Sustainable Travel: 6 Small Ways Your Family Can Make a Big Difference

Family holidays are precious. They’re a rare opportunity to relax with your loved ones away from the stresses of everyday life, have fun with your kids, and maybe even discover things about each other you never knew before. But sustainable travel is also important. After all, why not enjoy an amazing holiday while being kind to the environment and contributing to local communities? It’s a win-win.
 

So, how can families travel sustainably without giving up on comfort and convenience? As any parent knows, big achievements start with baby steps. 

One of the easiest routes to sustainable holidays is simply to avoid going where everyone else is. It’s much more rewarding to explore little-known places, as you’re likely to discover the destination’s unique charms and perhaps connect with other travellers who, like you, have a passion for adventure. You’ll also have more opportunity to explore the local culture.
 

Start by researching destinations that prioritise sustainability, such as those with eco-certifications or that are known for their conservation efforts. Then look into what activities that destination offers, and think about whether they would suit your family. For example, quiet beaches with gentle waves and plenty of sandcastle building are perfect for younger children. If yours are older and confident on bicycles, they might enjoy a cycling holiday – a fantastic, low-impact way to get hiking-shy kids into a natural landscape. 

Good news: the number of places to stay that follow sustainable practices is increasing, so it’s easier than ever to find one for your family holiday. Remember, though, that just because an accommodation says it’s green doesn’t mean that it is. Look for evidence that they’re true to their word. Do they have energy and water conservation policies in place? Do they avoid using single-use plastics? Do they prioritise local producers and suppliers?
 

Homestays are a great option for sustainable travel, as they have a smaller environmental footprint and support local economies. But if you’re travelling with babies or young children, you do need to make sure you’re staying somewhere that’s suitable for them. Plus, you want to cut down on the amount of clutter – from travel cots to bottle warmers and everything in between – that you’re taking with you. That’s where family-friendly hotels come in. Choose sustainable lodging that can cater for the little ones, and you’re well on your way to a holiday filled with restful sleep.

Granted, flying is often the only option to get to a destination. But once you’re there, consider using more energy-efficient modes of transport. Instead of driving between cities, look into taking a train or coach instead. Not only does this go towards reducing carbon emissions, it allows you to slow down and soak in your surroundings. Because you’re likely to pass through smaller towns and picturesque landscapes, it also helps children appreciate how big and beautiful the world is.
 

Good to know: This wonder may only last for a few minutes, though, so pack some snacks and compact games. A deck of cards is both versatile and fun, as is a pen and paper for classic games like tic-tac-toe, hangman or the name game. 

The lighter your luggage, the less fuel it consumes in transportation and the more sustainable your travel. 

• Instead of packing bulky items like strollers and car seats, consider hiring them at your destination. 
• Many hotels provide eco-friendly amenities – the best ones to look out for include bulk toiletries dispensers, eco-certified soaps and shampoos, and bamboo products. But if you want to take your own, you can find shampoo and conditioner bars that are kid-friendly, lightweight and – best of all – won’t leak. 
• Most importantly, take reusable water bottles so that you won’t need to buy single-use bottles of water when you’re out and about. Collapsible silicone bottles are handy for saving space.

Whether it’s eating at local restaurants, buying souvenirs from local artisans or using local tour operators, immersing yourself in everything your destination offers boosts your sustainable travel credentials and packs a great cultural punch. Choose local, seasonal cuisine over imported, international fare as much as you can. The key to doing this with smaller or less adventurous children? Pick a restaurant with friendly staff who can engage your kids by explaining where the ingredients come from – perhaps the kitchen garden, the fisherman down at the harbour, or even foraged from a nearby tree. If you’re lucky, you might even get a personal tour.
 

Older children might also enjoy taking a local cooking class, which often includes a market visit. They’ll get to learn about the local food culture, taste unusual new flavours and make traditional dishes which they can recreate at home to wow their friends.

Top tip: When shopping, bargaining is normal – even expected – in many parts of the world. But it is, after all, someone’s livelihood, and paying a fair price is always appreciated.

Where do you find the most eco-conscious activities? In nature itself, of course. Activities like hiking, bird watching and snorkelling are suitable for families and have minimal environmental impact. Older children might also find satisfaction in doing their bit for nature with an activity like a beach clean.
 

Visit protected areas such as national parks and marine sanctuaries – these play an important role in wildlife conservation and helping local communities. When booking a tour to these places, choose an operator who uses local guides. Chances are they’ll not only be incredibly knowledgeable, they’ll also show you a completely different side of what is, after all, their home.

Sustainable travel is all about making small changes that add up to a big difference. So the next time you’re on a family holiday, turn off those room lights when you go out. Say ‘no’ to that plastic straw. Let the kids choose an eco-friendly activity. Inspired to find out more? Read about Novotel’s partnership with WWF to protect and restore our oceans.