5 tips to help you plan your next ethical holiday

We’re so lucky to have so many opportunities to travel, and when choosing a summer holiday many of us want to make ethical choices that reflect the gratitude we have for this freedom.

But is it possible to spoil yourself without spoiling the planet at the same time?

Ethical holidays are a wonderful way to say “yes” to adventure (or relaxation!) without having to say “no” to your morals.

What is an ethical holiday?

As with most things in this imperfect world of ours, there’s not really an option that’s totally free from harm. But the good news is that there are boundless experiences out there that definitely cause less.

An ethical holiday falls under this banner of trips that cause less harm, or as little as possible.

Perhaps it’s a holiday where you can give back to the planet or its inhabitants while you travel, or simply one where you reduce your impact on the earth with conscious food or transport choices.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of any of one of these ethical holidays, then you should probably grasp the opportunity with both hands.

So how can you make the most of this summer while sticking to your ethics and being a more responsible and conscious traveller?

Here are some top tips on how to plan an ethical holiday…

1. Go on a volunteering holiday

Volunteer holidays give you the best of both worlds, as you get the chance to explore a beautiful destination and give back all at the same time.

They’ve been some of the best and most fulfilling experiences of my life — which is why a volunteering holiday is right at the top of this list.

Jacobs Ridge is an animal sanctuary in Murcia, Spain. Home to pigs, horses, goats, donkeys, dogs, cats and more, it’s like nowhere on Earth I’ve ever been.

Volunteers stay in beautiful bell tents and have full access to the facilities (including a pool) at the house of the owners and live-in volunteers.

Pick up from the airport is provided, so you just need to rock up with your bag and you’re ready to go.

Volunteering-wise you can get as stuck in as you want! From mucking out the horse paddock (which is actually very therapeutic) to feeding all the residents of the ridge, and taking the dogs (and one little horse) for a walk, there’s such a lot to experience, enjoy and absorb.

Because of the Spanish climate, work is done at the beginning and end of the day when it’s cooler, allowing you plenty of R&R time by the pool, or to explore the ridge and the local area.

Jacobs Ridge is vegan, and breakfast and dinner are provided as part of your stay. Dinner times are especially fun, as that’s when everyone comes together to get to know each other and enjoy some fantastic food and local vegan wine.

It’s an incredible experience and my only regret is not doing it sooner.

Volunteering holidays are a great way to offset environmentally unfriendly choices like flying. That said, if they’re based in the UK or Europe, there are other transport options available to you (more on that below), so don’t just assume that there’s only one way to get there.

2. Choose eco-conscious accommodation

Some hotels are now making their eco choices their main point of difference, advertising these as the reason to choose them. And this includes luxury stays too, so don’t think that you’re going to have to say no to properly pushing the boat out just because you’re making the choice to be kinder to our planet.

Saorsa 1875 in Scotland, for example, was the UK’s first ‘fully vegan hotel’ and has been commended for their ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Search online for ‘eco friendly hotels’ and ‘environmentally friendly places to stay’ to unearth possibilities you may never have otherwise thought of. One way to guarantee unique and interesting adventures!

What to look out for when booking eco-friendly accommodation:

• Energy efficiency: Look for hotels that use renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines or hydroelectric power, to generate electricity. Places that have energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and heating/cooling systems are also ideal.
• Waste reduction: Look for hotels that have recycling programs in place, use biodegradable and vegan cleaning products, and provide reusable or biodegradable items, such as towels, linens, and toiletries.
• Water conservation: Look for locations that have water-saving measures in place, such as low-flow showerheads and toilets, and that use rainwater or greywater for irrigation.
• Animal welfare: Look for accommodations that have policies in place to protect animals, such as not using them for entertainment or offering activities that exploit them, and supporting animal welfare organisations. And of course, serving plant-based food is always a good sign!
• Social responsibility: Look for hotels that have policies in place to support social responsibility, such as fair labour practices, supporting local charities or social programs, and minimising their environmental impact.
• Location: Consider the location of your accommodation and how it impacts the environment. Where possible, choose accommodation that is close to public transport, walking or cycling paths, and natural attractions, and avoid those in environmentally sensitive areas or those that contribute to environmental degradation.

There are organisations that certify hotels and other businesses in the tourism industry as environmentally friendly or socially responsible. Looking out for these certifications can be a quick and easy way to identify suitable accommodation for your ethical holiday.

3. Try camping for an eco-friendly holiday

There’s nothing like waking up in the fresh air to the sound of birdsong, or the waves, or…. just peace and quiet!

Get your gear out of the shed or from under the bed, and check it for holes to make sure that it’s good to go. Look for deals online for a camping stove, pack some ingredients to make some easy vegan pasta recipes and some porridge oats for breakfast, grab your reusable water bottle, put on your boots and head out of the door. (And don’t forget your waterproofs!)

Remember to camp responsibly – take everything away that you brought with you and leave as little trace as you can.

There are lots of glamping options out there for those that want a bit more comfort, but if going by foot is a little too sedate, why not consider a ‘bikepacking’ holiday?

It’s a little like backpacking, just on two wheels. Just load up your bike with all your gear and get out there. ‘Bikepacking’ can mean anything from gentle weekend rambles by bike in the Lake District to week-long tours out in the wilderness.

You can book specific bikepacking holidays with your route all planned out, and even hire gear if you don’t have everything you need, so it’s easy to get started.

4. Do your holiday travelling by train, bus or boat

Although we often think of flying as faster, when you take into account the stressful security checks and the potential for airport delays  – not to mention the possibility of extra air travel procedures (remember covid checks?) – other transport options can start to look slightly more appealing.

Environmental impact aside, alternative transport methods can be a lot of fun. It can be far more enjoyable to watch the world go by on a train than spending hours in airport security!

Simply pack yourself a delicious vegan lunch, download some wholesome entertainment to your phone (like the Simply Vegan Podcast!), and enjoy a slower, but calmer and greener journey to your destination.

5. Do your research

Choosing an ethical holiday destination can be a challenging task, especially for first-time travellers. Research is essential not only for confirming that your trip really is ethical, but also to ensure that your travel is safe and something you’re comfortable with.

One way to simplify the process is by using travel operators who specialise in ethical holidays, such as Responsible Travel, which, as well as providing the peace-of-mind that comes from booking through a reputable operator, also offers holiday packages that are designed to ‘treat places of culture with respect’.

For those who prefer to book independently, extensive research is essential. Vegan forums and social media groups are good places to start, as they offer a wealth of first-hand information on vegan-friendly travel options and experiences.

It’s also important to check review sites and look for tips on eco-travel to ensure that your chosen destination aligns with your values. When planning a relaxing break, consider searching for vegan-friendly city breaks or camping holidays in the UK, which offer an extensive network of campsites with varying price points and facilities.

If you’re looking for a shorter break, find vegan-friendly locations with minimal travel by searching for vegan city breaks in Europe or stay even closer to home with a UK camping holiday.

There’s an incredible network of campsites in the UK, and you can find plenty of information online to help you find what’s right for you. Whether you’re looking to pitch your own tent by a beach, rent a camper van for a road trip, or stay in a luxury glamping location, there are plenty of options with varying price points and facilities available.

Ready to book your trip? Read our top tips for vegan travellers before you set sail!

Featured image © vitaliymateha via Adobe Stock