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    7 sustainable travel experiences to try on your next trip
    As we celebrate Earth Day on 22 April, we shouldn’t forget that sustainability is a year-long effort. Try these sustainable travel experiences to minimise your carbon footprint
    Woman on boat in mangrove
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    We all desire to travel more sustainably, but it can be difficult to know where to start. The good news is you don’t have to give up comfort or fun to be kinder to the environment. An expanding array of eco-friendly activities provides opportunities for travellers to connect more deeply with their destination and experience its culture more authentically, while minimising the negative environmental impacts of over-tourism. 

    From scenic bike rides and eco-tours to farm stays and train travel, these environmentally friendly travel experiences will open you up to the beautiful world of green travel.

    Woman cycling in Amsterdam

    Credit: lechatnoir/Getty Images

    Electric bikes in Amsterdam

    Credit: Diy13/Getty Images

    1. Explore the city on two wheels

    For an exciting and efficient way to explore vibrant streets and trendy neighbourhoods, opt for a ride on an electric bike. Cycling is a great way to see the sights at your own pace – less tiring than walking while far less fuel-intensive than driving in a car. There are many bicycle-friendly cities around the world, including Amsterdam, Paris, Hangzhou, and Zurich. You’ll also find that many luxury eco-hotels offer electronic bikes for rent, making it even easier for you to take your adventures to the road.

    Electric car being charged

    Credit: Piranka/Getty Images

    2. Hit the road in an EV car

    Next time you head out onto the open road in a rental, go electric. Electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid cars not only produce fewer direct emissions, but are also smooth, silent and cost-effective – keeping you comfortable during long drives without the heavy impact on the environment. Cruise along Italy’s idyllic Amalfi Coast or Australia's beguiling Coral Coast for breath-taking views and clear waters. Don’t forget to plan your route to include charging stops at scenic overlooks, restaurants or attractions for an eco-friendly driving adventure. 

    Anantara resort tangalle beach

    Credit: John Crux Photography/Getty Images

    Elephants surrounded by greenery

    Credit: SOPA/Getty Images

    3. Join an eco-tour with your hotel

    If you’ve booked a stay in a green hotel, chances are it offers eco-tours and activities through which you can learn more about local environmental conservation practices, from up-close-and-personal wildlife encounters to culturally immersive walks and workshops. Walk through Anantara Tangalle ’s butterfly garden, tranquil dragonfly fields and admire the resort’s bee hives; or hop from one island to another in Phuket and visit its Elephant Sanctuary to meet its gentle residents.

    Farm to table experience - handling salad

    Credit: Studio 4/Getty Images

    4. Experience true farm-to-table cuisine

    There’s no better way to experience local culture than through its food. If you enjoy poring over fresh produce at farmers’ markets on weekends, why not spend your next holiday exploring a real farm? You’ll be treated to flavourful, farm-to-table cuisine straight from your backyard – it doesn’t get more authentic or sustainable than that. The Legian Seminyak resort in Bali boasts its own wellness garden, where fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices are grown for use in the hotel’s kitchen, bars, and traditional spa treatments.

    Glamping tent lit up at night

    Credit: Starpik/Getty Images

    Glamping tent interior

    Credit: Solstock/Getty Images

    5. Glamping in the wild

    For a wilderness experience with a touch of indulgence, glamping is the way to go. While guests are gently immersed in the beauty of nature, eco-friendly and energy-saving practises can be incorporated to reduce their environmental footprint. Camp out at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in Canada’s Vancouver Island or opt for a safari-style setup like at Summerfields , which is located on the Sabie River just 10 minutes from Kruger National Park in South Africa. Combining creature comforts with a proximity to incredible wildlife, it is sure to be an experience to remember.

    Bernina Express Railway

    Credit: Markus Thoenen/Getty Images

    Train bridge

    Credit: CAHKT/Getty Images

    6. Go cross-country on rails

    Embark on an odyssey through magnificent countryside with a rail holiday. Trains offer both a luxurious and energy-efficient way to travel, and there are countless journeys to choose from. America’s expanding network of sleeper carriages showcase the best of the East and West coast, which you can admire from the comfort of your private room; alternatively, the Bernina Express serves up stunning views of glaciers, lakes and charming Alpine villages along its route through the Swiss Alps, connecting the towns of Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy. 

    Woman relaxing by lake at sunset

    Credit: Recep bg/Getty Images

    7. Travel off-season for a smaller carbon footprint

    Over-tourism is not only an inconvenience for travellers; it has negative implications for the environment and local communities. Travelling to destinations during shoulder seasons puts less of a strain on local resources and infrastructure, while allowing you to discover hidden gems without the hustle and bustle of crowds. You’ll get to savour authentic cultural experiences and mesmerising natural wonders at a much lower environmental cost – a win-win situation.

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