Liz Durnan

Liz Durnanhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/liz-durnanLiz Durnanhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/is-airbnb-an-ethical-optionShort-stay accommodation platforms like Airbnb were hailed as a way for travelers to enjoy a more authentic, local experience. Then came the backlash. Can these rentals still be part of an ethical travel experience?2024-03-11T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/is-airbnb-an-ethical-optionhttps://www.worldnomads.comThe surge in short-term residential platforms has transformed the travel industry in recent decades. So why is the sector being blamed for everything from the housing crisis to overtourism worldwide? <ul> <li><a href="#rise">The rise and rise of Airbnb</a></li> <li><a href="#issue">The issue with short-stay vacation rentals</a></li> <li><a href="#restrictions">Are restrictions on STRAs justified?</a></li> <li><a href="#balance">Balancing the tourism economy and affordable housing</a></li> <li><a href="#change">How travelers can help change the industry for the better </a></li> <li><a href="#why">Why choose a short-stay vacation rental?</a></li> <li><a href="#back">Getting back to the original idea behind Airbnb</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="rise">The rise and rise of Airbnb</h2> Back in the day – 2008 to be exact – many travelers discovered a new way to find a roof over their head in far-flung areas around the globe. This was the year Airbnb came into play and, while it wasn’t the first short-stay accommodation platform, it revolutionized travel for many. Choices opened up for travelers, beyond hotels and motels. And better still, they could vet their options with online reviews from previous users. These platforms also provided a way for locals to rent out their homes and make some extra cash from travelers. Now Airbnb is one of the world’s most-visited travel websites and competitors, like VRBO and Booking.com, are also big players in the hosted and non-hosted short-stay residential accommodation (STRA) sector. <h2 id="issue">The issue with short-stay vacation rentals</h2> In many tourist hotspots, local governments are now trying to curb the growth of STRAs, particularly non-hosted stays (where the host does not live on site permanently), to address chronic housing shortages and rising rents for locals. In 2023, one of Italy’s most popular cities and a World Heritage UNESCO site, Florence, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/florence-airbnb-ban/index.html" target="_blank">banned any new Airbnbs in the historic center of the city</a>, due to overtourism. In Australia, state governments are imposing restrictions on the sector in an attempt to confront a housing shortage and surging rents. The state of Victoria imposed a levy on short-term rental property owners and restrictions are already in place in New South Wales, where non-hosted STRAs are limited to 180 days. And in some of the most popular tourist areas, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/sep/26/byron-bay-shire-nsw-60-day-short-term-holiday-rental-airbnb-cap-approved" target="_blank">there have been calls to restrict this further</a>, to only 60 days. In New York City, there have long been restrictions on these kind of short-stay rentals but it wasn’t until 2023 that <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/05/nyregion/airbnb-regulations-nyc-housing.html" target="_blank">NYC’s Law 18</a> meant more serious enforcement of the rules. Some say these rules are already working to open up rentals; others say they’re unfair to locals trying to make some extra cash, while giving hotels an unfair advantage. <h2 id="restrictions">Are restrictions on STRAs justified?</h2> That depends who you speak to. Academics, governments, media – and Airbnb – have all been crunching the numbers to determine just how much STRAs affect long-term housing supply, and how much restrictions will hurt the tourism industry. In a statement from Airbnb Australia entitled <a href="https://news.airbnb.com/en-au/housing-crisis-demands-action-not-scapegoats/" target="_blank">Housing Crisis Demands Action not Scapegoats</a>, the company claims restrictions have made it more expensive for visitors to New York and cautions against Australia going down the same route. “Visitors have fewer accommodation options and face higher hotel prices – both of these trends are discouraging potential visitors from travelling to the Big Apple. As has been proven time and time again, more competition, not less, is vital to keeping prices down.” Airbnb claims that other factors play a bigger part in exacerbating the housing crisis in Australia, including new housing supply not keeping up with demand, record-low interest rates, tax breaks for investors, and population growth. It also cites the issue of second homes laying empty all year round and not available for rent at all. This is a legitimate argument – in the Australian state of New South Wales, according to the 2021 census, there are approximately 10 times as many vacant houses as there are short-term rentals. But these are more difficult for governments to regulate. <h2 id="balance">Balancing the tourism economy and affordable housing</h2> So, while housing advocates call for regulations, governments in areas reliant on the tourist dollar face the task of ensuring sufficient visitor accommodation, while retaining affordable housing for locals and the very people who keep that economy going. Jen Clark is a former accommodation manager and founder of Australian-based <a href="https://hostingwithheart.net.au/" target="_blank">Hosting with Heart</a>, which she created to address issues within the STRA sector and make it more ethical. It’s billed as “the world’s first online property directory managed by hosts who give a s**t about people and the planet as much as they do profit.” Jen believes there is a long way to go to find a healthy balance between quality, responsibly operated accommodation and longer-term rental housing stock and that not regulating STRAs in Australia has resulted in an oversupply of short-term accommodation. “This benefits no one, as every STR operator – be them ethically-minded or not – suffers lower occupancy rates as a result.” Jen believes the recent study commissioned by Airbnb (cited above) made the figures look rosier “in order to suit their commercial agenda.” Consistent regulation and incentives for multi-property owners to list secondary properties long-term would make a difference, according to Jen. With this in mind her new STRA marketplace, ‘Heartful’, encourages hosts to move their properties to the long-term rental market if they’re sitting vacant for a significant part of the year. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/short-term-rentals/airbnb-local-stay.jpg" alt="Two young women walk down the front stairs of an apartment building in a European town." /> <figcaption>Short-term rentals let travelers live like locals – but is it fair to the actual locals? Image credit: Getty Images / Cathedral Falls Commercial</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="change">How travelers can help change the industry for the better</h2> Heartful also connects travelers with responsible hosts by only featuring properties that focus on sustainability and inclusive hosting practices. Jen believes travelers can influence the market by looking closely at the ethos of accommodation providers and asking more questions: “Does a particular property showcase products and services from its local community? Do they operate with sustainability? Do they practice inclusion and aim to ensure an enjoyable, comfortable stay for guests with diverse access needs?” These sound practices by hosts, rather than being a burden, give them a competitive business edge, Jen says. “A growing number of travelers are seeking holiday experiences that align with their own values and cater to their needs… We want them to feel empowered by the impact their travel choices have on people, communities, and the planet.” <h2 id="why">Why choose a short-stay rental?</h2> Tracy Bickley is a writer and artist who travels around the world. Mostly, she opts for short-stay residential accommodation for affordability and an immersive cultural experience, compared to a hotel. She seeks either hosted or non-hosted STRAs, and credits them with “opening up the world” to someone like her – a single parent with an unreliable income living in central London during a <a href="/travel-wiser/practical/travel-cheaply-in-cost-of-living-crisis">cost-of-living crisis</a>. On a recent trip to Japan, she stayed in a large hotel first, but found it impersonal and anonymous, so she booked into a traditional Ryokan via an online booking platform. “I learned about Japanese culture and kindness,” she says. “In Spain and France, I’ve stayed in homes where I’ve gained insight just looking at the bookshelves or the spices in the kitchen cupboards. You’re living the culture.” She finds residential stays usually more environmentally sound than large hotels, too: “I don’t need my room cleaned every day, or new sheets and towels that use so much water. I don’t need free toiletries, slippers, or plastic toothbrushes and cutlery… huge hotels are often more detrimental to climate change than someone opening up their home for a week.” <h2 id="back">Getting back to the original idea behind Airbnb</h2> Tracy also points to the economic benefit for those renting out their homes, with friends and neighbors in London often doing it to pay bills and survive. “If you're really wealthy, there's no need for anyone to ever come into your home and you can lock the doors and go away.” This fits with the original ethos of Airbnb. Its disruptor model was founded when its creators struggled with the rent on their San Francisco apartment – they had the bright idea of raising cash by letting out air mattresses on their living room floor. Perhaps like many things – including some of the world’s best tourist destinations – STRAs can become a victim of their own success. Short stays don’t need to be off the agenda though – they can still offer some wonderful accommodation options. As responsible travelers, we can do the research and choose wisely.Getty Images / Milko 11462177558 Getty Images A pair of senior travelers arrive at their vacation rental.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/destination-zero-wasteWe can travel more consciously by visiting those places making bold leaps towards zero waste… and by leaving them just as we found them.2023-04-11T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/destination-zero-wastehttps://www.worldnomads.comFortunately for us travel lovers, some of the best destinations on earth are also some of the most progressive in their commitment to waste reduction, aiming towards a <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/zero-waste-dining">zero-waste economy</a>. And it’s not just some of the big names – those large modern cities where we expect to find plenty of innovation towards waste management. I’m thinking San Francisco, Copenhagen, Singapore. <ul> <ul> <li><a href="#global">Global movement</a></li> <li><a href="#what">What is zero waste?</a></li> <li><a href="#plastic">The plastic problem</a></li> <li><a href="#help">What can travelers do to help?</a></li> <li><a href="#leave">Leave nothing behind</a></li> <li><a href="#local">Local legislation</a></li> <li><a href="#zero">Zero waste – a win-win</a></li> <li><a href="#success">Success in Sardinia</a></li> </ul> </ul> <h2 id="global">Global movement</h2> In far-flung corners of the globe, there are also smaller, more remote – and beautiful – destinations making impressive efforts to eliminate waste. Take Siquijor, a tiny island province in the Philippines home to around 100,000 people. Plastic is prohibited on the island meaning that people often take their own bags to markets and grocery stores, and their own reusable containers to restaurants. The island’s roads, parks, beaches, and markets are free of plastic litter – and the local marine and bird life can breathe a sigh of relief in the nation’s third largest producer of marine plastic pollution. <h2 id="what">What is zero waste?