In an era where ethical tourism is shaping the future of travel, we invite you to discover a world where luxury meets sustainability, where every step you take contributes to a better tomorrow. Here’s a list of 10 sustainable experiences around the world that will empower you to travel responsibly and make a positive impact on the planet.
10 Sustainable Experiences Around the World
Sleep in the Sky in Urubamba, Peru
This is a bucket list-worthy experience, especially for those looking to make their travels more sustainable. Spending a night in the first-ever hanging lodge in the world is equal parts exciting, thrilling, and memorable. The Skylodge Sacred Valley has three transparent pods hanging from the side of a cliff face at an altitude of 370 metres. Ideal for eight guests, each pod comes equipped with a bedroom, dining area, and private bathroom with eco-toilet and sink. It’s not for the faint-hearted though, the pods can only be reached by a ladder climb from the valley floor, or via a hike and zip line, though no climbing experience is needed. Once on top, you get to enjoy the unmatched 300° view of the majestic Sacred Valley. Checkout is equally exciting; an adrenaline-filled descent down a three-circuit zip line takes you all the way down to your driver.
Embrace Slow Fashion in Bangkok, Thailand
Love shopping in Thailand? Next time, amp up these shopaholic experiences by checking out some local brands that have a sustainable business model and minimise your carbon footprint. Folkcharm Studio is a handloom and sustainable Thai brand. Folkcharm partners with natural cotton farmers, artisanal communities, and local craftswomen—everything is made with hand-spun yarn, incorporating the handloom process and local techniques of natural dyeing. Mae Teeta is a brand that pays tribute to its owners’ matriarch, Mae Teeta, who revolutionised the traditional indigo dyeing technique in Thailand. This label uses locally harvested cotton and harnesses the natural colouring properties of plants like ebony and mango. Taktai is another Thai fashion label whose products not only look great but also feel amazing against your skin as they use their own original unique bamboo fibre combined with cotton and rayon.
Stargaze at a Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand
On the shores of Lake Pukaki in New Zealand lies one of the world’s best dark sky reserves. As there are no man-made lights or passing airplanes to interrupt your view, this location is a stargazer’s dream. You can marvel at the mind-blowing glow of billions of stars, shooting stars, satellites, planets, constellations, the Milky Way as well as other galaxies. On a clear evening, you’ll be able to see craters on the moon, the rings of Saturn and/or Jupiter, and up to four moons orbiting Jupiter using a powerful telescope. Lakestone Lodge which relies totally on solar power offers a range of self-sufficient living options and low-impact excursions such as biking and stargazing. The Lodge also harvests rain and bore water and has a sewage treatment facility too, in turn doing wonders in promoting sustainable tourism development in the region.
Uplift a Community in Botswana
At Wilderness Vumbura Plains camp in Botswana, uplifting local communities and conservation go hand in hand. Located in the Okavango Delta, the camp offers 14 spacious rooms (including two family rooms) split into two separate clusters of seven each. This eco-friendly retreat is nestled in the 90,000-hectare private Kwedi Concession in the northern Okavango Delta, bordering the Moremi Wildlife Reserve. Guests can volunteer at Children in the Wilderness (CITW), a non-profit organisation that facilitates sustainable conservation through leadership development and education of children in Africa. It is imperative to teach the rural children of Africa to understand the importance of conservation and its relevance in their lives, for these places to continue to exist. From hosting Eco-Club programmes at local schools to running camps at the ecotourism company Wilderness Safaris, you can teach and empower children in many ways.
Cycle through Utrecht, Netherlands
The Netherlands has a huge cycling culture with more than 35,000 km of cycle paths all over the country. Exploring various landscapes while riding a bike, with wind in your hair, is one of the best forms of responsible travel. The Dutch city of Utrecht has been recognised and awarded as one of the top places in the world to cycle. A bike tour through this historic city is suited for varying abilities, making it ideal for a multi-generational holiday. You can cycle along hot spots like the Lombok neighbourhood, Central Museum, Vredenburg, and the historic centre. Along the route, you will also be treated to a glimpse of some of the hidden parts of the city that tourists usually don’t get to see.
Set off on a Sea Kayaking Adventure in Croatia
Beyond the red rooftops of Dubrovnik, Croatia also has a beautiful coastline with secret beaches and the bluest waters that you’ve ever seen. One of the best places for sea kayaking in Croatia is the Pakleni Islands, a chain of rocky islets off the coast of Hvar. A half-day tour includes time to chill, snorkel, and even find your private little cove. In short, this needn’t be a rigorous workout, you can simply sit on your kayak and go with the flow, taking in the beauty of the Adriatic Sea. Sign up with AndAdventure, and rest assured that all guides are intimately aware of their surroundings and are trained to provide each traveller with suggestions on how to minimise the negative impact on the environment and marine ecosystems.
