Travel is such an important part of many people’s lives. But, travelling sustainably should be just as important too.
You may be thinking… What is sustainable travel? How can I travel the world and take care of it while I’m at it? Well, it’s not as hard as it may seem! Here is a list of the top 10 most visited cities of 2016 (according to Mastercard) and a few things you can do to ensure you travel them in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner.
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10. Seoul
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Visitors: 10.02 million
Unfortunately for South Korea, air pollution is a major problem. This is said to be the result of dust from the deserts in China that pick up industrial pollutants on its way over the border, but the problem also lies within South Korea’s border too… The country still remains with 43 coal-fired power plants and 4 nuclear plants, all of which contribute to terrible air quality across South Korea’s land. To limit the damage you create in this country that is already suffering, try to do a few of the following:
— Step out of the city and go hiking in the National Parks – Take natural alternatives
— Go on the popular Eco Walking Tour
— Limit power usage – reduce the use of Power Plants
9. Tokyo
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Visitors: 11.70 million
In recent years, Tokyo has become a very popular travel destination. It’s interesting, unique and incredibly busy.
Due to the huge population of 13 million people that live in Tokyo, it can be very easy for the city to create a negative impact on the environment. To avoid damaging a city that already creates a lot of waste, here are a few things you can do:
— Use your own chopsticks rather than disposable ones
— Avoid cars, and take the modern railway system
— Stay at Eco-Friendly hotels
8. Istanbul
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Visitors: 11.95 million
Istanbul is a historic Middle Eastern/European city that takes both ancient and modern by storm. It has ranked so highly on the list of most visited cities, as travellers have come to realise how beautiful the city is, with both historic mosques and ‘hip’ sights that would suit all kinds of travellers. To keep the city as clean as possible, especially when the city is often covered in thick, polluted smog, try some of the following:
— Shop at the many Local Markets that support the local economy
— Stay at the Five Boutique Hotel
— Travel on the Green Hybrid Metro buses – or avoid transportation where possible
7. Kuala Lumpur
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Visitors: 12.02 million
A major problem in Malaysia is the extreme production of Palm Oil. It damages the environment, is an extreme hazard to wildlife and is a major issue for the country as a whole. It’s important for travellers, and people as a part of society, to prevent the destruction as much as possible. Not only that, but the city suffers from severe traffic congestion and pollution too.
— Buy Palm Oil Free products – Be conscious of your purchases
— Support Animal Rehabilitation from Palm Oil Destruction
— Take Public Transport
6. Singapore
Visitors: 12.11 million
The train system in Singapore is one of the best I’ve ever experienced. It’s the cleanest city you’ll potentially ever come across and is also on the right path to being entirely sustainable. Singapore is striving to be a Zero Waste Nation and the leader in Green Economy, to help them on their journey, there are a few important things that all travellers can do.
— Take the MRT – Railway System
— Avoid single-use plastic (Do not litter – it’s illegal)
— Visit the Nature Reserves that protect Animal Species
— Don’t eat Shark Fin Soup
5. New York
Visitors: 12.75 million
New York is America’s largest city. Although it appears to be a concrete wasteland and a damage to the environment on a global scale, that is not entirely the case. Of course, there are major issues in place merely due to the size, population density and congestion that causes havoc, but otherwise, the city is doing quite well to maintain its eco-friendly aspects.
Due to New York being a major shopping capital, there are many stores throughout the city that contributes to major issues such as sweatshops and animal testing, being conscious of your purchases is also very important.
— Walk instead of drive
— Explore the parks rather than the streets
— Avoid the chain restaurants, and Eat Sustainably
— Shop from New Yorks Eco-friendly Clothing Stores
4. Dubai
Visitors: 15.27 million
Dubai is an incredibly futuristic city situated in the centre of the desert. It’s becoming increasingly popular for stopover visits due to the huge airport it withholds, and the unusual aspects you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Unfortunately for this city, there are few to no sustainable methods of transportation, and driving is one of the only reasonable options for locals and tourists alike.
Not to mention the enormous amount of energy used to air-condition every building in the city due to the extreme heat the country has. Dubai is a tough one, but there are certainly things you can do to help the city out:
— Turn off the Air-Con once your room is cool, or turn the temperature up.
— Eat at Eco-Friendly Restaurants
— Take the Sky-Rail where possible
3. Paris
Visitors: 18.03 million
Arguably the most beautiful, picturesque, love-filled city in the world, Paris is not only the 3rd most visited city of 2016, it’s also high up on the list of the greenest cities too. When in the city of love and light, make sure not to contribute to a potential downfall by doing a few of the following:
— Explore the City on foot, or by bicycle
— Buy an Eco-Friendly Airport Transfer
— Take the stairs to the top of the Eiffel Tower (it’s better for your health too)
2. London
Visitors: 19.88 million
London has been number one on the list of most visited cities numerous times before, but unfortunately in 2016, the title was taken from them. The city is incredibly popular for tourists due to its common language, historic architecture and buzzing city life. England has been working hard on fighting climate change in recent years, and are heading in the right direction towards a sustainable future – it’s a big task for this city though, due to its huge population of 8.6 million, as well as its 19+ million visitors it receives every year.
— Take the Underground
— Visit the sustainable City Hall
— Indulge in the delicious cuisine from the many London Markets
1. Bangkok
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We’ve finally reached number one ~
Visitors: Bangkok tops the list of the most visited cities in 2016, with a whopping total of 21.47 million overnight visitors!
Although, Thailand is unfortunately not the most eco-friendly on the list. There are many major issues in place for this country that need our utmost attention to overcome. Some things include ⏤ deforestation, air pollution, water pollution, and habitat and species loss.
Due to Thailand’s city of Bangkok being the most popular destination in 2016, it’s only natural that there be a big list of things travellers can do to reduce the country’s destruction and carbon footprint.
— Take your own Water Bottle to Reduce Plastic Waste
— Deposit your Plastics at Hotel Recycling
— Buy Organically where possible
— Cycle, walk and kayak to your destination
— Connect your inner spirit at some of the best yoga studios in Bangkok
— Pick up Rubbish on the Beach (There’s a lot of it)
— Go on Eco-friendly Tour
— Turn off Air Conditioning when your room is cool
Travelling sustainably may seem daunting, but by doing your research, following this green packing list and putting the earth first, everyone can be eco-friendly whilst on the road!
Here is also a list of easy sustainable travel tips that everyone can do, regardless of the destination!
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