By opting for eco-certified accommodations, reducing air travel, and supporting local communities, small changes can lead to a significant impact. Here are five straightforward ways to plan a getaway that’s both responsible and rewarding.
1. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Selecting where to stay plays a pivotal role in the sustainability of your trip. Seek out accommodations with recognised sustainability certifications, such as Green Key or EarthCheck, which indicate adherence to environmental standards. Additionally, supporting locally owned lodgings ensures that your expenditure benefits the local economy and often provides a more authentic experience.
Even during your stay, simple actions like reusing towels and minimising water and energy consumption contribute to conservation efforts.
2. Opt for Sustainable Transportation
Transportation significantly impacts your travel’s carbon footprint. Whenever feasible, choose trains, buses, or other public transport methods over flying. For instance, some companies now offer additional vacation days to employees who opt for eco-friendly travel modes, encouraging train journeys over flights. If flying is unavoidable, consider selecting airlines that utilise fuel-efficient aircraft and offer direct flights to reduce emissions. Moreover, travelling in economy class can lower your individual carbon footprint compared to premium seating. Carry a reusable water bottle while travelling, as most international airports now have water filling stations airside.
3. Support Local Communities
Engaging with local communities enriches your travel experience and promotes sustainable tourism. Dine at local eateries, purchase handmade crafts, and participate in community-led tours. This approach not only provides economic benefits to residents but also fosters cultural exchange and understanding. By prioritising local businesses over international chains, you help preserve the unique character and traditions of the destination.
4. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Visiting destinations during their off-peak periods alleviates the strain of over-tourism and offers a more relaxed experience. Over-tourism can lead to environmental degradation and diminish the quality of life for local residents. By choosing to travel during quieter times, you contribute to a more balanced distribution of tourist numbers throughout the year, aiding in the preservation of popular sites and reducing your environmental impact.
5. Embrace Slow Travel
Instead of cramming multiple destinations into a short period, consider immersing yourself more deeply in a single location. Slow travel allows for a richer understanding of the area’s culture, environment, and community. By spending more time in one place, you reduce the need for frequent transportation, thereby lowering your carbon footprint. This mindful approach to travel fosters meaningful connections and a more fulfilling experience.
Sustainable Stays: Hotels Leading the Way
When selecting accommodations, look for hotels that have their own water bottling and desalination plants to reduce plastic consumption, those that exclusively work with local suppliers, or those that generate their own clean energy and implement advanced water management systems.
For those looking to align their travel choices with sustainability, here are some hotels which stand out for their commitment to the environment and local communities:
- The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia – Through The Datai Pledge, the resort collaborates with The Kanshalife Project, a social venture in Langkawi, to further its zero-waste initiatives. This partnership not only reduces waste but also empowers the local community by providing employment opportunities in recycling and upcycling initiatives. The resort also supports local artisans and food suppliers, ensuring that its operations contribute directly to the local economy.
- East Winds, St Lucia – In response to the financial barriers preventing children from attending school, East Winds established the Family Foundation, providing school supplies such as books, uniforms, and stationery to over 65 children annually. This initiative has significantly improved education retention rates, particularly for young girls. Beyond education, the hotel also actively supports community development and provides training opportunities for local youth.
- Santo Pure, Greece – Committed to fostering sustainability beyond its operations, Santo Pure introduced the Sustainable Supplies-Initiative for a Sustainable Future in collaboration with Local Food Experts. This programme trains local suppliers in sustainable procurement, guiding them towards more environmentally friendly practices. The initiative strengthens the local supply chain by transitioning from local products to truly sustainable goods, ensuring that both the hotel and its partners operate with sustainability at their core.
- Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena, Spain – The hotel’s organic garden, located on historic land once cultivated by 12th-century Cistercian monks, provides fresh, naturally grown produce for its kitchens. The initiative promotes sustainable agriculture and biodiversity, with fruit trees and seasonal vegetables grown using traditional farming methods. Beyond its culinary impact, the hotel implements advanced water conservation strategies, saving approximately five million litres of water annually while prioritising the use of renewable energy and eco-friendly operations.
- The Chedi, Montenegro – The hotel collaborates with Z Art on an innovative upcycling project that transforms 47 public area paintings into refreshed artworks, preventing them from reaching landfills. This initiative also supports mental well-being through the Mental Ecology Project, which directs 50% of paint recycling funds to mental health support. Furthermore, The Chedi has converted its corridors into ecological art galleries, featuring recycled prints that inspire conversations about sustainability, science, and spirituality.
Incorporating these simple yet effective strategies into your travel planning can lead to more sustainable and rewarding adventures. By making conscious choices, you not only minimise your environmental impact but also contribute positively to the communities you visit. Sustainable travel is about thoughtful decisions that benefit both the planet and its people.
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About A’ARU Collective
At Aaru Collective, we’re passionate about fostering sustainable travel and thoughtful living. By curating eco-conscious solutions and educating travellers, we empower individuals to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising on comfort. Discover more at aarucollective.com. Proud members of 1% for the Planet. Follow us on Instagram
