When we travel, we know that we should think about the impact we have on the environment. At the same time, this is our vacation and we know we can only be our best selves if we have the opportunity to relax and enjoy! So how do you combine eco-travel with luxury travel? It’s easier than you think! Here are our top 6 ways to travel sustainably without sacrificing luxury:
#1 Reframe What “Eco Travel” Means to You
With a little bit of reframing, you can expand what sustainable travel means. Comfort is more about just the luxury amenities. It’s about your overall level of relaxation, good sleep, amazing food, and feeling connected to your destination.
Green or Eco travel is asking you to slow down and really experience the places you’re in. Connect with the locals, prioritize environmental responsibility and waste reduction when choosing providers, and focus on that deep connection.
#2 Stay in Eco-Luxury Accommodations
What is an Eco-Luxury Accommodation? These are hotels, resorts, and boutique hotels, that offer all the comforts you expect from a luxury hotel experience. And, they also integrate sustainable practices into their operations. You may see an effort to reduce waste, reduce consumption, and minimize their impact on the local environment.
This may show up in eco amenities like refreshing locally-produced water instead of plastic bottles. Or restaurants that feature made-to-order dishes to reduce food waste, using only locally produced ingredients. You can see sustainable luxury in the details of the hotel as well. Whether it’s stunning exhibitions of world-renowned glass artists creating sculptures from upcycled bottles, or using local, sustainably sourced high-quality wood or stones to build their structures.
How can you tell if the accommodation is eco-friendly? It will take a bit of research ( or you can ask your friendly neighborhood travel advisor to do it for you! ) You want to see if they are transparent about how they are measuring their positive and negative impacts. Look for locally owned hotels rather than the big global hotel brands. And check for scientifically backed certifications from EarthCheck, Green Globe, LEED, and Greenview.
#3 Focus on Supporting the Locals
Everyone is looking for those “hidden gems” to avoid the crowds and have a unique adventure experience. But there’s an extra benefit to beating out the crowds – supporting local economies. Shop at small locally-owned stores, and get your souvenirs from local artisans and markets. This way, you are putting money back into the town or city you’re visiting and getting a unique item for yourself!
If you decide that you want to go to a more popular destination, traveling in the off-season is a great choice. Shoulder season travel will put less strain on local resources.
The last thing you can do is take time to learn about the culture and make small connections. One of our favorite experiences while traveling in Italy is going back to the same café each morning for a coffee. In Thailand, connecting with the locals through cooking classes and their cuisine is unforgettable.
[Photo Credit: Marissa & Derek via Shared Adventures Travel – read about their adventure in Thailand here!]
#4 Start At Home While Packing
Maybe you feel that eco-luxury accommodation isn’t the right fit for you and your calendar requires you to go to a big famous city in the high season. You can still enjoy eco-luxury travel by bringing the finest eco-travel items in your suitcase. Invest in a stylish reusable water bottle. Check that your toiletries, bug sprays, and sunscreens are eco- and reef- friendly. Pack light to avoid extra baggage and use travel containers or reusable utensils when visiting delectable street markets!
#5 Take a Close Look at the Animal Welfare
If you’re excited for your adventure to Southern or Eastern Africa, Southeast Asia, or Central America you are probably looking forward to some animal-focused activities! Of course, the best way to utilize eco-luxury for these incredible experiences is a bit of research (or using your travel advisor!) Look for the following:
– Keeping a safe distance from the wildlife and keeping any interactions respectful.
– Ask if the guides are trained to avoid or minimize any stress and what their long-term plan is for the animals and local communities.
– Stick to small tours that are less visited and not over-crowded
– If you are going to have an interaction with the animal, focus on sanctuaries that work towards sustainability and release. And sanctuaries that clearly prioritize the welfare of the animals over the enjoyment of the tourists.
A lot of this information you’ll be able to find on their website, or through trusted third-party operators. Take a look at their socials and see how the animals are being treated and interacting with guests if at all. And remember, you can always email and ask questions – any truly ethical tour won’t have anything to hide.
Ann had an incredible experience in Chiang Mai Thailand. She was given special clothing to wear and walked gently with the elephants. It was clear that the elephants were able to exhibit normal behavior and had a large area to roam.
#6 Consider Your Emissions
We’ve all been told to consider our carbon emissions but what does that have to do with luxury travel?
Because the most climate-expensive part of a flight is take-off and landing, splurging for those direct flights is a great way to reduce your emissions. Plus, a direct flight will be much more enjoyable for you!
The best way to see a city is to bike or walk and with a thoughtful local guide, you can enjoy unique experiences while producing minimal emissions.
Similarly, there are some incredible train trips to take now! You can stay in a luxury carriage on the Orient Express. Or, travel through incredibly beautiful landscapes without contributing too much to pollution on the Bernina Express. This is the new-old luxury.
Try also some farm-to-table dining, focused on food that is produced in the local area surrounding the restaurant! This reduces emissions and lets you taste some of the most incredible food of your life.
Are you ready to plan a luxurious eco trip? To stay in the best accommodation, with incredible local experiences? Finding those hidden gems and getting to brag to all your friends that it’s a sustainably responsible trip to boot? Let us know! We love to do the research for you to help you get the most out of your eco-luxury adventure.
