As the planet heats up, so does our desire to travel. Travel and hospitality industries have broken new ground this year, with people of all ages embracing domestic and international experiences in record numbers. A 2023 report from McKinsey & Co. notes the sector’s strong rebound, with full recovery expected by year’s end after losing “70% of its value in 2020.”
But what does this mean for a warming planet? For the second consecutive year, we’ve seen the hottest summer on record. While El Niño—a natural event in which the central Pacific warms and disrupts weather patterns—is a contributing factor, the main culprit is our continued reliance on fossil fuels. The travel industry plays a significant role, lending to mass energy consumption on transportation, heating, cooling, and entertainment. This is leaving far-reaching environmental impacts beyond that of the destination visited.
For both younger and older demographics, travel has become high on the agenda, with many allocating significant portions of their income to these kinds of experiences. Younger people In particular are prioritizing travel opportunities over material goods. With travel becoming deeply ingrained in our lives, a challenge presents in finding ways to balance the activity with the urgency to protect our planet.
But a new travel philosophy is gaining momentum, particularly with the rise of remote work: “conscious exploration.” This approach encourages travelers to contribute to the well-being of their destinations, rather than merely extracting from them. Instead of checking off bucket lists or chasing social media moments, travelers are increasingly focused on immersing themselves in local culture, traditions, and ways of life. This deeper engagement fosters a stronger sense of responsibility, prompting a commitment to sustainable travel practices.
The principles of conscious exploration are simple yet highly impactful. Rather than supporting global chains, conscious travelers opt for businesses that prioritize sustainability—spending on local operators, using local currency, and choosing locally sourced food to boost regional economies. Being able to spot greenwashing is also key for these travelers, ensuring their choices align with genuine sustainable practices. Some take it further by embracing “slow travel,” remaining longer in one place, building connections within local communities, and offering their skills through volunteer work or through the support of environmental or humanitarian causes.
Conscious travelers are also actively thinking of ways to reduce their carbon footprint. They seek to offset emissions and often choose destinations closer to home to minimize flight time. When venturing abroad, travelers are starting to plan more thoughtfully, opting for alternative and sustainable transportation. For example, instead of boarding short flights between major cities, conscious travelers visiting South East Asia might follow the bike route through Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand, reducing air travel while gaining a deeper connection with these countries.
While forfeiting travel entirely might seem like the most sustainable choice, it’s not a realistic ask in today’s world. The key isn’t striving to be “climate perfect,” but rather recognizing that meaningful change comes from small, consistent actions. Travel isn’t going away anytime soon, and because of that, conscious exploration needs to become the rule, not the exception. By focusing on being “climate better”, we can reduce our impact and make sustainable choices. After all, progress starts with effort, and travel is one of the easiest places to begin.