5 Sustainable ideas for your next trip

Sustainable travel isn't just about caring for the environment (although that IS super important!), it should also have a positive impact on the local communities by making sure we don't negatively impact the destination's economy, environment, or society.

With that in mind, here are a few ideas on how you can enjoy an amazing sustainable holiday when we can travel once again.

When we consider sustainable travel, Slovenia isn't a destination that naturally comes to mind, but it's the first country to be declared a Green Destination in its entirety. The government makes it simple for us to choose accommodations and resorts by awarding the "Slovenia Green" mark to destinations that have demonstrated impeccable green policies.

One such location is Bled, a stunning resort in the North of the country, close to the Austrian border at the foot of the Julian Alps.

Bled is most famous for its gorgeous lake which is home to the only island in the country, a castle… Bled also has some of the most amazing patisseries I've ever visited – The Brown Bear bakery, in particular, I found to be a very welcome spot for a reward after cycling around the lake.

Visitors to Bled don't need to worry about having a car, in fact, it's discouraged. The whole area is easily accessible on foot or bike (including electric bikes) that are available for hire. You can also take a ride in a traditional Plenta boat or hop on the tourist train to explore the area. Swimming in the lake is permitted, but to reduce environmental impact, you're asked to stick to one of the many designated bathing areas.

If you feel like exploring further, the stunning capital Ljubljana, the vast Postojna cave network, and the Lipica stud (Home of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish riding school in Vienna) are all a nice easy day trip.

Bled is a year-round resort with 4 distinct seasons, and is suitable for all ages, and has a good range of accommodation to suit all budgets.

Costa Rica is a tiny country in Central America that covers just 0.03% of the surface of the globe, yet hosts an impressive 5% of the existing land-based biodiversity on the planet!

30% of the country is a natural protected territory dedicated to the conservation and almost 93% of its electricity comes from renewable sources. Sustainability isn't just a practice in Costa Rica, it's a way of life and the country is well on its way to hit its target of being Carbon neutral by the end of 2021.

Visitors to this incredible country can enjoy majestic volcanoes, Pacific and Caribbean beaches, tropical dry, wet, and rain forests, as well as exhilarating jungle landscapes and thermal springs, all without travelling long distances.

My suggestion for a visit to Costa Rica would be to combine some jungle adventures with a beach stay so you really get to experience the best of what the country has to offer.

The adrenaline junkies amongst you can take part in white water rafting, zip-lining, and climbing. More sedate activities include stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, or horse riding…even golf if that's what takes your fancy!

For me, it's all about the wildlife. Nesting sea turtles, Whales, Manta Rays, Sloths, Jaguar, Squirrel Monkeys, Coatis, Iguanas, and countless species of birdlife are in abundance in Costa Rica, and I can help you plan your trip to ensure you get the best viewing opportunities.

There are plenty of options to relax too. Be that in a luxury beachfront hotel, or stunning hot springs resort in the cloud forests of Arenal.

Costa Rica is a year-round resort, but it does have very distinct seasons, particularly for wildlife viewing, so do get in touch and I can help you plan your perfect sustainable adventure.

Kenya has been leading the way with sustainable tourism for quite some time. The government introduced measures such as banning plastic bags & other single-use plastics, to encouraging eco-lodges with a strong focus on helping the local communities. Finding that balance between communities, conservation & travellers ensures its incredible wildlife stays wild.

Home to 55 National parks and many reserves, these lands are now set aside for the protection & conservation of habitat. Organisations such as The Born Free foundation work with tourism suppliers on projects such as the construction of lion proof barriers to reduce attacks on livestock, thus reducing conflict between wildlife and farmers meaning everyone can get along in harmony.

I always encourage clients to consider these conservancies as the base for their incredible safari adventures. It's better for the local community, and better for the visitor too as you'll usually have a quieter experience than in the main safari areas, and well as being able to undertake night game drives and walking activities. The conservancies also help to fund anti-poaching initiatives.

These Eco-safaris don't mean that you have to give up your comfort, indeed, the Mara Bushtops tents are like a 5-star hotel under canvas with butler service, and allow you to spot giraffe & zebra from your private hot tub!

I usually suggest a beach stay after a safari, the Mombasa coast has some of the best beaches in the world, and thanks to the ban on single-use plastics, and regular beach clean events by the hotels, they're some of the cleanest too.

For more information and help with planning your sustainable adventure to Kenya, get in touch.

We can't talk about sustainable travel without mentioning The Galapagos Islands. In 1979 they became the worlds first UNESCO designated World Heritage site, and all travel partners and tour operators are obliged by law to make their businesses as sustainable as possible, taking steps to converse water & energy, recycle & treat waste materials, source locally produced products and hire local employees for a fair wage with additional training.

The suppliers I use for Galapagos go beyond complying with these policies and proactively support community & conservation projects.

The Galapagos archipelago is described as one of the most unique, scientifically important, and biologically outstanding areas on earth. According to Galapagos.org "The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the highest levels of endemism (species found nowhere else on earth) anywhere on the planet. About 80% of the land birds you will see, 97% of the reptiles and land mammals, and more than 30% of the plants are endemic. More than 20% of the marine species in the Galapagos are found nowhere else on earth. Favourites include the giant Galapagos tortoise, marine iguana, flightless cormorant, and the Galapagos penguin — the only penguin species to be found in the Northern Hemisphere."

Visiting the islands is possible year-round and one of the most popular ways to see them is by a liveaboard cruise. The allowed vessels range from 12-110 passengers and cover economy, tourist class, first-class, and luxury so all budgets and preferences can be catered for.

Island hopping tours are also popular with overnight hotel stays and activities. Galapagos is also a world-class scuba diving destination due to its abundance of sharks, turtles, rays, and marine iguanas.

Visitor numbers are strictly controlled to protect this unique environment. If you'd like me to help plan an adventure here, do get in touch.

Aside from its vast forests, green cities, and the wilderness of Lapland, Finland is leading the way on the sustainability front. The country has pledged to have reduced its dependency on imported fossil fuels by 50% and ban the use of coal in generating power by 2030.

Untouched, pristine nature is the foundation of Finnish life and its preservation is sanctified. Visitors to Finland are encouraged to take up the Sustainable Finland Pledge…

On my journey, I pledge to be like a Finn,

and by this, I mean slowing down from within.

The wilderness lets me relax and connect,

I promise to treat it with the utmost respect.

Its forests and lakes should remain plastic-free,

so I will not leave any rubbish behind me.

The world-class tap water shall quench my thirst,

because in my choices the climate comes first.

In Finland it's our equal right to roam free.

This right should be enjoyed responsibly.

The berries and mushrooms are there to be eaten,

but I'll stick to the paths that are already beaten.

Long before humans the wildlife's been there,

so I won't set up camp just anywhere.

I shall also respect the lives of locals,

and will be considerate with cameras or loud vocals.

I know Finns can seem just a little reserved,

but with this pledge their trust will surely be earned.

I think that's a wonderful pledge to take, and I will take it myself when I visit Lapland in 2022 in search of the Northern Lights.

Once again, Finland is an excellent year-round destination with extreme seasons. Its position so far North also means almost 24-hour sunlight in the summer, and the opposite in winter. Camping, hotels, igloo, and treehouse stays are all possible and the only limits are your imagination.

For help and advice on your next sustainable adventure, please do get in touch, I can't wait to hear from you!