Is sustainable travel possible and is it ever ethical?

My top hacks to travel sustainably

Sustainable travel is something we’re all becoming more aware of as we recognise the impact our holidays are having on the planet.

There’s the carbon emissions from flights and long car journeys, the pressure on natural resources when small areas become tourist hotspots, wildlife comes under threat and locals are pushed from their homes to make way for expensive holiday houses and hotels.

This all sounds a bit doom and gloom and might have you wondering if it’s ethical to go on holiday at all? But let’s not forget that tourism provides millions of jobs, supports whole communities and is great for our wellbeing. Holidays give us something to look forward to, boosting our mood and giving us an opportunity to relax and reconnect with our loved ones.

As the planet comes under strain - and our wallets too as the global financial crisis takes hold - I have some travel hacks to help you travel as sustainably as possible and consider alternative holidays that are better for the planet.

Stay as close to home as possible

I know, we’ve all been conditioned to think the best holidays are as far away from home as possible but this couldn’t be further from the truth. You don’t need to travel far for an incredible break.

Staying closer to home reduces your carbon emissions, saves money and cuts down your travel time so you can enjoy your holiday sooner. Not only that but you’ll probably be familiar with the area, meaning you know all the hotspots already and won’t fall for any tourist traps.

I live on the border of North Wales and some of my favourite holidays have been in Snowdonia which is less than an hour's drive from my house!

Use local, independent businesses

Staying with independent accommodation providers, eating in independent cafes and restaurants and shopping with indie sellers helps your money stay in local communities and go directly to the hard working individuals who run them. Many indie restaurants also focus on using local suppliers, meaning your food will be fresher and doesn’t need to travel as far to reach your plate. I love finding local food markets and small hotels can often create a hamper using local products!

What’s the most sustainable type of holiday?

With this being said, I believe one of the most sustainable types of holiday is glamping.

Glamping sites are often independently run businesses and each pod, tent, treehouse, cabin or hut has minimal impact on the environment. They’re often temporary structures in remote areas where over-tourism will never be an issue. Protecting the surrounding nature is of paramount importance to site owners because this is what visitors are here to enjoy!

Not only is glamping a sustainable type of holiday but it can also be very affordable, particularly in comparison to a trip abroad.

I love glamping, whether it’s a cosy and romantic cabin in the woods or an exciting treehouse for my kids. I love budget-friendly bell tents for a spontaneous escape or vintage caravans for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

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