Best of Touring - Spring/Summer 24

Changing the way we travel can seem like a daunting task. But there are little steps we can all take to help uplift the amazing places we venture to.

Planet Earth- thrilling, beautiful, and full of hope. Each year we become more aware of the impact that travel can have on the environment. And each year we work towards protecting the planet we call home-one conscious choice at a time. Sustainable travel is a topic on many holidaymakers' minds after witnessing the rebirth of nature post-COVID. For impact-minded travellers, minimising the negative effects of their journeys while maximizing positive input into communities is at the forefront of their travel agenda. From embracing new modes of transport and visiting climate-conscious countries devoted towards rewilding the world, to picking tour providers that support local people and preserve cultural heritage, there are fresh opportunities for sustainable travel everywhere. Changing the way we travel can seem like a daunting task. But there are little steps we can all take to help uplift the amazing places we venture to. Living more like a local is an easy way for everyone to embrace sustainable travel. After all, buying local products and feasting on home- g r o w n

delicacies washed down with a pint of the local tipple from an authentic beachside eatery or mountaintop cafe conjures up a sense of wanderlust in even the most discerning travellers. But more than a pleasing pastime, shopping locally is an excellent way to uplift communities and understand your destination's culture better. If cultural immersion is at the top of your touring wish list, why not choose to stay longer in a country all in the name of protecting the planet? Air travel is a major factor in increased carbon emissions. So, by staying longer in favour of multiple return visits, you get to see everything a destination has to offer and reduce your carbon footprint- it’s a win-win. Carbon emissions are a big topic of sustainable travel; with many tour companies like Exodus now listing carbon footprints on their tours and opting for more sustainable modes of transport. Last year, France officially confirmed its world-first move to ban short domestic flights in a bid to cut emissions, resulting in a rail travel boom throughout Europe. The art of train travel is a great way to be immersed in landscapes and gain a new perspective of a country that would be otherwise missed. Flights

may be quicker. But nothing beats the feeling of hypnotic window watching as you trundle through epic terrains and quaint villages by rail. At Hays Travel, we work with respected and sustainable tour operators to help make a difference in the world we love exploring. Aiming to preserve, protect, and improve communities, our tours leave each destination just as wonderous as when they arrived. Whether it’s making a difference through community work in countries like Bangladesh and India, taking travellers to devoted wildlife preserves like the sprawling rainforest of Patagonia equipped with solar-powered eco-lodges and the first renewable-powered airport, or setting up tours in countries that could benefit from a tourism boost after devastating natural disasters such as bush fires; our tour partners are always thinking of new ways to evaluate the impact their amazing adventures have upon the earth’s ecosystems. The future of touring is one of respect, responsibility, and sustainability. With new projects and initiatives on the horizon every day, it’s time to embrace a fresh approach. One that consciously prioritises communities, wildlife, and the planet we depend on – and makes travel more enriching for us all in the process. By simply selecting one of our sustainable tours or implementing a small change in the way you travel, you can make a huge difference one extraordinary journey at a time.

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