Sustainable Travel and Tourism: 5 Expert Tips for Mindful Adventures

The way we travel is changing. As awareness of our environmental footprint grows, many of us are seeking ways to explore the world while treading more lightly upon it. But planning a lower-impact holiday doesn't mean compromising on comfort or memorable experiences. In fact, a more sustainable travel plan often offers enriching tourism experiences and deeper connections. Ready to plan your next trip with sustainability in mind? Here are five essential ways you can make your next journey more environmentally responsible yet still unforgettable.

Remember when getting there was half the fun? It's time to rediscover the joy of the journey itself. While air travel might seem like the default option, alternative modes of transport often offer richer experiences and significantly lower carbon emissions.

Take trains, for instance. Research by the UK-based Global Change Data Lab has found that taking the Eurostar from London to Paris instead of a short-haul flight cuts your journey’s footprint by a whopping 97%! All while treating you to picturesque countryside views and the chance to stretch your legs in comfort.

Travelling through Europe by train is a fantastic way to see the continent at a slower pace, as high-speed trains like the French TGV, Trenitalia and Germany’s Inter-City Express (ICE) allow you to traverse breathtaking landscapes while reducing your carbon footprint compared to air travel. For shorter distances, consider regional trains or electric car rentals. Many European cities now offer electric vehicle charging networks, making it easier than ever to explore coastlines and countryside, discovering hidden beaches and charming villages along the way.

Cycling holidays are another sustainable travel and tourism option gaining popularity. Countries like the Netherlands, Denmark and France offer extensive cycling infrastructure, making it possible to plan multi-day adventures between historic towns and through stunning scenery. Imagine pedalling through the lavender fields of Provence in southern France or along Denmark's coastal paths, stopping whenever a view catches your eye or a local market beckons.

Other tips:

• In cities, opt for public transport, cycling, or walking over cars and taxis. Not only will this cut emissions but you'll also enjoy a more immersive experience and get to absorb the culture, architecture and local life at a leisurely pace.
• If you must fly, consider booking direct flights when possible, as takeoff and landing have the highest fuel burn rate. Many airlines now also offer carbon offset programmes – while not a perfect solution, they help fund projects that contribute towards more sustainable travel and tourism, such as reforestation and renewable energy initiatives.

Where you stay matters. Many hotels worldwide are reimagining luxury through a more sustainable lens, just as savvy travellers are discovering that more eco-conscious accommodation can enhance rather than compromise their experience.

Look for properties with verified environmental certifications, such as Green Key or Green Globe, and actionable sustainable travel and tourism initiatives. Top eco-conscious hotels combine innovative technology with thoughtful practices: solar power and smart energy systems, water conservation programmes, plastic-free initiatives, and comprehensive recycling and composting systems. Many now feature living walls, rooftop gardens producing fresh herbs for their restaurants and rainwater harvesting systems.

Beyond the obvious environmental features, dig deeper into a hotel’s commitment to sustainability. For example:

• Are they sourcing local products?
• Do they employ local staff and support community initiatives?
• Do they offer ways for guests to participate in their environmental programmes, such as local conservation projects?

Remember, a truly sustainable hotel shouldn't feel like it's compromising on comfort. The best properties seamlessly blend environmental responsibility with exceptional guest experiences, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.

No matter how far you venture, you don’t need to leave your ethics at home. Whether you prefer to be in a secluded spot or in the heart of a bustling city, explore the world while limiting your impact on the environment with a hotel that shares those values.

In Chiang Mai, experience a unique stay in a mountainous setting where traditional Thai culture inspires serenity. Connect with nature at Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai - MGallery, where you’ll find a sophisticated atmosphere and tranquil elegance. For a truly local experience, why not take part in a guided rice-planting activity?

In the Portuguese capital, Mama Shelter Lisbon offers a designer base for visiting this city famed for its seven hills. Make your sightseeing more sustainable by taking the tram, before returning to a relaxing shower with organic toiletries. Be inspired by the creative energy of this three-star address, which has artfully reused local materials to create unique and welcoming spaces from the ground floor through to the rooftop.

Combine discovery with a retreat focused on the essentials by treating yourself to a zen break at ibis Styles Kyoto Shijo. With its 2,000 temples and shrines, Kyoto instantly inspires spirituality. Embrace this harmony with nature yourself, by walking or using public transport.

