This Earth Day, Trip.com Group, a leading global travel services provider, offers 8 tips for travelers looking to embark on a more sustainable journey. In some cases, simple actions can make a huge difference.
1. Participate in carbon offset programs for flights
With aviation responsible for at least 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions, we need to consider our carbon footprint when choosing to travel to our next destination. If possible, choose to fly direct, as takeoff and landing consume the most jet fuel during each flight. Use tools to track the amount of carbon emissions your flight emits and select carbon offset options to support projects that reduce, capture or avoid carbon emissions in an amount equivalent to your carbon footprint.
Trip.com worked with CHOOOSE, a leading climate technology company, to help travelers support carbon offset projects with the click of a button. When travelers book a flight on Trip.com, they can see the opportunity to offset their carbon emissions for a small fee. In 2023, this contribution was directly paid to four climate protection initiatives around the world: construction and operation of two waste-to-energy facilities Türkiyeby disseminating improved, high-efficiency cooking stoves to households Indiaprotecting and enhancing virgin mangrove forests Cambodiaand the monitoring and protection of the ecosystem of a forest in Brazil.
2. Consider train travel as an alternative
On average, trains are one of the most energy-efficient forms of transportation, making them an eco-friendly travel choice. Train travel can also be relaxing and enjoyable, allowing you to take in the scenery and avoid the stress of navigating busy airports or unfamiliar road conditions. So, the next time you plan a trip, check if there is a train route that meets your needs.
If you are traveling in the United Kingdom and by booking train tickets through Trip.com, you can track the carbon footprint you've reduced through train travel by checking your carbon credits on the Trip.com app. Additionally, you can celebrate your achievements by planting virtual trees. With the choice of planting trees such as mountain ash, sessile oak, silver birch and more, you can be proud to see your tiny virtual saplings transform into vibrant forests thanks to your green efforts.
3. Rent electric cars instead of gasoline vehicles
Road trips offer a self-guided and immersive experience while traveling. There's nothing like roaming the local landscapes at your leisure, taking breaks or detours whenever you want, and enjoying the company of your travel partners or the freedom of driving alone. Choosing electric vehicles over gasoline vehicles also puts you in charge of reducing carbon emissions: while construction and charging processes still emit carbon, fully electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions and reduce air pollution. With the increasing availability of charging stations, it has become more convenient to charge electric cars on the go.
On Trip.com, you can see clearly labeled electric cars when you search for car rental options. This provides greater clarity and allows you to choose the most environmentally friendly option.
4. Bring your own toiletries and avoid single-use items
Plastic production has reached more than 380 million tonnes per year. Microplastics, in particular, have become another permanent and pervasive human footprint on the environment, posing a serious threat to the health of humans as well as other species. This year, “Planet versus Plastics” is chosen as the theme for Earth Day, which commits to reducing plastic production by 60% by 2040.
Bringing your own toiletries instead of relying on single-use items is one of the top sustainability tips suggested by TripGenie, Trip.com's AI travel assistant. Without taking up too much space in your luggage, this simple action can go a long way to reducing waste. More and more hotels are now encouraging travelers to bring reusable items in an effort to promote sustainable practices and minimize their own environmental impact.
5. Supporting local communities and empowering best practices
Getting to know local communities can often provide insight into how people interact with their environment. Stay in locally owned accommodations, eat at local restaurants, and purchase products from local artisans, and your immersive travel experience will also contribute to economic growth. Responsible practices, such as respecting local customs, conserving natural resources and supporting environmental initiatives, also help preserve the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the destination.
Through China, Trip.com Group has created 29 country retreats in rural areas, all with the aim of creating economic opportunities and inspiring travelers to build a new relationship with nature. This initiative has led to the creation of tens of thousands of jobs, not only directly, but also in nearby host families and relevant industries. Trip.com Group has also implemented low-carbon practices at these country retreats – for example, installing solar panels, charging stations and an integrated circular wastewater treatment system in Anhui Jinzhai Country Retreat, in the east of the country. China.
6. Head to hidden gems and avoid overtourism
Overtourism, which refers to too many tourists traveling to a particular destination, can strain local resources, damage fragile ecosystems and disrupt the lives of residents. By visiting lesser-known destinations and off-the-beaten-path attractions, travelers can help ease the burden on tourist hotspots, thereby mitigating overtourism. This approach allows for a more authentic travel experience and contributes to a more balanced tourism industry.
When planning your itinerary, you can try using TripGenie, Trip.com's built-in AI travel assistant, to get tips on hidden gems in your dream destination. You can also take inspiration from AI-enhanced curated lists like Trip.Best and Trip.Trends, which combine real-time user preference data with expert selection, for natural attractions, local restaurants and top-notch hotels, among others.
7. Limit carbon emissions during business travel
Environmental awareness should not be limited to personal travel. As face-to-face business meetings return after the pandemic, business travel has once again contributed to global carbon emissions. More and more companies today want to reduce their environmental footprint by organizing video conferences, creating carbon budgets for business travel and encouraging employees to opt for low-carbon practices.
To help businesses achieve their sustainability goals, Trip.Biz, the digital travel management company powered by Trip.com Group, has implemented and continuously developed advanced features such as displaying carbon emissions , monitoring, budgeting and carbon restrictions, as well as creating personalized programs. carbon accounts based on specific customer requirements. It also presents users with carbon emissions data for each available flight option, and post-trip management reporting and individual trip history further help companies refine and elevate their sustainable travel policies.
8. Share your love of nature with others
Your trip doesn't have to end when you return home. By showcasing the beauty of the places you visit, you can inspire others to appreciate and protect these destinations. However, it is crucial to be aware of the impact of your posts. Avoid geotagging sensitive locations, respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance, and encourage responsible behavior in your captions.
To reach a vibrant community of travel enthusiasts like you, you can tell your stories through Trip Moments on Trip.com. Besides sharing your favorite snaps from your trip, you can also note memorable encounters, offer travel tips, and participate in various seasonal campaigns that reward content generators with perks like limited stickers and even travel coins can be used for your next order. .
As globetrotters, we hold the power to shape the future of travel. By embracing sustainable travel, we preserve the beauty of our planet for future generations to explore and cherish. Whether it's reconsidering transportation options, packing reusable and recyclable items, or spreading the word to others, our actions can help ensure that the wonders we witness today continue.
About Trip.com Band
Trip.com The group is one of the world's leading providers of travel services including Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner and Qunar. On its platforms, Trip.com The group helps travelers around the world make informed and profitable reservations for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources and a advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centers. Founded in 1999 and listed on the NASDAQ in 2003 and the HKEX in 2021, Trip.com The group has become one of the world's best-known travel groups, with a mission to “pursue the perfect journey for a better world.” Learn more about Trip.com Group here: groupe.trip.com.
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SOURCE Trip.com Group
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