Born in Northern India, moved to Canada at fourteen, and now going to college in the United States, and soon studying abroad in London for a year, I have had my fair share of diverse experiences. Not to mention, my family loves to travel and that love passed down to me. It’s not just about the foreign experience of it all, it’s about getting to know different cultures, traditions, and values. Traveling is a privilege I am grateful for, but it does come with a set of responsibilities I am more than happy to uphold.
We must first acknowledge travelling’s dark past. Historically, colonialism, tourism, and globalization has often come at the expense of local communities and the environment. Being Indian, this is very easy to notice in my own country. As someone who has had the privilege to travel extensively, I recognize that many of the opportunities afforded to travelers have historically come at significant environmental and social costs. But this has only made me more conscious of my actions and decisions, whether it be in India, Canada, the US, or in any country I travel to, and now in the country I will be studying in.
For me, sustainable travel begins with the understanding that as a visitor, I must respect both the place and the people that host me. This is nothing new. Ever since I was young, my family has instilled in me the idea of supporting local communities. Rather than going to tourist traps which only benefit from the exploitation of local communities, we would much rather support small businesses, visit local eateries, and wander around the towns and villages of a country. I believe this is one of the best ways you can actually understand a place’s culture and customs. Whenever I travel, I have one major belief: I must treat and leave a country the same way I would want a tourist to treat India or Canada.
This philosophy will guide me in my study abroad experience in London. I intend to rely primarily on public transportation, walking, and cycling rather than private vehicles whenever possible. Not only does this reduce my environmental footprint, but it also aligns with how I prefer to experience a place. Some of my favorite travel memories have come from wandering through neighborhoods, discovering local cafés, bookstores, and markets, and interacting with residents rather than rushing between tourist attractions. Living abroad for an entire year provides an opportunity to become part of a community rather than simply passing through it. In doing so, I hope to contribute to the principles behind UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). By supporting local businesses, minimizing waste, being mindful of my consumption habits, and taking the time to learn about the history and challenges of the communities around me, I hope to engage with London as a resident and learner rather than solely as a visitor.
REFERENCES
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
