Responsible Travel

Winter escapes don’t have to be about skiing. Swap downhill adrenaline for the thrills of husky sledding, spot the Northern Lights in Lapland where there’s little chance the snow won’t fall, or experience the magic of the mountains on snowshoes.

These winter adventures are magical, thrilling – and full of the white stuff. ❄️

Find your next winter escape here: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/winter-activity

Many people have told me that their heart belongs to Africa and that once you go, you’ll feel the pull to go back again and again. Luckily for first-timers and seasoned safari-goers alike, the African continent offers such an incredible breadth of culture, wildlife and scenery that you’ll never run out of options. 💚

I’m off on my first safari in October and I am already excited for all the other wonderful places I have yet to visit. From the peaks and kasbahs of the Atlas Mountains to the beaches of Ghana, whether you want to get stuck into a rhino conservation project or hike to waterfalls, there really is something for everyone.

- Tessa - Partnership manager at Responsible Travel

Find your perfect African adventure here: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/africa-middle-east




📸 with thanks to Vince Russel (Victoria Falls), Zakariae Daouir (Morocco), Kossiso Udodi (Ghana), Hu Chen (Lion), and Kylefromthenorth (Cape Town), and Ana Singh (Maasai) via Unsplash.

Ready for a Nordic adventure?

It’s no secret that we love exploring the Nordics at Responsible Travel. In the last year or so, Alison went road-tripping between volcanoes, Richard chose a wilderness cabin as his base for a winter adventure, Abbie swam in a lake under the midnight sun, and Tessa chased the Northern Lights. I explored fjords by boat and bus – delivered directly to one spectacular view after another.

The best moments were the unexpected moments. Finding a tucked-away hot spring, perhaps, or hearing the huff of water as a whale appeared beside the boat. (True story for Tessa!)

Our holidays to the Nordics excel at encouraging these moments. That’s thanks to inventive itineraries and local expertise – all finished off with a passion for exploring beyond the tourist trail.

- Catherine - Writer at Responsible Travel

Inspired to explore? Find your own Nordic adventure, from whale watching to escapes in the winter wilderness at: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/scandinavia

Or just get in touch. Email us at [email protected], call (UK) 01273 823700 or (US) 1-866-821-6866. Or check our contact page to WhatsApp us.

Images with thanks to Ismaele Tortella - Visit Norway (Orca); Lennart Pittja/Sápmi Nature/imagesbank.sweden.se (Sapmi camp, Northern Lights), Elina Sirparanta/Visit Finland (lake swimming), Tom Erling Bahus – www.ValldalFjordLodge.no (Fjord hiking)

In Partnership with Visit Europe and co-funded by the European Union. And with thanks to:

“Every day was a great adventure and we still talk about it every week now that we are back home”

Pauline and her son had a wonderful time exploring Thailand on our tailor made holiday. Here’s what she had to say…💚

Find out more and book your own trip at: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holiday/13081/thailand-tailor-made-holiday

Or get in touch with our Travel Team on 01273 823700 (UK), 1-866-821-6866 (USA), or email [email protected]

Reasons Lithuania’s Baltic Sea coast should be your next cycling destination:

• Simply put, it’s beautiful. From the sand dunes of the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit to the historic town of Klaipeda.

• The birdlife: You’ll spot nesting storks in the Nemunas River Delta and a whole host of other seabirds.

• It’s (mostly) flat. Pedalling here is gentle and about enjoying the scenery, cafes, and beaches you pass on the way.

• The routes are quiet and easy to follow, including gravel tracks through forests, low-traffic country roads, and the high-quality Lithuania Seaside Cycle Route.

Book your trip at: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holiday/24685/lithuania-cycling-tour-along-the-baltic-sea

Or, call our Travel Team on 01273 823700 (UK), 1-866-821-6866 (USA) or email [email protected]

From €595pp, 8 days, excluding flights.




📷 Images: With thanks to (anti-clockwise): Simas Bernotas (Bicycle trail, Curonian spit); Andrius Aleksandravičius_Lithuania Travel (The Curonian Spit, dunes and purple sky); Simas Bernotas (Klaipėda).

Our unusual holidays are all about celebrating extraordinary experiences and less-visited places. There’s a huge variety – from driving a tuk tuk through Thailand’s north to looking for polar bears in the Arctic.

They all have a few things in common, however. They venture beyond the mass tourism machine, and into places that take us out of our comfort zone. Plus, they strive to do so in a way that respects local culture, supports community income and offers exciting adventures found nowhere else.

Find your next adventure here: www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/unusual

📷 Images with thanks to Daniel Fatnes and Savvas Kalimeris via Unsplash.

Which would you pick?

