Earth Day 2024: Trip.com Group reveals 8 travel tips to make your next trip more sustainable

This Earth Day, Trip.com Group, a leading global travel service provider, offers 8 tips to travellers who would like to embark on a more sustainable journey. In some cases, just simple actions can make a huge difference.

1.  Participate in carbon offset programmes for flights

With aviation accounting for at least 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions, we need to consider our carbon footprint when opting to fly to our next destination. Whenever possible, choose to fly direct because take-off and landing use the most jet fuel on every flight. Use tools to track how much carbon emissions your flight emits and select carbon offset options to support projects that reduce, capture, or avoid carbon emissions in an amount equivalent to your carbon footprint.

2.  Consider train travel as an alternative

On average, trains are one of the most energy-efficient means of transportation, making them an eco-friendly travel choice. Train travel can also be relaxing and enjoyable, allowing you to take in the scenery and avoid the stress of navigating busy airports or unfamiliar road conditions. So, the next time you are planning a trip, check if there is a train route that suits your needs.

3.  Rent electric cars rather than gasoline vehicles

Road trips offer an autonomous and immersive experience when travelling. There's nothing like driving through local landscapes on your own time, taking breaks or detours whenever you feel like it, and enjoying the company of your travel partners or the freedom of driving alone. Choosing electric vehicles over gasoline ones also allows you to take carbon reduction into your own hands – while the building and charging processes still emit carbon, fully electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and reduce air pollution. With the increasing availability of charging stations, it has become more convenient to charge electric cars on the go.

4.  Bring your own toiletries and avoid single-use items

Plastic production has grown to more than 380 million tons per year. Microplastics, in particular, have become yet another permanent and pervasive human imprint on the environment, presenting a grave threat to the health of humans as well as other species. This year, "Planet vs. Plastics" is chosen as the theme for Earth Day, which commits to a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040.

5.  Support local communities and empower best practices

Getting to know local communities can often provide insights into how people interact with their environments. Stay at locally-owned accommodations, eat at local restaurants, and purchase goods from local artisans, and your immersive travel experience will also contribute to economic growth. Responsible practices, such as respecting local customs, conserving natural resources, and supporting environmental initiatives, further help preserve the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the destination.

Across China, Trip.com Group has established 29 country retreats in rural areas, all with the aim to create economic opportunities and inspire travellers to build a new relationship with nature. This initiative has led to the creation of tens of thousands of jobs, not only in direct employment but also in nearby homestays and relevant industries. Trip.com Group has also been implementing low-carbon practices in these country retreats – for example, installing solar panels, charging stations, and an integrated circular wastewater treatment system in the Anhui Jinzhai Country Retreat in eastern China.

6.  Head to hidden gems and prevent over-tourism

Overtourism, which refers to too many tourists going to a particular destination, can strain local resources, damage fragile ecosystems, and disrupt the lives of residents. By checking out lesser-known destinations and off-the-beaten-path attractions, travellers can help alleviate the burden on tourist hotspots, thus mitigating overtourism. This approach allows for a more authentic travel experience and contributes to a more balanced tourism industry.

7.  Limit carbon emissions in business travel

Environmental awareness should not be limited to personal travel. As face-to-face business meetings return after the pandemic, corporate travel has again contributed to global carbon emissions. More and more companies today are keen to reduce their environmental footprint by holding video conferences, creating carbon budgets for business travel, and encouraging employees to opt for low-carbon practices.

8.  Share your love for nature with others

Your trip doesn't have to end when you get home. By showcasing the beauty of the places you visit, you can inspire others to appreciate and protect these destinations. However, it is crucial to be mindful of the impact of your posts. Avoid geotagging sensitive locations, respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance, and encourage responsible behaviour in your captions.