</h2> <a href="https://www.no-burn.org/about/">The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)</a> recently defined zero waste as “a comprehensive waste management approach that prioritizes waste reduction and material recovery. “Strategies include policy interventions and business approaches to drive the redesign of products and delivery systems; and increasing access to reuse, repair, recycling, and composting. “The ultimate aim is to create a circular economy, shrinking waste disposal to zero.” So, zero waste is more than just managing waste – it’s about not producing it in the first place and increasing reuse and recycling. Traditional disposal systems that rely on incineration and landfill to handle waste are not zero waste – these are expensive and harmful to the environment. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/make-a-difference/index-responsible-travel/people/zero-waste-in-article-image.jpg" /><figcaption>Punta Don Diego beach in Sardinia (Italy) Photo credit: Getty Images/virtualphoto</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="plastic">The plastic problem</h2> The issue for many tourist destinations is that they often end up being spoiled by their success; while they attract plenty of visitors, with those greater numbers comes extra rubbish and many smaller places don’t have the extra resources to deal with it. Claire Arkin, Global Communications Lead for GAIA, told us: “Many tourist destinations tend to be near bodies of water like oceans, rivers and lakes. But the natural beauty that draws tourists to these areas become hotspots for waste pollution, threatening the tourism economy for residents. “Plastic pollution in particular causes major problems,” Arkin said. “Most single-use plastic is used for a short period and then stays in the environment in one form or another for hundreds of years. “So many tourist destinations have to deal with growing volumes of plastic waste that are impossible to manage. This plastic gets into bodies of water, litters streets, clogs gutters and drains, etc.” This not only detracts from the destination’s beauty, Arkin told us, but it’s expensive to clean up. It can also make areas more prone to flooding, and exposes residents to toxic pollution from sources like microplastics and emissions from burning plastic. <h2 id="help">What can travelers do to help?</h2> “Tourists can seek out and support accommodations and businesses that practice zero waste,” Arkin said. “Travelers can also take the opportunity to learn more about the community groups and organizations working towards zero waste in the place that they are visiting – these kinds of cross-regional exchanges help the zero-waste movement grow!” Or she suggests joining such groups to support their efforts towards zero waste, including <a href="https://www.no-burn.org/join-gaia/">GAIA</a>.  <h2 id="leave">Leave nothing behind</h2> Camila Aguilera of GAIA Latin America offers practical ways tourists can help destinations on their road to zero waste. Aguilera works with Puerto Natales, a city in Chilean Patagonia making deep inroads towards zero waste. Puerto Natales is the primary transit point of travelers to Torres del Paine National Park, “one of the most visited natural in Chile,” said Aguilera. During some periods the city’s overpopulation with tourists seriously affects its waste management, exacerbated by its remote location. GAIA Latin America works with a local environmental conservation organization <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fundacionlenga/?hl=en">Fundación Lenga</a> and collaborates with a tour operator and a hostel on a program to reduce waste and promote recycling. “Although recycling is very difficult since the city cannot be reached by road,” Aguilera said. “Making the transport of recyclable waste not only very difficult, but also costly. “Where possible, always refill and reuse containers. When visiting national parks, return with waste at least to the nearest town. If it is difficult to manage waste in Puerto Natales, it is much more complex to do so in a remote national park.” Auguilera also advises asking tourist operators and hotels and hostels if they have zero-waste initiatives in their businesses. “Tourism is the economic engine of the area and if tourists themselves start making zero waste demands, it can accelerate the efforts of local communities and organizations such as Fundación Lenga.” <h2 id="local">Local legislation</h2> However, Aguilera said it’s not tourists themselves that are the problem, but the lack of legal mandates to control waste. “Of course, tourists generate a lot of disposable waste because they are just passing through, but it is not the tourists themselves who are the problem. The real problem is that in places as remote and naturally important as Patagonia, the use of disposable containers should not be allowed.  “There should be a legal mandate forcing companies to provide the possibility of reuse and refilling. But until that happens, tourists' waste is affecting overburdened management systems… We are talking about a tremendously windy place, where waste can end up far away in nature.” <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/make-a-difference/index-responsible-travel/people/zero-waste-in-article-2.jpg" /><figcaption>Siquijor island, Philippines. Photo credit: Getty Images/Max Shen</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="zero">Zero waste – a win-win</h2> Back to Siquijor in the Philippines, which made such mandates, with great success.  According to <a href="https://www.no-burn.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Community-Voices_single.pdf">a report on the island’s waste reduction</a>, making waste management part of the agenda results in “a win-win scenario for local communities, especially in highly urbanized and/or tourism areas with challenges in land space for sanitary landfills.” “The community gets to maintain the beauty of the place and invite more tourists while also saving money that would otherwise be spent on managing increasing waste.” Aiming for <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/sustainable-terms">zero waste</a> through waste reduction, reuse, repair and recycling also can also boost local economies by job generation with not only more, but better, jobs, according to GAIA.  They estimate that, compared with incinerators and landfills, repair creates over 200 times more jobs; recycling, over 50 times more jobs; and remanufacturing, almost 30 times more jobs.” <h2 id="success">Success in Sardinia</h2> Over in Europe, another destination that has become a model for zero-waste progress is the beautiful Italian island Sardinia. A combination of government legislation and incentives <a href="https://www.missionzeroacademy.eu/miza/leading-by-example-sardinias-zero-waste-model/">has transformed waste management on the island over twenty years</a>, despite the challenges of its relative remoteness from the mainland and large visitor numbers. The island aimed to stop biowaste from ending up in landfill with a compulsory separate collection, as well as targets on the amount of biowaste per inhabitant and the introduction of a reward/penalty system. Now, 206 out of 377 municipalities have achieved a recycling rate above 65 per cent. To put this in perspective, the European recycling target for 2035 is 65 per cent, so over half of Sardinia’s municipalities are already there. That sounds like a win-win for both locals and visitors.Getty Images/Javier Ghersi 0 A town at sunrise

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/off-the-grid-travel-stays-zero-emissions-maximum-funWhen you choose off-the-grid accommodation, you’re not only doing your bit for the environment. You’re choosing some of the most appealing – and often unconventional – stays in the world.2022-09-26T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/off-the-grid-travel-stays-zero-emissions-maximum-funhttps://www.worldnomads.comWith increasing interest in zero-emission accommodation, there’s now a huge array of off-the-grid (OTG) stays, from humble to deluxe, many oozing the novelty factor or just a welcome change from beige hotel room walls. OTG stays around the world include cosy yurts in Patagonia, eco-pods in the Australian outback, traditional bothies in Scotland, narrow boats in England, even tree houses in the South Pacific. The movement towards simpler stays echoes <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/why-small-stays-are-a-greener-choice">the tiny house movement</a> that’s become so hugely popular across the globe, in response to rising energy costs, housing affordability, and concern for the environment. It makes sense for anyone wanting to travel lightly – the less space we take up, the less impact it will have. Even more so, if the heating is solar powered and the water harvested onsite. But with so much advanced technology, OTG stays aren’t limited to tiny homes – it’s also so possible for larger homes to be off grid, even hotels. So, if you’re going away as a family or larger group, there are plenty of choices too. <ul> <li><a href="#mean">What does off-the-grid mean?</a></li> <li><a href="#expect">What to expect when staying off-the-grid</a></li> <li><a href="#find">Finding off-the-grid stays</a></li> <li><a href="#cabin">An eco cabin in New Zealand</a></li> <li><a href="#treehouse">An off-the-grid treehouse in Hawaii</a></li> <li><a href="#lodge">River lodges in South Africa</a></li> <li><a href="#bothy">Bothies in Scotland</a></li> <li><a href="#gers">Eco gers in Mongolia</a></li> <li><a href="#shacks">Beach shacks in Tasmania</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="mean">What does off-the-grid mean?</h2> When we talk about off-the-grid, we’re usually referring to a property being self-sufficient by not having to source any external energy – electricity or gas – from the public network. However, it’s a flexible term and one that’s used quite loosely – I’ve seen travel stories refer to off-grid places that might have sustainable initiatives, but aren’t entirely self-reliant. Strictly speaking, accommodation that bills itself 100 percent OTG should not have to purchase any electricity or gas from the main grid, generating its own power from solar or wind power. It might not be connected to town water either, instead sourcing water from a rainwater tank or other onsite source, such as a bore or spring. It may have its own waste system too and use composting toilets. Other ways to maximize self-sufficiency could be growing fruit and vegetables for guest use. And extra points for any stays that provide their own milk, eggs, cheese, or meat! You can ask the owners or managers if they are 100 percent off grid or at least close to being self-sufficient. After all, something is better than nothing. <h2 id="expect">What to expect when staying off-the-grid</h2> It’s also worth bearing in mind that there may be trade-offs when staying entirely OTG. This could mean leaving the hairdryer at home, not running heaters all night or limiting device charging. Many places that are 100 percent off grid reap energy in the daylight hours from solar and store during the night. This will mean they need to conserve energy so the batteries don’t drain overnight. Or it may mean being more considerate than usual of water use, such as shorter showers if a place is relying on rainwater. Remember, being off-grid can also relate to our own actions as individuals – we can increase our sense of being off-grid simply by putting our phones away and disconnecting. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/off-the-grid/tugela-river-lodge.jpg" alt="A self-catering lodge on the banks of the Tugela River in South Africa." /><figcaption>A self-catering OTG lodge on the banks of the Tugela River in South Africa. Image credit: Tugela River Lodge</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="find">Finding off-the-grid stays</h2> Such is the demand for less orthodox stays, even the mainstream accommodation platforms have got in on the act. Earlier this year Airbnb launched a whole new search function to make choosing less-conventional stays easier. Their categories are now refined to include such appealing descriptors as earth homes, A-frames, houseboats, towers, domes, yurts, shipping containers, and more. Many of these quirky choices are also off-grid. But, to make finding them easier, there is also a whole category for off-the-grid stays too. The rapid growth of this sector generally means that there are a multitude to choose from in every continent. Here’s a small selection from around the world. <h2 id="cabin">An eco cabin in New Zealand</h2> <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/33934738" target="_blank">Ecoescape</a> is a tiny cabin at the base of the stunning Taranaki Mountain on New Zealand’s north island. As well as the amazing views captured by large windows, the cabin is an easy bike track ride to the nearest town, beach, and mountain – upping the energy saving factor of this delightful escape. 100 percent off-grid, all the power is from solar panels and hydro turbines, and gardens provide food for guests during the growing season. <h2 id="treehouse">An off-the-grid treehouse in Hawaii</h2> This <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/20151984" target="_blank">entirely off-grid treehouse on the Big Island of Hawaii</a> is a short hike from nearby beaches, forests, and volcanoes. It provides the extraordinary experience of living among the treetops, with the treehouse elevated 15ft (4.5m) off the ground, rising to 20ft (6m) from the raised bed platform, from which you can stargaze all night. All energy is from solar power, but there are no cooking facilities – the owners encourage guests to try the local fare. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/off-the-grid/treehouse-hawaii.jpg" alt="An off-the-grid treehouse on the Big Island of Hawaii." /> <figcaption>An off-the-grid treehouse on the Big Island of Hawaii. Image credit: Airbnb</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="lodge">River lodges in South Africa</h2> <a href="https://www.tugelariverlodge.co.za/" target="_blank">Tugela River Lodge</a>, a self-catering lodge on a cattle and game farm on the banks of the Tugela River, comprises a main lodge and small cottages built with locally sourced materials, such as stone and thatch. It’s the perfect place to experience nature with mountain bike and trail-running tracks and giraffe spotting from the windows. Run on solar power, there is no TV and guests are encouraged to ditch phones for a complete break from modern technology. <h2 id="bothy">Bothies in Scotland</h2> “What’s a bothy?” you might well ask. It’s a term for a basic small building or shelter, traditionally used by gardeners or workers in Scotland. While free-of-charge bothies still exist in remote parts of Scotland, you can opt for ‘rough luxury’ at <a href="https://www.inverlonan.com/" target="_blank">Inverlonan</a>, on the west coast. These architecturally designed bothies are accessible only by boat, foot or buggy, nestled as they are between ancient oaks overlooking Loch Nell. 16 solar panels complement the wood heating and all bothies have a private deck, open fire pit, pizza oven, private eco-toilet and outdoor shower with “a serious view”. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/off-the-grid/bothy.jpg" alt="A bothy, or small shelter, overlooking Loch Nell in western Scotland." /> <figcaption>A traditional bothy overlooking Loch Nell in western Scotland. Image credit: Inverlonan</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="gers">Eco gers in Mongolia</h2> <a href="https://www.threecamellodge.com/">Three Camel Lodge</a> in Mongolia, “the only luxury ecolodge in the Gobi desert”, consists of 40 traditional felt and canvas yurt tents – or gers – the kind used by <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/mongolia/unique-experiences-mongolia">Mongolian nomads</a> and adhering to Mongolian Buddhist style. Nearly all the lighting is solar-powered and more than 50 percent of supplies come from within 50mi (80km). This is supplemented by organic produce grown in their onsite greenhouse. <h2 id="shacks">Beach shacks in Tasmania</h2> Famed Tasmanian beach ‘shacks’ were traditionally built as humble holiday homes for locals, but are being opened up to tourists. Many are small and basic but often with stunning views and injections of luxury where it counts – bedlinen, outdoor baths, local provisions. <a href="https://www.sheepwashbay.com/the-shack" target="_blank">Sheepwash Bay</a> on Bruny Island, a tiny island off Tasmania, is a “simple, earthy cabin built from reclaimed timbers.” The owners provide freshly baked sourdough bread and the property is fully OFG with power generated from solar and wind, only backed up by a generator during bad weather. Vegetable gardens provide extra supplies and a happy chicken might just give you an egg. No matter what your tastes in accommodation, if you’re prepared to make a few tiny compromises, there’s an OTG stay somewhere in the world waiting to welcome you. So, what are you waiting for?Getty Images / John Slater 1567863813 Getty Images A woman sits in the doorway of a yurt out in the wilderness.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/why-traveling-overnight-means-traveling-lightIt’s no secret that transport and accommodation are the two biggest carbon emitters when we travel. By combining the two we can slash our travel footprint.2024-09-19T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/why-traveling-overnight-means-traveling-lighthttps://www.worldnomads.comWhether by train, boat, or coach, traveling overnight can be lots of fun – you’re likely to see more and absorb more of the local culture than traveling by plane and staying in hotels every night. Here are some tips for smooth overnight journeys. Most of all, by combining travel and accommodation, you're reducing your travel carbon footprint. <ul> <li><a href="#plan">Plan ahead</a></li> <li><a href="#save">Save a night’s worth of natural resources</a></li> <li><a href="#trains">The wonder of train travel</a></li> <li><a href="#sleepers">Classic ‘sleeper’ trains</a></li> <li><a href="#water">Overnight journeys by water</a></li> <li><a href="#bus">Don’t discount bus travel</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="plan">Plan ahead</h2> It pays to plan your itinerary in advance, identifying journeys long enough for overnight travel and seeing what’s on offer. By planning ahead, you won’t end up spending the night on a train station bench. You’ll want reasonably comfortable, safe transport so that you can wake up refreshed at your destination. When traveling through Europe as a student many years ago – on the tiniest of budgets – we made the most of our rail pass by traveling through the night whenever we could. We slept upright through France and then prone on Italian couchettes. Once, we laid out on the deck of a Greek ferry as it navigated rocky seas from Italy, by way of Corfu. While we did save lots of money, many of my memories of the world’s most beautiful cities are hazy, glimpsed through a bleary, sleep-deprived brain. Now I’m weighing up another trip through Europe, but I figure if I pay for a cabin on the overnight ferries and trains, I’ll still be saving money and <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/low-impact-ways-to-see-the-world">reducing my carbon impact</a> if the travel does double duty as my accommodation. <h2 id="save">Save a night’s worth of natural resources</h2> A stay in a hotel, motel, apartment, or Airbnb involves energy and hot water use as well as towel and bedlinen changes, all of which chew through natural resources. In fact, the average hotel room uses 68.5lbs (31.1kg) of carbon per room per night according to the <a href="https://sustainablehospitalityalliance.org/resource/hotel-carbon-measurement-initiative/" target="_blank">Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI)</a>, an initiative from the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. By traveling through the night, we’re saving most of that while also enjoying a richer experience. <h2 id="trains">The wonder of train travel</h2> “Trains are wonderful.... To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches and rivers, in fact, to see life,” said Agatha Christie. The train is also <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/the-return-of-train-travel">the least polluting form of travel</a> – other than making your way on foot – and there are often multiple options for overnight travel, from the most basic to deluxe. Another bonus of trains is that you often arrive in the heart of a city, not an airport, which can be miles out, meaning yet another bus or taxi as well as more money and carbon emissions. Then there’s the delight of bedding down in one place and waking up in an entirely different place, perhaps even a different country, a different language and landscape. <h2 id="sleepers">Classic sleeper trains</h2> Europe boasts a number of classic sleeper routes, such as Vienna to Rome (around 11 hours). The <a href="https://www.nightjet.com/en/#/home" target="_blank">NightJet</a> service operated by Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) got even better in 2023 with innovative new trains going into service. Another stunning route is from Stockholm to Narvik at the Arctic Circle in northern Norway (22 hours). Or there’s a night train from Rome to Sicily with the train boarding a boat to make the final crossing across the Straits of Messina. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/overnight-stays/messina-train-ferry.jpg" alt="A ferry carrying a train crosses the Straits of Messina between mainland Italy and Sicily." /> <figcaption>A ferry carrying a train crosses the Straits of Messina between mainland Italy and Sicily. Image credit: Getty Images / pilesasmiles</figcaption></figure> For multiple trips all over Europe, consider purchasing a <a href="https://www.eurail.com/en" target="_blank">Eurail</a> pass – or <a href="https://www.interrail.eu/en" target="_blank">Interail</a> for European citizens. There are a couple of UK sleeper journeys I'd like to do, too, including the <a href="https://www.sleeper.scot/">Caledonian Sleeper</a>, departing London Euston 10 minutes shy of midnight and arriving in Edinburgh at daybreak. The ‘Night Riviera’ from London to Penzance leaves Paddington in the late evening. You’ll wake up a world away as you glimpse sunrise and the glorious views of St Michael’s Mount in the far west of Cornwall. Looking to Asia, one of my favorite train journeys is through <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/vietnam">Vietnam</a>. This long, skinny country is in many ways ideal for a long train trip from one end to the other. The <a href="https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/travel-guides/reunification-express-train-guide/" target="_blank">Reunification Express</a> links Ho Chi Minh City to the capital Hanoi in the north, two distinctly different cities culturally. There’s so much to see along the way as you wind your way along the South China Sea – temples, rice paddies, historic towns. Not the height of luxury but cheap, air-conditioned, and reasonably comfortable on the softer bed options. <h2 id="water">Overnight journeys by water</h2> There’s a lot of appeal to an overnight stay on a boat, but cruising doesn’t necessarily equal environmental travel, even as some companies are turning their attention to sustainability. It’s difficult to justify the huge fuel footprint of behemothic vessels which can be as much as, or more than, flying per passenger. (Friends of the Earth has a <a href="https://foe.org/cruise-report-card/" target="_blank">scorecard</a> that rates the