Sustainable Travel Toolbox 

1. Look for eco-certified hotels or try a local homestay.

Help your clients choose accommodations that are committed to sustainability. Eco-certified hotels reduce their environmental footprint through practices like water conservation and renewable energy. For a more immersive experience, suggest a local homestay. This option not only supports local families directly but also offers an authentic cultural connection that a conventional hotel can’t match.

2. Rent a bike or use public transport to explore like a local.

Encourage clients to see their destination from a different perspective. Ditching the rental car for a bike or bus reduces carbon emissions and allows for a slower, more intimate pace of exploration. Using public transport or renting a bicycle helps clients uncover hidden gems and interact with the community in a way that truly makes them feel like a part of the local fabric.

3. Support local artisans and businesses. Souvenirs with soul!

Remind your clients that every pound spent can have a lasting impact. Guide them toward markets and shops that sell locally made goods rather than mass-produced items. When they buy from local artisans and businesses, they are not only getting a unique, high-quality souvenir with a story but are also helping to sustain the local economy and preserve traditional crafts.

4. Learn a few phrases and follow local customs.

Traveling with respect for the local culture is key to a rewarding experience. Advise clients to learn a few basic phrases—a simple "hello" or "thank you" can make a world of difference. Additionally, understanding and respecting local customs, such as dress codes for religious sites or dining etiquette, shows respect and helps foster positive relationships with the people they meet.

5. Pack a reusable water bottle and say no to single-use plastics.

This simple act is one of the easiest ways for travelers to reduce their waste. By packing a reusable water bottle, they can avoid buying countless plastic bottles throughout their trip. This small habit, along with refusing single-use plastic bags and straws, helps protect the environment and sends a clear message that they value the destination’s natural beauty.

6. Join a beach clean-up or support a local conservation project.

For clients who want to go beyond a typical holiday, suggest opportunities for direct action. Participating in a beach clean-up or supporting a local conservation charity is a fantastic way to give back. These activities provide a sense of purpose and leave the destination in a better state than they found it, creating a truly memorable and impactful trip.

7. Think about travel off-season to avoid overwhelming popular spots.

Help clients see the benefits of traveling during shoulder or low season. This strategy helps reduce the pressure on popular destinations and their infrastructure, which can often be strained by over-tourism. Off-season travel also provides a more authentic experience, with fewer crowds and more opportunities to connect with the local community.

8. Slow travel reduces your footprint & creates deeper local connections.

Emphasize the value of slowing down. Instead of rushing between multiple cities, encourage clients to spend more time in one place. Slow travel allows them to truly get to know a destination, its people, and its culture. This reduces their carbon footprint from constant transport and fosters a deeper, more meaningful connection that goes far beyond a typical tourist checklist.

Don’t forget you can read the full magazine here.