How to holiday sustainably this summer
Having an eco-friendly conscience doesn’t mean we should miss out on that much-needed summer break, and at Nudj we’re all about taking those small steps that add up to big accomplishments when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint. Tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, so it’s certainly an area of our lives to think about when it comes to the impact our actions are having on the planet.
To help you travel more sustainably this summer we’ve put together some simple ways you can get away while keeping the planet in mind- whether you’re looking for a relaxing spa break or an adventure-filled exploration of some of the world’s most inspiring corners.
Where to go
Keeping it local
There’s nothing better than fish and chips on a pebble beach under the Great British sunshine (when it decides to make an appearance!). Staycations have become increasingly popular in recent years- partly due to the low-risk factor when it comes to thinking about the dreaded C word, but also because they’re often cheaper, faster, and simpler- especially if you’re travelling with little ones in tow.
There are some beautiful things to discover on this little island we call home- from hiking in the lake district to swimming in Cornwall’s natural sea pools; activity filled family-friendly festivals and finding sanctuary in some of the world’s most beautiful spas – there are plenty of ways to have fun and unwind without hopping on a long-haul flight.
Further afield
Jetting off on long-haul flights to beautiful far-flung destinations may not seem like the most sustainable option, but we can’t expect us all to give up on our dreams of seeing the world forever. What we can do is choose our destinations wisely and put our money where our mouth is when it comes to our sustainability goals. To help we’ve rounded up some of the countries leading the way in planet-first tourism.
Bhutan- There’s arguably no better trip to take than a holiday to one of the world’s only carbon-negative countries. With a sensitive approach to tourism that sees the country carefully regulating the number of visitors it sees each year, a holiday to beautiful Bhutan is an opportunity to surround yourself in luscious forests and see for yourself how a country that puts sustainability at the forefront allows nature and the local community to thrive.
Finland- We’re all about making sustainability simple, so a country that puts together a helpful sustainability guide for tourists is one that we can get behind. Not only does the Finnish tourist board set out to help its visitors plan the most eco-friendly and culturally appropriate way to holiday, but it also proudly claims to have the clearest water and air on the planet. An all-round winner when it comes to a green getaway!
Germany- Boasting a Green Globe-certified tourist board and a long-distance train line that runs on 100% green electricity, Germany is up there when it comes to sustainable travel. It also happens to have the largest percentage if vegetarians in Europe, so we reckon eco-friendly eating is on the menu too!
Where to stay
With your destination chosen, it’s time to think about where you’re going to lay your head when you get there. A plethora of eco-friendly hotels around the world mean your spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury, and a rise in the popularity of getting back to nature means that high-end camping sites have popped up all over the UK. Here are our top choices!
Home Farm Glamping, London- Just a few miles outside London, Home Farm Glamping offers an escape from the city that focuses on family-friendly fun in the outdoors. Unplug and unwind in the fresh air with a blissful break in the Great British countryside- all while knowing you’ve done your bit for the planet with a staycation that feels a lot further than just a short train ride from the big smoke.
Six Senses, Bhutan- Taken our recommendation for a trip to Bhutan? Treat yourself to true luxury once you arrive with a stay this stunning eco-friendly spa, which allows guests to truly soak up the magic of this inspiring country.
Nature Resort Schindelbruch, Südharz, Germany- In between zipping around on green energy trains and tucking into tasty veggie food, you’ll need somewhere to chill out if you’re feeling inspired to visit Germany this summer. Nature Resort Schindelbruch is an eco-friendly spa imbedded in nature, with a mission is to prove that tourism and ecology can go hand-in-hand.
How to get there
By this point you probably know that long-haul flights aren’t the best mode of transport when we’re thinking about reducing our carbon footprint. In fact, flying contributes to roughly 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, and around 3.5% when we take non-CO2 impacts on climate into account. Hopping on the Eurostar, however, makes a great alternative to flying or ferrying over to mainland Europe, and going by rail when you arrive in your destination is even better- especially if you can get around on an electric train. If you have to fly, going economy is better than business, and you can kiss your low carbon footprint goodbye if you were planning on taking a private jet.
Setting yourself the challenge of a more sustainable summer? Don’t forget to keep on top of your goal, track your progress and share with our likeminded community over on the Nudj app!
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