Sustainable Travel: How to Explore the World Responsibly

October 15, 2024
As travellers, we have a responsibility to ensure that our adventures don’t harm the places we visit. Sustainable travel is all about minimising your environmental impact while supporting local communities and preserving cultural heritage. 
Whether you're planning a solo trip or a family holiday, here’s how you can explore the world responsibly:

Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation

Wooden cabin at the foot of a mountain surrounded by farmland

When booking your stay, look for hotels or lodges that prioritise sustainability. Many eco-friendly resorts and accommodations use renewable energy, reduce waste, and conserve water. Some also reinvest in the local community by sourcing food and products from nearby businesses. 



Support Local Economies

A significant aspect of sustainable travel is contributing to the local economy. Instead of large chains, choose locally owned restaurants and shops. This not only provides you with a more authentic experience but also ensures that your money benefits the people and communities you visit.



Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Hand holding a sapling

Flights contribute to a significant portion of global carbon emissions. Whenever possible, opt for direct flights to reduce your carbon footprint, or consider alternative transport like trains or buses. You can also offset your carbon emissions by investing in carbon offset programs that fund environmental projects around the world. Through our partnership with Trees4Travel you can calculate and help rebalance your carbon footprint - together we can help to reduce your environmental impact - plus we’ll plant a tree for every booking!



Be Mindful of Wildlife and Natural Habitats

When exploring nature or visiting wildlife attractions, ensure that they adhere to ethical standards. Avoid attractions that exploit animals for entertainment, such as elephant rides or photos with captive animals. Opt instead for nature reserves and sanctuaries that focus on conservation and the wildlife wellbeing.



Pack Reusable Travel Essentials

Reusable bottle

To reduce single use plastic waste, pack reusable items such as water bottles, shopping bags, and straws. Many destinations, especially islands and beaches, are struggling with plastic pollution, and every little effort helps to reduce this burden.



Respect Local Cultures and Traditions

Cultural respect is a cornerstone of sustainable travel. Learn about the local customs and traditions before you arrive, and always show respect for sacred sites, dress codes, and social norms. Supporting cultural preservation is not only beneficial for the community but also enriches your travel experience.



Travel Off the Beaten Path

Overtourism is a growing problem in popular destinations, leading to overcrowding, environmental degradation, and stress on local resources. To travel more sustainably, consider visiting lesser known destinations. This helps spread tourism income more evenly and reduces the negative impact on heavily trafficked areas.



Leave No Trace

The Good Travel Agent team collecting rubbish on a beach in Mexico

A simple but powerful rule: always leave a place better than you found it. This means picking up your trash, staying on marked trails to prevent soil erosion, and avoiding actions that could harm the environment or wildlife. Leave behind only footprints and take away only memories - when some of our agents visited Mexico they participated in a beach clean as there was such a large amount of litter left behind.


Use Public Transport or Walk

Once you arrive at your destination, consider using public transport, renting bikes, or walking to explore. Not only does this reduce your carbon emissions, but it also allows you to experience the destination at a slower, more enjoyable pace.



Educate Yourself and Others

Woman with baby in arms looking up at tree canopy

Finally, a big part of sustainable travel is raising awareness. Educate yourself on the environmental challenges facing the places you visit and share that knowledge with others. Whether through social media or conversations, you can help spread the message about the importance of sustainable travel.



By taking small steps, we can collectively make a big impact. Traveling responsibly ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy the same breathtaking experiences we have today. All while supporting the preservation of our planet and its diverse cultures.


July 17, 2025
If you love the idea of unpacking just once but waking up in a new destination every day — a river cruise could be your dream holiday. Think gliding past vineyard-clad hillsides, docking in the heart of historic towns, and sipping wine on the top deck as medieval castles drift by. River cruising offers a more intimate, immersive, and peaceful alternative to ocean cruises — with all the luxury, but none of the crowds.
July 17, 2025
If you’ve ever dreamed of hearing lions roar at sunset, watching elephants cross the savannah, or waking up to birdsong in the African bush — a safari holiday should be at the top of your bucket list. Safari holidays are more than just a holiday. They’re an unforgettable journey into some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth, where the wildlife is wild, the skies are vast, and every day feels like a scene from a nature documentary.
July 17, 2025
If you love the idea of ticking off multiple sights, soaking up local culture, and having everything organised for you — all while someone else does the driving — a touring holiday might just be your perfect match. Whether it's a scenic coach trip through the Italian lakes, a cultural deep-dive through Japan, or a road trip across the USA, touring holidays offer a stress-free, immersive way to explore the world.
July 17, 2025
If your idea of a perfect holiday involves a bit more adrenaline than a sun lounger and a cocktail, adventure travel might just be your next obsession. From volcano hiking in Costa Rica to kayaking through Norwegian fjords, today’s travellers are swapping spa robes for walking boots and chasing experiences that challenge, inspire, and change the way we see the world.
July 17, 2025
August is one of the most popular months for travel – and for good reason. School’s out, the sun’s shining across Europe and beyond, and there’s a buzz in the air wherever you go. Whether you’re craving beach bliss, cultural treasures, or once-in-a-lifetime adventures, here are our top 5 destinations to consider for your August getaway.
June 6, 2025
At The Good Travel Agent, we believe that seeing the world shouldn’t come at the cost of harming it. And the good news? Sustainable travel doesn't mean sacrificing luxury, convenience, or enjoyment. In fact, with a few thoughtful choices, you can have a fabulous, feel-good holiday that leaves a lighter footprint on the planet — and an even bigger impression on your heart. Here’s how to travel sustainably without compromising comfort: