10 Ways to travel more sustainably

During the month of August, we are going green!

We believe this is a great time to start our journey in becoming more sustainable and we would love for you to get involved too…

“Sustainable travel means finding a way that tourism can be maintained long-term without harming natural and cultural environments. Sustainable travel should minimise the negative impacts of tourism and ideally be beneficial to the area in which it takes place.”

Starting from the 1st of August, every Sunday we will be providing you with lots of facts, suggestions of hotels, locations, ways to travel, tips and much more. Although these may seem like small steps in protecting our planet, if we all get involved it will make a huge difference. The travel industry is perceived as a big part to play in global warming but there is so much going on in the industry right now to change this and make travelling so much more sustainable.

To start with we would like to give you 10 ways you can travel more sustainably, if you do these already then great! if not try incorporating these steps into your next get away and reduce your carbon footprint.

1. Choose a destination that values sustainability – There are so many countries working towards becoming carbon neutral.
2. Consider how you get there – If you must fly to your destination consider flying with a carrier that uses sustainable aviation biofuel, or if getting a train is an option consider that as trains generate up to 10 times fewer carbon emissions than a plane. With the Euro Star being three times more energy efficient than regional trains.
3. Book eco-conscious accommodation – There are so many eco-friendly accommodation options available!
4. Support local economies & opt for sustainable activities / excursions – Do your research and support the locals. Try taking part in something that has a low impact on the environment and know who your money is going to. Preferably choose an excursion where the money goes towards protecting the heritage, culture and natural environments.
5. Reduce food waste & shop organic – Try to shop locally and support local business, whilst also getting to eat fresh and organic food why wouldn’t you? Do not waste food as when you throw away food you are also throwing away the land, water, and energy used to produce it, just pack it up and save some for later if you happen to have too much.
6. Limit energy use & conserve water – Switch off those switches when they are not being used! also try to take a quick shower and turn off the taps whilst brushing your teeth, avoid letting the water run unnecessarily.
7. Pack smart! think reusable – Try reducing your plastic waste as much as possible… pack a reusable bottle, earphones for the plane, ditch soap bottles for bars, bring a re-usable shopping bag and use alternatives to plastic straws and cutlery etc.
8. Leave your home energy efficient, when going away – Have a final check around your home before going on holiday to make sure you have taken every precaution to leave your home in the most energy efficient way.
9. Walk / bike or take public transport – Walking or biking is recommend for getting around but it is not always possible, so in these circumstances taking public transport rather than individual transport is a great alternative and much more eco-friendly.
10. Leave a place better than you found it – If you chose to shop locally, take part in a beach clear up or donate to keeping local wildlife / landmarks protected, there is so much you can do big or small to leave somewhere with a positive impact.

There are so many ways you can become more eco-conscious when travelling, but here are our top 10 which we feel are achievable!