industry. It’s worth noting that none of the cruise companies evaluated score higher than a C+ in 2022.) But it is possible to opt for smaller companies who operate more modest vessels, barges, or sailboats and have a strong environmental focus, usually outlined on their website. Take cruise company <a href="https://www.uniworld.com/uk" target="_blank">Uniworld</a> which has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030. Initiatives include using 50 percent of electricity renewable by 2025, working with <a href="https://www.leanpath.com/" target="_blank">Leanpath</a> to reduce food waste onboard, and banning more than 60 types of single-use plastics. Their trips include such adventures as Cairo to Aswan and back again over 12 days, and 13 days on the Ganges India, from New Delhi to Kolkata. But for more budget options, you could simply add in some overnight ferry trips to your itinerary, either booking a sleeper cabin or a travel recliner. Consider traveling to China from Japan aboard the Shanghai Ferry from Osaka. Overnight cabins are basic but aboard you’ll find Japanese-style baths, karaoke, and a mah-jongg lounge. If you’re traveling from France to the UK, you could go the roundabout way via Ireland. Take the overnight ferry from Cherbourg to Rosslare (17 hours), then travel by train to Dublin to catch another overnight ferry to Liverpool. Or to cut out some of the overland travel between Croatia and Italy, there’s the Split to Ancona ferry which takes 12 hours and offers recliners to fairly luxurious private cabins with ensuite bathrooms. It’s also worth remembering that many ferries are covered by the Eurail pass, so check before you travel. <h2 id="bus">Don’t discount bus travel</h2> Perhaps it’s the least glamorous of the overnight options, but coach or bus travel is often the cheapest and it doesn’t have to mean a rough night upright. This is a particularly worthwhile option when venturing through South America. With lots of ground to cover, it’s a smart option by bus and can be extremely cheap, as well as stunningly scenic. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/overnight-stays/sleeper-bus-argentina.jpg" alt="A sleeping passenger aboard a long distance sleeper bus in Argentina." /> <figcaption>Sleeping on board a "bed bus" in Argentina. Image credit: Getty Images / Anton Petrus</figcaption></figure> For example, an overnight journey from Buenos Aires to Bariloche on a coche cama – or bed bus – with its reclining seats and in some cases, a hot meal. Even with more luxurious options, it’s still cheaper than flying or accommodation, and by carrying many passengers is more sustainable than a car. When booking your next long trip, think about incorporating at least a few overnight travel segments to cut your travel footprint. You’ll be opening yourself up to new experiences too, and isn’t that what travel is about?Getty Images / Oscar Wong 1596950717 Getty Images A woman sits on a bunk bed and gazes out the window of a sleeper train car.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/why-a-swimming-holiday-is-sustainableLove swimming and the environment? From challenging cold lakes to leisurely tropical seas, there are sustainable swim holidays for everyone. Here’s how to plan a swimming vacation.2022-08-19T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/why-a-swimming-holiday-is-sustainablehttps://www.worldnomads.comWhen I told a friend I was planning a swimming holiday, I anticipated an excited “Can I come, too?” Instead, she looked at me as strangely, her expression seeming to say, “Why on earth would you do that?” Then I remembered that she is Australian and I’m from the UK. For me, daily swimming is a delicious novelty and I’ve been improving my stroke for most of my life after being thrown in the deep end as a child with not much preparation or instruction. Whereas she, like many Australians, has probably been swimming laps of an Olympic-size pool since the age of five. For her, a holiday dedicated to swimming initially seems strange because swimming is what you do every day during the hotter months, at the beach or the local pool. But I’m not deterred. Not only am I convinced that a swimming holiday will be bliss, but I’m impressed with all the sustainable credentials that many swimming holiday operators proudly detail on their websites. (And curiously, many of these companies, while operating all over the world, are UK-based. So maybe swim holidays are a bit of a British thing?) <ul> <li><a href="#sustainable">Why is swimming sustainable?</a></li> <li><a href="#connections">Forging local connections</a></li> <li><a href="#zero">Net Zero by 2023</a></li> <li><a href="#where">Where to go for a swimming holiday</a></li> <li><a href="#level">Catering to every level of swimmer</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="sustainable">Why is swimming sustainable?</h2> At least two of the operators, <a href="https://swimquest.uk.com/" target="_blank">SwimQuest</a> and <a href="https://www.swimtrek.com/" target="_blank">SwimTrek</a>, outline many practical ways they ensure their swimming holidays are as light as possible on the environment. To keep energy use to a minimum, SwimQuest ensures transfer times are as short as possible so that guests are traveling less and swimming more. On each trip, they educate their guests on sustainable practices while traveling, including <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/how-to-reduce-plastic-use-while-you-travel">discouraging single-use plastics</a>, with all the damage this is doing to the world’s oceans and waterways. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/sustainable-swimming/swimquest-julian-alps-slovenia.jpg" alt="A woman swims in a lake in Slovenia's Julian Alps." /> <figcaption>Swimming in a lake in Slovenia's Julian Alps. Image credit: SwimQuest</figcaption></figure> Fostering a love of the water encourages this: “We believe swimming holidays can play a significant role in helping people to enjoy and appreciate our incredible oceans, rivers, lakes, and landscapes. It is through this appreciation we believe we can encourage our guests to embrace a more sustainable way of living.” But even the act of swimming – using our own bodies to power us through water– is lighter than many other water activities, in that we’re using all our own energy to power us along instead of an external energy source. It’s less intrusive to wildlife than activities involving high-powered boats or luxurious yachts. And all we need is ourselves and our swimming gear so that we’re not using many additional resources. <h2 id="connections">Forging local connections</h2> Of course, there is usually a small boat involved to get around at the destination and to accompany swimmers for safety or coaching. SwimQuest focus heavily on connecting with local workers, families, and boat pilots to keep money in the local economy, and this delivers a better richer cultural experience for guests too. “We are constantly looking for ways to strengthen our connection with the environment, the communities and the economies connected to our swim locations,” the SwimQuest website says. Other practical ways SwimQuest promotes sustainability is to never visit during peak season, helping the environment in the busier months and the local economy in quieter months. This also makes for a better swim holiday as the location is more peaceful. <h2 id="zero">Net Zero by 2023</h2> SwimTrek, which operates in multiple locations across the globe, including <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/5-things-hawaii">Hawaii</a>, Vietnam, Egypt, Indonesia, Belize, Cascade Lakes (Oregon), and the Italian Lakes, convey their serious focus on <a href="/explore/worldwide/tips-for-responsible-family-travel">sustainability </a>too, and are committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2023. To achieve this, they follow the <a href="https://www.iema.net/" target="_blank">Institute of Environmental Management and Assessments (IEMA)</a> strategies for emissions reductions, including eliminating operations and practices that generate greenhouse gas emissions where possible. Where this is not achievable, they pledge to compensate for negative emissions through <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/carbon-offset-schemes">carbon offset schemes</a>, ‘with the goal of not only becoming carbon neutral but carbon positive.’ <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/sustainable-swimming/swim-trek-oman-fjords.jpg" alt="A group of swimmers swim alongside a traditional boat in the Oman fjords." /> <figcaption>Swimming in the fjords of Oman. Image credit: SwimTrek</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="where">Where to go for a swimming holiday</h2> One of the hardest decisions to make when choosing a swim holiday is where to go, with trips ranging from open-water swimming in the bracing waters of the English Lake District, to bath-like <a href="/travel-safety/caribbean/how-to-stay-safe-while-traveling-the-caribbean-islands">Caribbean</a> seas, to the breathtaking fjords of Oman. Of course, one of the most effective – and relatively easy – ways we can make any holiday more sustainable is by reducing our air miles to get there. This isn’t difficult because the growing popularity of swim holidays means there are more and more varied trips to choose from all over the world and it won’t be hard to find a swim holiday on your own continent. Just doing this one thing will probably be the most effective way to minimize the overall footprint of your trip. <h2 id="level">Catering to every level of swimmer</h2> And don’t be put off by thinking everyone is (or needs to be) a budding Olympic swimmer. In fact, many companies will work with people to correct their strokes and improve their swimming ability. They encourage lots of relaxation between swims and you can choose from beginner level or, even if you’re not a beginner but just want a more relaxing trip, you can opt for one of the more recreational itineraries, such as a 1-2km (.6-1.2mi) swim each day. But if your goals are more Olympian-minded, SwimQuest has an Olympic athlete on their coaching team – former British medalist Dan Wallace coaches on ‘technique and explore’ trips to Mathraki, a remote island off Corfu. This trip includes swims between islands, coastal exploration, and an opportunity for some serious stroke improvement. For an even bigger challenge, SwimQuest offers a challenging open-water swim to Robben Island, <a href="/explore/southern-africa/south-africa">South Africa</a>, 7km (4.3mi) west of Cape Town and where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned before the fall of apartheid, now a <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a>. If you’re keen on a swimming holiday but your traveling companion is more of a landlubber, most of the operators will cater to that. You can share a room and your partner can do what they like in one of the stunning locations around the world. So, even if your other half finds a swimming holiday strange at first, they’re bound to come around to the idea.Getty Images / Gary Yeowell 11082594536 Getty Images A woman swimmer gazes out at the sea off the coast of Sicily.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/wellness-travel-good-for-us-and-the-planetBy choosing travel that’s good for the environment, we can be doing ourselves a world of good, too. Here are tips on planning a sustainable and rejuvenating wellness holiday.2022-08-18T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/wellness-travel-good-for-us-and-the-planethttps://www.worldnomads.comThe origin of the English word holiday is ‘holy day’, meaning a sacred day as well as a day free of work and recreation. Traditionally, holidays were about time off, taking in fresh air and water. Remember those Victorian novels where the characters go to ‘take in the waters’ at spa towns or retreat to the coast for rest and recuperation? In more recent times, holidays have become synonymous with partying, overindulgence, and extreme adventure activities – all taking their toll on local environments. But now wellness trips are emerging which go back to the traditional holiday idea, focusing on mindfulness, <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/the-beauty-of-slow-travel">slowing down</a>, observing nature, and it’s logical to assume that traveling in this way is gentle on the planet too. But is wellness travel always good for the environment? <ul> <li><a href="#energy">Be your own energy source</a></li> <li><a href="#credentials">Check the green credentials</a></li> <li><a href="#communities">Support the local communities </a></li> <li><a href="#wellness">What is a wellness holiday?