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Are sustainable holidays wishful thinking?

No-one likes being preached to about sustainability, and especially not when it comes to travel, which typically involves a plane or two, some cars, living the good life in a gorgeous hotel. Eek.

But! It’s not all doom and gloom.

Travel is a force for good and we can help keep it this way by making good choices when we go overseas.

The best part? These choices typically don’t involve compromise. Your holiday will be just as amazing – with slightly less impact.

Here are Fleewinter’s 10 tips for making sustainable choices on holiday.

1. Choose flights that emit less carbon. Most flight comparison sites now show which flights emit less carbon – an easy adjustment to make straight away.
2. Asking your Fleewinter consultant if they’ve got any other clients travelling at the same time. Could you share a transfer?
3. Prioritise your choice of hotels to those that have sustainable credentials – do they use solar power, purchase local food, hire local staff? (We can help here.)
4. Have a look at how many holidays you take – could you reduce the number of trips per annum, but go for a little bit longer each time? Same number of holiday days total… but fewer planes.
5. Eat delicious, local, seasonal food. If it’s been imported, it doesn’t benefit local farmers and comes with air/land miles. Local = less impact.
6. Don’t travel at peak season. Overcrowding places stress on communities, so consider off-peak travel for lower prices, fewer people and a lesser impact.
7. Travel lighter! If you don’t carry as much on the plane, there’s less weight on board = less fuel used. Economies of scale are needed here, but you get the idea.
8. (This one’s a marmite suggestion) – could you reduce the amount of meat you eat on holiday? If you’re going somewhere where the diet is very carnivorous (or you’d be mad not to indulge: we’re looking at you, Argentina) you could do this in lieu, before you travel.
9. Support communities by choosing local produce wherever possible. This could include eating food at local restaurants, picking locally owned accommodations (or does the hotel hire staff from the community?), enjoying experiences with local guides and experts, purchasing goods from local artisans, you name it.
10. Keep an eye on your water, electricity and waste. Reduce housekeeping to every other day and reduce shower length to save water – this is particularly relevant if you’re off the beaten track! Turn off the AC when you’re not in the hotel to save power (plus the normal lights off, tv off etc), and make sure you minimise waste wherever possible by refusing single use plastic and following local responsible waste disposal guidance.

These are a few ideas – certainly not an exhaustive list.

Check out some of our country-specific sustainable suggestions below – or drop us an email to chat about your next sustainable trip.

Morocco

For an unforgettable and sustainable travel experience in Morocco, consider using the country’s efficient train network, especially in the northern region. The trains connect major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes, and Tangier, making it easy to explore while minimizing your carbon footprint. The high-speed Al Boraq train from Tangier to Casablanca is a popular option, offering a quick and comfortable journey while showcasing the beautiful Moroccan landscape.

Traveling by train not only allows you to relax and enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, olive groves, and coastal scenery but also provides opportunities to connect with locals. You can pair your train journeys with walking tours in vibrant cities like Fes and Tangier or use public transport to explore even further.

We’re excited to help arrange such sustainable trips for all clients interested in discovering Morocco responsibly.

 

South Africa

Daphne recommends the Rovos Rail Journey, a breathtaking panoramic sojourn from Pretoria to Cape Town that offers both golfing and non-golfing itineraries. This journey is an unforgettable way to explore South Africa’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage. After an exhilarating game drive in Kruger Park, guests will visit the Kingdom of eSwatini to experience Swazi culture before heading to Hluhluwe for incredible game viewing.

Travel along the coast to Durban for a city tour, then traverse the stunning Valley of a Thousand Hills to Spionkop Lodge, the perfect base for exploring the mountains, bush, birds, and battlefields of the region. Next, enjoy a game drive at Addo Elephant Park before an overnight stay at Fancourt in Knysna, a natural paradise.

This journey is a sustainable option, as Rovos Rail prioritises eco-friendly practices, including responsible waste management and energy conservation. As you traverse the stunning landscapes from the Outeniqua Mountains to the spectacular Cape Winelands, you’ll be contributing to sustainable tourism that supports local communities and protects wildlife. This magnificent expedition ends in Cape Town, with the option to reverse the journey for an equally unforgettable experience.

 

Zambia

Daphne recommends a sustainable holiday in Zambia, particularly at Green Safari properties. After experiencing these remarkable lodges firsthand, I was truly impressed by their dedication to conservation and community empowerment. The breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique cultural experiences are enhanced by their commitment to eco-friendly practices, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.

While Zambia does require some inland flights to access its stunning national parks, Green Safari plants as many trees as needed to keep your carbon offset at zero. During my stay, I felt a deep connection to the land and its inhabitants, knowing that my visit directly supported wildlife protection and local communities.

If you’re searching for an adventure that combines luxury with responsibility, Zambia with Green Safaris is the perfect choice. Not only will you create lasting memories, but you’ll also contribute to meaningful conservation efforts.

 

Chile

Val is a big fan of Ecocamp Patagonia inside Torres del Paine National Park. When I stayed here I could see first hand how the lodge strives to minimise its environmental footprint.

The whole camp uses solar power, is built on raised wooden platforms to prevent soil erosion, uses compostable toilets and a biofiltration system, amongst other practices. They also invest annually in green projects to offset their operations CO2 emissions.

All this and more whilst guaranteeing guests an unforgettable stay in one of the country’s most beautiful and privileged settings!

Brazil

Brazil is one of the world’s biggest countries and flying internally is often unavoidable. There is a wonderful bus network that works well, however, distances can be so long that the limited time we have on holiday doesn’t afford us the luxury of spending hours and hours on a bus.

So take advantage of Brazil’s size and the fact that many states offer plenty of highlights to fill an unforgettable holiday: ‘Last year I chose Brazil and the state of Bahia as my own holiday destination. I explored colonial cities, the beautiful coastline and the amazing national parks all by land. I covered thousands of kms and didn’t feel like I had missed out. Instead, I had an unforgettable, off the beaten path journey in the real Brazil!’ – Val, Fleewinter’s Brazil specialist.

 

Greek Sailing

When you become part of the yachting world you must love and appreciate the beautiful surroundings that make your job or your holiday possible.

As much as possible you will travel from island to island under the power of sail. Forget horsepower and embrace wind power as you eat up the miles.

There’s no better feeling than moving seamlessly over the Ionian, eating local seasonal salads and taking in the olive groves that you pass by. On a one-way route you truly maximise the experience using the wind to sail you from the North to the South – or vice versa!

It doesn’t just stop at sailing…after a day on the water I love to eat at small family tavernas where you know the fresh fish has come from the boat moored next to you or you passed earlier in the day.

 

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