TRAVEL
Sustainable Travel Lauren Marques, founder of Cambridge Luxury Travel, gives the lowdown on the move towards eco-friendly globetrotting As we understand more about the environmental impact of worldwide travel, there is a shift toward travellers making eco-friendly, sustainable and responsible travel choices. It may seem a lot to consider when you are simply looking to get away, but fortunately, there is a lot more awareness and action being taken from both the destinations we visit and the airlines, cruise lines and tour operators we travel with. Clients often ask us what they can do to travel in a more sustainable way, and these are our top tips. THINK LOCAL
SHOW RESPECT It’s important to respect local culture, wildlife and nature when we travel. Never participate in rides, trips or activities that are exploitative of animals or people, and don’t disturb wildlife or marine life in its natural habitat. GET INVOLVED Engage in conservation projects or initiatives. Do something amazing and memorable on your trip while helping local people or wildlife. MAKE INFORMED CHOICES Choose a cruise line, tour operator or airline that boasts green credentials and supports sustainable travel. Look for accreditations such as GSTC, Green Globe, Rainforest Alliance, Earthcheck, Green Tourism Business Scheme (UK) and other regulatory bodies.
By shopping, eating and drinking locally, you’re supporting the destination’s local economy, which in turn supports local people. You’re also more likely to discover the essence of the destination by going out and engaging with the community. LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS Never leave rubbish or disturb the environment, and don’t take shells, rocks, animals or plants away with you. By leaving places as we found them, they remain pristine for those who live there. TAKE A DIFFERENT ROUTE Hiking and travelling by train are great alternatives to reduce our carbon output. Globally, there are some incredible rail journeys to be enjoyed, such as the Orient Express, the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada and the Maharajah’s Express in India.
SOUTHEY CREEK GLAMPING, ESSEX These adults-only luxury pods are nestled on a 500-acre farm in Maldon, offering amazing views across the countryside towards the Blackwater Estuary, where you can catch sight of old Thames barges. The site has all you need for a fantastic time, and pods are furnished with kitchenettes, fridge- freezers, ovens, cosy beds, en-suite bathrooms with showers, inside and outside seating, barbecues and more.
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK APRIL 2023 67
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