The very first thing which I pack, other than toiletries, is excitement while the last thing I want to leave behind on a trip is a large environmental footprint. Receiving the opportunity to undertake my international placement in the UK feels like I am opening a new chapter in my life, the unfamiliar environment, centuries of history and experiences that I cannot get anywhere else. Tourism has the ability to connect countries with different cultures, but it also leads to environmental pollution. Through research for my travel, I realized that the country has made it remarkable easy for visitors to make greener choices. The UK’s extensive railway network offers one of the most convenient and efficient ways to travel, with each journey producing lower carbon emissions than travelling by car. Instead of viewing the journey as merely getting from one place to another, I rather admire the view of the countryside through the train window rather than being stuck in traffic.
Once I arrive, I hope to experience the country the local way: utilizing the local public transport system, strolling through unfamiliar streets on foot or cycling to nearby stores. Apps such as National Rail and Citymapper make planning low-carbon journeys straightforward, removing the uncertainty that drives people to choose taxis instead. In addition, I have found that many attractions that are run by the National Trust actually encourage visitors to arrive by train, bus, bicycle or on foot. This proves that sustainability and tourism do not necessarily go against each other.
My commitment to sustainability is not limited to only travelling. I am bringing around my metal water bottle everywhere during my placement, since now I know that most cafes, museums and shops in the UK are participating in the Refill initiative that allow everyone to refill their bottle for free, The fact that drinking water is so readily available gives me another reason not to buy disposable plastic bottles. I also hope to support the residents of Lancaster. I look forward to purchasing hand-made souvenirs, eating at local family-owned restaurants and educating myself about their traditions and customs instead of simply observing. To me, meaningful travel is not just about visiting famous landmarks, it is about connecting with and respecting the host community.
My decisions are based on the principles of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12), Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11), and Climate Action (Goal 13). Some day, the pictures and videos of my study abroad experience may just be a distant memory of the past. But what I hope to remember is the reality that I have seen the other side of Earth through the eyes of kindness, respect and compassion. After all, the greatest trips are not the ones where we take the most from a place, rather the ones where we leave it just a little better than how we found it.
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/sustainability/
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sustainable-travel-to-the-places-in-our-care?
https://www.refill.org.uk
https://citymapper.com/
