Taking a round-the-world sabbatical will inherently require a lot of travelling. However, this does not have to be to the detriment of the environment. By visiting eco-friendly resorts, camps and hotels, as well as partaking in environmentally conscious activities, you can make a positive difference to the breathtaking places you visit. Red Savannah has outlined its top sustainable travel tips to help you factor the environment into your sabbatical.
CONSIDER ECO RESORTS & HOTELS
Travelling sustainably can be as simple as booking eco-friendly accommodation. Many of these have factored their surroundings into the very fabric of their design, meaning simply staying there is an active step towards aiding conservation efforts. These measures come in many forms, though some of the most common involve building with natural materials, storing rainwater for drinking, utilising renewable energy and prohibiting single-use plastics.
GET INVOLVED IN SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES
One of the benefits of staying in a luxury eco resort or hotel is that they very often provide insights into their conservation efforts as well as enriching sustainability-focused activities which are perfect for families. Here are some of our favourites:
Take The Brando’s ‘green tour’
This eco private island resort offers an enthralling ‘green tour’, allowing you to discover the sustainable efforts made at the property. In partnership with The Brando Estate, the resort formed the Tetiaroa Society, whose excellent scientific research helps find ground-breaking ways to look after the environment in which it’s nestled. Delight in learning how the society uses sea water to air-condition villas and how solar panels contribute to over half of the resort’s power supply.
Learn about ecology at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
The guides at Clayoquot are environmentalists to their core, which comes as no surprise being as they are so at one with the British Columbian wilderness. They are always pleased to chat with guests, imparting their expert knowledge of ecology and how we can take measures to ensure the region’s ecosystems are well protected for future generations to enjoy.
Meet the wildlife at Lewa Wilderness
A great example of how simply visiting a destination can help the environment is at Lewa Wilderness. As part of a not-for-profit conservancy spanning 62,000 acres, the lodge’s active efforts to protect endangered species such as Grevy’s zebra and black rhinoceros mean that staying here actively contributes to the restoration of these majestic animals’ dwindling numbers.
Spot Fijian crested iguanas at Six Senses Fiji
Few hotels blend as seamlessly into their environment than Six Senses Fiji. Built in way that minimises the impact on its surroundings, the hotel aims to leave the wilderness around it the way it was found. This approach has allowed the critically endangered Fijian crested iguana to grow in number from 17 to 39 since the resort opened in 2018. Try and spot these colourful creatures hiding in the trees!
Additionally, the resort’s Earth Lab allows guests to turn junk into jewellery, create oils, soaps and beeswax, and craft coasters from invasive tree species.
Visit Awasi Patagonia’s protected areas
Patagonia is home to some of the world’s most astonishing wildlife, such as puma, vicuna, guanaco and Andean condor. Awasi Patagonia’s protected areas afford these animals space to thrive away from the threat of hunters and poachers, while allowing experts to track their numbers in the process. Guests of Awasi are granted exclusive access to these protected areas, taking part in the protection and reintroduction of these endearing creatures into their natural habitat.
TRY SUSTAINABLE CUISINE
Sustainable food does not have to be a dull affair – in fact, it is very much the opposite. Many hotels and resorts now use ingredients sourced from local suppliers and even their own organic gardens. Simple adaptations such as these are an easy yet effective way of reducing the greenhouse gases usually emitted when transporting ingredients from afar.
Some hotels and resorts have taken a truly unique approach to sustainable dining. For example, at NIHI Sumba in Indonesia, you’ll find no toasters in sight. Instead, toast is beautifully crisped over an open campfire. Meanwhile, Six Senses Fiji is home to ‘Cluckingham Palace’, where over 100 hens and roosters produce fresh eggs for the resort, while honey and honeycomb is sourced from its on-site beehives.
BOOK WITH RED SAVANNAH
Finally, for peace of mind when planning a sustainable sabbatical, book with Red Savannah. Our team of specialists will help tailor your itinerary to be as environmentally conscious as possible. Additionally, we will cover the costs of mitigating the carbon produced during your flights, so you can rest assured that your travels will have no consequences towards the environment.
