The real reason why we all need to care a bit more about sustainable travel
Almost every day, it feels like we're reading news about the extreme measures around the globe to combat overtourism.
A Japanese town erected a wall to block views of Mt Fuji, Venice has introduced a fee for day-trippers, Amsterdam jacked up its hotel tax rate and a Spanish neighbourhood had a bus route taken off Google Maps.
We have proof that a huge increase in tourists to certain locations has not just inconvenienced the lives of residents, but also harmed cities and ecosystems.
So at what point do we say 'enough is enough'?
READ MORE: The Ghan: Reviewing the epic train journey across Australia
Venice has long suffered from overtourism, exercerbated by the cruise industry. iStock
While it's unreasonable to think that we could simply ban tourism altogether, it's now up to individual travellers to make better - or more informed - decisions when planning a trip.
Travel shouldn't just be about going to a destination, taking from it what you need, and leaving.
It should be a two-way experience.
"We have a responsibility to the local communities and environment of the destinations we visit," says Brett Mitchell, Managing Director of Intrepid Travel ANZ of the importance of making sustainable travel choices.
He tells 9Travel that tourists should keep the local community and ecosystem "front of mind" while travelling. "Tourism is only good when it benefits everyone."
READ MORE: Here's where Aussies are travelling to this winter, according to Airbnb bookings
A street in Istanbul is swarmed with people. Getty
Visit underrated places
One of the main ways we can do this is by simply avoiding the well-beaten path.
Instead of Venice, head to the canal town of Annecy, France. Instead of Amsterdam, try the lively cities on the Baltic coast.
Yes, on a trip to Europe, it's common to plan your trip around checking off popular hotspots from your bucket list. But it's more important to be mindful of the local community.
Mitchell says that travellers can "maximise their experiences by venturing into less popular locations".
Face it: you're probably going to have a better time in an under-the-radar spot where you don't have to jostle with crowds, worry about pickpockets, and spend double the amount on meals and accommodation.
READ MORE: The Hunter Valley is a great place to visit with kids - here's how to make it work
Annecy, in France, is a charming town reminiscent of Venice - without the crowds. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Hitting up lesser-known destinations doesn't just "distribute the tourist load more evenly", but also fosters economic development, says Mitchell.
"Less popular locations often possess untapped tourism potential, leading to economic growth, job creation, and support for local communities."
Think before you book
If Venice has been on your bucket list forever and you really don't want to miss it, that's A-OK.
"There's actually plenty people can do to travel more consciously," says Mitchell.
Just be a bit more mindful with your planning.
Travel during the off-peak season to avoid contributing to overcrowding - and save some money while you're at it. Also think about how you're getting around - rail and bus journeys have a far smaller environmental impact than flights.
Mitchell also says Aussies should consider cashing in a bit more annual leave and staying longer in their destination, given how long the flight is from home.
Albania has a beautiful coastline, and has long been popular with backpackers looking for the road less travelled. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Find responsible tour operators
One thing that can make a huge difference is the way you choose experiences and tour operators - look for ones that are genuinely committed to responsible and ethical travel - even locally run where possible.
Not taking a tour? See if there are other ways you can give back to local communities.
"Whether it be visiting local not-for-profits like community-run restaurants, unique homestays, or learning indigenous craft, or making donations to these communities on-trip, enriching communities at the grass-roots level is both rewarding and regenerative," says Mitchell.
So, it's good for the community, and it'll make you feel good about yourself too.
"Intrepid works with a number of its destinations regarding community-based tourism which ensures that local communities have full ownership and management of the tourism experience," says Mitchell.
Intrepid operates small-group tours across Europe, Asia, Australia and more.
