Travel with purpose is powerful, because it’s not about what we can take from our holiday experiences, but what lasting, positive changes we can leave behind. And instead of making big sacrifices or one-off gestures, it’s about recognising that every choice – from how we get there to where we stay and what we support – shapes the world we explore. Tourism affects everything from emissions to ecosystems, local economies to endangered wildlife; but, with a more mindful approach, our small decisions can help protect cultural heritage, ease pressure on fragile environments, and support communities at the frontline of conservation. You won’t need to forgo your creature comforts or rein in your sense of adventure, either – because it all begins with knowing how to travel more sustainably. Check out our handy guide and you’ll be well on your way…
Why Sustainable Travel Matters
Travelling sustainably means recognising the impact we have and using it to ensure the places we visit thrive – not just today, but for future generations.
Environmental and Cultural Impact of Tourism
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, tourism accounts for roughly 8 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, with aviation, other transport, accommodation and travel related food production putting mounting pressure on ecosystems and resources. Meanwhile, UNESCO reports that overtourism threatens at least 46 World Heritage sites, mostly due to congestion, pollution and mismanagement. In response to these ongoing challenges, in 2015 the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, establishing 17 global goals to drive equitable, environmentally responsible progress. For tourism, that means actively measuring, managing and aligning these goals with how and where we travel – to bolster the long-term resilience of communities and the environment, and to make travellers a powerful force for positive change.
The Urgency of Change in the Travel Industry
The climate emergency is putting mounting pressure on the travel industry to take action – and quickly. Launched in 2021, the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism called for halving tourism-related emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. More than 840 signatories, including governments and travel brands, have committed to publishing climate action plans and transparently reporting their progress. Among those who answered the call was Adventure World’s parent company, The Travel Corporation, whose How We Tread Right strategy set 11 measurable goals aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals across its whole family of brands – spanning everything from reducing emissions to supporting community-based tourism. Since then, the company has achieved measurable successes, including a 23 per cent reduction in emissions, sourcing 100 per cent of its electricity from renewables, saving the equivalent of 778,766 meals’ worth of food waste, and allocating US$2.23 million to its pioneering Carbon Fund. So, just by choosing a travel company that’s actively becoming part of the solution, you’re already well on your way to travelling more sustainably.
Our 13-day Authentic Vietnam holiday features a host of sustainable-travel highlights, including wildlife conservation experiences at Animals Asia’s Bear Sanctuary, social-enterprise community dining and excursions to meet and support local producers.
Getting Started with Sustainable Travel
Learning how to travel more sustainably starts with recognising that it’s a privilege to get out there and explore – and choosing to do it with purpose and intention.
Shift Your Mindset: Purpose Over Convenience
For most of us, travel isn’t just about ticking places off a list, it’s about discovering the world and collecting meaningful experiences along the way. That’s why it’s always so rewarding to slow down and savour the journey, rather than rush from one highlight to the next. And taking your time brings various benefits: for example, choosing a scenic train ride instead of a quick flight, or a bike ride over a taxi, not only lowers carbon emissions but usually leads to richer, more authentic experiences as you connect with the local community and see places at a more measured pace. So, whether you’re trekking, rail-hopping or sailing, choosing a travel style that prioritises curiosity over convenience will turn your holiday into a truly fulfilling adventure.
Opting to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Along with slowing down the pace of your journey, prioritising meaningful experiences will level up your impact. One way to do that is by seeking out excursions approved by the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® program – a sustainability initiative created by The TreadRight Foundation and The Travel Corporation (including Adventure World) to identify and assess activities that support the United Nations’ Global Goals. Spanning everything from social-enterprise cooking schools to protecting endangered animals in their natural habitat, these experiences enhance our genuine connection to the places we visit, while also giving back to them in a lasting, effective way.
Ready to explore Lapland, the home of Santa Claus and the Northern Lights? Our authentic cultural experiences with the Indigenous Sámi people support their ages-old traditions and reveal the intricacies of life in the frozen North.
Choosing who you travel with
Your sustainable travel experience starts while you’re booking – so make sure you compare providers. Keep an eye out for those who have a very clear plan and use transparent language to explain how they reduce their environmental impact and support local communities.
