The notion of ‘conscious travel’ is continually gaining momentum, especially as people worldwide witnessed both the environmental and economic impacts of reduced travel during the pandemic. While the decreased amount of transport led to improvements in air and water pollution, the decline in travel also had a severe, negative economic impact on lower-income and minority communities. The challenge now is to conceive sustainable travel experiences that contribute positively to both the environment and the world economy.  

 

As we continue to reevaluate and advance our Sustainability, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives and maintain commitments to more conscientious luxury experiences here at Ten Concierge, we’re available to our members as both a resource and a guide for making more sustainable travel choices. From booking train holidays to suggesting eco-certified hotels, our travel experts are well-equipped to devise itineraries that are both enjoyable and responsible. Start preparing for your next sustainable adventure today – read on for our top 10 tips on how to be a more conscious traveler. 

 

 

1. Pick a destination that values sustainability  

 

According to the 2021 Euromonitor International Sustainable Tourism Index, European countries dominate the top 20 destinations for sustainable travel – with Sweden, Finland, and Austria receiving top honors. The countries’ sustainability rankings were analyzed against seven key pillars, including environmental sustainability, social sustainability, economic stability, risk, sustainable demand, sustainable transport, and sustainable lodging.  

 

While this doesn't mean that you should only travel within countries included on this list, it’s important to be aware of locations that are making a concerted effort to be more sustainable. It’s equally as important to consider lesser-known – albeit no less intriguing – destinations that aren’t already over-run by tourists, as it offers the opportunity to support the economic growth of smaller cities. For example, think of traveling to Siena instead of Rome, or Tel Aviv over Dubrovnik.  

 

2. Consider how to get there 

 

We know planes are bad news for our carbon footprint – yet air travel is often the only realistic way to get from A to B, especially when traveling to a far-flung destination. One way to alleviate the problem is to choose airlines offering carbon offset programs, such as Virgin Atlantic, Qantas, and Delta, who calculate passengers’ emissions, then purchase carbon credits to finance renewable energy, forestry, and conservation projects.  

 

Not going quite so far? Then consider train travel – not only will your journey generate up to 10 times fewer carbon emissions, but you’ll also get a more profound sense of place. We’re partnered with a number of luxury passenger train companies, including the reputable Rocky Mountaineer, which offers rail journeys across Western Canada and the American Southwest, and follows a strict set of sustainability standards.  

 

3. Choose ‘green’ accommodation  

 

Today’s eco-conscious hotels must meet high sustainability standards – opting not to change the towels every day is no longer enough to stand out. Hotels must combine innovative sustainability concepts with a contemporary approach to design and luxury.  

 

Take Whitepod in Switzerland – a range of cool pods that blend into the landscape and have minimal environmental impact. However, green retreats are not limited to an Alpine setting. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, a member of our Global Hotel Collection, was designed by local artists using native greenery and reclaimed materials in addition to offering planet-friendly amenities and a five-minute hourglass in the shower to help guests watch their water consumption. Another affiliate of our Global Hotel Collection, boutique hotel One Aldwych in London takes its sustainability standards a few steps further with biodegradable amenities, 100% natural cosmetic products, and a chlorine-free swimming pool – efforts which ultimately earned the hotel Luxury Eco Certification Standard accreditation from Sustainable Travel International. 

 

4. Use technology for good  

 

While there are certainly downsides to internet connection while traveling – like the ever-present temptation to look at your phone screen instead of out the train window – there are also many benefits. Before booking a flight, selecting a hotel, or heading to a restaurant, download apps such as Green Travel, My Little Plastic Footprint, and FairTrip, which track your carbon emissions while traveling, help you reduce your plastic use, and suggest socially and economically responsible restaurants, hotels, and activities, respectively. These apps make it easy to learn about sustainable tourism options and bring awareness to areas for improvement. 

