Tourism is an age-old phenomenon. Think of the wealthy Romans traveling to luxurious resorts. Much later, during the Industrial Revolution, tourism development accelerated. Travel became more accessible to a wider audience, partly thanks to improved mobility and, on the other hand, the rise of vacation rights.

Modern tourism, as we know it today, is deeply rooted in our society. In 2023, approximately 1.3 billion international arrivals were recorded, compared to ‘only’ 25 million in 1950. This growth naturally brings significant challenges.

Consider Venice, struggling under its popularity. Or Amsterdam, where finding affordable housing has become nearly impossible. Or the unequal distribution between the local population and investors in Casablanca. Or the waste left behind on the ‘unique’ journey to the top of Mount Everest.

Sustainable vs. regenerative?

According to the United Nations, sustainable travel means making conscious choices to minimize negative impacts on the environment, society, and economy. It’s a noble goal, something we can all contribute to. But… do we need to strive to maintain the current system for future generations? Why would we want to preserve a system, including all its negative consequences?

Isn’t our intention to progress, rather than stand still? The regenerative attitude goes beyond ‘maintaining’. It is a proactive approach in which the traveler focuses on restoring and improving the travel destination. It is therefore not just about reducing the negative impact, as with sustainable tourism, but about actively contributing to the restoration of natural ecosystems, strengthening local communities and economies, and preserving cultural traditions.

By the way, I don’t see sustainability and regenerative practices as conflicting concepts. Instead, I view sustainability as a component of regenerative tourism, part of a systemic change.

Why do I speak of systemic change?

Because we need to revise the core principles of tourism. Instead of solely striving for profit, actors in tourism should also aim for value creation for both local communities and nature. This means that regenerative tourism involves a shift in values and practices. This is the point where tourism breaks out of its silo as an industry solely focused on travelers.

Systemic change requires involvement from all stakeholders in the tourism sector, including governments, travel organizations, local communities, and travelers.

What can I do as a traveler?

As a traveler, you have a certain responsibility. Ten years ago, when I started simplybyjoy.com, I wrote, “traveling is a privilege, therefore we are able to positively change our behavior towards it.” I still feel the same way today.

You might rightly think, ‘easier said than done.’ The good news is that there are already many organizations contributing to this regeneration. You might not know them because they’re not TUI, Hilton, or MSC. In the next part of this article, I’ll introduce you to some regenerative tips and players.

Information is key

Everything starts with making informed choices. Choose destinations that promote sustainability and regeneration, and remove destinations that need breathing room from your bucket list. Travel during the off-season whenever possible to support local economies when tourism is not flourishing. Also, learn about the situation of the destination: what is the history of my host country? What cultural norms should I follow? What about the economy? Is there great inequality? What are the country’s biggest challenges?

In addition to the destination, you can also research the impact of your stay or of the organization(s) you are traveling with. What are they doing to promote a positive impact? Is it truly taking place, or are we talking about greenwashing? How does the tour operator work with local communities? Does the organization also provide an educational framework for its visitors?

Fight against greenwashing

Greenwashing is the deceptive presentation of a company, product, or service as being more environmentally friendly or sustainable than it is. This is often done through marketing and PR strategies that overemphasize certain ecological benefits while obscuring the harmful environmental impact. As a traveler, check if you are not supporting greenwashing and ask critical questions.

Catchy phrases like “Travel Sustainable” from Booking.com and “Cruising the blue in a green way” from MSC Cruises sound great, but the reality is a bit less rosy. These companies often use green slogans that have more to do with marketing than actual sustainability, as it usually goes.

For example, Booking.com’s “green leaf” rating, which claimed to highlight eco-friendly stays, was recently removed in 2024 after discussions with the Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM). The ACM found that the system wasn’t transparent enough for travelers to understand, and it was taken down to avoid misleading consumers.

MSC Cruises is another example. They advertise “green” LNG-powered ships, which sounds positive, but LNG (liquefied natural gas) isn’t exactly problem-free. While it can reduce some harmful emissions, it also results in methane leaks—a potent greenhouse gas that can cancel out the supposed climate benefits. Plus, the cruise industry, with issues like water pollution, biodiversity loss, and waste, isn’t winning any sustainability awards. So, slogans like “Cruising the blue in a green way” might look nice on paper, but the truth is more complicated.

Leave Nothing but Footprints: Beyond the Quote

Your personal actions on the road leave a certain mark. I will explain this using two simple, obvious examples. I really like the quote “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures.” Many travelers also know it and think they are applying it, but in practice, they leave a greater impact than they can imagine.

