We all know that trails are fun and they’re beautiful. But they also provide the ultimate sustainable tourism experience. Trail travel is sustainable travel for numerous reasons including:
- Trails provide an environmentally friendly mode of travel & transportation.
- Trails support local communities and local businesses.
- Trails allow trail users to become immersed in local culture and history.
- Trails provide fitness opportunities not found in other modes of travel.
Environmentally Friendly Travel
Trail travel means carbon-free travel. Trail travel utilizes hiking, bicycling, paddling and equestrian means of transportation. None of these modes of transportation utilize fossil fuels, therefore they do not deplete our natural resources nor do they cause pollution. Trails also allow travelers to move at a slower pace and truly enjoy the natural beauty that can be found throughout the world. Trails can be found in every state and every country worldwide, so there is no limits to the places you will be able to explore.
Support Local Communities
Trails can be found in cities, towns, villages, islands, wilderness areas and parks. Water trails can even be found in rivers, lakes and oceans. A huge difference between traveling by self propulsion, besides the great exercise and fresh air, is the ability to truly connect with the local residents and become immersed in the local culture. Trails also provide a way to support local businesses such as lodgings, restaurants and shops. Rather than just swooping through communities in a car or bus, trails allow you to really experience the communities you visit.
Enjoy Local Culture and History
Since most trails are rich with history and cultural opportunities, they provide a much more diverse and immersive travel experience. Once again, you won’t just rush by scenic overlooks, historical signage and cultural events, but you’ll become part of them. It is possible to learn so much more about a region when you are slowly passing through on a bike, a horse, a canoe or on foot. You have numerous opportunities to stop and chat with the residents and visit their museums and businesses. You also get the chance to meet fellow trail travelers who will likely have fascinating stories to share about their travels and travails.
Trail Fitness Opportunities
Needless to say, traveling by trail affords you the chance to stay in great shape while you explore. You don’t have to stop early to visit your hotel fitness room. You spend the whole day participating in the world’s greatest exercise. And the scenery is so much nicer on a trail than in a gym. And all that wonderful exercise also gives you a great excuse to experiment and indulge in the local cuisine as you go. Go ahead. Enjoy those exotic delicacies. You burned enough calories on the trail to make up for that extra helping or luscious dessert. So get out there and find a trail whether it’s on an island, in another country or right in your back yard. If you haven’t already discovered the joys of trail travel, now is the very best time!!
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