Earthly TasteTravel can be one of the most inspiring things we do, but it also comes with an impact. From carbon-heavy transport to food waste, energy use and single-use plastics, the hospitality industry can leave a bigger footprint than we realise. The good news is that sustainable travel doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or fun. With a few mindful choices, you can reduce your impact, support local communities, and still have an amazing trip.
In this guide, I’m sharing practical ways to travel more sustainably, plus a couple of eco-conscious brands I genuinely rate: AliKats Mountain Holidays, which are raising the bar for low-impact luxury chalet stays in the French Alps, and Wild England, whose refillable, planet-friendly toiletries are helping cut down on plastic waste in hospitality.
Choose Eco-Conscious Accommodation
AliKats Mountain Holidays is redefining luxury in the French Alps with their low-impact chalet holidays. By winning a Global Good Award, they’ve showcased their commitment to social and environmental sustainability through initiatives like permaculture gardening, a zero food waste initiative, renewable energy usage, carbon reduction efforts, and community actions to protect mountain environments. When planning your next holiday, consider staying with businesses like AliKats that prioritise the planet without compromising on luxury.
Opt for Sustainable Amenities
The partnership between AliKats and Wild England addresses a common issue in the luxury hospitality sector – the reliance on single-use plastics for toiletries. Wild England offers a solution with its luxurious bathroom products made from planet-friendly ingredients, packaged in large, glass refillable containers. These high-quality, eco-friendly amenities don’t just benefit the environment; they’re also kind to your skin, being paraben and SBS-free, and come with individual signature scents. Look for accommodations that offer such sustainable amenities, or travel with your own eco-friendly products.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Opt for Overland Travel
Whenever possible, choose trains or buses over planes. Overland travel generally produces fewer carbon emissions compared to flying and can offer a more scenic and enjoyable experience. For shorter distances, consider renting bikes or walking to explore your destination in a more intimate and eco-friendly manner.
If you’re heading to the Alps, it’s also worth thinking about how you’ll get from the airport or station to the resort. Booking shared or pre-planned transport can reduce the number of separate car journeys, and it often works out simpler too. For example, La Rosiere transfers can be a practical option for getting to the resort efficiently while keeping your travel plans streamlined.
Offset Carbon Emissions
When air travel is unavoidable, look into carbon offsetting options. Many airlines and third-party organisations offer programs that calculate the carbon footprint of your flight and allow you to invest in environmental projects designed to offset this impact. This can include reforestation projects or investments in renewable energy.
Practice Responsible Tourism
Support Local Economies
Choose local and independent businesses for your accommodations, meals, and shopping needs. Spending your money locally helps support the community and reduces the environmental costs associated with importing goods and services.
Leave No Trace
One of the simplest ways to travel more sustainably is to treat every destination like it’s someone’s home. Because it is. “Leave No Trace” isn’t just for hikers; it applies everywhere, from beaches to city breaks.
A few easy habits that make a real difference:
- Stick to marked paths when walking or hiking to protect local habitats and prevent erosion.
- Take your rubbish with you (even compostable items like fruit peels can disrupt local ecosystems).
- Use reusables: a refillable water bottle, coffee cup, tote bag and a couple of containers can cut down loads of single-use packaging.
- Be mindful of water and energy use in accommodation. Take shorter showers, reuse towels, and switch off lights/air con when you leave the room.
- Respect wildlife by keeping your distance, not feeding animals, and avoiding attractions that exploit them.
Little choices add up, and they help keep places beautiful for everyone who comes after.
Educate Yourself and Others
Sustainable travel is easier (and more meaningful) when you understand the place you’re visiting. A bit of research can help you avoid unintentionally harmful choices and support the people who live there.
Before you go (or even while you’re there), consider:
- Learning about local customs and etiquette – it’s a simple way to show respect and avoid misunderstandings.
- Looking into local environmental challenges, like water shortages, overtourism, or protected areas, so you can travel more responsibly.
- Choosing ethical experiences – prioritise tours and activities that protect nature and benefit local communities.
- Sharing what you learn in a helpful way (not preachy!) – friends and family often take sustainable tips more seriously when they come from someone they know.
The more we normalise thoughtful travel, the easier it becomes for sustainable options to be the default.
Travel More Sustainably
Choosing sustainable travel experiences is about making informed decisions that align with the well-being of our planet. By opting for eco-conscious accommodations, you’re contributing to a more sustainable, responsible tourism industry. Remember, every small choice can lead to significant change, and together, we can ensure the beauty of the world for generations to come.