• Did you know that while your sunscreen might protect your skin, it can harm marine life? Sunscreens containing ingredients like oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate can damage coral reefs and coral larvae. In fact, Hawaii banned the sale of sunscreens containing these chemicals in 2021 to help protect reefs. To make an eco-friendly choice, look for reef-safe sunscreens made with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide—these are usually marked as “reef-safe” on the label. Want to take it further? Support coral regeneration projects, or try a beach cleanup on your next dive trip.
• Have you heard of ‘stonestacking‘? Stacking stones is a popular trend among hikers, but it seems we need to do some awareness work here. Moving and stacking stones disrupts the ecosystem and causes soil erosion. The soil that was once protected by the stone is now vulnerable. It sounds so innocent, but it’s not a sustainable practice.
• On hiking trips, I saw lots of fruit peels along the way. People might think they are biodegradable, but in fact the decomposition of fruit litter takes much longer than you probably imagine. A banana peel could take up to two years to decompose, especially in cooler, less humid forest environments. It may also disrupt local fauna because they’re not a natural part of the animals’ diets. Eat your fruit and take the peel with you, until you find a trash can.

Advocating for Gender Equality

Are women in the community treated equally? According to UN Tourism (World Tourism Organization), women make up 54% of the tourism workforce (2024). Despite being the majority, women remain concentrated in lower-skilled, lower-paid, and often informal jobs. Men are often the visible frontline or management, but the women make sure the beds are made, the rooms are cleaned, and the coffee is on the table. So there is clearly still work to be done on equality in the sector. As travelers, you can therefore choose to join organizations that are actively working on this. For example:

• In Nepal: For 25 years, 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking has focused on empowering women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. By actively involving women in the trekking sector, this organization not only creates jobs and better economic opportunities for women but also fosters a shift in the social structure, promoting gender equality in the region.

• In Kenya: In 2020, The Mountain Lioness Program, launched by Exodus, began training women as professional guides and porters on Mount Kilimanjaro—an area where men have historically held most of these roles. This program opens up new opportunities for women in the tourism industry while challenging traditional gender roles on Africa’s highest peak.

Part two to be continued.

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This year’s campaign is, of course, fully corona-proof while still enjoyable for everyone as the messages of peace are spread on the streets in a form of art. The #Murals4Change slowly pop up everywhere in Flanders. In this article, I’ve summarized most of the artworks which you may encounter during your Flanders trip.

Lichtervelde – West Flanders

The town of Lichtervelde became a bit more colorful with this Mural4Change. A small gesture, with a deeper meaning. You’ll find this message of peace walking towards the town square, along the Marktlaan. Mural created by local artist Bjorn Bossu (aka surroundedbygiants).

Kortemark – West Flanders

What puts this town on the map? Definitely the mural expressing the fights against injustice. This Mural4Change brightens the fields of Kortemark, thanks to several determined volunteers. The artwork is found at Edewallestraat 71, which is located on the road towards Kortemark center. Make-off:

Roeselare – West Flanders

Murals empower the message through art, a beautiful way to express the voices of the changemakers. Located near a busy roundabout, this wall shouts out to the Changemakers all over the world. This colorful message is created by Siva, a local artist who brightens the streets of Roeselare with more of his work.

Kortrijk – West Flanders

The megaphone is a symbol for giving a chance to speak up for those who need it or those who fight for better conditions for their community. This Mural4Change was created by Toon van Ishoven (aka #artoon), who adorns the streets of Belgium with his magic touch of art. More work by Toon Van Ishoven:

Destelbergen – East Flanders

The faces of the changemakers 2020 are now immortalized on the walls of Destelbergen. This Mural4Change was realized by Encq Re Dudder, who you may also know from the Greta Thunberg mural in Brussels, and graffiti artist Yvic Fiers who goes by ‘Niemand’. Make-off:

Changemakers 2020

Now, who are those ‘changemakers’ I keep mentioning? As the word explains itself the changemakers are those who fight for better conditions for their community. They speak up and make the world aware of their situation. Take Athit, for example, who fights for better working conditions at the clothing factories in Cambodia. Or Judith, a strong Congolese woman who comes up for better implementation of women’s rights in Congo. Discover more changemakers here.

What can you do?

Plenty of people are out there, spreading the messages of peace. Making the world a better place can be done in many ways, one of them is by supporting organizations such as 11.11.11. You can donate to 11.11.11 through this link, or support the local actions near you!

A special thanks to 11.11.11 and all volunteers for their input in this article. Cheers!

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Basic sentences in the local language

Not all cultures are used to the idea of omitting meat or dairy products. For example, ‘no meat (sin carne)’ in many South American countries means no meat except for chicken and fish. Meaning you might have to face the struggle to clearly mention not to consume ANY meat. You have to accept that not all cultures understand ‘vegetarianism’ or ‘veganism’ and you can not blame them nor get angry. Explain kindly why you prefer to not consume certain foods and I am sure they will try their best to understand. Keep in mind that not everyone has the luxury to ‘choose’ what they eat. (See the end of the article for some basic sentences in foreign languages.)

Research before traveling: find suitable places online

Google is your best friend! ? Go online and find some recommended vegetarian-friendly places near you. Another option is to surf to the Happy Cow website or app which finds suitable places for you nearby. You could also join certain Facebook groups or find suitable places through hashtags and geo-tags on Instagram. 

Choose vegan/vegetarian-friendly locations

Many places are very welcoming to us! Think of India, Indonesia, Isreal, and many European countries.

Be flexible

In certain situations, you could consider being more flexible. I know this is not always the easiest decision to make. Last year I traveled to the jungle for a few days where the host did his best to give me food to my liking. In order to show my respect, I tried his freshly caught and cooked fish. In the end, how strict you stick to your diet is completely up to you.

