Travelling lighter: small choices that add up
Shahad Al Nouri
Trains over short flights, a refillable bottle and locally owned guesthouses: how I try to travel better.
Travelling sustainably does not mean travelling less. For me it means travelling better: fewer, longer trips and choices that leave more behind for the places I visit.
Getting there
When a train or a bus takes less than six hours, I skip the short flight. It is often less stressful, and the view is better.
What I pack
A refillable bottle, a cloth bag, a small cutlery set and a carry-on only. Packing light makes trains and old town streets much easier.
Where I stay and spend
I look for locally owned guesthouses, eat where the neighbours eat and book guides from the area. More of the money stays with the people who make the place special.