How To Travel Responsibly
A Greener Getaway
‘Sustainable’, ‘ethical’, ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘responsible’ are some of the biggest buzzwords in tourism right now, but what does it actually mean to travel responsibly?
There was a time where travel was a distant thought for people, I’m talking pre 1900s. However, after the first plane was built, it wasn’t long till it became a reality and people were able to live, breath and experience the beauty of our world. The world started to constantly be on the move, and exploring new destinations and seeking thrilling adventures become a shared passion.
Growing up, the thought of going on a plane or any sort of holiday for that matter, was a complete dream. These days, it’s just normal, how often do you talk to someone and the conversation flows into “where are you heading next?” or a story of their recent trip? I’m also sure the day when my daughter and son turn around and ask for those funds to do a gap year in Asia or live in Australia will be coming around before I know it.
However, with all the accessibility to travel, we seem to have become a little complacent with the simple beauty of the world and looking after it. It’s more crucial than ever, to recognise the impact our travels are having on the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage. With this being said, we of course want you to continue exploring the world. My goodness, we can’t talk, our list grows longer every day! So, we have done endless research and gathered all the information into one place for you to see how you can travel in the most responsible way.
Even if it’s only one tiny change you implement, it can make a BIG difference.
Let's Work Together
Research Your Accommodations: The first step towards responsible travel begins at your planning stage. Let us help you look for accommodation that prioritises sustainability. There are so many incredible hotels around the world that we have had the privilege of visiting. Blue Palace in Crete have put so many ideas in place already, food composting, removal of single use plastic. Then there’s the Sani Resort in Halkidiki, the world’s leading luxury green resort. With a 1,000 acres of nature reserve, they are deeply committed to protecting every last inch. These are just two of the many hotels that are making big strives with their sustainability philosophy.
Respect Local Cultures & Traditions: Now this might seem like a slightly strange one, but hear us out. The excitement of travel and the want to immerse ourselves into the local cultures, can sometimes interject on how we should actually behave. We should take the time to educate ourselves about the customs, traditions and etiquette of our chosen destination. A phrase I always like to try and live by is “if the shoe was on the other foot”… Engage with the locals in a way that is respectful and appreciates their part of the world. Why not opt to join in with some local help, visit an orphanage, olive pick in Greece or help build houses in Africa! There’s so much possibility…
Minimise Your Environmental Footprint: Now, this could be seen as a tricky one, but it doesn’t have to be. More often than not, we have to jump on a plane to get to our chosen destination. So why not offset those emissions by donating to projects aimed at reducing carbon in the atmosphere. Did you know that a lot of airlines now offer the chance to offset when booking? With fights to and from Europe, British Airways offer you the option to contribute just £2.50, so you can offset your carbon. Dependent on the amount of Carbon you need to offset, another choice could be planting a tree.
Support Local Businesses: We all do it don’t we, go on a holiday and start shopping for the people that didn’t get an invite and got left at home. Next time you head on a trip, choose to spend your money on locally produced goods and services. Visit local markets, dine in family-owned restaurants and purchase those souvenirs crafted by local artists. You’ll often find that it’s actually cheaper to shop local too! On my last trip to Sri Lanka, I picked up a wooden handmade elephant for my daughter from a man on the side of the road and all he wanted was £1… He was the happiest man alive when I purchased it. So make someone’s day and shop local. It’ll really make a difference to them.
Wildlife Tourism: This is a pretty big one, animal exploitation. There are so many places in the world that exploit animals for tourism opportunities. So rather than riding elephants, visiting tiger temples or watching animal performances, do your research and visit the places that are made for the animals and support them in breading and rehabilitation into the wild. There are some incredible places in the world to see wildlife without harm. Such as Lion Sands in South Africa that focus on anti-poaching and employing locals to help or if you really want something for the bucket list, One&Only Gorillas Nest in Rwanda.
Leave A Positive Footprint
So with all this in mind, by making those mindful choices, respecting local communities, and minimising our environmental impact, we can carry on exploring the world and still leave a positive legacy for generations to come. Let’s embark on this new and exciting era of travel together.
One that will leave a positive footprint behind.
Explore Our recent Sustainable Posts
seth Wise and the polar Marathon
Follow Seth’s adventure as he journey’s 90 Degrees North and sponsor his efforts…
We are proud to be sponsoring 90 Degrees North, supporting Seth and his epic adventure to the Arctic.
In April 2024, Seth will compete in the Coolest Race’ on the planet, The North Pole Marathon. He is a husband and father who has always been a keen sportsman. A qualified personal trainer and group exercise instructor. Seth juggles professional fitness obligations alongside his full time role as a Director of Partnership Management at The Goodwood Estate, Chichester.
“The North Pole Marathon is the ultimate physical and mental challenge. An adventure like no other, an opportunity to test my mental and physical limits on arguably the most extreme marathon course on the planet. A course that within our lifetime is likely to disappear forever!” ~ Seth
