by Sometimes it feels like you have to be super rich to make ethical choices. The more energy efficient items are, the more expensive they are to buy. Electric cars (and their chargers) still cost a bomb. Green energy companies have higher tariffs, because fewer people register them.
But when it comes to travel, sustainability doesn’t have to mean expensive. From transport to accommodation, tours to meals, eco-friendly options can be cheaper than carbon-heavy ones – and you’ll be rewarded with richer experiences. Not sure? You will be.
1. Rethink the flight
Trains are a much greener option than budget airlines (one flight to Paris is equivalent to 14 Eurostar trips, carbon-wise) but how to mitigate the higher cost? For the best deals, travel mid-week, avoid rush hour (after 9am) and book in advance. Registering with the Eurostar app also gives access to special offers. Interrail passes allow multiple journeys across 33 countries and start at £171. Buses are even cheaper – Flixbus travels to and between 24 European countries, from £2.99. Trepid types could even take a trip on a cargo ship using a specialist agent such as Ship’N’Train.
2. Choose leaner, local accommodation
Homestays and home exchanges tend to have less impact than chain centers, and ensure a more authentic local experience. Consider hostels if you’re in a city (A&O Hostels are dedicated to low-budget, low-impact options – around 75% less than a two- or three-star hotel). Also look out for hip independent hotels that support energy efficiency.
3. Choose a destination where your money goes further – by all means
Although the pound has lost some influence, there are still countries where it holds its own – and it’s very much appreciated. In Turkey, desperate for tourists from the earthquakes in February, the pound stretches far, and the locals will take advantage of the money coming in. Looking for a sustainable diving holiday? Try Egypt. Here tourism is usually around 12-15 percent of GDP, and the country has been struggling since the civil unrest 10 years ago. Thailand is putting the environment before tourism, closing popular beaches such as Maya Bay to regenerate flora and fauna.
4. Assess your trip emissions
It’s easy to focus on international flights and forget the impact that travel can have. Cars and 4x4s emit a lot of greenhouse gases. The cost saving solution? Walking, cycling, paddling, e-bus and e-boat. To find the best routes for walking and cycling, check out apps such as Komoot or Go Jauntly, which include information about train stations, toilet stops and bike sharing stations. By going slower, you’ll be able to meet more locals, see more sights, see more wildlife and, of course, keep more money in your pocket.
5. Avoid the “Instgrammable” places.
Destinations made famous by influencers see congestion, landscape erosion, pollution and money stuck in one place. Discover quieter attractions at a fraction of the cost by asking locals, consulting goaskalocal.com or using an old-fashioned guidebook. For example, on the Isle of Skye, forget the Fairy Pools and instead go to Eas Allt Daraich; snub Iceland’s Blue Lagoon (£85 per person) and hike to the free Landmannalaugar geothermal pools. Or ditch the beaten start Inca Trail in Peru for the Choquequirao Trek – you’ll still be walking to a lost village but one that’s wilder, cheaper (the entrance fee and the services around it) plus it expands the number of feet and dollars valuable tourism.
6. Be savvy when you choose your own country
It can be hard to spot places that want sustainability versus those that do greenwashing, so do some research. This can be interesting and reveals places that are cheaper and greener — like Slovenia (with its own Green Scheme that helps you find the most sustainable accommodation, activity and food) and Estonia, which protects and celebrates a bog that will capture carbon. Some even offer free camping.
7. Think about where your money is going
Dig a little deeper and you’ll find great value companies, such as Intrepid and G Adventures, who are cultivating long-term relationships with the communities in which they operate. trips and your money goes into the pockets of people who make a real difference. Have small currency denominations so you go tips directly to the people who need them.
8. Pack consciously
Most airlines offer better fares without hold bags, and less baggage means a lighter plane, which results in less aircraft emissions. With the items you pack, make sure you’re not contributing to a local problem, such as filling sunscreen with chemicals that could harm marine life and corals. Bring your own reusable toilet bottles.
9. Filter your own water
Instead of single-use plastic water bottles when abroad, save cash with a reusable bottle with a built-in filter and purifier. The LifeStraw range protects against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, organic chemicals and dirt, meaning you can fill it anywhere and keep plastic out of landfill. It’s also worth remembering that tap water is safe in many places, especially across Europe.
10. Think about the place and, very important, what you eat
Avoiding meals at a chain restaurant will not only help the local’s pocket but also reduce the carbon footprint of your food. Look for the places where the diners aren’t tourists, ask a hotel concierge (or, in my experience, a bus driver) for recommendations. Embrace the new dishes that travel offers, cooked by those who use ingredients that are cheap and grown on home soil. It is worth remembering that some cuisines – especially vegetarian – are more climate friendly as well as being cheaper.
Tune in this Saturday The standard podcast to discover more ways your travels can be ecological and economical.
