For Eco-Warriors: Indulgent Yet Sustainable Travel Tips for 2024

Eco-luxe travel: simple tips for the discerning traveler

Embrace sustainable transportation

• Explore European cities: Zip through Amsterdam, London, Budapest and more on electric bikes or scooters.

• Ditch private jets: Opt for scheduled flights or ride-sharing in electric Ubers or similar services.

• Prioritize public transport: Utilize buses, trains and subways whenever possible.

• Rent hybrid/electric cars: Choose eco-friendly options when a car is necessary.

• Hike and trek responsibly: Enjoy the journey and minimize impact by reaching scenic viewpoints on foot.

Respect the environment

• Leave no trace: Pack out all trash and avoid littering in natural areas. When visiting beaches, lakes or reserves, practice responsible behavior – take only memories, leave only footprints!

• Support eco-conscious hotels: Stay in properties committed to sustainability, like:

  • Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino (single-use plastic-free, local produce focus)

  • Rosewood Mayakoba (ecologically built, responsible practices)

  • Kalesma Mykonos (water conservation, plastic reduction)

  • 1 Hotels (LEED certified, repurposed materials)

  • Fogo Island Inn (carbon offsetting option)

  • Soneva Resorts (waste management, eco initiatives)

• Sail sustainably: Indulge in luxury yachts like Vela, built with eco-friendly materials and using reef-safe products.

Travel luxuriously, travel tesponsibly

• Consider sleeper trains: Indulge in the luxurious and modernized Orient Express or explore new, affordable options on several European routes!

• Explore responsibly: Respect protected areas and avoid trespassing on sensitive ecosystems like nesting grounds and sand dunes.

Additional tips

• Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible.

• Pack reusable water bottles and tote bags.

• Support local businesses and communities.

• Be mindful of your water and energy consumption.

By incorporating these tips, you can have an unforgettable travel experience while minimizing your environmental impact. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference! Let's explore the world responsibly and stylishly, leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

Watch out for the highly anticipated opening of Svart Hotel in Arctic Norway! Six Senses Svart will be the world's first energy-positive hotel when it opens, sometime in 2024, offering travelers a sensory connection with nature, conscious escapism and total relaxation. The innovative hotel will consume approximately 85 percent less energy than traditional hotels and by harvesting solar power, it will produce more energy than it uses – thus making it energy-positive.

Transforming into an eco-warrior traveler isn't about scaling mountains in hemp sandals (though, kudos if you do!). It's about embracing small yet impactful shifts that weave seamlessly into your existing adventures. Think ditching the plastic straw and opting for a reusable one. Pack a reusable water bottle and tote bag, skip unnecessary packaging, and opt for walking adventures instead of short taxi rides. These seemingly small steps, like tiny spices, add up to a flavor-packed, planet-friendly experience.

But navigating the ever-evolving world of sustainable travel can feel overwhelming. That's where I come in! As your eco-conscious travel advisor, I'm your guide to hidden gems – from cutting-edge green hotels to local experiences that empower communities. Together, we can craft an itinerary that balances luxury with responsibility, ensuring your memories are as enriching for you as they are for the planet. So, are you ready to embark on a journey that leaves nothing but footprints of positive change? Let's explore the world, responsibly and stylishly, hand-in-hand!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on sustainable travel. In need of further inspiration? Check out Tracy Coleman’s trip report, How to Stay Healthy while Traveling an Anecdotal Journey.