10 ways to travel more sustainably

• Sustainable travel doesn’t have to mean roughing it in the wilderness – unless you want it to!
  A new wave of conscious luxury travel options mean you can make a greener choice without forgoing creature comforts. Whether it’s an Airbnb, resort or bed and breakfast; look for providers that share your values. Most will highlight their efforts on their website, Adventure Alternative, Kynder, Ecocompanion and Earth Changers are great resources for finding somewhere special to stay.
• Every kilo counts – pack light
  The heavier the plane, the higher the carbon emissions! Not only that, moving round is challenging when you’re laden with luggage; by keeping it light and tight you’ll find it far easier to jump on buses and trains, instead of taking a taxi and adding to your carbon load. It’s more economical, and you’ll save on laundry too!
• Offset the jetset
  On the subject of emissions, keeping your carbon footprint low when you’re flying internationally is almost impossible, but there are a number of offset programmes providing you an opportunity to help neutralise your impact. Choose a project with Gold Standard certification, recognised by Greenpeace, Worldwide Welfare Foundation and Friends of the Earth for their genuine value. Try MyClimate.org

• It’s in the (reusable) bag
  Whether it’s souvenirs or snacks, you’re likely to be making purchases on your trip, be sure to carry a reusable tote or bag so you don’t have to use single use plastic ones, just as you would back home. We always take a couple extra to use for dirty laundry and beach trips.
• Packing prep
  Make room in your luggage for day trip essentials; reusable water bottle, thermos, coffee cup, bamboo cutlery and a lunchbox or container for snacks on the go. Find out if the local water supply is drinkable and if not, self-purifying tablets are an economical, environmentally friendly alternative to purchasing bottled water. Remember the average plastic bottle takes 450 years to decompose!
• Trains, planes or automobiles?
  Choose to travel by land wherever possible, not only better for the environment it gives you an opportunity to see whole swathes of beautiful countryside that you’d miss on a flight. Find stop off points along the way and venture off the usual tourist trail to discover more of a local vibe.

• Do your research – before you travel
  We love the freedom and spontaneity of travelling, but a little preparation goes a long way. Preparing logical routes, finding ethical tour guides and environmentally friendly accommodation means you’re not forced to compromise. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; engage with travel forums and reach out to businesses to answer any questions you have; those that are genuine will be delighted to share their credentials with you.
• Heading somewhere sunny?
  Use solar power to recharge your smart devices. Portable packs are relatively inexpensive and make it easy to charge on the go; forgo using the usual non-renewable power sources if possible.
• Tread gently on the earth with these easy to implement travel tips and hopefully they’ll help us all achieve a cleaner, greener travel consciousness.There are many fantastic resources online and we get lots of tried and tested recommendations from friends and family too. Keep exploring in order to be the change you want to see in the world!

Tread gently on the earth with these easy to implement travel tips and hopefully they’ll help us all achieve a cleaner, greener travel consciousness.

There are many fantastic resources online and we get lots of tried and tested recommendations from friends and family too. Keep exploring in order to be the change you want to see in the world!