A Guide to Travelling Sustainably

Travel is more than just a holiday - it’s a chance to explore new cultures, embrace new experiences and make a positive impact on the places we visit. With growing awareness of climate change and environmental challenges, many of us are rethinking how we travel to ensure we’re treading lightly on the planet. Being a sustainable traveller isn’t about big, one-time actions, it’s a mindset - a constant commitment to mindful exploration that guides every aspect of our journeys.

Pack Light, Travel Right: Sustainable Starts with You

The first step to sustainable travel is all about what you pack. Think lighter, greener and smarter by following the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. Reduce what you can by leaving behind unnecessary items or swapping them for multi-purpose alternatives. Reuse what you can by packing things you can use over and over again. Recycle by choosing items that can be recycled after use, such as shampoo bars with cardboard packaging. Another benefit of packing light is that it makes travelling easier and more fuel-efficient, so you're helping the planet while also making your journey more manageable.

Ditch the Plastic: Small Habits, Big Impact

One of the simplest ways to travel sustainably is to avoid single-use plastics. They break down into microplastics that sneak into the food chain, harming marine life and eventually affecting human health. Start by bringing a reusable water bottle – many hotels, airports and cruise ships now have refill stations, so you can stay hydrated without the waste. If the tap water in your destination isn’t safe to drink, look for eco-friendly accommodations with filtered water or bring a portable water filter. Also, pack reusable shopping bags, a cutlery set and one or two food containers to avoid unnecessary plastic when buying snacks or souvenirs.

Leave the Skies Behind: Travelling by Train and Bicycle

Flying is often the default when planning an international trip, but slow travel is gaining popularity for good reason. Europe, Japan and even parts of the US and Canada offer incredible rail networks that not only make your travel more environmentally friendly, but more relaxed and scenic too. See the Swiss Alps, roll past French vineyards or cross Japan’s countryside all from the comfort of your window seat and while reducing your carbon footprint. Looking for travel with even fewer emissions? Rely on your own energy with a cycling holiday along New Zealand’s rail trails, pedalling past Tuscan fields or riding through the lunar landscapes and historic sites of Jordan.

Be a Traveller and a Citizen Scientist

For those seeking something more meaningful, some expedition cruises - especially to delicate environments like Antarctica or the Arctic - offer citizen science programs that allow you to contribute to real scientific research by helping observe wildlife, track ice changes or collect water samples. Not only will you gain a deeper understanding of these fragile environments, but you also play a part in preserving them. These experiences are perfect for curious minds who want to give back and leave a positive mark while travelling.

Support Local Communities and Culture

Sustainable travel also means supporting the people who call these destinations home. Opting for locally-owned hotels, restaurants and guides ensures that tourism dollars stay within the community. Choosing tours that respect local traditions and wildlife can also protect the very things that make these places special. Why not join a cooking class in Vietnam, stay in a family-run riad in Morocco, or hire a local guide to uncover hidden gems and local favourites? Not only will these experiences enrich your trip, but they also empower communities and help preserve local ways of life.

Savour Seasonal Flavours: Eat Local, Support the Planet

Indulging in local, seasonal dishes packed with unique flavours that you can’t find back home isn’t just a treat for your taste buds – it’s also a big win for the planet! When you choose fresh, locally-sourced food, you’re skipping the carbon-heavy ‘food miles’ that come with transporting ingredients across the globe. Cut down on animal products with a South Indian idli, a savoury cake made from a batter of fermented lentils and rice and dipped in chutney, or skip cooking energy altogether with a raw fish salad like ika mata from the Cook Islands which uses lime juice as an acidic 'cooking 'agent.