Holistic Awareness and Curiosity as Foundations for Sustainable Travel

Sustainability is often considered a new trend in the travel sphere. Many accommodation owners and local initiatives strive to prove their commitment to sustainability to attract and inspire visitors to join in. Yet, sustainable travel goes far beyond the responsible use of resources or the promotion of local initiatives.

What's even more important, sustainability should never be perceived as a trend because a trend, by its very nature, is something temporary and transient. Instead, it should be considered a way of living and thinking that embraces holistic awareness and curiosity.

Photo by Yousef Alfuhigi

Awareness of the Importance of Sustainability

The foundation of every conscious action is awareness. This abstract state of mind means knowing something exists, understanding the current situation, noticing the cause-and-effect chain, and having the ability to anticipate the consequences of one's behavior.

Taking this definition into account leads to the conclusion that the awareness of sustainability - that, thankfully, is constantly growing according to a survey done by Passport Photo Online - is just the intermediate step in the chain of travelers' evolution. In other words, there is at least one step more - the awareness of the importance of sustainability. What's the difference?

Adding the word "importance" enriches the approach to ethical traveling with one more essential element. It is understanding and accepting that sustainability not only exists but should be one of the primary prisms the traveler looks through when deciding which activities to engage in and which destinations to visit. With such an approach, sustainability ceases to be an option or a trend and becomes a paradigm - the integral part of every travel and choice related to it. That's how sustainability is more than just an idea - it's a responsibility.

Curiosity as a Pillar of a Sustainable Traveler

Yet, being aware of the importance of sustainability is not enough; you also have to know what to be aware of. Every pillar of sustainability - economic, environmental, social, biodiversity and wildlife protection, education, cultural heritage, and human rights - requires knowledge about do's and don'ts, greenwashing traps, and fake actions. As the world is dynamic and new challenges arise almost every day, a sustainable traveler must be curious and eager to learn. Because responsibility requires proactive curiosity.

Setting aside philosophical ideas, limitless curiosity is one of the most effective drivers for sustainable travel. It is a way of life that allows us to explore the world around us beyond familiar destinations and pre-planned itineraries. It encourages us to slow down and immerse ourselves in local experiences - be it through conversing with locals, attending culinary classes, or visiting cultural landmarks - so we can truly appreciate what each place has to offer. By nourishing our curiosity with holistic awareness, we recognize the delicate balance between nature and human activities, allowing us to deeply understand what it means to be an ethical and responsible traveler while on a journey of self-discovery.

Curiosity and Research on a Micro Scale

When it comes to sustainable travel and exploring new places, curiosity and thorough research play equally important roles. Without curiosity, we don’t get exposed to diverse experiences and cultures, while a lack of research can limit our planning abilities and put us into a trap of fake sustainability.

Instead of researching solely on government-issued guides or tourist attractions alone, let us learn to be curious about the unique local experiences that can only be discovered with open minds. Let us identify potential ethical dilemmas we may encounter during our travels and use quality resources to educate ourselves on each situation.

Breaking down complex ideas into micro scales gives you a completely different angle when approaching each new place with greater depth and insight. Therefore, by indulging in the habit of practicing curiosity and being professionally research-driven at a micro level, you can truly create a remarkable experience with a deeper cross-cultural understanding that will last for years to come.

Real-life example

"Can Do!" bar in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand is widely known for sex tourism. According to various estimations, the country has between 200,000 to 1,000,000 sex workers, including over 30,000 children - not to mention crimes related to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Images by Michał Jońca

Images by Michał Jońca

Despite these harsh statistics, things are slowly starting to change in some places. One of the most interesting initiatives is the "Can Do!" bar located in Chiang Mai, which serves as a safe space for sex workers. The bar is created by Empower Foundation - a non-profit organization protecting the rights of sex workers in Thailand. "Can Do!" is a kind of cooperative where sex workers can do their job according to their own terms and freedoms - something that may seem impossible in other places.

There is always a risk of getting caught up in the chaos of traveling and forgetting about sustainability altogether. That's why we must keep reminding ourselves that being an ethical traveler is a conscious choice, not an option. The awareness of the importance of sustainability will enable us to make better decisions when planning our travels. It is essential for preserving the world’s beauty for generations to come. So let us all be curious, take action and strive to make ethical travel a part of our everyday life.

Author’s bio:

Michał Jońca is passionate about trail running and travel experiences. He visited 40+ countries on four continents. Michał is a Travel Leader at Solisci Adventure Club and the Community Manager at PhotoAiD. 

Currently, he enjoys the life of a digital nomad in Rwanda and Uganda.

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About GLP Films

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