might even be able to save money and time.

If you do fly, fly economy class. This way you'll take up way less space per person than flying business class. Yes, it’s not always comfortable, especially for long haul, but carrying more people in a smaller space is more efficient. 

2. Pack light. Packing less means there is less luggage on a flight or in your mode of transport. This means less fuel is needed to power the vehicle and less carbon emissions going into the air.

3. Travel with sustainable or fair trade travel companies. @betterplacestravel is a sustainable travel agency which helps you find local travel experts and experiences all over the world.

4. Never do anything touristy with wild animals, such as tigers and elephants. They should only be seen in the wild on safaris - they aren't suitable to be served as a tourist attraction. So try to stay clear of them or do you research thoroughly before embarking on a journey to see them in captivity.

5. Take your own reusable things. This is a no brainer and something I talk about all the time. Be sure to pack your water bottle, soap bars, canvas bags etc.

Will you consider any of these changes when you next travel?