What’s sustainable travel? Being open to the world around you. Reducing car miles and reliance on fossil
fuels. Eating healthy. Exercising De-stressing. Relaxing and smiling…a lot. Discovering something of beauty. Relaxing enough to appreciate that beauty. Staying hydrated. Discovering what it means to live like a local. Taking things in stride. Reducing waste (bring a refillable water bottle and a collapsible shopping bag/ lunch bag). 
Disposing waste the way the locals do. Putting aside that frenetic pace that pushes the ‘must see everything’ travel mindset.
When we moved to Center City Philly the idea that travel would change wasn’t considered. But wow has it changed. Around this town, our tourism is on bikes or walking…no car, no searching for parking, no expensive garage and lots and lots of fresh air and movement. Transportation options for longer distance local travel expanded from the car to include car, bus, train, bike. Even 16 mile lon
g bike rides are becoming easy and fun.
Air travel trips changed too; a nine block walk to the SEPTA station, a hop on the train and – whoosh – whisked to the airport terminal – delivered right to security. No long term parking lot, no shuttle, no traffic. Just a rolling bag, some scenery and lots of smiles.
Instead of the stress, there is focus on the travel, the sightseeing and companions. There is a lot to see out the window – yes there is trash, graffiti, grime, decay – these are all part of railroad edges – but there is also the wild willfulness of nature: trees, streams, bushes, grasses, wildflowers, and the fun: children laughing, people talking, travelers gathering.
On the streets and out the window there are signs of
life – businesses opening, trash being picked-up, buildings being renovated, bridges being painted. Renewal, hope, resiliency, everyday life; that 
is what true sustainability is all about.
Traveling sustainably is paying attention to the local of the place, seeing what everyday life is all about, understanding, learning, embracing the joy of the place and the people and leaving behind a memory of you through friendship, smiles and kindness. Wherever you are in the world, travel with an open mind, reach for the transportation options that the locals use and see the place with new eyes.