 

5. Minimize waste and pollution  

 

According to impact-oriented platform Global Citizen, world plastic production has doubled over the past 50 years, and by the year 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in our oceans. Needless to say, plastic is as pernicious as it is pervasive to our ecosystems. Luckily, there are a myriad of ways to combat plastic pollution and help reduce waste while traveling. Bring your own reusable bottles, straws, and bags while traveling and say ’no, thank you' to their single-use counterparts. Just by making the simple switch from single-use to reusable, you’re reducing the number of discarded plastics that end up in our streams, rivers, and oceans, and are combatting the carbon emitted in the process of plastic production. 

 

6. Eat local 

 

The UN Atlas of the Oceans estimates that for every $100 spent by the average developed-world traveler, only $5 remains in the destination’s economy. Luckily, with guidance from a concierge service and a bit of research, travelers have the power to change this somewhat sobering statistic. One of the best ways to responsibly support a destination’s economy is by indulging in homegrown cuisine crafted by neighborhood chefs – be it at a small, under-the-radar restaurant or three-Michelin-starred big hitters such as Schloss Schauenstein in Switzerland and Mirazur in France.  

 

The former, a recent recipient of the Sustainable Restaurant Award at The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2019, sources all its produce from the gardens sprawling the castle grounds, while the latter grows many of its own ingredients and obtains the rest from local fishermen and farmers. To learn more about these restaurants’ approach to sustainability, read our interviews with chefs Andreas Caminada and Mauro Colagreco. Wherever you are, make sure to contact us to connect you with the most authentic local dining experiences that truly benefit the local community. 

 

7. Take only photos, leave only footprints  

 

Ever since it launched its ‘Is it too much to ask?’ campaign back in 2017, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has been raising awareness among travelers regarding cultural practices and important dos and don’ts. The aim is to ideally leave a place better than you found it.  

 

There are obvious points, such as being respectful of cultural and religious customs, and choosing ethical, sustainable experiences and outings. Other things, such as wearing reef-safe sunscreen to avoid coral bleaching, may not necessarily have been the first thought to pop into your head. Prioritizing animal welfare is another must. Steering clear of activities that involve animals in captivity, not interfering with their natural habitat, and saying no to any kind of wildlife souvenirs are key to successful animal conservation.  

 

8. Consider how you interact with wildlife 

 

Expanding on the topic of animal welfare, it’s critical for travelers to be considerate of how they show their appreciation for a location’s natural wildlife and environment. Riding elephants in India or swimming with dolphins in Hawaii may seem like unparalleled opportunities to experience a destination’s native species, but, unfortunately, these animals are often treated poorly and kept in conditions that are not conducive to their innate needs.  

 

Our team can organize responsible safaris and wildlife tours across the globe, including to the best safari lodges in South Africa. For additional tips, check out the World Animal Protection’s guide on how to enjoy wildlife responsibly while on holiday. 

 

9. Give back  

 

It’s tempting to hand out sweets, gifts and even money to local kids and villagers in developing countries. Your heart is definitely in the right place; however, your good intentions can have unintended consequences, leading to community conflict and breeding begging and dependency.  

 

There are other ways to give back in a meaningful way. Pack for a Purpose lists destination-specific supplies that are sure to reach their intended target audience, while luxury safari lodge operators such as Singita make it their mission to help local communities thrive economically and socially – through education, the development of small enterprises, and improved awareness of conservation and sustainable daily living practices.  

 

10. Educate yourself, then educate others 

 

As evidenced by the above tips, there are many factors to consider when planning a sustainable getaway. One of the most important steps we can take as responsible travelers is to set a good example for our children and future generations, and to encourage others to do the same.  

 

While sustainable tourism initiatives are gradually becoming more mainstream, there’s still much progress to be made and change to be initiated. If someone questions why you chose one hotel over another, why you keep referencing your carbon footprint-tracking app, or why you continue to lug around a reusable water bottle, take the time to educate them on the positive impact these small actions have on the planet. There is much to be said for the power of one, but there’s great strength in numbers.  

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