Share your favourite walking destinations with us in the comments below 💚🥾

Or, check out the link in our bio for more walking inspiration, from gentle hikes in Scotland to an epic trek across Costa Rica…

“Until we have sustainable commercial aviation – and I do believe that will be possible – we all need to take longer holidays, but fewer flights.”

Our founder and chair, Justin Francis, shares his thoughts on Wizz Air’s new season ticket and how we can reduce carbon emissions from flying in PhocusWire

https://www.phocuswire.com/wizz-air-subscription-regulation-aviation-carbon-emissions

Wizz Air’s marketing gimmick shows need for more regulation of aviation emissions Responsible Travel's chairman Justin Francis discusses how marketing ploys designed to entice already frequent flyers to fly are irresponsible in light of climate challenges.

It’s

Find out where and how to see orangutans in the wild - and support orangutan conservation as you explore - plus more orangutan-friendly travel tips, at:

https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/orangutan/travel-guide




📸 with thanks to Chris Charles via Unsplash.

“Northern Mallorca, where mountains meet a striking coastline, has a relaxed Mediterranean culture and a stillness most palpable in the quieter autumn and winter months. The evocative and restorative effect of nature in this part of the island has been a source of energy for me for many years. It is a place of regeneration.”

Rio Paralympic gold-medallist Karen Darke shares her favourite places to relax off-season in northern Mallorca with Euronews Travel. Head over to our stories to discover more.💚

Need your own dose of downtime? Book one of Karen’s retreats in northern Mallorca here: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holiday/35238/mallorca-wellness-retreat-holiday




📸 with thanks to Karen Darke, Piero Istrice via Unsplash (Pollensa Old Town), and Pedro Sanz via Unsplash (Formentor Peninsula).

We’re hiring!

If you love travel and are a PPC marketing whizz, then you might be just who we’re looking for…

Interested? Find out how you can Join our friendly Brighton, UK team at:

https://www.responsibletravel.com/copy/jobs-at-responsible-travel




📸 with thanks to Alex Azabache via Unsplash

Free speech, not hate speech 💚

Today we deleted our Twitter/X account after 15 years on there.

We believe in free speech, not hate speech, disinformation, or incitement to violence.

There was no justification for Elon Musk’s assertion that “civil war is inevitable” in response to a post blaming the violent demonstrations in the UK on the effects of “mass migration and open borders”.

The heart of responsible tourism is respect, and we’re a global, diverse and inclusive community.

But instead of a safe and positive space for sharing, engagement and connection, X increasingly came to feel like a platform for abuse. Perhaps enough people taking a stand might eventually help to change that.

Thank you being part of our lovely responsible travel community on here. We’re also on Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads if you’d like to join us on there.

~ Justin, Responsible Travel founder

This , we’re sharing five tips for a more elephant-friendly holiday…

🐘 Say no to rides. Elephants have to go through a cruel and traumatic training regime known as the ‘crush’ to be tame enough to ride, perform tricks, or put on shows.

🐘 Support sanctuaries that operate in natural environments on a no-touch, observation-only basis.

🐘 Spot elephants in the wild. Choose safaris that support local communities and involve them in conservation, creating alternative incomes and reducing human-elephant conflict.

🐘 Look for holidays that support rewilding projects in elephant habitats.

🐘 Avoid buying any souvenirs made from ivory.




📸 with thanks to Maurits Bausenhart via Unsplash

Explore Europe and your travel experience will be vastly different according to which compass direction you follow.

Head north and you’ll find Scotland’s islands and highlands. The active east is all about hiking Montenegro’s national parks or jumping on a small ship to cruise Croatia’s celebrated islands. Southern Europe’s fantastic four – Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal – are places to walk among lofty peaks, browse archaeological sites, or simply relax on a beach. And western Europe’s draw is dominated by France – and a Riviera currently hosting the Olympic sailing events.

There’s much more to explore too – as you’ll see by browsing our Europe holidays at https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/europe




📸 with thanks to Alex Azabache (Greece), Bryan Walker (Scotland), Johann Mouchet (Spain), Giuseppe Mondi (Italy) via Unsplash

‘Climate rewards’ are becoming more common across Europe and beyond. Could they be a way to encourage more people to make sustainable choices and look after some of our most well-loved – and ill-used – holiday destinations?

Our writer Eloise Barker takes a look at how they work and where they’re happening for The Independent.

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/sustainable-travel/holiday-sustainable-ethical-tourism-rewards-environment-b2591309.html -area

Inside the destinations rewarding people for being better tourists Should you expect high praise for making the sustainable choice on your holiday? ‘Climate rewards’ are becoming more common across Europe and beyond – Eloise Barker takes a look at how they work

Our swimming holidays in Greece take you to secluded Mathraki island, off the coast of Corfu, where the clear water and traditional hospitality are unbeatable.