</a></li> <li><a href="#retreat">Where to find wellness retreats</a></li> <li><a href="#create">Create your own wellness holiday</a></li> <li><a href="#connected">Everything is connected</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="energy">Be your own energy source</h2> Fortunately, many wellness activities are those that tread lightly, too. When we use our own energy, we’re helping to save the world’s energy, and that’s good for us, physically and psychologically. Bouncing along in a huge four-wheel drive or speeding around in a motorboat can be great fun, but think of the harmful emissions – and the passive nature of the activity isn’t us doing us any favors either. It’s often the case that the <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/low-impact-ways-to-see-the-world">lowest-impact</a> pursuits are those that are best for our mental and physical well-being. Powering our own boat by <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">rowing in a canoe or kayak</a>; <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/cycling-travel-insurance">cycling</a> instead of motorbiking; walking rather than being driven in a luxury car. Many wellness activities have the simplest requirements too: unfolding a yoga mat, prayer and meditation, <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/why-a-swimming-holiday-is-sustainable">swimming</a> in a lake, a forest run – all require nothing more than ourselves and some simple clothing. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/wellness/kayaking-couple.jpg" alt="A couple kayaks across a calm ocean in Fiji." /> <figcaption>Getting around by kayak rather than motorboat. Image credit: Getty Images / Jason Edwards</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="credentials">Check the green credentials</h2> Of course, not every wellness retreat comes with eco credentials; those offering high-end luxury – with spas, intense beauty treatments, heated pools, and vast, artificially cooled or heated buildings – may consume huge resources. But we can seek out places where the luxuries are powered by renewable energy, or where the building is designed so that it needs to use less energy. We can investigate the provenance of the treats on offer – are they <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/eat-like-a-local-when-you-travel">sourced locally</a>, how did they get there, and what are they made from? The more sustainable, the more likely they are to be good for us – from organic, plant-based food, to toiletries with chemical-free ingredients, and linens and towels made from natural materials. The most basic resorts might be off the grid entirely, relying solely on renewable energy or water or designed with minimal requirements for energy. It always pays to do research and many companies will list their sustainable practices on their website, if that’s a genuine focus. <h2 id="communities">Support the local communities</h2> Ethical travel isn’t just about energy – it’s also about interaction with local communities. Are local people employed in all levels of the business, is local food offered and does the business put back into the community? If the place you’re staying is following these practices, you’ll feel better knowing your holiday is not exploiting the local community and this in itself is good for wellbeing. <h2 id="wellness">What is a wellness holiday?</h2> <a href="https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/" target="_blank">The Global Wellness Institute</a> (GWI) defines wellness as “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health…it extends beyond physical health and incorporates many different dimensions that should work in harmony.” While a wellness retreat might conjure images of luxury resorts, wellness holidays can go beyond that stereotype. “Like other forms of specialty travel, wellness travel is not a cookie-cutter experience," according to the GWI website. “Every destination has its own distinct flavors in relation to wellness, linked with its local culture, natural assets, foods, etc. Some travelers may be satisfied with a generic massage, exercise class or smoothie. “The more discerning and sophisticated wellness travelers – especially those in the millennial generation – are interested in what the destination offers that is different from someplace else. “These unique and authentic experiences can be built upon indigenous healing practices; ancient/spiritual traditions; native plants and forests; special muds, minerals and waters; vernacular architecture; street vibes; local ingredients and culinary traditions; history and culture.” In other words, wellness means different things to different people and will vary according to taste, budget, age, and fitness levels. <h2 id="retreat">Where to find wellness retreats</h2> For those on the highest budgets, there are many high-end resorts around the world with solid eco credentials. Take <a href="https://tierrapatagonia.com/" target="_blank">Tierra Patagonia</a> in Chilean Patagonia. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/wellness/tierra-patagonia.jpg" alt="A woman gazes at the Andes mountains from an indoor spa pool in Chilean Patagonia." /> <figcaption>View from the spa pool at Tierra Patagonia. Image credit: Tierra Patagonia</figcaption></figure> Every care is taken for guests’ wellness at this high-end retreat, but also for the environment, even from the planning stages, with the building crafted from local timbers and designed to sit harmoniously within the landscape. They use energy-efficient lighting and heating and contribute to ambitious reforestation projects across <a href="/explore/south-america/chile/exploring-chiles-route-of-parks">Chilean Patagonia</a>. Wellness retreats don’t have to be as luxurious as this, though. In fact, forgoing high-end luxury and keeping costs down can often mean both wellness and sustainability. For example, <a href="https://hinterlandvillage.com/about" target="_blank">Hinterland Village Yoga & Ayurvedic Retreat</a> in Kerala, India, has been transformed from a neglected, weed-ridden seven-acre rubber plantation into a thriving organic farm, with nutritious soil and abundant wildlife. “From farming to waste management, all our activities are pursued with a holistic approach and social responsibility…” says Hinterland’s website. “The estate has been planted with specially considered vegetation that grows well and also enriches the biodiversity of the estate. “The effects of our sincere and single-minded efforts can be seen in the vast variety of birds, butterflies and other native species that have found their home in Hinterland Village.” <h2 id="create">Create your own wellness holiday</h2> It’s worth remembering that not every wellness retreat or eco retreat has to be billed as such. We can create our own wellness holidays, as many of the simplest ways to travel will be those that are good for us, and the environment. For instance, a <a href="/explore/worldwide/3-epic-pilgrimage-routes">hiking holiday</a> in Japan, staying in traditional low-cost ryokans (Japanese inns) with daily walks in fresh air, accompanied by local nutritious meals, is bound to be good for both mind and body. The same could be said for a <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">walking holiday in the Alps</a>, where you can stay in family-run Alpine chalets that are comfortable but simple and relatively low-cost, and serve delicious homemade fare. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/wellness/hiking-in-swiss-alps.jpg" alt="A senior couple hiking in the Swiss Alps." /> <figcaption>A walking holiday in the Swiss Alps. Image credit: Getty Images / AscentXmedia</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="connected">Everything is connected</h2> “Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind, and spirit,” said the world’s best-known yoga teacher, BKS Iyengar. Caring for others, caring for the planet, and caring for ourselves are all connected. A healthy environment with clean air is good for us, just as clean water and healthy nutritious food from good soil are good for us. Sustainability and wellness are intrinsically linked – we cannot separate the two things. If everything on earth is connected, then everything we choose to do has an impact, affecting not only us but our environment. By choosing to travel ethically, we’re choosing wellness – whether we choose a ‘wellness retreat’ or not.Getty Images / Thomas Barwick 11363875558 Getty Images Women practice yoga at a beachside eco-resort in Mexico.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/climate-change-travelWith daily images of our favorite travel destinations ravaged by extreme weather, what lies ahead for travel, and what can we do to help?2022-01-20T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/climate-change-travelhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#change">Witnessing change</a></li> <li><a href="#question">A question of travel</a></li> <li><a href="#behavior">Behavior change</a></li> <li><a href="#patterns">Patterns of future travels</a></li> <li><a href="#awareness">Rising awareness </a></li> </ul> Celebrated British explorer Simon Reeve recently revealed his guilt about the hefty carbon footprint from all his jetting around the globe making travel documentaries. The television presenter confessed in <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-59921012">the BBC interview</a> that he sometimes felt like a hypocrite, even while hoping his shows had value in bringing ‘true, honest stories about what’s happening to our planet.’ Many travel lovers will sympathize with Reeve’s sentiment as we ponder what climate change will mean for the future of our planet and weigh up how to continue engaging with our passion. <h2 id="change">Witnessing change</h2> Last summer, many of us watched helplessly as wildfire descended on Turkey’s idyllic coast and catastrophic storms wreaked havoc through pristine European villages. In other places, that enduring symbol of tourist paradise – a palm tree on a tiny island – continued to lose its meaning as hurricanes and rising sea levels threatened low-lying destinations. Of course, natural disasters aren’t new, but scientists are reaching consensus that their frequency and severity are on the rise as a result of human-induced climate change. We know that travel, especially by plane, is one of the contributors to this, so it’s no wonder people are questioning if they should be traveling to affected destinations or if they should travel at all. <h2 id="question">A question of travel</h2> But with travel one of the major exports for many developing countries, according to the UN, this raises the question if we could be doing more harm than good by staying at home? Dr Ya-Yen Sun of the University of Queensland Business School, a researcher in tourism sustainability, acknowledges that travel to many climate-affected destinations is problematic. But she warns against avoiding travel altogether, pointing out that tourism is an “important pillar” for many places, especially many of the Small Island Dependent States (SIDS) that so often bear the brunt of climate disaster, including the popular Indian Ocean islands of Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius; the South Pacific islands Vanuatu and Fiji; and Caribbean islands such as Barbados, Bahamas, and Saint Lucia. Other, non-island destinations affected include Costa Rica, Belize, Honduras, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Namibia, and Gambia. According to Dr Sun, when there are no tourists, many societies experience reduced social welfare and increased instability. As with the pandemic, this has a knock-on effect for tourism with increased unemployment meaning that people may turn to illegal logging, fishing or poaching for survival, and so exploit “the fundamental resources the tourism industry relies on.” Figures from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) back this up – its website states that travel and tourism accounts for more than 10 per cent of global GDP and supports more than one in 10 jobs worldwide. “In many countries around the world, tourism presents one of the most important sources of economic income,” according to the WTTC. <h2 id="behavior">Behavior change</h2> So, we need to keep moving, while being conscious of how we travel. As Dr Sun puts it: “It’s best to keep traveling and support local business and jobs and act proactively on the climate impact of our travel.” One of most important behavior changes we can make is <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/low-impact-ways-to-see-the-world">how we reach the destination</a>, with transport the most carbon-intensive element of our journey, so using more public transport and avoiding short flights when we get there. We can also mitigate our footprint at the destination. As food and shopping produce extra carbon emissions, Dr Sun advises eating <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/eat-like-a-local-when-you-travel">locally-sourced</a>, mostly vegetarian meals, and not wasting food, as well “supporting local industries when purchasing which not only reduces emissions in transportation but also helps to create local jobs and preserve local heritage.” She also suggests the idea of taking responsibility by having a personal annual budget for travel. Travelers can calculate the carbon emitted by their flight at <a href="https://www.atmosfair.de/en/">Atmosfair</a> and alter their future travel plans accordingly. For example, if you fly long-haul one year, cut down international travel for the next few years and travel domestically instead. In addition, travelers could consider <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/the-beauty-of-slow-travel">extending the length of stay</a> per journey while reducing their travel frequency. “Doing a long-haul flight with a length of stay of 10 days is far more environmentally friendly than doing three trips with each lasting for three days,” says Dr Sun. <h2 id="patterns">Patterns of future travels</h2> The patterns of future travel are also likely to change due to climatic changes. As Dr Sun puts it: “The direct impact of climate change is to fundamentally alter the natural resources that the tourism industry relies on.” This includes reduced snow volume at ski resorts, and coral reef bleaching at places such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia – the natural features that attract us to the destinations are being diminished by climate change. The travel industry is, of course, flexible and many operators are already finding ways adapt to weather changes. However, some of these, such as creating artificial snow, building sea-walls or increasing air conditioning, could lead to increased emissions and rising costs. Some experts think that a better solution would be to look past those geographical characteristics and offer something different. Hans-Joachim Hermann of the German Environment Agency told <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/can-germanys-tourism-industry-adapt-to-climate-change/a-59133202">German broadcaster Deutsche Welle</a> of a Swiss ski operator that decided to stop operating ski slopes and focus on a different winter tourism model. "The ski operation was running at a loss ... so they developed a new business model that focused on excursions, expanding gastronomy, as well as a wide range of nature-oriented summer and winter activities, while reducing winter operations from Wednesday to Sunday."  While we can’t predict exactly how consumers will react to these changes, it’s possible travelers might start to modify where they choose to venture in future, according to weather extremes, potentially favoring cooler-climate destinations, such as Scandinavia or New Zealand. Or there may be seasonal changes at climate-affected destinations if tourists opt to travel at different times of year, in line with more attractive weather patterns. Summer seasons might become less popular while traditionally cooler, less popular times, such as spring and autumn, may become high season. Even in winter, places that are usually closed, could become more favorable. In destinations affected by hurricanes and cyclones, travelers will become increasingly conscious of avoiding the worst seasons and travel only at the safest times. <h2 id="awareness">Rising awareness</h2> While the travel industry is not the only one contributing to greenhouse emissions, estimates vary on the percentage it is responsible for – from three <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2018/05/08/global-tourism-carbon-footprint-quantified-in-world-first.html">to as much as 10 per cent</a>, with flights by far the major component. In its <a href="https://wttc.org/Portals/0/Documents/Reports/2021/WTTC_Net_Zero_Roadmap.pdf">post-COP26 report, </a>the WTTC noted “the sector has both a responsibility and significant potential to be a catalyst for profound system change.” And as regular travelers become more conscious of their footprint and green issues continue to become mainstream, most will seek out less indulgent destinations for <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/the-destinations-turning-green">those that are lighter on the earth</a>. This may include favoring operators that either give back in some sense or are highly conscious of their offerings, from the provenance of the bed linen and bathroom products, to how they’re sourcing energy and water. But travelers will also be wiser to greenwash as they become more aware – simply putting ‘eco’ in front of a product will no longer be enough; travelers will want reassurance that offerings are authentic and demand to see evidence that the industry is taking genuine responsibility. No one wants to be a hypocrite and the more we do, the more we can continue to travel.Getty Images/Marco Bottigelli 0 Getty Images

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/carbon-offset-schemesCarbon offsetting schemes have been around for a while, but can recent improvements make them a more valuable contribution to sustainable travel?2022-01-20T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/carbon-offset-schemeshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#carbon"> Are carbon offsets worth it?</a></li> <li><a href="#scheme">Finding the right carbon scheme</a></li> <li><a href="#airlines"> Not just for airlines</a></li> <li><a href="#improvements">Improvements in the works</a></li> <li><a href="#balancing">Balancing act</a></li> </ul> In 2021, then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson triggered outrage when, in the midst of a climate conference, he commandeered a private jet to fly the short return trip from Glasgow to London. Such whirlwind private plane trips by a head of state would barely have raised an eyebrow a few years ago, but this was COP 26, the much-anticipated climate conference where even the most ardent climate skeptics confronted the truth of the planet’s emergency. Why, cried the press, did the PM opt for a trip journey that, according to The Independent newspaper, would have produced almost 1,000kg more carbon emissions per passenger than if he had taken the train? Like many of us, the PM’s press office justified the trip by offsets: “The Prime Minister traveled on one of the most carbon-efficient planes of its size in the world using the most sustainable aviation fuel possible. The UK will be offsetting all carbon emissions associated with running COP26, including travel.” <h2 id="carbon">Are carbon offsets worth it?</h2> So, does this make it okay? Are carbon offsets the answer? Or are they just a way for travel companies and airlines (and politicians) to lure us into guilt-free travel? Basically, the idea of carbon offsetting is to compensate for the carbon or greenhouse emissions of our travel activity, often flying, by preventing pollution elsewhere or putting carbon back into the earth. The mitigation schemes include reforestation programs and renewable energy projects. Some critics point out that it’s best to avoid, or reduce, emissions in the first place and others have criticized the quality of some of the schemes, saying they are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/04/carbon-offsets-used-by-major-airlines-based-on-flawed-system-warn-experts">not adequate for the job</a>, or that without an international standard, there are too many loopholes. However, in recent years and particularly at the aforementioned COP26, carbon schemes have come under scrutiny and improvements are in the works. Professor Brent Ritchie, Dean and Head of the University of Queensland Business School and a specialist in sustainable travel, says it’s still too early to say if recent changes to carbon offsets make them more worthwhile, because of the dramatic reduction of travel due to the pandemic. “This [COVID-19] has meant that offset programs supported by the travel industry have received substantially less from consumers with less flow-on benefits for reforestation, bio-diversity and local economic development,” says Professor Ritchie. Another current setback is the low uptake and current consumer preference for local rather than international action when it comes to offsets. “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1361920917306405?via%3Dihub">Research</a> has shown that air travelers are more likely to pay carbon offsets for domestic rather than international travel,” says Ritchie. “Consumers would also prefer to support local projects rather than international projects.” <h2 id="scheme">Finding the right carbon offset scheme</h2> The main issue though is the availability of offsets, according to Professor Ritchie. “The biggest challenge is the small number of travel industry companies that provide offset options. Only around a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969699716302538">third of airlines offer</a> some form of carbon offsetting.” It’s also important that consumers do their research and find out more about what is on offer. “Ensuring that offsets are accredited is crucial,” he says. “More airlines and travel companies are ensuring their offset programs are accredited.” Professor Ritchie emphasizes that increasing the effectiveness of carbon offsets requires the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517720302028?via%3Dihub">right offset products</a>, clear and transparent information about the process of offsetting and evidence of the benefits of offsetting. “The co-benefits (or additional benefits from the offset beyond carbon mitigation) such as biodiversity, air quality and economic benefits, have also been <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00472875211030340?af=R&ai=1gvoi&mi=3ricys">shown</a> to increase the adoption of offsets. “If the travel industry can overcome these barriers then offsetting will be much more effective than it has been in the past, especially with meetings like COP26 highlighting the climate emergency and the need to act quickly to reduce emissions.” <h2 id="airlines">Not just for airlines</h2> Of course, it’s not only the airlines who provide offsets. Tour operators and accommodation providers can also offset and this doesn’t always mean the consumer has to opt in or pay extra. Australian company <a href="http://www.tasmanianexpeditions.com.au/">Tasmanian Expeditions</a> offers consumers the opportunity to offset all the carbon emissions an expedition with them produces. But what exactly does that mean, we asked CEO Sue Badyari. “There are two stages to us offsetting our travelers’ carbon emissions,” Ms Badyari said.  “Firstly, we calculate the emissions produced on our trips and secondly, we purchase carbon credits to offset the carbon emitted, and these credits are put towards Positive Impact Projects.”  “One carbon credit = one tonne of carbon and our credits are sourced from reputable carbon management company <a href="http://www.thesouthpolegroup.com/">South Pole Group</a>, who invest in renewable energy projects, including a wind farm in Vietnam, two forest conservation projects – one in Zimbabwe and the other in Australia – and a hydro project in China.” “As well as offsetting the carbon our travelers emit, the projects we support contribute to the economic, social and environmental viability of communities and their ecosystems, shifting the focus from fossil fuel energy to adequate renewable resources,” Ms Badyari said.  <h2 id="improvements">Improvements in the works</h2> <a href="https://blog.oeko.de/glasgow-delivered-rules-for-international-carbon-markets-how-good-or-bad-are-they-cop26/">In a recent blog post</a> following COP26, Professor Lambert Schneider of the German environmental think tank Oeko Institute, and a participant in negotiations to improve carbon offsets at the conference said, “The Paris Agreement sets ambitious goals for international carbon markets: they should help raise ambition, avoid double counting, ensure environmental integrity and promote sustainable development. “The most important achievement from Glasgow is the adoption of comprehensive accounting rules for the international transfer of carbon market units.” This will address one of the biggest previous criticisms of carbon schemes – that of different rules across countries – and help to create a level playing field around how carbon trading is measured <h2 id="balancing">Balancing act</h2> Whether or not we agree that Boris Johnson’s short flight to London amounted to the ‘staggering hypocrisy’ he was accused of, the reality is, aren’t many of us travel lovers a little bit guilty when it comes to travel and the environment? While sacrificing one-hour trips in a private jet won’t be difficult for most of us, we all need to <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/responsible-flying">re-think air travel</a> if we are to help reduce emissions to net zero by 2050 in line with many of the world’s governments’ commitments following Glasgow. It’s up to us, as responsible travelers, to consider <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/low-impact-ways-to-see-the-world">flying less frequently</a> and holding airlines to account by choosing the ones with the most sustainable practices (some information can be found at <a href="https://www.atmosfair.de/en/air_travel_and_climate/atmosfair_airline_index/">Atmosfair</a>). And once we have our heart set on travel, it’s worth looking into offsets and digging a little deeper to see what’s on offer; finding out how the offset works and if the scheme is accredited. We can be cautiously optimistic about the work being done by many travel companies, airlines and international governments to make carbon offsetting more meaningful.Getty Images/Jordan Siemens 0 Traveler crosses log bridge

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/low-impact-ways-to-see-the-worldGetting around on foot, by bike, and other low-emission modes of transport can open your eyes to a destination in rewarding ways. 2020-08-11T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/low-impact-ways-to-see-the-worldhttps://www.worldnomads.comFor those committed to becoming a more responsible traveler, the days of flitting from country to country by plane are well behind us. Enter the era of slow travel, where immersing yourself in a destination is the order of the day. Taking in the sights and connecting with a desination's people, food and culture is all the more possible when you get around under your own steam – and the destination will come to life in unique and surprising ways. Here are six ideas to get inspire your own low-impact journey planning. <ul> <li><a href="#Cycling">Cycling in Europe</a></li> <li><a href="#India">India by train </a></li> <li><a href="#Japan">Japan on foot</a></li> <li><a href="#Canada">Kayaking in Canada </a></li> <li><a href="#Boating">Boating in Central America </a></li> <li><a href="#safari">A walking safari in Africa </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="Cycling">1. Cycling in Europe</h2> Europe’s stunning scenery makes it one of the most appealing cycling destinations, but for those seeking to cycle along a road less traveled, wind your way along the Istrian Coast, from <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/europe/italy" title="Explore Italy">Italy</a> to <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/europe/croatia" title="Explore Croatia">Croatia</a> – it’s a route steeped in history, abundant in natural beauty and isn’t too taxing. Start in Trieste and follow the short stretch of Italian coastline into the tiny country of <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/europe/slovenia" title="Explore Slovenia">Slovenia</a>. Here you can marvel at medieval towns with their Venetian gothic architecture, and pass the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic, all in a few hours. Another day, you can escape the beach crowds and detour into the hinterland of the Istrian peninsula for wine tasting or to behold the famous limestone karst hills and caves of Slovenia. As you cycle into Croatia, you will find Roman ruins, such as the amphitheater in Pula, or the impressive 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Join a tour or plan the route yourself and book accommodation along the way. Allow seven days but take longer if you can and relax into the journey. Iin the summer months, this is a trip for spring or autumn when the weather is cooler and the crowds lighter. <h2 id="India">2. India by train</h2> A dream trip for the adventurous eco-traveler, traversing parts of <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/southern-asia/india" title="Explore India">India</a> by train is an exciting way to absorb one of the world’s most fascinating countries, and all its spectacular color. India’s railway is the second busiest (after China) in the world, but don’t let the busy-ness (and unreliable timetable) put you off. There are myriad ways to see India by train, depending on how much you want to spend, how comfortable you want to be, where you want to go, and for how long. Choose a high-end tour by train if you must, but you’ll miss out on the mayhem and fun to be had on the public network, which offers eight or nine classes. A good middle ground, for comfort, affordability and seeing more of authentic Indian life is second-class (AC2) on the public network. This class is air-conditioned, as the name suggests, and features two-tier bunks divided by a curtain, with blanket, sheet and pillow provided. There are numerous routes, so take a longer ride if you have time. One option is to start at Delhi in the north, wind your way through Rajasthan – with a stop at the scenic city of Udaipur – and continue your way down the west coast, with stops at India’s second busiest city, Mumbai, and on to the beach destination of Goa. Or, there’s the epic 82-hour, 2,600-mile (4,184km) trip on the Vivek Express, India’s longest train journey, starting in the tea-planting town of Dibrugarh in the north east, to Kanyakumari at its southern tip. Remember to book in advance, expect delays, and keep a close eye on your luggage – theft is a real risk here. And bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, just in case. <h2 id="Japan">3. Japan on foot</h2> When we think of <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/eastern-asia/japan" title="Explore Japan">Japan</a>, we often conjure images of crowded Tokyo streets, super-fast bullet trains or powder skiing. But one of the best ways to see Japan is on a hike. With its mountainous terrain, Japan has numerous tracks to choose from, no matter what your fitness level. A stand-out hike for the reasonably fit walker is the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage, one of only two UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage routes (the other is Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago). This walk on the remote and mountainous Kii Peninsula is steeped in Buddhist history. Staying in Ryokans (Japanese inn) along the way, many of which are small and intimate, offers a glimpse of traditional customs and food. Between rigorous walking on stable paths, there are stops at temples and shrines, including the distinctive orange and white Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, high on Mount Nachi. This hike can be done in five days but could easily stretch to more than 10, according to how much walking you do each day. Another option, and a slightly easier walk, is the Nakasendo trail that linked Kyoto to Tokyo during Japan’s feudal period. This ancient route takes between five and 10 days, winding through traditional villages, ancient forests and castle towns. Stay in Ryokans along the way to savor the local food and hospitality and enjoy hot spring baths after a satisfying day’s trekking. <h2 id="Canada">4. Kayaking in Canada</h2> The west coast of Vancouver Island is famed for its natural beauty, with its dense forests and mountains and its unspoiled waters that attract kayakers from all over the world. As it’s become more popular recently, there are numerous tours on offer of varying lengths and ranging from fully to self-guided, depending on your kayaking experience. Accommodation can range from camping out under the stars (where you might hear whales in the night) to ultra-comfortable eco lodges. The Broughton Archipelago is the place to go if you’d like to paddle alongside wild orcas, or navigate your kayak through the cool waters of Nootka Island where you might spot sea otters or humpback whales returning to their summer breeding grounds. You can find rest at sheltered coves, sea caves, creeks and beaches or rinse the surf away in freshwater waterfalls. Many of these areas are rich in the history of Indigenous peoples, such as Yuquot or ‘Friendly Cove’, thought to be the site of first contact between Europeans and First Nations People in British Columbia. <h2 id="Boating">5. Boating in Central America</h2> Central America is the nature-lover’s dream with its dense jungles and wildlife-rich waters of the Pacific to the west, and the Caribbean on its east. Several operators offer low-impact motor cruising or sailboat trips for small groups. <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/central-america/costa-rica" title="Explore Costa Rica">Costa Rica</a> has long been known for environmentally conscious adventures and eco-lodges. There are endless ways to get around lightly, including cycling and trekking, but a boat trip along the Pacific coast from Costa Rica to Panama offers a fresh perspective on this stunning part of the world. National parks line the route, including Manuel Antonio National Park and the forests of Corcovado National Park, with the chance to see sloths, monkeys and tropical birds. Along Panama’s Pacific coast, stop at Granito de Oro, a small volcanic island where you can see manta rays or hammerhead sharks while snorkeling. Tours from your boat can include guided walks through the rainforest and excursions into Indigenous villages. At Panama City, an entirely different world awaits in this vibrant trading hub, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic via the Panama Canal. <h2 id="safari">6. A walking safari in Africa</h2> Walking in the wilds of Africa might sound a little terrifying, but a guided walk could be just the thing for the adventurer looking to travel lightly. In <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/africa/tanzania" title="Explore Tanzania">Tanzania</a>, you can hike in grasslands of Serengeti National Park in wilderness zones where vehicles can’t go. Light mobile camps accompany visitors on three to four-day hikes with prime wildlife-viewing opportunities from rocky kopjes. In <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/africa/kenya" title="Explore Kenya">Kenya</a>’s Laikipia County, some walking safaris are supported by camels. Wildlife abounds, including endangered species such as Grevy’s Zebra. Well-cared-for camels carry much of the gear between each campsite or there are daily walking safaris from a base camp. <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/southern-africa/south-africa" title="Explore South Africa">South Africa</a>’s Kruger National Park hosts short walking safaris and includes cultural experiences en route. Much has been done to advance the causes of wildlife conservation at Kruger, and there are a variety of eco-lodges and conservation-minded camps in which to stay.Getty Images / Jeremy Woodhouse 0 Getty Images

