Harvard sustainability influencer shares top tips to travel sustainably for impact-free adventures

Want to travel the world impact-free? Shivya Nath, a Harvard-educated sustainability expert, shares practical travel tips for conscious travellers.

We know travel isn’t impact-free. Flights leave emissions, hotel stays use up local resources, and mass tourism can overwhelm fragile communities. But there’s a more thoughtful way to move through the world. One that goes beyond just doing less harm.

Exploring slowly, staying conscious and treading lightly. Impact-free travel is about deeper connections, not crowded checklists or curated feeds.(Shivya Nath)

Book Overseas Travel Insurance at Affordable Prices

Enter Shivya Nath. Sustainability advocate, solo traveller and vegan environmentalist, she’s been shaping conversations around responsible travel for over a decade. Her take?“It’s almost impossible to make travel negative impact-free. But the focus can be on having a positive impact once you’ve arrived.”

 

That line stuck with me. It flipped the script from guilt to intention. And it changed the way I think about where I go, what I do, and why I even travel.

 

What’s the difference: Sustainable vs responsible travel?Sustainable travel focuses on the environment. Think emissions, waste, water use and energy consumption. Responsible travel brings people into the equation. It includes fair wages, cultural respect and community involvement.

 

“My focus is on having a positive impact once I have arrived at a place. I think that is where the deeper essence of travel comes in. To think about the impact you have.” says Shivya Nath, who pursued her Masters in Sustainability at Harvard.

 

3. Eat like you mean itSkip the hotel buffet. Explore local food stalls. It’s more rewarding than it sounds. “Eat local and seasonal. Avoid waste. Support places run by locals,” she says. Food becomes a way to understand a place when it’s not filtered through a tourist lens.

 

4. Spend your money with intentionThink about where your money lands. “Look for experiences founded and run by local communities. Ones that preserve living cultures with dignity, not turn them into performances.”

That handwoven scarf or community-led walking tour might mean more than just a memento.

 

5. Think before you postIt’s not just what you do, but what you share. “Even if you’re not an influencer, your social media affects future travellers. So ask: What story am I telling about this place?” Skip the geotag. Skip the selfie spot queues. Highlight the soul of a place, not just the scenery.

 

What to keep in mind for impact-free travel

• Travel from curiosity, not FOMO
• One place explored well beats five rushed through
• Where you stay is part of the impact you leave
• Let hidden gems stay hidden
• The way you share a destination influences how others treat it

Similar articles for you

Beyond the hype: Is the Swiss Military Aspen 15.6" backpack really that good?

Luggage weighing machine: 8 picks to ensure you never pay overweight fees again

Vacay-ready bags: Your essential travel companions for uninterrupted wanderlust

Swiss Military Bristol Suitcase: 5 reasons why you need this before you board your next flight!

Sustainable travel: FAQs

• Can short holidays be sustainable or is it only for long-term travellers?

  Even short trips can follow sustainable travel tips. Use public transport, avoid plastic, and support locals. It’s about mindset and carbon footprint reduction, not trip length.

• What’s the easiest way to start travelling sustainably?

  Carry reusables, skip unnecessary flights, eat local, and support small businesses. These simple steps make it easier to travel sustainably with less impact on the planet.

• How can I ensure I’m not harming the places I visit?

  Avoid over-touristed spots, respect cultures, and support locals. Sustainable travel tips include thinking before spending and making mindful choices for impact-free travel experiences.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, of 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.