The 10 Commandments for a Sustainable Traveler

Step into the realm of sustainable travel, where our wanderlust is fueled not just by a desire to explore, but by a deep commitment to preserve the beauty of our planet.

Every journey we undertake holds the potential to make a profound difference. It's about more than just ticking off destinations; it's a pledge to cherish and protect the natural wonders and diverse cultures that make our world so extraordinary.

Imagine strolling through lush rainforests, diving into crystal-clear waters, and immersing yourself in vibrant communities, all while leaving only footprints of respect and admiration. Sustainable travel isn't just a trend — it's a movement that speaks to our hearts, urging us to tread lightly and leave behind a legacy of stewardship.

Let's embrace the transformative power of conscious exploration. Here are the 10 Commandments to explore the world responsibly and preserve its beauty for generations to come.

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1. Explore locally

Travel around your home country and support Domestic Tourism. Instead of choosing a destination, start by asking yourself why you want to travel.

We often realise we don’t need to go to the other side of the world to find ourselves. Except when we have a mission in mind and a transformative Journey to attend. And we know we can't find such a special learning experience elsewhere. For instance, a Shakty Journey!

Anyway, you will be surprised how much your home country's hidden gems can be a delicacy to your senses. Make new friends and be a connoisseur of what your country offers best. And that’s your starting point as a responsible traveller!

2. Go off-track off-season

Refuse mainstream destinations during the high season. During peak season, many cities experience an unsustainable influx of people, causing increased traffic, overcrowding, and even ecosystem damage. When we travel during the off-season, we can help support the local economy year-round. Plus, we can have a more authentic experience.

3. Choose sustainable transportation

There’s no getting around it: flying is the most unsustainable, carbon-intensive means of transport.

Although not always possible depending on your destination, choose a bus, train or other shared vehicle when possible and learn about slow travel.

While already at the destination, some of the best stories to tell happen when you decide to walk around and see exotic life go by. When possible, give preference to walking, renting a bike, taking public transport, and hitchhiking.

4. Give preference to local shops, accommodation and restaurants

It can be tempting to choose chains that you’re familiar with, but this leads to locals experiencing rising prices without receiving benefits.

Support locally-owned businesses when possible and get to know their culture deeply. You will have more chances to meet someone who can show you around and give you a more authentic experience. This also contributes to heritage conservation.

5. Choose Sustainable Tour Operators

If you prefer to have a pre-organized trip, support businesses whose values include sustainability and that actively work with local communities and have practices that help protect the environment. Just like Mastery Journeys!

A sustainable business represents the local communities and must not promote forms of tourism that undermine the environmental, social and cultural resources and values of the community.

6. Think before you act with wildlife activities

No zoos, no rides, but sanctuaries! Some activities may involve animal exploitation, abuse and forced labour. Others do not respect the natural habitat of those species as they live behind bars or in really confined places.

If you are interested in visiting a place that houses and protects animals, make sure you contact one that is a registered NGO and is transparent about their business dealings.

Remember: if you can touch animals outside their natural habitat, you are doing something wrong. Research reputable and ethical alternatives to the activities you would like to do.

There are cultural activities where you merge deeply with the local culture and experience a "Day in the Life" of Desert Nomads, for instance. Here you ride a camel or a horse. However, these animals are already the Amazigh's means of transportation. Besides, the animals are in their natural habitat, coexisting in a symbiotic relationship with humans for centuries.

7. Minimize your consumption, waste and footprint

The education levels when it comes to recycling and minimizing waste in other countries may not be the same as what we receive back home.

So it is important to take steps to help out the environment. Small swapes make the difference. Limit single-use plastic consumption and waste by packing reusables, such as:

• Water bottle (in some countries, it is safe to drink tap water.)

• Your own non-plastic shopping bag is a must.
  

Follow best practices to avoid food waste, too.

8. Learn conscious bargaining and don’t give money to beggars

Bargaining for a couple of euros may just be a fun challenge for you, but for the locals may mean a lot of money. If you’re already paying less than in your home country, then you’re already saving! Leave the bargaining skills to big companies selling tapestries, for example.

Regarding rewarding begging: it’s killing entrepreneurship in underdeveloped countries! Some found out they could make more money begging than having a regular job. Feeling heartbroken only encourages local people to continue asking tourists for money. In worst-case scenarios, mafia networks even amputate children to make the task more efficient and slave them to beg on the streets.

Besides, refrain from giving food or candy as well, because instead of one you may end up with 20 children around you. If you want to help donate your time and share your skills. You can also contact a local NGO and donate money or supplies.

9. Do Regenerative Travel

Volunteer some of your time and get involved in local initiatives. You can contact a local NGO and ask how can you be part of the project or if they need any supplies. Attention to the phenomenon of voluntourism! Did you know that The Mastery Journeys is committed to being a Sustainable Travel Agency? By travelling with me, you are automatically supporting Thysia Cooperative in Morocco, which:

• Empowers craft Amazigh women in their artistic businesses

• and provides workshops for raising awareness about feminine hygiene, in remote villages.

10. Spread the seed of Sustainable Travel

Educate others to be responsible travellers and share sustainable ideas with businesses. Start discussions about responsible, slow and soft travel with other people along the way and introduce them to our tribe as well!

The Mastery Journeys

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