Did you know that almost 70% of travellers are now looking for sustainable options when exploring the world? From transportation with a lower carbon footprint to activities with a less significant impact on the natural environment, everyone’s on the lookout for eco-conscious alternatives. But, it’s not always easy blending sustainability and adventure!
That’s why we’ve put together 6 eco-friendly activities that you can do with a good conscience, keeping the planet safe without compromising on fun.
1. Take a Hike
From our experience, almost every country in the world offers fantastic hiking opportunities. Whether through the lively jungles of Malaysia, the snow-capped mountains of France, or the rolling hills of South England, you can always find fantastic spots for adventurous walks.
Hiking is a fantastic activity that has very little impact on the environment, especially if you stay away from over-touristed areas. Venture to lesser-known spots where your presence won’t be a burden on the landscape, and remember to always clear up after yourself and stick to the trails to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Long walks amongst nature also come with the added perk of helping you! Both physically and mentally, hiking is wonderfully beneficial for human health, so you can look after yourself and the planet simultaneously.
2. Opt For a Cycling Holiday
Cycling is a super sustainable way to explore a country. Over the course of a day, the average human can cycle around 40-50 miles (as long as you take regular breaks and stay hydrated), ensuring you cover a lot of ground. Rather than hopping in a taxi or heading on a domestic flight, why not plan for a cycling tour on your next trip?
Regions that’d we recommend for cycling include:
- Stavanger, Norway
- Yorkshire, England
- Calpe/Denia, Spain
- Morzine, French Alps
- The Dolomites, Italy
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Christchurch, New Zealand
3. Discover Conservation Projects
There are thousands of conservation projects around the world, so why not get involved on your travels? A lot of the projects will welcome volunteers or offer tours/experiences in return for funding, making this a sustainable activity we can get behind.
South Africa is a hotspot for incredible conservation work. Anti-poaching projects, wilderness protection programmes, and underwater marine conservation are all on offer, with hands-on experiences that can teach you more about protecting the world around you.
Wherever you are, you can often find conservation initiatives that will welcome volunteers. Just be sure to do your research and avoid any companies that aren’t reputable.
4. Take a Vegan Cooking Class
Vegan diets can be highly beneficial for the planet and for health. On your travels, why not explore a plant-based lifestyle, learning how different cultures go meat-free? Countries often have cooking classes on offer, and opting for a vegan class is a great way to eat and have fun with the planet in mind!
Bali, for example, offers cooking classes where you’ll learn how to make tofu curries and tempeh satay. In India, you’ll find tons of curry classes that swap lamb for lentils and chicken for chickpeas! Do a little research to find vegan options in your area.
5. Visit Certified Wildlife Sanctuaries
Our planet is home to an abundance of wildlife, but human activity has had a big impact on creatures both great and small. Certified, reputable wildlife sanctuaries do fantastic work helping animals that are struggling, whether because of deforestation, climate change, or human behaviour.
But, before handing over your money for a visit, ensure that the charity you’re looking into is doing the good work they say they are. There are lots of ‘sanctuaries’ that end up doing more harm than good to the animals and environment they’re meant to look after, so be vigilant in your research.
One sanctuary we can highlight is the Save Elephant Foundation in Thailand. With a completely hands-off approach in terms of elephant interaction, vegan-only food, and an educational approach that says no to riding elephants and forced photo opportunities, it’s a fantastic sanctuary to check out. They also rescue cats, dogs, and buffalo, and are doing lots of good work for our planet!
6. Uncover Amazing Eco Accommodation
Sometimes, the smallest things you can do for the planet can make a big difference. By simply switching to eco-friendly accommodation, you can drastically reduce your carbon footprint and have a positive impact on the natural world.
At Ecobnb, we have a set of main criteria we follow when selecting sustainable accommodation, including:
- 100% renewable energy
- Local and organic food options
- Water conservation
- Eco-friendly cleaning
- Waste recycling and reduction
- Energy conservation and efficiency
By opting for eco-accommodation that follows these standards, you can save trees, reduce your water consumption, and lower CO2 emissions for the entire planet. In terms of sustainable travel, it’s a game changer.
Final Words
Travel and sustainability haven’t always gone hand-in-hand, but the world is changing. With electric cars, eco homes, and a growing knowledge of our impact on the planet, there are ways you can reduce the negative effects of your exploration. Hopefully, this article has given you some inspiration, helping you plan an amazing eco-adventure that you’ll love.
Cover image: photo via Canva PRO
