Blizzard warnings in Northwest Minnesota, winter weather advisories across the state

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

What does it mean to travel sustainably? With terms like "eco-tourism" and "sustainable travel" being tossed around by hotels and tour companies, sorting through the options can be complicated.

, a travel writer and editor at large for National Geographic Magazine, there are three key pillars of sustainable tourism.

The first pillar is environmentally friendly practices. This is the one most people are familiar with: choosing destinations that emphasize renewable energy or similar resources. 

The second pillar is support for the protection of cultural and natural heritage.

"Specifically, we don't want travel that conquers a destination, we want to enhance that destination. We don't want travel that replaces cultural heritage, but helps it thrive," Christ said.

The third pillar is support for the direct social and economic benefits of local people.

"This grows out of the notion that unless the people who live closest to the places we love to visit become our partners and allies in supporting those and protecting them, then ultimately tourism will fail," Christ said. "We have to ensure that local people are primary beneficiaries."

, the director of the consulting firm Sustaining Tourism, joined MPR News host Kerri Miller to discuss techniques for sustainable travel.

Christ emphasized that it's important to think beyond the trend of eco-tourism: Sustainability is an important thing to consider for all travel, no matter if the destination is a remote island or a large city.

The best tip is to do your research: Find out about your destination, your planned lodgings and any tour companies or guides you plan to use. What are their practices? How do they support their communities? What is their environmental track record? 

For the full discussion on sustainable travel with Rachel Dodds and Costas Christ, use the audio player above.

Lifestyle

Shows

Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller

Kerri Miller Feature

MPR News Staff

Author

"We don't want travel that conquers a destination, we want to enhance that destination," said Costas Christ, an editor at large for National Geographic Magazine.

Costas Christ, a travel writer and editor at large for National Geographic Magazine, and Rachel Dodds, the director of the consulting firm Sustaining Tourism, discuss techniques for sustainable travel.

The key to sustainable travel

Go Deeper.

Like this?