We all wanna travel more responsibly. And let’s be real, if we can’t collectively shape a greener, more responsible future for travel, then there simply won’t be a future for travel.
That’s why we set out our 2025 11-point sustainability strategy (which we’re constantly checking ourselves against). But we know you’re all as passionate about this stuff as we are.
So, with a bit of help from our sustainability partners at TreadRight, we’ve put together a simple checklist so you can explore more responsibly next time you’re ready to hit the road.
The checklist
2024 is going to be another big year for travel, and if you need some inspiration on easy ways to make your upcoming trips more sustainable, we’ve got you covered.
It’s so easy! You can download this pdf right here to get access to our new and improved MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® checklist and use it as a guide for all of your travels (and even your day to day life) so that you’re making sure that you are travelling as responsibly as possible. Send it to your favourite travel buddies, as well as your friends and family, that way we can all collectively try and make a difference to the gorgeous destinations we’re travelling to, and to the world.
Of course, it’s not all about ticking boxes, and maybe you want a little more explanation – so here are a few tips below to help you get started.
Image source:Contiki
1. Who to go with
Whether it’s your accommodation, your airline, or your group travel provider, it’s important to choose companies who’s values align with your own, and who make good on their promises of delivering responsible travel opportunities. Here are things to look out for:
- Choose travel companies committed to responsible travel (and who minimise their own footprint). It’s not just about ethical experiences or eco-friendly accom; try and choose brands who practise what they preach, too. (And we don’t wanna blow our own trumpets, but…)
- Companies that post annual impact reports sharing their progress on sustainability goals.
- Companies that have a Climate Action Plan, a non-profit foundation or commitment to philanthropic giving, an Animal Welfare Police, and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy.
2. Planning and packing
Sustainable travel can start long before your feet hit the tarmac and your shades slip out their case. Planning and doing your research before you set off can slash your carbon footprint and ensure you set you off on your keenest, greenest foot. Not sure what we mean? Here are a few pointers:
- Think about travelling during the shoulder seasons – or to areas that are less popular/swamped. Trust us: it’s much easier to get that iconic snap of the Trevi Fountain when it isn’t July (and in many ways, Europe is cooler in winter).
- Where possible, you should try to fly direct! Did you know take off and landing are the most fuel-intense parts of any flight?
- It’s also good to compare flight emissions when booking so you can ensure you’re selecting the flight with the lowest emissions possible. Additionally, consider airlines who are investing in sustainable aviation fuels.
- Go waste free! Replace single-use items with reusable ones, including water bottles, cutlery, bags, straws, and certain toiletries. If you need you can also get a UV water bottle or a filter to avoid using single-use water bottles (and get to know the local water refill stations nearby!).
- Make sure you know the local recylcing protocols so that you can adhere to them on your trip and properly get rid of single-use items you can’t help using.
- Pack light! Lighter luggage means lighter fuel emissions, so it’s time you practised the art of carry-on bags.
- Switch to sustainable and reusable options for every day holiday items like reef-safe sunscreens, biodegradable dental floss and bamboo toothbrushes, and also solar powered chargers and torches.
Looking for more sustainable packing tips? Why not check out our awesome Alexa pack my bags skill? Just tell her where you’re going and she’ll build you a bespoke, sustainable packing list. Pretty neat right?
Image source:Contiki
3. Getting around
You’re here, you’ve got your reusable goodies, and you’re feeling good. Now, how are you going to get around? Your modes of transport impact the environment, always, but it’s possible to lessen your footprint even abroad – so here are the things to keep in mind.
- Bike, train bus or hike. Check out bike share programs, carpool where you can, or go electric and hybrid.
- Use public transport – this won’t only lower your emissions, but it’s also way more affordable than hopping in an Uber or renting a car yourself. You can research ahead and also plan your way too and from the airport. Some countries have really lush public transport systems as well, so you’re in for a treat.
- Learn local greetings and customs before you go! (And make sure you have appropriate clothing for holy sites and temples. Responsible travel ain’t just about carbon; it’s about respect, too).
4. Sleeping and eating
Long day of wondering around? Time to grab a meal and get some shuteye. Here are some tips to make your eating and resting as responsible as possible:
- Choose hotels and accommodations that have renewable energy programs, as well as water conservation amenities, and waste and recycling programs.
- Watch your own energy consumption while you’re away by taking shorter showers, and turning off all lights, heating and AC, and electronics when you leave your room.
- Farm-to-table meals are awesome. Visiting somewhere beautiful; meeting the growers of your food; tasting delicious local produce. They’re a great way to support the locals, eat sustainably and generally have an experience you’re unlikely to forget.
- And, if you can vegetarian or vegan for a few meals while you’re away, even better.
- Shop local. Eat local. Visit the local farmer’s markets and meet the growers of your food – this helps to support the communities you visit, and the food is that much more delicious!
Image source:Contiki
5. Book experiences that matter
If you couldn’t already tell, we’re big on all things MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® and it’s so important to ensure that the experiences you’re booking on trip include respect for the locals and their customs, making sure you’re being kind to the planet, and interacting with wildlife responsibly. Here’s what you should do:
- Source dining, shopping, and other activities that support local communities, especially those owned and operated by under-represented people. Try a guided tour with a local expert, for example, instead of a generic company.
- You should always honour local customs and immerse yourself in the culture, and listen. Not only will you be being respectful, but you’ll also be learning something new, and isn’t that what this is all about?
- Research wildlife venues and make sure they adhere to wildlife welfare guidelines (the best elephants are happy elephants).
- Avoid any close wildlife encounters, as well as selfies. It’s important to keep a respectful distance and leave the animals in peace. Pictures are okay, just don’t get right up in a tiger’s whiskers (for more reasons than one).
- Don’t ride animals that shouldn’t be ridden – as a general rule: domesticated to be ridden (horses, camels etc. ) = generally cool in the correct environment with ethical measures in place. Otherwise = not cool).
- Don’t buy any animal souvenirs – and by that we mean buying real life dried seahorses, hummingbird charms, or furs and pelts. If you want to buy a clay replica of a baby rhino, then by our guest, just ensure no animals were harmed in the making of it.
- And if you really want to go that extra mile, look up and find local volunteering efforts ahead of your holiday so you can dedicate some of your time to personally helping out communities.
6. And when you get back home?
Share your top tips (and incredible experiences) with your mates and family, of course! And don’t forget to download your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® checklist right here, and share it with your crew.
