5 Expert Tips for More Conscious Travel

The way we travel is changing. As awareness of our environmental footprint grows, many of us are seeking different ways to explore the world. Looking at how you travel, where you stay and what you do on the ground can help you make more informed choices without losing the pleasure of the journey. Here are five practical ideas. 

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 can also offer a different travel experience.

Take trains, for instance. Research by EcoRes SCRL commissioned by Eurostar has found that taking the Eurostar from London to Paris instead of a short-haul flight cuts greenhouse-gas emissions from the journey by 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 allow you to traverse breathtaking landscapes. In France, taking the TGV reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 95% compared with cars and planes,** while in Germany, renewable energy accounted for 71.5% of Deutsche Bahn’s rail power mix as of 2025.*** 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 also 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. Metros are especially effective: in London, a Tube journey produces roughly 80% lower emissions per passenger than a taxi,**** while in Paris the Métro emits around 97% less greenhouse gas emissions per passenger-km than a car on a short trip.***** 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. 

Where you stay matters. Look for hotels with independent environmental certifications such as Green Key or Green Globe, and check the specific practices and criteria covered by those certifications. Some hotels with independently verified environmental practices use measures such as 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, look more closely at the specific practices and certification criteria in place. 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?

When choosing a stay, look for the practices and certifications that matter to you. Whether you prefer to be in a secluded spot or in the heart of a bustling city, explore the world more consciously 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 immersive 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 independently eco-certified hotel combining contemporary hospitality with locally relevant experiences.

Directing some of your spending towards local businesses can support local economies and help you discover unique products and craftsmanship. 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, 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 guided tours is another great way to support locally led experiences and businesses. 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 is 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.

Spending more time in fewer places can mean fewer transfers within a trip and more time to explore each destination in depth. 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 can also give you more time to experience the destination at a slower pace.

The most memorable travel experiences often come from hiking, snorkelling, bird watching and cultural experiences. Follow site rules, Leave No Trace principles and wildlife guidelines when you visit national parks and UNESCO heritage sites.

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 sanctuaries that prioritise animal welfare over entertainment.

Choose destinations that offer experiences focused on local culture, conservation or environmental education. 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 can offer meaningful ways to discover local life. 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 rhythms that’s hard to find otherwise.

Planning a more conscious holiday doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or excitement – quite the opposite. Taking the train where it works for your route, choosing an independently certified hotel or spending more time in fewer places can all shape a different travel experience.

* Source: Eurostar, 2024

** Source: SNCF, 2025

*** Source: Deutsche Bahn, 2026

**** Source: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 2025

***** Source: SNCF, 2024