Slow Travel through Cambodia
Cambodia is the land of temples and forests. It is not meant to be rushed through with a to-see list. A three-day tour with Buffalo Trails is ideal to visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire, and walk through forest trails where you can feel the presence of tall trees, wildflowers, butterflies, and forest birds. As the first step to your many sustainable experiences here, travel back in time with your guide at the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the king could welcome back his victorious army, and the Terrace of the Leper King that winds along a narrow passage that leads to the Baphuon complex. Enjoy sunrise views along with a picnic breakfast in front of the Angkor Wat Temple. Take your time to stroll through the intricately carved hallways that are lined with hundreds of fine carvings, discover small shrines, and take in the spectacular colours of the sunset at Pre Rup Temple.
Learn Baking in London
If you marvel at all the lovely patisseries during your holiday in London, this one’s for you. You can sign up for The Ultimate Baking Course at the Cookery School and continue to get the finest of cakes, pastries, breads, macarons, and meringue even when you get back home! We recommend the four-day intensive baking course even if you’re a beginner. This course takes you through the fundamental baking principles and techniques and leaves you with plenty of tips and tricks to assist you in future baking adventures. An added experience is that the Sustainable Restaurant Association has given the Cookery School the highest possible score for its consistent approach towards sustainable practices.
Go Horseback Riding in Slovenia
Slovenia has horse riding trails measuring a total length of more than 412 kilometres. Various companies specialise in equestrian experiences ranging from day trips through the countryside to longer holidays stretching up to four, five, or even eight days. On horseback, you can explore beautiful parts that are usually inaccessible—ride along plateaus, discover ancient caves and castles, and cross scenic forests. You can choose from various trails to suit your interest—visit the Kočevje region and then descend to Kostel Castle or climb to the top of Gorjanci Hills from the hills of Bela Krajina, and descend past the meadows to Pleterje and its hot springs. The best part: there are tours for beginners as well.
Volunteer at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury, Australia
Located in the quaint coastal town of Bunbury, the Dolphin Discovery Centre is a not-for-profit organisation that allows you to get up close with dolphins, learn more about them, and even swim with them. Its commitment to conservation, education, tourism, and research of the local population of wild bottlenose dolphins makes it a great place for volunteer work. Having a conversational level of English language is mandatory since this is a people-related activity. You can even be asked to be a tour guide for visitors to the centre. Since it takes time for the volunteers to become familiar with the centre, you’ll need to commit to a minimum of 25 hours per week for six weeks. Once you sign up, you’ll be thrilled to spend your time in the beautiful town, both on and off the coast. During your free time, visit the farmer’s market close by.
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Related: Sustainable Travel Index 2023: Europe Grabs 19 Of Top 20 Spots
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is sustainable travel?
It is a form of travelling that minimises negative impacts on the environment, supports local communities, and preserves cultural heritage.
– Why is sustainable travel important?
With the planet undergoing expansive ecological turmoil, sustainable travel is the need of the hour. It can help slow down or even reverse the signs of environmental degradation.
– How can I travel sustainably?
To practice sustainable travel, choose eco-friendly transportation, stay in environmentally friendly accommodations, conserve energy and water, support local businesses, respect local culture, minimise waste, and engage in activities that benefit the environment and local communities.
– Are sustainable travel options more expensive?
Sustainable travel options can vary in cost. While some eco-friendly accommodations or activities may have higher tariffs due to their sustainable practices, this is not always the case.
– What are some eco-friendly accommodations?
Some eco-friendly accommodations include Skylodge Sacred Valley in Peru, Lakestone Lodge in New Zealand, and Wilderness Vumbura Plains camp in Botswana.
– How can I support local communities while travelling?
By staying in locally-owned accommodations, eating at local restaurants, shopping for locally-made products, participating in community-based tourism, engaging with locals, hiring local guides, and contributing to local development projects or charities.
– What is voluntourism?
Voluntourism refers to combining tourism with volunteering in local communities or conservation projects.
– Can I offset my carbon footprint while travelling?
Yes, you can offset your carbon footprint while travelling by supporting carbon offset projects.
– How can I minimise plastic waste while travelling?
To minimise plastic waste while travelling, bring a reusable water bottle and shopping bags, use reusable containers and utensils, dispose of waste responsibly, and choose accommodations and businesses that prioritise plastic reduction initiatives.
Shibani Bawa is a food and travel writer based in New Delhi. She has been writing on luxury lifestyle for 20 years now for some of the best print and digital magazines published in India, including Travel+Leisure India South Asia, BBC Good Food, BBC Good Homes, Cosmopolitan and India Today, among others. Shibani has her finger on the pulse of all the latest trends and developments in the world of travel and tourism across the globe, and has a special interest in responsible luxury and conscious travel.