Cook your own meal

Many hostels offer a kitchen where you are free to cook whatever you like. If you use initiatives such as Couchsurfing I’m sure you can – through kind communication – make some arrangements.

Bring food in containers

If you are planning a multi-day hike, or trip you could always take along some pre-made dishes which are made to your wishes, that way you don’t risk getting hungry on your travel!

Food Tour

Living as a vegetarian/vegan is become more ‘popular’ (yay!). Businesses know that, and in order for a business to survive, they have to adapt to the ongoing trends of their customers. Many food tours have the option to join as a non-meat-eater or even have specialized tours.

Get social: Follow fellow vegetarians/vegans travelers on Instagram

Instagram can serve as a source of inspiration. My favorite profiles are:
Justin from Lotusarticoke
Amelie from Mostlyamelie
Caro from Veggiewayfarer
and… My profile of course

Basic sentences for you!

Mandarin:
I am vegetarian – 我是素食者 (wǒ shì sùshí zhě) 
I don’t eat meat – 我不吃肉 (wǒ bù chī ròu)
Spanish:
I am vegetarian – soy vegetariano(/a)
I don’t eat meat – No como carne
Dutch:
I am vegetarian – Ik ben vegetarisch
I don’t eat meat – Ik eet geen vlees
French:
I am vegetarian – Je suis végétarien(+ne)
I don’t eat meat – Je ne mange pas de viande
Lithuanian:
I am vegetarian – As (Ash) esu Vegetare
I don’t eat meant- As (Ash) nevalgau mesos

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Because, hey, we all like to travel from time to time. Look at the following steps as a helping hand for your next travels, or maybe just as useful tips to keep in mind during planning.

Minimize flying

Aviation is, unfortunately, the fastest-growing source of Green House Gas emission. We all know that not flying would be impossible but…

… (try to) choose direct flights

Most carbon emission comes from the act of ascending and descending airplanes. A big step would be avoiding connecting flights. A perfect example would be: flying from Brussels (Belgium) to Chengdu (China) with KLM Airlines. This track usually includes a connection in Amsterdam (the Netherlands). A solution could be: Take the high-speed train from Belgium (Brussels or Antwerp) to the airport in Amsterdam and then continue your flying journey. Think of alternatives such as coach travel, carpooling, or making use of high-speed trains.

Pay and ‘compensate’ your carbon emission

Initiatives such as Greentipper.com give you the opportunity to calculate your CO2-emission and pay for compensation. The money goes to climate projects that benefit nature/the environment. Conduct wise research or check if the airline you’re flying with provides the option when checking out.

Avoid business class

‘Why‘ you ask? People who fly business class leave a larger carbon footprint because they take up more floor space. I know what you’re thinking “but the business class-area is already provided. It isn’t going to change anything if I don’t fly in that class.” There is not much that I can say or do but give you the information and mention ‘change only starts with you.’

Say no to cruises!

Yes, I know how magical and extraordinary a cruise trip could be… But the impact of the cruise industry is SO DAMN BAD. I am sorry, but this is the hard reality. Cruise ships produce an incredible amount of solid and hazardous waste, which is dumped into the ocean and sea. Aside from the waste, there is also an enormous consumption of portable water, which -after consuming for several purposes- gets contaminated. Guess what happens with that? Yes, correct. It (also) gets dumped into the ocean and/or sea.

Further, regarding the social-economic impact, it’s important to know that tourists who arrive ashore usually do not contribute to the local economy as they have food and drinks on board. Mass tourism origination from cruises indirectly contributes to higher taxes and inflation for the locals.

Certifications for travel organizers

Many travel organizers are certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, which means that they conform with a set of criteria in their management, social-economic -, cultural -, and environmental impact. You can find these companies on the website of GSTC.

Animal Welfare – be critical

A photograph of you holding a tiger cub? Riding an elephant? Holding a snake? Cage-diving with sharks? Yes, it is all amazing and adventurous. But I am sure you and your moral compass know better than that. Obviously, there ARE sustainable wildlife tourism companies. But there are many that only seem to be. Please consider which company you invest your time and money in. Not all companies care much about the lives of an animal. Keep in mind that every interaction with animals, either in their natural habitat or not, will affect their well-being and their physiology.

Support local economies

In many countries, tourism causes the exclusion of local enterprises because of international intervention. Think of big hotel chains such as Hilton, The Marriott group, …. Try to find alternatives by staying at local hotels/residencies and making use of local tourism services. Further, I advise you to buy your souvenirs which are made by the natives. I mean… who travels to Poland, only to buy a souvenir that is actually made in a completely different country?

The tips mentioned above are rather a small portion of possible measures we can take to fight unsustainable practices within the tourism industry. Let’s stand together and help our beautiful world a hand. I (and many others) will be grateful! Thanks for reading.

More tips on traveling? Catch your (solo) travel bugs here. Looking for an alternative & sustainable way of traveling? Find inspiration by reading the story of Katrien and Kobe!

Peace and love!

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