In our contemporary world, the romance of travel is more accessible than ever. A century ago, the corners of the globe remained mysteries to most; today, they beckon as never-before-seen desktop wallpapers waiting to be explored in person. Yet, there’s an echo behind the jet engines and passport stamps—a reminder that the paths we tread leave imprints. The realities of environmental impact and cultural intrusion cast long shadows over our globetrotting adventures. It’s a shared burden, and while not entirely the fault of any single traveler, the collective ‘one-offs’ can accumulate to a tipping point.

But fear not, the narrative can change, and here are transformative ways you can pioneer the shift toward sustainable travel.

Choose Rails Over Wings Where Possible

The convenience of flight is unparalleled, but it’s also the heavyweight champion in travel-related carbon emissions. Consider this: while an airplane can whisk you to far-off continents, the European landscape, for example, is laced with a network of trains that offer a scenic, more grounded journey with a smaller ecological footprint.