I believe that travel is more than just a way to get from one place to another. It is a chance to connect with different cultures, appreciate nature’s diversity, and broaden our perspectives of live and our existence. Visiting a new place lets us experience the world in a rich and vivid way. However, we need to find a balance between our curiosity and the well-being of our planet. If we travel without awareness or consideration for the environment, we may destroy the very things we wish to enjoy in the future.
For me, it is about making choices that align with both my love for exploring and my responsibility to care for the world we live in. Sustainable travel means thinking carefully about how I move, where I stay, and how I treat the people and places I visit.
In my daily life, I already do a lot to minimize my carbon footprint. I rarely use a car and instead rely on buses and trains. Many buses in my city are now electric, which means lower emissions. Whenever I travel within Germany or nearby European countries, I opt for the train instead of flying. I actually prefer travelling by train since you can watch the landscape slowly change outside your window, connect more deeply with your surroundings, and appreciate the journey itself.
It is not just about how we travel, but how we behave once we arrive. I am careful to respect local communities by shopping at small businesses, choosing homestays over large hotel chains, and avoiding activities that harm the environment or undermine local culture. I always dispose of my waste responsibly, reuse bags and bottles, and aim to leave each place a little better than I found it.
My choices align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). By choosing low-emission transport, supporting local businesses, and reducing waste, I’m making sure my exchange programme at the University of Leeds will be a rich, rewarding experience, not just for me, but for future generations who will want to explore this wonderful world, too.
As I prepare for this opportunity, I’m excited not only to learn and grow myself, but also to do so in a way that safeguards our planet’s future. Sustainable travel isn’t about staying home but about exploring responsibly. That is a journey I’m proud to be on.
