HOW TO TRAVEL CONSCIOUSLY IN 2020
My blog is the most powerful platform that I use to encourage conscious living. I’m passionate about showing the modern person how to navigate life while making decisions that leave a positive impact on the world. I want to share how you can live an ethical and sustainable lifestyle which includes eating a plant-based diet, being aware of where your clothes come from, the businesses you support and so much more. I’ve also realized how important it is to maintain these values regardless of where in the world I am.
My friend Jess LeBlanc is an Educator, Yogi, Adventure + Leadership Guide and has founded a company called Embodied Adventure that creates experiences for people to connect to their most purposeful self, others and nature. Our values are very much aligned and I wanted to include her insights from a recent conversation we had on travelling with a purpose.
So what is conscious travel? It means that you’re creating a purpose-driven experience, not just a holiday. It’s making an effort to support a local economy, immerse yourself in a new culture, and elevate connections with like-minded souls while creating unforgettable memories. The ultimate goal is to leave the places you visit economically, socially and environmentally better than before you arrived. You also return home feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and whole.
While chatting with Jess we identified some things to think about for your next travel plans. Here is how to travel consciously in 2020 and beyond:
STRATEGICALLY PICK THE LOCATION
There has been a rise in overtourism which means there is a rapid increase in people visiting a popular location and therefore, the quality of experience tends to decrease. The influx can lead to burdened infrastructure, a negative impact on local residents, deterioration of the environment and more. Try and look at locations that are less saturated destinations, yet are still close by popular locations, where you can support locals and maybe see a new and undiscovered place. Supporting tourism in off-seasons or cusp time frames can also be cheaper and is a great way to still visit popular spots.
“I knew that I wanted to host an adventure in the Greek Islands but I wanted my guests to be exposed to a smaller and less-known island so that we'd have the chance to embed ourselves in the local culture, cuisine and landscape. Versus being overrun by crowds, queues, hyped up tourist vibes and inflated prices. I chose Kea and Kythnos which are smaller islands along the coastline which are lesser-known unique areas but are still a stones-throw from Athens.” -Jess
SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Instead of eating at chain restaurants and shopping at non-local stores carrying offshore generic products, seek out locally-run restaurants and stores where you get to connect with people authentically and you’re also more likely to pay less. Try and do more research to find a local tour guide instead of supporting a larger corporation. We already do this at home in our own community, so why wouldn’t we do it while we travel? Seek out local cuisine and farmer’s markets to get more authentic experiences. Jess mentioned that by strategically doing these things on her adventures, she has been able to discover secret beaches, hikes, incredible mom and pop shops and has met amazing and interesting people who genuinely want her to come back because they know she truly is supporting their local community.
FIND LOCAL ACCOMMODATION
It’s worth putting the time into researching your accommodation, Embodied Adventure and myself purposefully choose locally-owned accommodations that are close to everything you need, check all the boxes and then some. Choosing boutique hotels vs large chains will also give you a more unique and immersive guest experience. These types of places are typically more unique and involved in their community. You can find locally-owned accommodations through Airbnb, VRBO, local property management companies, and just doing a deeper dive on Google.
“For our Greece retreat I found a true oasis for rest and relaxation, far away from the stresses of everyday life and off the beaten track. Quiet and secluded and yet located close to the local beach of Otzia and 5 minutes from the picturesque marine at Vourkari, with its fish restaurants, cafes, local bars and boutiques. The property consists of 2 infinity pools perfect for lounging the afternoon away, plenty of areas for group gatherings and movement classes as well as private space for self-reflection. Gorgeous Aegean sea views that will take your breath away.” -Jess
WHO YOU TRAVEL WITH
Travelling can sometimes be very difficult and will bring out the best and worst in people. It’s important to purposefully choose your travel partner and have clear conversations about expectations for your trip. The benefit of having an experience curated for you is that there is a third-party to manage all the booking, problems that may come up, and the energy of the group. Being with like-minded people where your intentions align means that there is always something to bond over and your friendships strengthen into life long relationships.
“Belonging is EVERYTHING to me! Adventure is an experience, an exploration, a discovery - often unusual, risky, thrilling, unexpected, exciting and maybe even stirring. This emotional commotion is an opportunity for us to NAVIGATE towards our highest POTENTIAL and ideal lives and it helps to have good people by your side.” -Jess
BE AWARE OF YOUR IMPACT
When you fly, you are generating a lot of emissions that you can actually offset, check out less.ca to see how you can be a more environmentally aware traveller and reduce your footprint. Little changes create a big difference. Don’t litter. Recycle. Use public transit. Reduce water waste. Re-use towels.
“Just don’t be a dick. It’s incredibly important for us to protect the places and people we love.”
-Jess
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To reflect, when was the last time you asked yourself why you travelled?
Jess reminds us that as we adventure outward in beautiful, natural settings while surrounded by amazing people and community we feel safe and compelled to venture inward. By immersing ourselves in outdoor adventure we fully experience the wild grandeur of nature and see the need for reverence and protection of Mother Earth.
“The goal isn’t to be over-scheduled with activity, every experience has a purpose and connects to the next to create an integrative and holistic adventure. Whether it’s visiting a castle, sightseeing historical monuments, going for a coastal walk, a hike, surfing, they each serve to add value in a meaningful manner.
We’re collecting moments, not things. We’re elevating connections in the community and creating experiences that last a lifetime.” -Jess
Visit www.embodiedadventure.com to book your next conscious adventure.