Responsible Travel: How to Choose Eco-Friendly Destinations

Travelling is one of life’s greatest joys – opening the door to new cultures, perspectives and unforgettable experiences. But with that joy comes responsibility. As awareness grows around the environmental and social impact of tourism, many travellers are seeking ways to explore the world more mindfully.

Choosing eco-friendly destinations isn’t about sacrificing comfort or adventure – it’s about travelling with purpose, making conscious choices and leaving a positive footprint wherever you go. Here’s how you can make your next journey not only memorable, but meaningful.

Choose Destinations That Prioritise Sustainability

The first step to responsible travel is choosing places that value and protect their natural and cultural heritage. Across many of the destinations we offer, tourism plays a key role in supporting local conservation and community efforts.

In Costa Rica, eco-tourism supports rainforest preservation and wildlife conservation while community-run lodges help protect the environment and generate income for local people. In Sri Lanka, you can explore tea plantations, ancient cities and wildlife-rich reserves, all while staying in accommodations that focus on sustainable living and cultural immersion.

Meanwhile, Northern Thailand offers a deeper connection with indigenous hill tribes and community-based experiences giving you insight into traditional ways of life while helping to preserve them.

For those drawn to the wilderness, Botswana stands out with its conservation-led safaris. From the Okavango Delta to Chobe National Park, we offer journeys where your stay supports local guides, anti-poaching projects and low-impact safari camps.

Stay Somewhere That Gives Back

Where you stay matters just as much as where you go. Many of the properties we feature are designed with sustainability at their core, whether that’s through eco-friendly building practices, renewable energy use, or direct support for local communities.

From solar-powered safari camps to rainforest lodges that fund conservation efforts, your accommodation can become part of the positive impact your journey creates. You might stay in a wilderness camp that supports wildlife protection or a small-scale guesthouse where your visit helps sustain local livelihoods.

These kinds of places don’t just leave a lighter footprint, they also offer deeper, more meaningful experiences. They bring you closer to nature, connect you with local hosts, and ensure that your stay benefits the people and environments that make each destination unique.

Choose Experiences That Are Led by Locals

Some of the most enriching travel moments happen when you’re guided by the people who live there. Whether it’s a food walk through village markets in Sri Lanka, a weaving workshop in Thailand, or a nature trek with community guides in Costa Rica, these experiences are rooted in the culture and traditions of the destination.

In many of our experiences, you’re not just observing – you’re participating. You might learn to cook with locally grown ingredients, hear stories passed down through generations or explore wildlife through the eyes of those who live alongside it every day.

These experiences do more than create memories – they contribute directly to local livelihoods.

Travel Slower, Go Deeper

One of the most sustainable (and rewarding) ways to travel is to slow down. Instead of rushing between tourist hotspots, take time to explore quieter regions where tourism has a more positive impact.

In South Africa, you might spend longer along the Garden Route or visit community-run reserves in KwaZulu-Natal. In Thailand, head to the peaceful northern highlands for deeper cultural experiences with local communities.

In Costa Rica, self-drive trips let you explore cloud forests, coffee farms and turtle beaches at your own pace. In Sri Lanka, consider extra days in rural villages or eco-conscious beach stays. And in Botswana, staying longer in fewer safari camps means less travel impact and more meaningful wildlife encounters.

Travelling slower gives you more time to connect – with people, nature and the place itself.

Small Choices, Big Impact

Being a responsible traveller doesn’t mean giving things up – it means making choices that matter.

Bring a reusable water bottle, skip single-use plastics, support local artisans and offset your flights where possible. Choose accommodations and activities that benefit communities and ecosystems and ask questions about where your money is going.

Every thoughtful decision adds up to something bigger.

Travel with Care

Being a responsible traveller doesn’t mean giving things up – it means making choices that matter.

Bring a reusable water bottle, skip single-use plastics, support local artisans and offset your flights where possible. Choose accommodations and activities that benefit communities and ecosystems and ask questions about where your money is going.

Every thoughtful decision adds up to something bigger.