Sustainable Planning and Booking
While you’re shopping around, look for operators with clear sustainability strategies, robust climate action plans and annual impact reports. You’ll know they’re the real deal if they also support philanthropic causes, maintain an animal welfare policy, and promote diversity, equity and inclusion. From a touring point of view, look out for customisable itineraries so you can pick exactly where you want to go, how long you’ll stay in each place, and choose only the excursions and experiences that make every step feel intentional.
Travel Off-Peak or Off the Beaten Path
Go for shoulder-season travel or places beyond the usual hotspots so the benefits of your visit will be spread out more evenly across the community. Travelling off-peak boosts local economies during quieter periods, creates year-round jobs, and means you’ll usually sidestep the crowds. For flights, choose direct routes whenever possible and opt in to carbon offsetting programs.
Pick Eco-Friendly Accommodation and Tour Operators
Choose accommodation that runs on renewables and clearly outlines water, waste and recycling programs, as well as those that prioritise farm-to-table dining, as this reduces food miles, supports local producers and minimises packaging waste. From the airport, factor in low-emission transfers: use public transport where possible, hire an electric vehicle, or go with local operators who’ve been vetted by trusted experts. Adventure World does all this legwork for you, thoroughly assessing suppliers and properties so your trip automatically aligns with your values.
Support Certifications Like EarthCheck or Green Key
Look for the symbols that validate a company’s green cred. EarthCheck is a science-based program for tourism businesses and destinations; its certification indicates rigorous benchmarking in energy, water, waste and social impact. Also, Green Key is a leading eco-label for accommodations that meet strict environmental criteria in more than 7,900 sites worldwide. And then there’s the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® seal, spearheaded by Adventure World, TreadRight and The Travel Corporation, which marks experiences that’ve been handpicked for their measurable impact towards the UN’s Global Goals – ensuring your holiday leaves a positive, lasting legacy.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® in the heart of the Chilean wilderness with sustainable farming experiences on our immersive Hotel Las Torres Patagonia holiday.
Responsible Packing and Preparation
Making clever choices before you set off and while you’re on the road will lighten your load, reduce waste, and help protect destinations long-term.
Pack Reusables (Bags, Bottles, Utensils)
Aim for zero-waste by packing your own reusable essentials: bamboo cutlery, shopping totes, metal or silicone straws, refillable toiletry containers, USB and solar chargers, solid shampoo bars and plastic-free reusable razors. A KeepCup and compact lunchbox are also handy for takeaways or snacks to go from local markets. Similarly, lightweight cloth wraps and small reusable sacks make it easier to transport food without the need for plastic bags or packaging.
Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Research local recycling systems before you leave home and download tools like Tap to find water refilling stations for your reusable BPA-free water bottle. If refilling stations are scarce, consider packing a UVsterilising bottle or soluble water purifying tablets.
Pack Light & Right
Travelling light means fewer emissions and greater flexibility. Aim to travel with carry-on only whenever you can – this will help you pack intentionally and cuts down your carbon footprint by making your load lighter. Bring biodegradable laundry detergent sheets so you can wash your clothes during your trip, as well as your own bar of soap, biodegradable dental floss and bamboo toothbrushes, as these will help you sidestep single-use amenities at your accommodation.
Adventure World’s 9-day Authentic Botswana holiday Makes Travel Matter by supporting women guides at the frontline of conservation and offering emission-free safari experiences.
Making an Impact on the Ground
How we opt to shop and explore can directly shape the places we visit.
Spend Money Locally (Eat, Stay, Shop Local)
Spending locally starts with simple choices: swapping global chains for community-run restaurants, going meat-free wherever possible, and shopping at farmers’ markets to boost regional growers and reduce the environmental footprint of our food. It also means seeking out cultural experiences that champion the local heritage. In Peru’s Sacred Valley with Adventure World, for example, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience takes you to the Centre for Traditional Textiles in Chinchero, where artisans are keeping their ancestral Incan handicrafts alive. Watching them hand-dye fibres then weave them intro vibrant textiles offers an authentic glimpse into their unique culture – and buying directly from these makers helps sustain their livelihoods and traditions. So, whether it’s an artisan co-op, a community kitchen or a local market, every dollar we spend helps to create and contribute to a fairer, more inclusive travel economy.
