This might seem like an odd article for a travel magazine, but… Should you not travel? Is staying home, or ‘staycationing’ the new travelling?
OK, in 2020 not travelling isn’t an option for most. But it has highlighted the crazy travel culture that has taken over the world and ruined some of the most beautiful parts of our planet.
The growth in travel and tourism is, in part, due to the new wealth in countries that didn’t traditionally provide tourists. And also we’ve seen a growth in recent years in the affordability and ubiquity of air travel.
Covid-19 has put a damper on the tourism and travel industry, no question. But if you’re raring go travel again, ask yourself, is not travelling a better option?
Are the reports of crowding in Dubrovnik, or the decline of Macchu Picchu over-rated? As soon as we can travel again, should you pack your bags and immediately head off on an adventure?
Lets be straight up and say that the purpose of this article is two fold.
- One: Yes, travelling for travelling’s sake might be overrated and you’re just as well staying home. And,
- Two: No, travel is always worthwhile if you find the right place to go.
With those two points outlined, lets take a look at the evidence and opinion around it.
NOT Travelling
You could be forgiven for thinking that heading off to take stunning sunset selfies in Italian coastal villages, Balinese beaches and Cappadocia was what life was all about. With the sheer volume of imagery telling us that we should go and travel, the urge to follow the hordes is strong.
But, in pre-covid times at least, often the reality was quite disappointing.
Landscapes ruined by cheap hotel complexes. Masses of selfie snapping tourists blocking that spectacular view. Rubbish everywhere, graffiti on historic monuments and people disrespecting the locals.
In short, travel is often sold to you as some life affirming journey that makes life worth living. But, in fact, it’s more like a commodity and an experience to boast about later.
People zip off on forgettable weekends to Milan, just because they can. Because the flight is only £20.
Not travelling means saving all that time in airport queues. And all that time wandering around looking for a restaurant that isn’t a tourist trap.
And, perhaps more importantly, not travelling means less carbon emissions and less trash generated. In fact, not travelling is the ultimate eco-tourism.
Do a staycation closer to home. Explore your local area.
That isn’t to say you should NEVER go travelling. But, make a proper trip with your time rather than frivolous weekends away, overstuffing your itinerary or doing the standard tourist routes.
GO Travelling
So, this article was actually drafted before the Covid-19 pandemic basically trashed the travel and tourism industry. And, as such I’ve kinda changed my view on the subject a little bit.
The crux of my original argument was going to be that life is short and we should make the most of it, and traveling is a great way to do that.
That argument does still stand. There is a lot to see in the world, and if you have the time and the money, travel is a fantastic way to pass your time. Experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, seeing things that you would never see at home and eating awesome new food.
Basically opening your mind to all the wonders of our beautiful planet.
And now, once Covid-19 has passed, there is another reason to travel if you can.
The tourism industry is, basically, screwed. Airlines have gone bankrupt, hotel chains are on their knees and countless small businesses are scrambling for support from local government, if they can.
I don’t think tourism should necessarily return to levels that it was at previously. After all, we were definitely trashing the planet and a bit of healing time has apparently worked wonders in some popular tourist spots.
But, conscious travel, spending your money on local businesses, supporting independent travel agents and being mindful of the local and global environment are all definitely good reasons to travel.
Some final thoughts
Travel is seen as a way to improve yourself, raise your awareness of the world around us and to connect with different cultures. But, in recent years, travel has become less a journey of self discovery and more of a way to escape our realities and let our hair down.
Increasingly, people don’t travel to experience something new, but to experience the same thing as everyone else. Often this is driven by low ticket prices and heavy promotion of places by both tourist authorities and us, the travel blogger/influencer community.
Over tourism is the manifestation of this, with the crisis particularly acute in popular European destinations like Barcelona, Mallorca and Ibiza, Dubrovnik, Venice and Amsterdam. It’s also been a major issue in places like Boracay, Koh Phi Phi, Machu Picchu,
Covid and a looming climate crisis have both highlighted the delicate state of our planet. It would be nice to assume that eco-tourism will be a growing market once the pandemic restrictions end. But, let’s be honest here, price and ease of travel are key for most people.
Expect over tourism to return in force once flights resume to popular locations.
How can you make a difference?
As we’ve mentioned above, support independent businesses. Pay a little bit more to support the little guys rather than staying in a chain hotel or using a big tour company.
Don’t support animal cruelty, such as elephant rides. And avoid businesses that treat the local environment and communities with disrespect – for example the cruise industry.
This report looks at the impact of the cruise industry on local communities and the environment.
Look for eco friendly initiatives to help the planet, such as beach clearing, reforestation, permaculture and WWOOFing.
When you travel, take longer trips rather than lots of short trips. This means you can enjoy yourself and unwind more, and avoid multiple polluting flights.
Travel is great, and we think whether you have a passion for travel or not, everyone can get something from it. But, we have a responsibility to our planet too.