Or immerse yourself in the magic of Morocco with a stay in Marrakech, close to the city’s enchanting souks and storied heritage sites. Experience a modern oasis at Mövenpick Marrakech, an eco-certified hotel that combines elegance with more responsible travel.

One of the most effective ways to reduce your travel footprint while enriching your experience is to direct your spending towards local, more sustainable initiatives. This approach not only minimises transport emissions from imported goods, but also helps preserve local traditions and economies. An added plus? It keeps money circulating within communities and reduces reliance on global supply chains.

Start with food. Look for restaurants that source ingredients locally and change their menus seasonally. You might discover a family-run trattoria in Rome using vegetables from their own garden, or a Copenhagen restaurant working exclusively with local organic farmers.

When shopping for souvenirs, look for artisans creating products from local materials. Markets and small, family-owned shops often sell handmade goods and unique souvenirs that support artisans rather than mass-produced imports. Instead of throwaway trinkets, you might find hand-woven Moroccan textiles, sustainable Scandinavian wood crafts or locally made Greek ceramics. These purchases not only support traditional crafts, but are also meaningful mementos of your journey.

Participating in locally guided tours is another great way to contribute to more sustainable travel and tourism. Many destinations offer experiences led by residents who provide authentic insider knowledge and character while ensuring that tourism benefits their community. Whether it’s a culinary tour through a vibrant food market or a guided nature walk with a conservationist, locally run experiences create a richer, more meaningful trip.

The slow travel movement isn't just about reducing emissions – it's about deepening your connection with places and people. Instead of trying to tick off five cities in seven days, consider spending a week or two really getting to know one or two destinations.

This approach naturally reduces your carbon footprint by cutting down on emissions, but its sustainable travel and tourism benefits go far beyond environmental impact. When you spend more time in one place, you begin to discover its rhythms and secrets. You might find yourself becoming a regular at the neighbourhood café, learning a few phrases in the local language or discovering hidden spots that never make it into the guidebooks.

Slow travel also allows you to adapt to local patterns. Rather than rushing to see everything at once, you can enjoy off-peak visits at popular sites, reducing crowds and enhancing your experience. You might discover that the Louvre in Paris is magical on a Wednesday evening, when it’s open until 9:00pm, or that Barcelona's Park Güell, with its signature Gaudí mosaics and curves, takes on a different character at sunset.

Consider renting an apartment for a longer stay. This allows you to shop at local markets, cook some of your own meals and live more like a local than a tourist. Imagine spending a week in a charming Italian village, where you get to know the café owner by name, join a local cooking class and explore the countryside at your own pace. Or picture yourself unwinding on a remote island in Thailand, skipping the rush of crowded tourist sites in favour of meaningful cultural exchanges with the locals. This approach won’t just reduce your environmental impact – it’ll also provide a more authentic and satisfying travel experience.

The most memorable travel experiences often come from activities that already have a low environmental impact. Hiking, snorkelling, bird watching and cultural experiences can provide incredible adventures while minimising environmental harm. Visit national parks and UNESCO heritage sites responsibly, follow Leave No Trace principles and respect wildlife guidelines.

Also look for tours and activities that prioritise environmental protection and education. For example:

• Instead of a high-speed boat tour, consider a guided kayak expedition that allows you to quietly observe wildlife without disturbing their habitat.
• Rather than visiting a crowded elephant camp in Thailand, seek out more ethical sanctuaries that prioritise animal welfare over entertainment.

Choose destinations that offer innovative sustainable travel and tourism experiences. You might join a guided foraging walk in the Scottish Highlands, participate in a coral restoration project in the Maldives, or help with grape harvesting at an organic vineyard in France. Also consider that cultural experiences are just as rewarding as they are low impact. Go off the beaten track to attend local festivals, visit museums during off-peak hours or participate in traditional craft workshops – they’ll give you a unique insight into local life that’s hard to find otherwise.

Planning a lower-impact holiday doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or excitement – quite the opposite. Whether it's taking the train instead of flying, choosing an eco-certified hotel or spending more time in fewer places, your decisions can help shape a more sustainable future for travel. The bonus? You'll likely find that these choices lead to more meaningful and enjoyable experiences, proving that responsible travel and remarkable journeys go hand in hand.