Respect Local Customs and Communities
Travel is a form of cultural exchange, and showing respect for the local norms – like adhering to dress codes, covering your shoulders and knees at sacred sites, following dining customs, and being mindful of attitudes toward alcohol – goes a long way. You’ll build even stronger connections if you learn a few greetings in the local language, as this helps sets the tone for reciprocity and genuine, thoughtful interactions with the people you meet.
Conserve Water and Energy at Your Stay
Our everyday travel choices can help conserve precious resources. Even when you’re staying in accommodation that runs on renewables and has strong water-saving and recycling programs, it’s still important to take shorter showers, reuse towels, and switch off the lights, aircon and heating whenever you leave your room. To get around, use bike-share schemes or public transport instead of taxis, and look for excursions that prioritise sustainability in their logistics. For example, when you visit Chobe National Park with Adventure World, you can safari by solar-powered boats, traditional mokoros (canoes) and electric game-drive vehicles – all immersive ways to experience the region’s iconic wildlife while supporting low-impact tourism in an important wilderness area.
Visit Protected Areas and Support Conservation Efforts
Exploring protected areas with accredited rangers and local advocates helps generate the funding and political support needed to keep them intact – sending a clear message to the ‘powers that be’ that this place matters, and it’s worth protecting. Plus, national park entry fees and experiences with licensed guides contribute to anti-poaching efforts, habitat restoration and local employment, strengthening the communities at the frontline of conservation. In Colombia, for example, Adventure World travellers can track critically endangered cotton-top tamarins with field researchers supported by Proyecto Tití – a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience focused on reforestation, community education and wildlife monitoring. Just by turning up and taking part in experiences like this, you’re playing a role in pulling endangered species back from the brink of extinction.
Support Ethical Wildlife Experiences
Authentic wildlife encounters respect animals’ boundaries and support their protection in the wild. Still, many animals are used as novelties in tourist traps – usually poached from their habitat, trafficked illegally, and made submissive through cruel practices like beatings, forced separation, food deprivation, or a combination of these. So, do you part by never buying wildlife products, seeking out staged photo ops, imposing on an animal’s space, feeding, or riding wild animals. Also, know that even ethically taken wildlife photographs can pose a risk if you post them to social media with GPS data embedded in the meta data or location tags, as these can unwittingly tip-off poachers. If you plan on volunteering with wildlife or conservation projects during your travels, do your research to ensure the organisation follows transparent, science-backed welfare standards. Explore Adventure World’s Animal Welfare Policy – developed in partnership with World Animal Protection – to ensure your next animal experience is genuinely ethical and meaningful.
Discover Inuit culture and meet the Polar Bears International team at the frontline of Arctic conservation on our Classic Churchill Polar Bear Adventure.
Final Thoughts: Travel Better, Not Less
According to the UN’s World Tourism Organization, international travel surged last year – with 1.4 billion holiday-makers taking to the skies, reaching 99 per cent of pre-pandemic levels and marking an 11 per cent year-on-year increase globally. And as tourism continues to grow, it’s our responsibility to ensure it nurtures rather than erodes the places we visit. But even if you travel frequently, it can be fairly simple to shape that growth into a force for good – when you know how to travel more sustainably, and follow through every step of the way. By making considered choices, using responsible tour providers, carbon offsetting your flights, seeking ethical wildlife encounters, and investing in community-led experiences, you’re not only reducing your impact, you’re choosing to help destinations prosper.
Looking for inspiration? Every Adventure World itinerary upholds our Travel With Purpose charter: we only partner with responsible suppliers, employ local guides, promote gender equality and cultural preservation, and follow best-practice animal welfare and environmental standards. Plus, our carefully curated MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are assessed against the UN’s Global Sustainable Development Goals to ensure they walk the talk. Because, at the heart of everything we do, is the belief that travel can be a global, collective force for powerful change that protects people, wildlife and the planet – one trip at a time.