What is the most environmentally friendly way to travel overseas?

What is the most environmentally friendly way to travel overseas?

Most of us want to do our bit for the environment but it can sometimes be difficult finding ways to do so when it comes to travelling abroad.  

The most environmentally friendly way to travel overseas depends on various factors, including distance, available infrastructure and personal preferences.  There are however, still ways for us to reduce our impact. 

Here are 9 eco-friendly travel options for you to consider:

 

1.  Avoiding Non-Essential Travel

Ultimately, one of the most effective ways to reduce the environmental impact of travel, even when travelling abroad, is to avoid unnecessary trips.  This includes combining multiple destinations into one journey, whenever possible.  It may not seem like much but trying to use one journey to accomplish many items on your agenda, whether it be visiting a tourist attraction, picking up groceries or shopping for souvenirs, can cumulatively reduce the impact to the environment.
 
2.  Public Transport

 
Public transport offers an 'eco-friendlier' way to get about a country as it reduces the amount of vehicles on the road.  Depending on the distance, it can also be a lot cheaper than hiring a car, for example.  Journeys on public transport can also be more scenic and allows you even more opporunity to engage with the locals.

  • Travel by Train

    Trains are one of the most energy-efficient modes of transportation and can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 73%, according to IPCC.  Opting for trains powered by renewable energy sources further reduces carbon emissions.

  • Travel by Bus or Coach

    Similar to trains, buses and coaches can be efficient, especially for short to medium-length journeys. Look for companies that prioritize fuel-efficient vehicles or offer carbon offset programs. 

    Buses are typically more fuel-efficient per passenger mile compared to cars, especially when they are full.  By consolidating multiple passengers in one vehicle, buses can significantly reduce the overall carbon footprint per person.
Both buses and trains can carry a larger number of passengers than cars, which helps reduce traffic congestion on roads. Congestion contributes to increased fuel consumption and emissions for all vehicles so reducing the number of cars by using public transport can lead to overall environmental improvements.

 

3.  Carpooling or Ridesharing:

If buses and trains aren't an option, another way to reduce the number of vehicles on the road is by sharing a car ride with others.  Carpooling reduces the number of vehicles on the road, leading to lower emissions per passenger. 

Platforms that facilitate carpooling or ridesharing allow travellers to connect with others going in the same direction.  Whether it's Ola in India or Cabify in Spain, car pooling with other travellers or even locals, is not only eco-friendlier but can also be cheaper.


4.  Car Hire: 

There are many reasons why some may need to hire a car when abroad.  Luckily nowadays there are more electric cars available to hire than ever before.  This is has a huge benefit on the environment as electric cars reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. 

If there are no electric cars available, consider choosing hybrid or fuel-efficient rental cars that helps minimize carbon emissions per mile travelled.

5.  Cycling:


For shorter distances, or within bike-friendly cities, cycling is a zero-emission mode of transportation that promotes physical activity and provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local surroundings.  

While the Netherlands on a whole is well known for cycling as a common mode of transport, there are many other countries that encourage the use of bicycles and more importantly, have the terrain which makes it easy to get from A to B.  Some major cities include Oslo, Paris, Tokyo, Montreal and Vancouver.  

If you're feeling particularly adventurous, why not try a cycling tour?  This offers a unique way to see a country and they're usually in parts that most tourists don't get to see.  Think of Vietnam, Tanzania, France or even Morocco!  


6.  Eco-friendly accommodation:

Wherever possible, choose eco-friendly accommodation.  Sites like Ecobnb list a wide range of accommodation providers that help keep their carbon footrpints to a minimum. 

The platform insists on a range of environmentally friendly criteria from each property including the use of 100% renewable energy, providing organic or local food, using energy saving lighting and solar panels for warm water.


If this is something that you'd like to do, visit their website for more information. 

  
7.  Carbon Offsetting:
 
If you are unable to do any of the above then there is another way. By offsetting carbon emissions created through travel, you can still do your bit. 

Carbon emissions generated by your flight, car or boat can be mitigated by carbon offset programs such as the one offered by Sustainble Travel International. 

These programs invest in renewable energy projects or conservation efforts to balance out the environmental impact of your journey.  With Sustainable Travel International's carbon offset caculator, you can easily work out the impact of your carbon footprint.

For example:

A flight for 1 person travelling return from London to Johannesburg in South Africa, 2.52 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).

In order to offset the carbon emissions associated with this journey, the cost would be £31.89.

The money paid is then used to fund various projects that help reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  

8.  Giving back to local communities

If time is not a problem then how about volunteering?  Volunteering overseas can be a rewarding experience that not only allow you to contribute to communities in need but gain new perspectives and skills.

  • WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) focus on sustainable farming and organic agriculture in over 130 countries.  Your volunteer work is exchanged with a place to stay and healthy, organic meals.

    Not only do you get to immerse yourself in local living, but also get to meet others from all over the world who, like you, have also come to volunteer.  Each country has it's own WWOOF organisation which you will need to contact in order to see what stays are available.  
  • Volunteer World is another volunteer organisation which does cost, but what you learn and experience will be invaluable and unforgettable.  See Volunteer World for more information.   

    Being able to volunteer in conjuction with travelling allows you to give back and know that you've made a difference.  

    9. Environmentally Conscious Travel Companies

    When booking a holiday, look out for travel companies that support sustainability and local community projects of the countries you are visiting, for example, Conscious Travel.

    Environmentally conscious travel agents specialize in planning trips that prioritize sustainability, ethical practices and positive social impact. These agencies focus on minimizing the environmental footprint of travel, supporting local communities and promoting responsible tourism practices.

    Here are some other well-known travel agents and organizations that strive to limit the effects of travelling abroad:

    • Intrepid Travel

      Focus:  Sustainable and small group travel.
      Practices:  Carbon-neutral tours, support for local communities and responsible wildlife experiences.
      Special Programs:  Intrepid Foundation, which funds community projects worldwide.
    • G Adventures

      Focus:  Adventure travel with a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
      Practices:  Small group sizes, locally-owned accommodations, and sustainable tour options.
      Special Programs:  Planeterra Foundation, supporting social enterprises and community projects.
    • Responsible Travel

      Focus:  Holidays that benefit travelers, local people, and the environment.
      Practices:  Emphasis on eco-friendly accommodations, ethical wildlife tourism, and cultural immersion.
      Special Programs:  Offers a wide range of sustainable travel options, from family holidays to adventure trips.
    • Wild Frontiers

      Focus:  Adventure travel with a sustainable and ethical approach.
      Practices:  Small group sizes, carbon offsetting, and local community support.
      Special Programs:  Wild Frontiers Foundation, which supports projects in travel destinations.

    Travel comapanies such as these not only practice sustainability in the workplace but partner with communities in order to reduce the impact of tourism. They ensure that the culture and traditions of locals are respected and allow visitors to discover the natural environment whilst minimising any damage.

    As you can see, by choosing more sustainable travel options and adopting eco-conscious habits during your journey, you can minimise your carbon footprint while still exploring the world.

    If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let us know by commenting below.  We read every response and your idea might play a small role in helping us all become climate friendly.

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