Green Travel for Broke Students: Is It Even Possible?
Traveling sustainably on a student budget might sound impossible, but with a bit of planning and a shift in habits, it’s not only doable, it’s often cheaper. Let’s take a look at a few of the steps you can take.
Start with transportation. If flying is unavoidable, reduce your environmental impact by booking nonstop flights and avoiding first class. Look for airlines with carbon offset programs. Better yet, choose trains or buses when possible ? they’re greener and often cheaper for students. If the destination is near, either rent a bike or walk. It would reduce emissions and let you experience the local spots more intimately.
When packing, go light. A lighter bag means less fuel burned during travel. Pack travel-sized toiletries, a reusable water bottle, and portable cutlery. These small items help cut down on single-use plastics and unnecessary purchases. Handwashing clothes on the go also saves money and water; plus, it reduces reliance on hotel laundry services that waste energy and money.
Where you stay and what you do matter, too. Skip the chain hotels. Instead, eat, stay, and shop locally to support the communities you visit. Choose lesser-known destinations that would benefit from your visit, not popular destinations already struggling with overtourism. And always respect local customs, cultures, and heritage sites. Being a responsible traveler means leaving places better than you found them. Engage with wildlife respectfully ? never feed or touch animals in the wild, and avoid attractions that exploit them. Also, do not litter!
Lastly, don’t underestimate slow travel. Staying in one place longer lets you connect more deeply with places and people, saves money on transport and accommodation, and reduces your environmental impact by cutting down on frequent flights or car rides.
With some planning and a shift in perspective, students can explore the world without leaving a heavy footprint or a dent in their wallets. Small, conscious choices like these can help protect the planet ? while creating the opportunity for the adventure of a lifetime.
Yesel Kang Copy Editor teen/1750661751/1613367750
1. What can students use instead of flying?
2. Why should travelers pack light?
3. How can reusable items help the planet?
4. What kind of places should students stay in?
1. Would you stay in a small local hotel?
2. What do you pack when you travel?
3. Do you prefer fast or slow travel? Why?
4. How can you be a respectful tourist?
Traveling sustainably on a student budget might sound impossible, but with a bit of planning and a shift in habits, it’s not only doable, it’s often cheaper. Let’s take a look at a few of the steps you can take.
