Planning a summer escape with sustainability in mind opens up rewarding experiences that leave a lighter footprint and a greater sense of connection. Embrace a more ethical, sustainable approach to travel this season with these actionable ideas and top travel tips.
Choose Eco-Certified Lodges & Accommodations
Eco-certified accommodations have verified practices in energy use, water conservation, and waste reduction. Look for hotels with certifications such as Green Key or EarthCheck, which require regular audits and transparency. These places often partner with local communities for sourcing food, hiring staff, and encouraging guests to participate in eco activities. The extra research can lead to unique lodgings such as solar-powered treehouses, organic farm stays, or boutique hotels with green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems.
Minimise Your Environmental Footprint
Opt for transportation choices with lower emissions, such as trains, buses, or carpooling with other travelers. While air travel is sometimes unavoidable, picking direct flights reduces carbon impact. Pack light, less luggage means less fuel burned, and curate your choices around reusable, multi-purpose essentials such as a stainless steel bottle, travel cutlery, cloth tote bags, and solid shampoo bars. These swaps reduce waste and make packing simple.
Support Local Artisans & Economy
Contribute positively to the destination by seeking out small, locally owned shops and restaurants. Purchase handmade souvenirs that reflect the region’s culture such as pottery, textiles or art from fairtrade cooperatives. Eat at farm-to-table eateries sourcing local ingredients or try to eat mostly plant-based. This approach not only boosts the local economy but also helps preserve traditional knowledge and skills. Book tours with guides who are members of the community, supporting authentic storytelling and ethical business practices.
Voluntourism & Mindful Activities
If you’re interested in giving back on your holiday, choose structured voluntourism projects such as tree planting, beach clean-ups, wildlife monitoring, or supporting local schools. Research organisations beforehand for transparency and true community benefit; avoid opportunities that exploit vulnerable populations or animals. Mindful activities also include cultural exchanges such as attending local festivals, participating in cooking classes, or joining conservation workshops, all of which foster deeper understanding and respect for the people and environment.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
Instead of crowded tourist hot-spots, venture to lesser-known places like small nature reserves, rural eco-villages, or national parks with conservation mandates. These destinations often limit visitor numbers, preserve biodiversity, and welcome travelers who share sustainability values. You’ll experience quieter, more immersive travel, think bird-watching hikes, community-led wildlife tours, or stays in regenerative farms, while helping prevent over-tourism.
Plastic-Free Packing and On-the-Go Solutions
Single-use plastics create a massive waste problem, especially in areas without robust recycling. Prepare by packing items like beeswax wraps for snacks, silicone storage pouches, compostable travel utensils, and refillable toiletry bottles. Before you travel, search for local bulk stores or refill stations, which let you restock supplies without packaging waste. Many destinations now offer water refill taps and zero-waste shops for travelers seeking to minimise impact.
Mindful Excursions
Explore your destination in ways that respect both nature and local culture. Activities like guided hiking, cycling tours, paddleboarding, and yoga retreats foster wellness and environmental appreciation. Use reef-safe sunscreen when swimming to avoid harming marine life. Always follow “leave no trace” principles, leave no rubbish, stay on designated trails, and observe wildlife from a safe distance. Steer clear of tourist spots that exploit animals for entertainment, choosing instead educational wildlife experiences led by ecologists or conservationists.
Sustainable travel brings long-lasting memories and genuine connections. Every choice, from where you stay to how you pack and play, can make your summer holiday a force for good.