Nature’s Embrace: Surprising Ways to Travel Sustainably This Summer! ☀️
Summer is calling, and with it, the urge to explore! But as nature lovers, we’re always looking for ways to minimize our footprint while maximizing our adventures. Beyond the well-known tips, there are some truly surprising and delightful ways to make your summer travels more sustainable. Get ready to rethink your next getaway!
1. Embrace the “Slow Travel” Revolution (Beyond Just Trains!):
We often hear about taking trains instead of planes, which is fantastic! But “slow travel” can be so much more. This summer, consider:
- Barge Holidays: Imagine gently gliding along canals in Europe or the UK, powered by electric or hybrid engines. You unpack once, enjoy stunning scenery, and dock in charming villages — all while leaving a minimal carbon footprint. Many offer bike rentals for shore excursions! Google “barge holidays” and you’ll find so many options. Add a location to your search if you fancy traveling to a specific area.
- Long-Distance Cycling Tours (with luggage transport): Not an ultra-cyclist? No problem! Companies now specialize in multi-day cycling tours where your luggage is transported for you. You get the incredible experience of human-powered travel and the joy of exploring at a leisurely pace, truly connecting with the landscape. Intrepid Travel has many global options, caters to cyclists of all skill levels, and they are a B-Corp with a commitment to sustainability and wildlife welfare. Backroads is another great company with destinations all over the world and in the U.S., and they also have a strong purpose-driven commitment to communities and the environment.
- River Cruises on Electric/Hybrid Vessels: Look for smaller, eco-conscious river cruise lines that are investing in greener technologies. These offer a unique perspective on landscapes and cultures, often with a focus on local experiences and less mass tourism. Several companies are actively developing and deploying these vessels, with notable examples like A-ROSA Cruises, Viking River Cruises, and Hurtigruten.
2. The Power of the “Micro-Adventure” & Hyper-Local Exploration:
Sustainable travel doesn’t always mean going far. This summer, recharge your personal battery by rediscovering the magic close to home:
- Backyard Camping (or Glamping!): Transform your own outdoor space into a nature retreat. It eliminates travel emissions entirely and allows you to enjoy the stars, build a campfire (responsibly), and reconnect with nature right outside your door.
- “Staycations” with a Green Twist: Instead of just staying home, actively seek out eco-friendly businesses, farmers’ markets, and natural areas in your own region. Discover hidden gems, support local sustainable initiatives, and reduce your travel impact significantly.
- Paddle Power Adventures: Kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding on local lakes, rivers, or coastlines offers an incredible way to experience nature from a new perspective, with zero emissions. Pack a picnic and make a day of it!
3. Rethink Your Accommodation (Beyond Eco-Lodges):
While dedicated eco-lodges are wonderful, there are other creative sustainable options:
- Farm Stays: Many working farms now offer accommodation, allowing you to connect with the land, learn about sustainable agriculture, and often enjoy farm-to-table meals. It’s an authentic, low-impact way to experience rural life. Farmstay has U.S. locations and Farm Stay Planet has global locations. These are two of many organizations that can help you find this type of accommodation. If you’re interested in spending some time working on an organic farm, check out WWOOF.
- House Swapping/Sitting: Exchange homes with someone in a different location. This not only saves money on accommodation but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with building and maintaining commercial lodging. Plus, you get to live like a local! HomeExchange is one platform that facilitates home swaps and they’re also a B Corp.
- Camping (Low-Impact Style): Even traditional camping can be made more sustainable. Choose designated campsites, practice Leave No Trace principles diligently, use reusable cooking gear, and minimize your water and energy consumption. Backcountry’s free online guide is a good place to start to learn about this style of camping.
4. The Art of Packing Light & Smart:
This isn’t just about avoiding baggage fees; it’s about reducing the fuel needed to transport heavier loads.
- Multi-Purpose Items: Think sarongs that double as towels, blankets, or skirts. Solid shampoo bars that eliminate plastic bottles. Travel-sized, concentrated products.
- Sustainable Fabrics: Choose clothing made from natural, breathable, and durable fabrics that don’t require frequent washing (e.g., merino wool, hemp, organic cotton).
- This is a tough one for me so I’m consulting REI’s free online guide with step-by-step tips and starter packing list.
This summer, let’s challenge ourselves to travel not just for leisure, but with intention. By embracing these surprising sustainable travel methods, we can nurture our wanderlust while protecting the very natural world that inspires it. Happy and sustainable travels!