Here’s what our writer, Rob, had to say when he joined a swimming holiday there this summer…

Find out more and book your own trip here: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holiday/35217/corfu-swimming-holiday-in-greece




📸 with thanks to Rob and Helen Wayne (swimming to the island).

⭐️25% off 1st August - 9th August 2024⭐️

Greek island sunshine, gorgeous self-catering villas on an organic olive oil estate, an on-site chef, infinity pool, wellness activities and a quiet beach just 10 minutes walk away. Summer life doesn’t get much better than at this family-friendly escape in Ithaca, Greece.💚

Save up to €1,500 if you arrive on 1st August and depart on 9th August 2024. Usually from €5,575 per villa.

Find out more and book via the link in our bio☝️

We 💚 our new Bikepacking trips in beautiful Wales.

Pedal your own hassle-free adventure this summer in the Cambrian mountains, Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) or the Brecon Beacons - supporting great local businesses along your way.

These self-guided weekend escapes come fully-loaded with everything you need for a great escape, from gravel bike and bikepacking kit, GPS preloaded with an awesome route, and a comprehensive guidebook full of local knowledge and tips - from great cafes to hidden wild swim spots. And of course, your B&B or camping accommodation is all booked for you - plus, there’s local assistance available if you need it. So you can just enjoy the ride - and return home rosy-cheeked and re-energised 🙌

Explore our Brecon Beacons trip here: https://tinyurl.com/4aap7rr7

And more of our cycling and bikepacking trips here: https://tinyurl.com/4mpju4a9


📷 Images with thanks to: Gabriel Kiener; Ian Kelsall; Richard Griffiths; Kenny Orr and Michael Hamments via Unsplash

"We have to protect the places we love..."

With global tourism set to double by 2050, our founder, Justin, wrote for the Evening Standard on the challenges of over-tourism - and how we can all travel more responsibly…

➡️ https://tinyurl.com/37u5yb2d

'Should I even travel to popular destinations like Venice?’ Justin Francis, the founder of Responsible Travel, navigates the tough topic of overtourism and tourist taxes

Need to escape? It’s not too late.👇☀️

Find your last minute summer holiday here: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/late-availability

Responsible Travel’s Shannon recently travelled on our small group tour to the Canadian Rockies. Here’s what she has to say…🇨🇦

“Overall, I thought this trip was a really responsible way to see a very popular tourist destination. The itinerary took us to places not so frequented by the tourist masses, like Wells Gray National Park, we learnt about local Indigenous culture and we visited a cafe run by the community.”

“If our group had all decided to travel separately, it would have meant eight additional vehicles on the road and in the parks. When you see the size of the motorhomes people are driving, you realise the significance of this!”

❤️🤍❤️

To find out more and book your own Canadian adventure visit: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holiday/22915/canadian-rockies-small-group-holiday

Exploring Nordic landscapes, all year round…

My husband spent three years working in the Nordics, and we found it a fantastic excuse to explore. We spent our summer holidays marvelling at fjords and picking which islands to visit, and winter trips bundled up in a sleigh and whisking through woods on cross country skis.

I love what I know of the Nordics, but I know there’s so much more to see. These exciting landscapes are radically transformed by changing weather and the Northern Lights, and by seasons that turn snowy ‘scapes to sparkling lakes. Here, too, are progressive cities that serve up inspiration, just as they’re serving you coffee and cake.

~ Eloise, writer at Responsible Travel

From everlasting summer nights to Aurora safaris and active adventures in nature - our Nordic holidays celebrate the north in all its glory, whenever you choose to visit.

Find your ideal Nordic experience, from road tripping through the Icelandic wilderness to a blooming summer escape in the rugged Faroes, right here... https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/scandinavia

Or just get in touch. Email us at [email protected], call (UK) 01273 823700 or (US) 1-866-821-6866. Or check our contact page to WhatsApp us.

📷 Images with thanks to: Håkan Vargas S/imagebank.sweden.se (Brown Bear, Northern Sweden); Visit Faroe Islands; Miikka Niemi, Visit Finland (Northern Lights); Suvi Mansikkasalo (Malla Strict Nature Reserve, Saana, Lapland, summer); Vastavalo / Matti Koutonen (Reindeer ride, Finland)

In Partnership with Visit Europe and co-funded by the European Union.

And with thanks to:

Cultural holidays aren’t just about ancient ruins and historical sights, they’re also about the living, beating modern heart of the places you visit. That’s what our newest collection of pop culture holidays celebrates.💚

From Delta Blues tours in the USA Deep South to K Pop dancing in South Korea, via Anime experiences in Japan, and Lord of the Rings adventures in New Zealand, these trips bring modern day culture to life, through music, people, film locations, art and more.