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/responsible-flyingBefore you take off on your next trip, minimize harm to the planet by flying with sustainability in mind.2020-07-31T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/responsible-flyinghttps://www.worldnomads.comOver the past 50 years, air travel has opened up the world like never before. But with it comes a price – and the environment is paying. So, now that planes are taking off again, how can we reconcile our love of travel and all its joys with our love of the natural world? <ul> <li><a href="#Sustainable travel"> Sustainable travel </a></li> <li><a href="#cost"> The cost of flying </a></li> <li><a href="#flying"> Can flying ever be sustainable? </a></li> <li><a href="#airlines"> What are airlines doing? </a></li> <li><a href="#habits"> Time to change our travel habits </a></li> <li><a href="#steps"> 7 steps to greener air travel </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="Sustainable">Sustainable travel</h2> Who could forget the image of climate activist Greta Thunberg triumphantly disembarking in New York from a zero-emissions sailing boat? After her 15-day voyage, the then 16-year-old Swede said she felt ‘extremely lucky’ to be taking part in a UN climate summit. She was indeed lucky because many of us would love to travel in as sustainable a way. But sailing across the globe is rarely viable. It’s a bitter contradiction for travelers, that the natural world we love so much is being impacted by our very enjoyment of it. But the ‘flight shame’ movement that originated in Thunberg’s home country is forcing travelers to think hard about the effect they’re having on the environment. It can be helpful to remember the enormous good travel does good in the world – we needn’t feel guilty for providing tourism jobs, helping cultures better understand each other, or travel’s ability to help us appreciate history and the wonders of the natural world. So rather than give up on exploring the world, let’s think about what we can do to get there more responsibly. <h2 id="cost">The cost of flying</h2> There’s no escaping the figures; the International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates air travel’s contribution to global carbon emissions is around 2 percent and rising at alarming levels, with predictions of growth to as much as 16 per by 2050 – even with the pause in air traffic caused by COVID-19. Eke Eijgelaar, a researcher in Sustainable Tourism at the Centre for Sustainability, Tourism and Transport highlights the dilemma faced by frequent fliers: “For most tourists, the environment is actually one, if not the key, motivation to travel. But air travel happens to bring global tourism on a crash course with the climate targets national and global leaders have set, for example, in Paris.” <h2 id="flying">Can flying ever be sustainable?</h2> Environmentally conscious air travel is “a contradiction in terms”, according to Eijgelaar. However, he believes we can travel more responsibly by choosing: <ul> <li>the airline with the lowest average emissions</li> <li>airplanes with the lowest emissions per passenger or per mile</li> <li>to fly economy instead of business for lower emissions per seat</li> <li>to avoid short-haul flights, stopovers and detours</li> <li>to fly less far and less frequently.</li> </ul> Sarah Reid, Editor of <a href="https://www.ecotravelist.com/" title="Ecotravelist">Ecotravelist</a>, has long pondered the effects of air travel. “As a travel writer who specializes in sustainability, it is increasingly difficult to reconcile air travel with my concern for the environment,” she says. But Reid is hopeful that the benefits of air travel, such as the opportunity to experience new cultures, can outweigh its harmful effects. It’s all about how you travel. “I try to do my bit by taking fewer, longer trips; making a concerted effort to minimize my impact on the road; and focusing my articles on how to experience destinations more responsibly. According to Reid, it's easier to minimize your impact in destinations that are equipped to manage tourism sustainably, so it pays to research and carefully select sustainable places to visit. However, she believes it’s still possible to travel responsibly in less-sustainable destinations. “But it takes a bit more work, whether that means filtering your own water to avoid plastic bottles or doing extra research to ensure local activity operators are environmentally conscious.” Environmentalist Jon Dee of <a href="https://dosomethingnearyou.com.au/" title="Do Something Near You">The Do Something Foundation</a> also believes in the upsides of flying. “There are lots of positives to air travel. It benefits the global economy and it positively exposes people to different cultures,” Dee says. “But the simple fact is that air travel has a major environmental impact that needs to be reduced.” <h2 id="airlines">What are airlines doing?</h2> In addition to steps we can take as individuals, the biggest changes to reduce emissions produced by flying need to come from the airlines. According to Dee, airlines should follow the car industry’s example of transitioning to new technologies, which have already greatly reduced the polluting impact of car travel. “The good news is that this is very achievable,’ he says. “Although jet engines are the only option right now, the aerospace industry is already working on electric and hybrid propulsion systems for aircraft.   “Rolls Royce is launching an electric plane that can fly at almost 300mph (480km) for 200mi (320km) on a single charge. That's the distance from London to Paris. “Whilst this is a small plane, it’s achieving a speed and distance that was previously not achievable. There is great potential for this technology and hydrogen technology in the short-haul and commuter air travel markets.” As well as more fuel-efficient engines and aircraft, the other possible game-changer is the development of low-carbon jet fuel. Dee is optimistic about this technology. “What excites me the most is the potential to make jet fuel from thin air – to capture CO2 from the atmosphere and turn it into jet fuel,” he says. <h2 id="habits">Time to change our travel habits</h2> In the meantime, the best thing we can do as individuals to reduce our impact is to modify our <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/travel-choices" title="Why the Travel Choices You Make Matter">travel habits</a>. One way is to opt for <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/the-return-of-train-travel">other forms of travel </a>than flying where we can. Eijgelaar suggests traveling by train, coach or car, if the vehicle is an efficient model and fully occupied. “A low- to moderate-efficiency car with full occupancy will also keep you on relatively low emissions for now. Electric cars on renewable energy will be one of the solutions for the near future, next to train and coach.” But this means avoiding long-haul trips, and that’s not an easy compromise for travel lovers to accept, especially if they don’t live in Europe. “For tourism to become more climate-compatible, we should change destinations – seek out places in our own region instead of worldwide,” Eijgelaar says. “It’s a challenge, but then many global travelers hardly know their own country or continent.” Dee agrees that our travel behavior is crucial to reducing emissions. “The first decision is whether you need to take that flight in the first place. The coronavirus pandemic has shown people that business can be effectively carried out using video conferencing. “However, there are times when there is no alternative but to meet people face to face in other countries. To that end, if we’re serious about reducing the environmental impact of flights, we have to decouple airline emissions growth from traffic growth.” One other way to reduce the impact of air travel is by addressing the volume of waste produced on every flight, especially food and plastic. Think of all those discarded meals, throwaway cups and cutlery, headphones and <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/eco-friendly-toiletries-to-take-on-your-travels">toothbrushes</a>. The IATA estimates that airlines generated about 6.7 million tons of cabin waste in one year. But the good news is that many airlines are starting to make serious changes, such as Air New Zealand abolishing many single-use plastics on all its flights. In the meantime, we can all take a stand by bringing our own reusable cups and declining bottled water. It’s something travel writer Reid is trying to practice in her own travel behavior and it’s what we could all do, while we wait for the technology to catch up. “If you seek out sustainable tourism experiences, take steps to reduce your negative impact on the destinations you visit, and draw on your experiences to influence others to travel more responsibly, I believe travel can be a force for good,” she says. <h2 id="steps">7 steps to greener air travel</h2> <ol> <li>Be fuel efficient. Not all planes use the same amount of fuel per passenger, per mile. More modern aircraft are usually the most efficient. For example, twin-engine aircraft use less fuel than four-engine craft, so Boeing’s 787 and the Airbus A350 are more efficient than a Boeing 747 or the A380.</li> <li>Save with economy. Now you can feel good about being cramped in a tiny seat – it’s not only money you’ll save by opting for an economy ticket, but you’ll also be responsible for approximately four times less emissions than if you were kicking back in business class.</li> <li>Choose an efficient airline. Find them ranked here, but bear in mind that airlines are changing all the time, so do your research and find out what your preferred airline is doing to be more efficient. Some are starting to get wise to waste and going plastic-free, while others are using more energy-efficient aircraft.</li> <li>Avoid detours and layovers. This really matters, because taking off and landing are the most fuel-guzzling parts of the flight, and flying short distances produces more emissions per mile. So, take non-stop flights if possible, avoiding unnecessary layovers and detours.</li> <li>Pack lightly. Every extra pound of luggage adds to your emissions so consider whether you really do need that extra pair of shoes.</li> <li>Fly meat-free. Farming and processing animals for meat generates 20 times the greenhouse gases of vegetables, so opt for the vegetarian meal option when booking your flight.</li> <li>Be an infrequent flyer. Ultimately, flying less often is the biggest impact you can make. Could you travel using another mode of transport? Combine several trips into one? And could you commit to using low-impact forms of transport once you reach your destination to offset the emissions from your flight?</li> </ol>Getty Images / DuKai 01165049105 Getty Images