10 Tips for Sustainable Family Travel

Traveling is an eye-opening experience that brings families closer together through shared adventures. However, it’s crucial to ensure our explorations don't harm the planet. Sustainable travel practices are the need of the hour, and we know sometimes it can seem really overwhelming to plan travel alone, let alone add in the factor of making it sustainable.

Who can we trust? What boxes should we be ticking? How can we do our part without let the eco conscious aspect ruin the fun?

In this blog post, we share 10 tips for sustainable family travel, ensuring your escapades are eco-friendly and fun.

1. Adopt a Slow Travel Approach: Slow travel is about embracing the journey, not just the destination. Opt for longer stays and explore each place thoroughly. It not only reduces the carbon footprint but also allows for a deeper connection with the local culture and environment​. You don't have to go somewhere remote or move to the destination either, but sometimes experiencing a place more from a local perspective adds all the fun. 

Pro tip: look into home rentals vs resorts. For a well balanced vacation (and a bit of a compromise), you can consider doing half and half.

2. Support Local Businesses: Choose local businesses over big chains. It’s a great way to contribute to the local economy and discover unique, authentic experiences​.

One of the best parts of travel is seeing, tasting, and experiencing other cultures and little other experiences allow you to feel this like interacting from a local business owner will. This baker, hair dresser, hat maker etc is likely more passionate about his unique craft and location than any tour you can buy online. 

3. Mind Your Carbon Footprint: Be mindful of the transportation modes you choose. Prefer walking, biking, or public transport over private vehicles wherever possible​.

This comes extra handy for packing when you don't need to pack car seats and bulky strollers.

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4. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Adhere to the 3R rule: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, especially while packing. Opt for durable items and avoid single-use plastics and consider renting, donating and shopping second hand whenever possible​.

As parents, we know the joys and challenges of traveling with little ones. That's why we've poured our hearts, souls, and countless travel experiences into creating the ultimate guide for you: 'Baby on Board: Your Essential Guide to Stress-Free Flights with Babies and Toddlers.'

5. Learn A Bit of the Local Language: Learning the basics of the local language is respectful and enhances your travel experience. It’s a small step towards sustainable tourism practices that acknowledge the local culture​.

This will also be super fun for the whole family and something you can bond over for years to come. My family and I already have a few words we'll refer to in another language and it's such a fun way to unite everyone over a fun travel memory.

6. Opt for Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Choose accommodations that are committed to green practices. Look for certifications like Green Key or EarthCheck.

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7. Participate in Local Conservation Efforts: Engage in conservation activities or eco-tours that contribute to local environmental efforts. Often, these organizations have fun activities with local wildlife which is extremely fun for the kids ( and adults). We still chat about the time with the Elephants in a Thailand sanctuary as one of our fondest travel memories to this day and we know the money went to a good cause.

BONUS: if you're world schooling visits to animal rehabilitation centers and sanctuary offers an extraordinary opportunity to bond with, learn from and get to know a destination by its more vulnerable inhabitants.

8. Be Water Wise: Conserve water by taking shorter showers and reusing towels. Every drop counts! And adhere to local guidelines and requests for water usage. They will likely be made known to you by your host or at local bathrooms etc.

9. Respect Local Cultures and Traditions: Understanding and respecting local customs and traditions is part of being a responsible traveler​.

10. Educate Your Kids on Sustainable Practices: Travel is a fantastic opportunity to educate your children about sustainability. Discuss the importance of eco-friendly practices and involve them in making green choices.

After all, this is the planet we are leaving them with. It is in our best interest to teach them as we learn to treat it better.

Conclusion: Sustainable family travel is not just about exploring new places, but doing so in a way that respects and preserves the natural world. With these 10 tips, you’re well on your way to creating memorable and eco-friendly escapades with your family.