Check out the link in our bio to find your perfect trip.👆




📸 with thanks to Susann Schuster (Japan), Floren Ireh (Seoul), and Jeff Finley (New Zealand) via Unsplash.

Charity trekking holidays give you the chance to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime endurance challenge - while also raising money for a good cause.

And our responsible holidays not only benefit charities and give you a fantastic experience, but also benefit local people in the place you’re trekking.

Find out all about charity trekking challenges with our new travel guide: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/charity-trekking/travel-guide

**Late Deal**

Searching for a last-minute summer adventure?

We've up to 35% off selected July and August dates on our Croatian Islands motor yacht cruise, with a luxury eight-day small ship escape now from just £1,145pp.

Hop aboard your stylish yacht in Split, and explore Dubrovnik, and the islands of Korcula, Mljet, Brac and Hvar - all in the company of no more than 40 fellow passengers.

'The ship was beautiful, the crew couldn't do enough and Croatia was spectacular' - Jan, cruise guest

Book your place here: https://tinyurl.com/z5xh425y

Or just get in touch. We're right on hand, and we'd love to help find your ideal holiday. Just call, email or WhatsApp us: https://tinyurl.com/4v4wb2wp

With our last minute holidays, you can zoom off on a fresh adventure within a few weeks - or even days.

We’ve late availability on all kinds of trips, near and far - from family holidays and culture tours to wellness and wildlife escapes.

Or how about a Greenland wilderness expedition, for a truly breathtaking adventure?

With an experienced local guide, on this trip you’ll...

• Explore the second largest fjord system in the world by boat

• Wild camp and hike amid Greenland’s raw ecological beauty, including a hike to an ice fjord.

• Gain insight into the culture and daily life of local Indigenous communities.

• Have the chance to fish and forage in traditional ways.

• Enjoy homecooked meals, including seasonal Greenlandic specialities, amid some of the most beautiful wilderness on the planet.

• Optional extensions include glacial SUP’ing, whale safaris and coastal kayaking.

Explore this, and more of our late availability holidays, here: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holiday/34576/greenland-wilderness-expedition

Or just get in touch - we’d love to help you find your ideal escape. Email us at [email protected], call (UK) 01273 823700 or (US) 1-866-821-6866. Or check our contact page for our WhatsApp and more free international numbers.

📷 with thanks to Johannes Plenio (1); Mads Schmidt Rasmussen (2,3); and Aningaaq Rosing Carlsen - Visit Greenland (4,5,6).

Our oceans generate 50% of the oxygen we breathe, absorb 25% of the carbon we emit, and capture 90% of the excess heat generated by those emissions. But, they need our help.

Marine conservation holidays try to do just that. From participating in ongoing research to clearing plastic waste, these trips help you try to leave a lasting positive impact on the oceans you swim in, snorkel in, or sail over. 💙🌊

Find our collection of marine conservation holidays here: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/marine-conservation




📸 with thanks to Guille Pozzi via Unsplash

*New for 2024*

We’re a little bit in love with our brand new trip.

Taste the flavours of the Portuguese spice route on this cooking holiday, set at a beautiful riverside retreat in the Algarve countryside.

Learn more about the history and significance of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, learning about their influence on Portuguese cuisine.
Explore a vibrant Portuguese market brimming with fresh produce, aromatic spices, and artisanal products.

Roll up your sleeves and step into the kitchen for hands-on cooking classes, where you’ll learn to prepare classic Portuguese dishes, from hearty stews to delectable desserts.

Sample a variety of wines, from crisp Vinho Verde to full-bodied Douro reds…

From £755pp, 5 days, excluding flights.

Learn more and book: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holiday/35231/portuguese-spice-route-cooking-holiday

We think that when holidays respect and benefit local communities, you gain richer and more rewarding experiences.

So it was great to contribute to this fantastic tips feature from The Guardian: How to have a fantastic holiday, without infuriating the locals...

Check it out below :)

Be a better tourist! 28 ways to have a fantastic holiday – without infuriating the locals From badly behaved travellers to horrendous carbon emissions, summer holidays aren’t always an unmitigated good. Here is how to travel responsibly and still have a great time

Abbie on our Travel Team has just returned from a volunteering holiday in Costa Rica. She was blown away by the experience, the country and the animals she encountered.💚

Her project, a sanctuary set deep in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest, cares for over 200 native animals rescued from injury or the illegal pet trade. With the help of volunteers like Abbie, the animals are rehabilitated, and wherever possible, released back into the wild.

Here’s what she had to say…

Find out more about the project and book here: https://www.responsibletravel.com/holiday/20916/costa-rica-wildlife-conservation




CostaRica