Travel trends can shape the way we explore the world, but they can sometimes feel at odds with your values and beliefs around sustainability and ecological consciousness. It doesn’t have to be that way though – following trends and protecting the planet aren’t always mutually exclusive if you’re mindful of your impact. This practical guide explains how you can enjoy travel trends while still reducing your carbon footprint.

Choose eco-friendly transport

Getting from A to B is often the biggest source of travel emissions, but you may be able to reduce this, depending on your destination. For example, train travel is becoming  increasingly popular, with 34% preferring to travel long-distance by train and 38% saying they believe they will travel more by train over the next five years. You could catch a train to your destination instead of flying or driving or, if that’s not possible, use public transport to get around once you get there. Walking and cycling are also great ways to travel around your destination when you’re there and help you see more than you may do otherwise.

Support sustainable companies

If you want to visit the destination that’s on everyone’s feed, without compromising your values, you can seek out sustainable companies that can make it happen, whether they’re accommodation providers or tour operators. Genuinely sustainable businesses are usually proud of this and will be upfront about their accreditations, certifications and policies. And it can pay off: 56% of Gen Z prefer to support companies that are environmentally responsible, even if it costs more. 

Keep an eye out for greenwashing though, which is when companies mislead customers to make them think they’re doing more for the environment than they are. Signs this is happening include:

• Sharing vague information about operations, policies and emissions

• Promoting products that meet minimum standards as if this makes them more eco-friendly

• Focusing on one aspect of sustainability while ignoring others

• Not having legitimate accreditations or certifications

Look out for local businesses

Local businesses often source their products and produce from other local companies, which reduces their carbon footprint and keeps money in the community, so they’re definitely worth supporting. On top of this, staying in a family-run guesthouse, eating at an independent restaurant and booking a tour done by local guides offers a more authentic experience of the travel trend you’re interested in.

Practice responsible tourism 

This one applies wherever you are in the world: respect the places and cultures you visit, making sure you research local customs and etiquette before you go. Once you’re there, follow all the guidelines so you can protect wildlife and natural habitats, leaving no trace of your visit.

Be mindful of what you bring back home

We’ve all been taken in by trendy souvenirs, but ask yourself: do I really love this? Will I use it? Is there space for it in my home? These three questions can stop impulse buys in their tracks. Bringing home some locally produced food or drink can be a fun way of keeping the good times going as it won’t be in your kitchen forever – just make sure you check the rules for taking produce out of your destination and into your home country. 

Sustainable travel is about making conscious choices rather than achieving perfection. So next time you’re tempted by a travel trend, think about how you can minimize your carbon footprint and still enjoy yourself. You can have a positive impact when you explore with care.

By guest author, Emily Bradley