BY PAM DELANY
We’ve all been there: crowded beaches littered with plastic water bottles, ancient landmarks so overrun with tourists that their historical and cultural messages are lost, and gift shops selling mass-produced souvenirs that are far removed from authentic local culture. Our love for iconic destinations and pristine nature often leads to over-tourism, which unintentionally harms the places we cherish. Bucket list spots like Venice grapple with erosion from cruise ships, Machu Picchu’s ancient trails erode under relentless foot traffic, and Mount Everest struggles beneath piles of discarded climbing gear. Even our national parks face pressures from overcrowding, which impacts delicate ecosystems and disrupts wildlife. Who would have thought something as simple as sunscreen could threaten coral reefs in Hawaii?
REGENERATIVE TRAVEL: BEYOND SUSTAINABILITY
Many of us already integrate sustainable practices, such as bringing reusable water bottles and using mass transit when we travel. While sustainable travel aims to minimize harm by reducing the traveler’s footprint, regenerative travel takes a more meaningful approach by actively enriching the environments and communities we visit. According to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, regenerative travel “goes beyond merely minimizing harm and actively improves local ecosystems and communities.”
This travel philosophy emphasizes a deeper, more holistic connection between people and places. In Aotearoa (New Zealand), for instance, the Indigenous Maori concept of guardianship is captured in the Tiaki Promise, asking visitors to “care for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace; travel safely, showing care and consideration for all; respect the culture and local communities, travelling with an open heart and mind.” Travelers can share their promise on social media or at www.tiakinewzealand.com.
Unlike traditional tourism, which is designed primarily for relaxation and personal enrichment, regenerative travel cultivates reciprocity between travelers and the places they visit. It prioritize experiences that actively support local communities, sustain biodiversity, and foster meaningful cultural exchange.
REGENERATIVE TRAVEL IN ACTION PLAYA VIVA: REGENERATIVE HOSPITALITY IN MEXICO
Nestled along Mexico’s Pacific coast, Playa Viva demonstrates how luxury and sustainability coexist harmoniously. The resort operates entirely off-grid, harnessing solar power to meet its energy needs. The resort also engages in extensive reforestation and permaculture efforts to restore the natural landscape and enhance biodiversity. Guests at Playa Viva are invited to participate in various regenerative activities. One notable initiative is the La Tortuga Viva turtle sanctuary, where visitors can assist in protecting and releasing sea turtles, contributing directly to marine conservation efforts. Additionally, the resort collaborates with local communities through educational programs and supports local artisans, ensuring that tourism benefits extend beyond the resort’s boundaries.
ANCIENT WAYVES RIVER AND HIKING ADVENTURES: TRADITIONAL INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE
Operating in the culturally significant landscapes of Bears Ears National Monument and the San Juan River, Ancient Wayves River and Hiking Adventures offers guided tours that delve into the deep connections between Indigenous cultures and the land. Founded and operated by Navajo (Diné) guides, the company provides immersive experiences that intertwine storytelling, cultural education, and environmental stewardship.
Participants in Ancient Wayves tours gain insights into the region’s ancestral significance by exploring ancient dwellings, petroglyphs, and sacred sites. The guides share personal narratives and traditional knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the land and its history. Moreover, the company emphasizes responsible tourism practices, encouraging visitors to tread lightly and honor the area’s delicate ecosystems and cultural heritage.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S RV CARE-A- VANNERS: ROAD-TRIPPING WITH A PURPOSE
Habitat for Humanity’s RV Care-A-Vanners program offers a unique opportunity for those seeking to combine travel with meaningful volunteer work. This initiative invites RVers and van lifers who journey across the United States to participate in home- building projects that provide affordable housing to local families. Volunteers contribute their time and skills to construct homes, working alongside future homeowners and local communities. The program addresses housing insecurity and fosters community and shared purpose among participants. Travelers engage directly with the locales they visit, gaining a deeper appreciation for the challenges and strengths of different communities.
EMBRACING REGENERATIVE TRAVEL
These examples illustrate the diverse ways regenerative travel can manifest, from eco-luxury resorts and cultural immersion tours to volunteer-driven initiatives. By choosing travel experiences that prioritize environmental restoration, cultural respect, and community engagement, travelers can ensure their journeys make a positive contribution to the destinations they cherish.
CRAFTING YOUR OWN REGENERATIVE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
You don’t have to join an organized tour to engage in regenerative travel. Here are practical ways to transform any trip into a regenerative experience:
Stay Longer and Engage Deeply: Rather than hopping quickly from place to place, spend more time in fewer locations. Engage with the local community, volunteer, and immerse yourself in the culture and heritage.
Leave a Place Better Than You Found It: Bring reusable gloves and trash bags for spontaneous clean-ups on hikes, beaches, or parks you visit.
Choose Mindfully: Prioritize lodging and eateries owned and operated by locals, visit markets featuring genuine local crafts, and support family-run restaurants that offer authentic regional cuisine.
Educate Yourself: Take time to understand and appreciate local ecosystems, traditional practices, and cultural heritage. Participate in educational activities, guided walks, or conservation initiatives to foster deeper connections. Regenerative travel offers a hopeful pathway forward, transforming travelers from passive observers into active contributors to global environmental and cultural rejuvenation. By thoughtfully planning our journeys and actively engaging with the places we visit, we can collectively create a positive, enduring impact, ensuring that the beauty we seek today continues to thrive for generations.
