Travelling sustainably: A guide to going greener
Travelling eco-consciously is in; increasing carbon emissions is out.
Travel News Blitz writer Madi Chantry tells us everything you need to know.
What is sustainable travel?
Sustainable travel is when you minimise the negative impacts your travel might have on the environment and the local community by choosing greener options.
That way, you can support the local economy, protect biodiversity, and lower your carbon footprint.
Below, you can find a range of ways to travel responsibly.
Time of Travel
We all know how expensive it can get when booking holidays during the summer term, and that’s exactly why travelling sustainably means avoiding destinations with overtourism and travelling outside peak times.
Booking.com found that 43 per cent of travellers in 2026 said they plan to avoid overcrowded destinations and instead support conservation of local communities.
42 per cent of travellers from Booking.com’s 2026 report said they plan to travel out of season to relieve the pressure many destinations face.
The slower pace of tourists visiting means ecosystems and biodiversity have time to regenerate and recover.
Choosing when and how you travel is important.
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Transportation
Using lower-emission transport, such as trains and buses, significantly reduces the carbon produced because of the number of people they can carry.
Having fewer cars on the road leads to less fumes from traffic congestion, which can limit the pollution caused by the vehicles.
Many sites use online tools that can find results by using the ‘lower CO2e’ filter. This allows you to see what effect your travel will have on the environment.
National Geographic found that travelling by plane emits six times more than travelling by train within the UK.
They also noted that many trains in Europe are electric, and that rail travel emits approximately 10 times less than flying.
In 2022, Trip.com reported that 78.7 per cent of respondents believe sustainable travel is vital for the future.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, founded Travalyst, an organisation that partners with sustainability and travel experts to provide sustainable information about your travel choices.
They work with some of the biggest names in travel, like Booking.com, Skyscanner, and Trip.com.
Resorting to public transport when travelling can help tackle the ongoing issue of climate change.
Accommodation
Choosing eco-certified hotels means less waste going to landfill, reduced energy consumption, and support for the local community.
You are guaranteed an authentic experience when choosing hotels with a sustainability certification because they provide extra care with their services.
They serve locally sourced food, which is healthier and tastier for their guests, and better for the environment.
Jet2holidays partners with Green Key to ensure that the hotels they offer focus on sustainability and take action to create a greener future.
Activities
Participating in neighbourhood activities near your holiday destination can maintain the location’s economy and help independent businesses.
Going to food markets and visiting family-owned shops can help you meet new people who live in the area.
Attending cultural events and festivals can foster growth in your mindset and perspective, as you will witness another way of living.
Connecting with nature is another sustainable activity for travellers. You can hike the surrounding areas, visit national parks, or even watch wildlife.
Self-guided walking tours are usually a big hit for travellers. They encourage independence, they are flexible, and they make room for greater engagement.
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