Barbados 101:Travel The Right Way

When it comes to defining sustainable travel, it is a little bit like a family deciding where to vacation, everyone has their own idea and no one can agree. However one thing is certain, sustainable travel is one where the environment, economy and culture of the destination you visit is aided rather than damaged; and as a result that destination and its characteristics are preserved so that the great grand children of your great grandchildren can see what you saw or more! We all know that Barbados is a magical and treasured place - to both its locals and visitors. This is why it is absolutely vital to do our best to protect Barbados. Don't we want to experience the beauty Barbados has to offer every time we return?

Now most of you know the regular, switch off the lights and reuse the hotel bath towel and so on. Therefore,  Loop Barbados (with the help of National Geographic and Yale University) decided to add some other  steps  you can take to preserve the beauty and culture of Barbados so it is kept that not only your children but their great grandchildren can see what you saw.

1.  Unplug before you leave - Sustainable travel commences from the time you leave your home, so ensure all electronics that will not be in use while you are gone are unplugged. For example the TV, computer, Printer, Microwaves ETC.

2. Travel paperless - With the usage of internet and smartphones rapidly increasing in today's society, is there really a need to print your ticket? Plan you trip online and only print when necessary. Even maps today can be featured on phones or tablet computers.

3. Visit during festivals - Visit Barbados during a festival (such as Crop-Over) to be a part of vibrant, local celebrations. This in turn provides a doorway into our culture and aids in supporting local customs and traditions.

4. Select Tour operators who support sustainable tourism practices - The question here is how do you know when they support these methods. Well when making the booking simply ask how they support sustainable tourism practices. If they have no clue what you are talking about you have your answer.

5. Book responsibly and new- When booking your hotel look to see if it  has any kind of certification such as Green Globe or Earth Check. Also most new properties employ energy efficient equipment.

6. Does it have a "sense of place"? - Look into whether the service you are booking enhances the character and authenticity of the destination. When browsing on the specific website you should feel an overall sense of Barbados.

7. Lighten up- Packing lightly will not only make it easier to get where you are going but also reduce jet fuel consumption.

8. Buy local  -  By purchasing from local markets, vendors and artisans you are reducing the amount of money which leaves Barbados and in turn boosting our economy.

9. Respect local culture - This can be done by choosing local guides, staying in locally owned accommodation,  eating local foods, respecting local customs and tradition and treating others as you would wished to be treated.

10. Know what is endangered - If you update yourself on the animal and plant species that are endangered you can better help protect them by not purchasing produce made with these materials (such as turtle back jewellery, coral decor). This lessens their demand and in turn reduces their supply by vendors.

11. Fly non-stop (if possible)- Flying non-stop is not only more convenient but also more fuel efficient.

12.  Lend a hand - contribute something to a local community you are visiting whether it be a small monetary donation or making sometime to volunteer at a local organization such as Clean Up Barbados.

Some of these steps may be big, others small, but they all can make a difference, especially if we take them together.

Melanie & Kimberly*