Green Travel Tips!
Are you planning an adventure? We’ve got loads of great ideas to help you reduce the environmental impact of your holiday!
What’s the best way to travel to my destination?
For journeys of under six hours it’s best to travel by train. Rail travel has one of the lowest carbon emissions per passenger. For the Eurostar it’s just 6g CO2e per km travelled! Compare that to an economy seat on a short haul flight at 156g and you’re onto a winner even if you take a taxi to the station! Seat 61 is an amazing resource to help with planning international train travel.
What about flying?
We know it’s not always possible to get where you want to go by train. If you have to fly, choose a direct route on a newer aircraft and opt for vegetarian or vegan options for in-flight food. For longer flights, reduce emissions by booking an economy seat. For a London-LA trip, choosing economy instead of business class could save around 5 tonnes of carbon (equivalent to the entire annual emissions of a French citizen!). The best way to reduce travel emissions is to avoid travelling by plane!
What should I pack?
Travelling light will help you to reduce emissions too. Plan a capsule wardrobe with a few key items that can be repurposed and easily spot-washed. Light layers are a great way to maximise wearing opportunities and minimise weight. Travelling with hand-luggage only also makes check in and arrival quicker, and minimises the risk of losing your luggage.
Choosing solid toiletries will help you to avoid excess weight and hassle of travelling with liquids. Most brands are made with natural ingredients so will also help to reduce pollution at your destination. Cut off a chunk of solid shampoo bar, soap and a deodorant bar and pop them in a tub. Toothpaste and mouthwash are both available as tablets so you can count out the right amount for your trip and avoid taking an entire tube of toothpaste! Time to say goodbye to those annoyingly small hotel body wash and shampoo bottles.
Refills
A refillable water bottle, coffee cup, and a tote bag are green travel essentials. These will all help reduce the burden on local waste disposal and recycling systems. Use the Refill app to find places to fill up your bottle. Many cities have a network of drinking water fountains for free refills while you’re out and about.
Expert Tip: If you forget your refillable bottle, buy a local mineral water in a glass bottle when you arrive, then rinse and refill it during your stay.
Where to stay
Look for accommodation with green credentials such as independent, locally owned hotels or guesthouses. Opt-out of daily room cleaning and new towels. Choose to have shorter showers. Reduce heating or air-conditioning. Find out about local recycling schemes and use them.
If you are looking for a self-catered holiday let, bear in mind the impact they can have on the housing market in small communities. Try to find a locally owned rental property or consider using a house sitting or house-swap scheme. Camping and basic hostels are great ways of saving money and will have a lower impact too!
The Green Traveller has written an article called How to tell if a hotel is green which is filled with great advice.
While you’re away
Find independent restaurants and regional specialities to try out. Eating vegetarian or vegan food is a great way to enjoy your trip and help minimise your impact. Use the Happy Cow app or website to find somewhere nearby.
Use public transport or try a bike or scooter hire scheme. Plan in advance and download any relevant apps using wi-fi before you set off. If you’re booking a taxi or car, ask for an electric vehicle. If you’re hiring a car, choose a small electric car to avoid pollution.
The Ailuna Green holiday planner challenge will talk you through all this and more! Got any questions or tips to share? We’d love to hear from you in our in-app Community 💚
