Sometimes I feel like a hypocrite. I talk about travelling more sustainably, but I still fly and have previously visited destinations that are suffering from overtourism. I need to be a better traveller and practice what I preach, so I’m setting myself some ground rules that I am posting here, publicly, to be held accountable for.

I will fly less and travel via other forms of transport

Realistically for me, I can’t completely give up flying. I resolved many years ago to never, ever take an internal flight in this or another small country, and that will always stand. Going forward, I am allowing myself two trips per year by plane and any other travels have to be taken by other forms of transportation. I have more flexibility with my travels now that I am freelance, and I rarely travel long haul, so this should be perfectly possible (especially as more and more night train routes are being introduced across Europe). I will only fly to destinations that are tricky to reach via other forms of transport in the time allocation I have. If I want to travel abroad more often than this (which I do, as travel is what I always prioritise for my disposable income, plus a lot of my work is in travel) then I have to take the train or ferry. The only exception to this rule will be if I receive a work commission where I have to fly, as I am not in a position to be able to turn down work. There are so many places I’d love to visit that I am excited to visit via train journeys: more of the Nordic countries, Italy, Spain, France and the Alps to name just a few.

I will avoid visiting places struggling with over-tourism and find alternatives

So many place around the world suffer with over-tourism due to a huge influx of tourists that the local infastructure and natural environment just can’t keep up with. I have previously visited places that felt too busy to me, and it made me feel uncomfortable. If I was worried about the amount of people treading on wild flowers or squeezing down ancient streets, how must the locals feel? Whenever I travel, I now ensure that I do my research and stay clear of places where extra tourists simply aren’t welcome. If you have your heart set on a particular place, travel there outside of peak season when visitors are more welcome (for more European destinations, this will be when cruises die down) but also look at similar locations nearby.

I will spend more time exploring my own country

In 2018, I remember looking at how often I travelled abroad and explored the UK, and realising that I barely ever took holidays in my own country. Ever since that summer, I have made a conscious effort to book travels in England, Scotland and Wales every year and cut down how many times I travel abroad. There are so many amazing places to discover close to home, and some of my favourite adventures have been places that we have driven to for summer camping trips on our own coastline. I’ve definitely fallen in love with my own country, and have a huge list of places I would still like to visit as well as favourite spots I would like to return to. I have a short trip to Wales planned for June, hope to return to Devon for my birthday in August and would like to plan another couple of UK trips later this year. This also helps to cut down the costs of travelling for me, as I’m perfectly happy to camp or sleep in our van when exploring the UK. (Side perk - it means our dog, Evie can usually accompany us!)

I will tred lighter when travelling

Not physically lighter (although carrying less luggage reduces your carbon footprint, especially when flying) but lighter on the environment. I will stay in accommodation owned by small businesses and/or that is eco-friendly. I will leave places I visit exactly as I found them, neither taking anything away (picking flowers, gathering shells etc.) or leaving rubbish behind. I will continue to recycle when travelling. I will reduce my plastic use even further. I will choose to walk around a place on my own two feet or hire a bike rather than jumping in taxis or on public transport. I will keep to the paths and not tred on precious ground such as where wild flowers grow. I will make conscious decisions to be more sustainable in the way that I see the world.

I will travel during shoulder seasons and out of peak times

I don’t have children and I am not a teacher, therefore I am not restricted to only travelling at certain times of the year. I actually hate going away somewhere hot in July and August and much prefer a June, September or October break in the sun, so this suits me just fine. It’s wonderful at home in the summer months, and I usually head to a quiet spot in Devon, Cornwall or West Wales for my birthday in August. I also enjoy choosing more unusual place to visit - such as taking my summer holiday in West Sweden last year. Basically, avoid busy places at peak times and travel during shoulder and off seasons to help the economies of places that are packed for a couple of months a year but struggle for visitors the remainder of the time. Honestly, the seas in southern Europe are at their warmest in late September anyway, and you won’t have to fight off other tourists for a space on the beach.

Do you have any other suggestions for how we can all be more conscious travellers? Let me know by leaving a comment below. And if you enjoy reading about slow and sustainable travel, sign up to my Substack for more regular articles sent direct to your email.