How to plan a conscious holiday

A guide to ecotourism in 7 steps for travellers who want to discover the world without remorse.

I confess. I’m guilty. As an inspired traveller who loves to discover the world I’m starting to feel less and less ok about hopping onto planes and driving to my desired destinations. Know the feeling? It’s called environmental awakening.

Zero waste, Minimalism, KonMari, Ecotourism…terms spurred by the eco-awareness Zeitgeist showcase the desire to make everything simple again, to get rid of the clutter and break free from whatever is holding back. But as we all know, it’s often hard to change habits and mindsets when we’re caught in the daily grind.

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.     
Confucius

Going on holiday is the perfect opportunity to reflect upon our lifestyle and practice simplicity for a limited amount of time. Careful planning ahead will also help avoid on-site plastic purchases and will make the trip easier and more sustainable.

THE GUIDE TO GUILT-FREE TRAVEL

1. Choice of destination

This might not seem obvious at first but the choice of your destination and the time of travel can make a huge impact. Be considerate to choose off the beaten track destinations that respect a natural balance between locals and travellers to avoid overtourism.

If you plan to travel during shoulder and low season months, which Off Grid Hideaways calls the Quiet Season, you may discover a more authentic version of the region you’re visiting, giving space for moody weather rather than the picture perfect skies you’ll find during the busy season. It can also be easier to interact with locals as they generally have more time for a chat then, than in peak season.

Choose one instead of many destinations. Less is more.

Simplicity means going fewer places rather than more, seeing less so I can see more, doing less so I can do more, acquiring less so I can have more.     
John Kabat-Zinn

2. Choice of travel mode

Via public transport, on foot, by kayak, on a sailing boat…All options are much more eco-friendly than driving to your destination in your own car. Granted, some places require a vehicle to get to, but inspire yourself to check out other alternatives first before you choose the ‘easy’ option.

If you’re flying there, prioritize short haul flights (under 3 hours), try to limit the amount of flights per year and compensate and offset your carbon footprint with organisations such as my climate or climate partner.

3. Choice of location

Hotel: Choose a smaller boutique hotel or a B&B as they are more likely to have local staff, buy from small manufacturers and will probably avoid using the mini sized plastic packaged sanitary sets you’ll find in the big hotel chains.

Private holiday homes: A wonderful way to feel at home away from home. Visit our handpicked selection of Hideaways. Each one is carefully designed and built by local craftsmen, showcasing materials sourced from the specific region.

Camping on campsites: For families with young kids who are planning a camping trip, Emma Ross from mamalina shares a great video to help make camping a family experience filled with fun and zero waste. This charming London mum gives practical and inspiring daily tips to live a plastic free life with a family.

Wild camping: This is the real deal and the closest to nature you can get BUT always remember to respect nature and clean up after!!! When the Off Grid Hideaways team goes wild camping we even leave the place cleaner than it was at arrival (picking up garbage and leftovers from others)! Choose destinations above the tree line or in barren coastal landscapes to avoid disturbing forest animals.

4. Pack eco essentials

Reusable water bottles. Stainless steel lunch boxes for snacks. Canvas bags for grocery shopping and other various necessities. Soap for hair (Try out special hair shampoo soap – we use it and its amazing!). Soap for body and washing clothes. Pack ‘easy maintenance’ clothes that are generally darker or patterned so you needn’t wash them after every wear. Micro plastic free sunscreens. Bring your own coffee or tea travel mug for refilling at coffee shops and hotels. If you’re flying bring your earphones as many airlines provide single-use plastic packed ones.

Depending on the travel mode, if possible, pack food essentials that you can purchase at your local zero waste shop or at the market in advance (brown rice, pasta etc). Many places still only offer foods in plastic packaging, so by planning carefully you minimise the risk of having to ‘give in’.

5. Shop locally

Shop fresh groceries at the village farmer’s market, talk to locals to find out where to buy from manufacturers directly (always involves less packaging and transport), stroll along the harbour and see if you can purchase the daily catch from fisherman. Take your rubbish back home and minimise the waste you leave behind. And if you’re staying in a hotel refuse to be tempted by the mini bar. The single serving sizes are the epiphany of plastic consumption!

6. Remember to switch off all devices at home

Give your home a holiday too. Pull out all the plugs and turn the heating down. Unless you are hosting little pixies in your home during your absence, nobody will benefit from the power consumption except the local electricity suppliers.

And after coming back from your vacation think twice before you turn the devices on again. Did you really miss the XBOX? Can the lights wait until dusk to be turned on?

7. Sustain the holiday feeling

Integrate your eco holiday experiences into your daily routine, challenge yourself to keep your life simple, sustainable and surround yourself only with what really sparks joy.

For more inspirations on conscious living:

Check out the useful guide by the eccentric US plastic activist Beth Terry with 100 easy steps to break free from plastic.

Watch the inspiring movie Minimalism (available on Netflix), a documentary for minimising possessions and making space for the important things in life.

Eco Apps:

Think Dirty – Barcode scan reveals everything you need to know.

CodeCheck – Equivalent of Think Dirty for specific Swiss market.

Oroeco – Environmental impacts of how you spend your money.