We live in a global world. Nations are interconnected technologically like never before. Part of this connection promotes tourism, our desire to explore new places, traveling near and far. While our increasingly cosmopolitan lifestyle exhilarates cultural exchange, self-exploration, leisure, adventure, and even international business opportunities, it also comes with environmental and cultural costs.

Overtourism, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is what happens when too many tourists travel to certain destinations. Overtourism can negatively impact the physical environment by pushing natural resources to their limits and eliminating biodiversity in forests. Overtourism can also negatively impact a place's culture: when too many tourists enter with disregard for the culture of locals, locals may be pushed to the margins in their own hometowns, or even be forced to move away. Additionally, if international tourists use their buying power to pay exorbitant amounts for goods, the costs of these goods may also increase for locals living in the area.

Popular travel destinations have started several initiatives to slow overtourism. Machu Picchu uses timed-entry tickets to limit the number of visitors and the duration of their stay. Venice, after sustained protests, installed a "day-trippers tax" this month to curb the massive number of visitors who come, overcrowd, and only stay a day. Rome imposes fines on those who pose like centurions, drink, and ask for pay, and has prohibited drinking alcohol in the late-night hours.

But to protect our environment and the world's cultures, travelers must also take responsibility for themselves. One appropriate response to overtourism is to travel sustainably. Sustainable travel addresses both the ecological responsibilities and cultural awareness of tourists. In the discussion below, we offer a few sustainable travel tips for you before your travel, during your travel, and during your stay.

At Smartrip, we are creating your own Personalized Travel Agent, Adeva, equipped to meet your sustainable travel needs. Would you like more information about a particular culture, its norms, or sustainable dining, travel, or lodging options? Just ask Adeva.

Before Your Travel:

Plan to travel in such a way as to minimize your ecological impact. Plan trips to famous sites in the off-season, when less people are around to overcrowd and cause damage to the environment or disrupt the local community.

Do the best you can to pack with eco-friendly materials. For example, consider bringing a reusable water bottle and straw rather than buying several disposable, plastic bottles.

During Your Travel:

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, aviation accounts for 3.5% of climate change. If you're planning to travel by plane, fly with a more eco-conscious airline. If you're going to several, nearby destinations, consider cycling, taking an overnight train, or safe public transport.

During Your Stay:

Spend your nights in sustainable lodging. Though it may sound less luxurious, this decision can add up to quite the adventure. You'll get to explore cutting-edge technology and rest, oftentimes, in the middle of preserved natural environments.

Respect local customs and buy food locally. One of the best things about travel is the food. Make sure to enjoy local restaurants and their delicacies, rather than opting for familiar international chains. This helps sustain local businesses and contributes positively to the economy of local communities.