ACCREDITATIONS
There’s no universal certification for sustainable travel, but reputable accreditations do exist, such as EarthCheck, B Corp, Green Globe, & Green Key. These certifications indicate a commitment to responsible practices, including mindful resource consumption, reduced energy use & emissions, and fair employee treatment.
BRING YOUR OWN
Reduce waste by bringing your own reusable water bottle, coffee cups and shopping bag. Every small action counts and whilst we’re on it, who needs to drink from a straw? These simple acts can significantly minimize your environmental impact while traveling.
CHOOSE ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS
Seek out and support accommodations that prioritize sustainability then rate where you stay which will help map out a more sustainable landscape for others, and let us know too, we’d love to add them to our next edition!
DINE LOCALLY
Indulge in local cuisine and support small businesses. Not only will you discover more authentic food, but you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint by minimizing food miles. In India/Nepal choose busy place, a high turnaround of food means its fresh. If in doubt, avoid meat.
EDUCATE YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Continuously learn about sustainable travel practices and share your knowledge with fellow travelers. Attend workshops, read articles, and engage in discussions that promote responsible tourism. Be an ambassador for change!
FIND ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT
Explore your destination on foot, by bike, or using public transport whenever possible, trains are a great option! Not only will you reduce your carbon emissions, but you’ll also immerse yourself in the local culture and discover hidden gems along the way.
GO OFF-GRID
Going off-grid allows you to disconnect from technology which also reduces your carbon footprint and reconnect with nature and local cultures! These more remote areas allow for wonderful people encounters but, always be respectful and don’t Instagram them – that can lead to them being over-run and ruining the destination for the locals and other travelers.
HANG ONTO YOUR
… towels of course. Water conservation is a global priority, and let’s face it, who uses a new towel every day at home? Hang them up and reuse!
INVEST IN QUALITY GEAR
Choose durable, long-lasting travel gear that won’t need frequent replacing. Invest in a well-made backpack, reusable water bottle, and versatile clothing that can withstand the rigors of travel. Quality over quantity!
JOIN RESPONSIBLE TOUR OPERATORS
When booking tours or activities, opt for companies that prioritize sustainability and give back to local communities. Look for certifications, read reviews, and ask questions about their environmental and social impact. For India and Nepal there’s a great collection on www.indianexperiences.com
KEEP WILDLIFE WILD
Admire animals from a respectful distance and avoid supporting any activities that exploit or harm them. Say no to wildlife selfies, and never feed or try to touch wild animals. Let nature thrive in its own habitat.
LEAVE MONEY IN LOCAL POCKETS
Show love to locally run and locally owned businesses, especially in economies that rely on tourism revenue. Stop at family-owned stores and food stalls, and buy artisanal crafts straight from makers and wherever possible book community-driven stays and tours.
MINIMIZE DIGITAL CLUTTER
Most of us think about the use of paper with documents etc but, we forget to consider our digital footprint alongside physical waste. Unnecessary browsing and emailing, together with digital data storage in the cloud consumes significant energy and resources. Reduce your impact by regularly deleting unnecessary files.
NEUTRALIZE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
Consider offsetting your carbon emissions from flights and other transportation. Support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as renewable energy initiatives or reforestation efforts. Direct flights are always better than indirect though no flying at all is better still!
OFF-BEAT TRAVEL
has loads of benefits, often cheaper, fewer people, whilst also not contributing to overtourism. Redistributed travel is the art of visiting under-the-radar and to visit somewhere in a way that is more of a help than a burden.
PACK LIGHT
Bring only what you need and avoid overpacking. A lighter load means less fuel consumption during transportation and easier mobility. Plus, you’ll have more room for souvenirs, ideally ones bought which support the local communities!
QUESTION AND QUERY
Be constantly curious and engage with businesses—and each other—on challenging questions. This is vital in tackling the spread of greenwashing. Ask if a hotel is locally owned, ask if staff are local, ask hosts how they measure their carbon footprint, ask restaurants if they compost food waste!
RESPECT NATURAL RESOURCES
Be mindful of your water and energy consumption while traveling. Take shorter showers, turn off lights when not in use, and unplug electronics when they’re fully charged. And think, do you really need to use the a/c? Small changes can make a big difference.
SLOW DOWN, STAY LONGER
Less is more when it comes to discovering destinations. Take time to truly discover a place, the people, the food, the activities, what makes it tick. This will be far more rewarding. Extend trips to try to combine work commitments with holiday time and instead of multiple city breaks, trade one for a staycation.
TRAVEL DURING OFF-PEAK SEASONS
Consider visiting destinations during shoulder or off-peak seasons to reduce the strain on local resources. Not only will you avoid crowds, but you’ll also have a more authentic experience and support businesses during slower periods.
UNDERSTAND OWNERSHIP
This isn’t just buying local, this is about following the money all the way. Choose companies run by identifiable individuals who are vocal custodians for their communities. Favor roadside stalls or social cooperatives, where your cash goes straight to producers or workers.
VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBLY
If you choose to volunteer during your travels, do so with reputable organizations that prioritize the needs of local communities. Ensure that your efforts are sustainable and aligned with the goals of the community you’re serving.
WALK WHENEVER POSSIBLE
Explore your destination on foot whenever feasible. Walking not only reduces your carbon footprint but also allows you to discover hidden corners and connect with locals. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active while traveling!
XCHANGE INFORMATION!
Celebrate all the sustainability and social-impact heroes you meet along the way: tweet, Instagram, and TikTok when you see businesses doing an amazing job when it comes to everything from green energy to excellent accessibility. The louder we are, the more we’ll inspire others to follow their lead.
YIELD TO LOCAL CUSTOMS
Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress appropriately, ask for permission before taking photos, and learn a few words in the local language. Showing respect goes a long way in fostering positive relationships with the communities you visit.
ZERO WASTE CHALLENGE
Challenge yourself to produce as little waste as possible during your travels. Bring reusable containers, utensils, and bags, and avoid single-use items. Share your zero-waste tips with fellow travelers and inspire others to follow suit.
