Traveling responsibly involves research and work, and when you’re looking for a vacation it can sometimes feel too much to choose the sustainable option. Enter responsible travel companies, who make ecotourism easy and help responsible travelers explore the world whilst treading as lightly as possible. And doing good doesn’t mean you miss out; dive unspoilt reefs, hike remote mountaintops, and get access to local wildlife and culture that regular tourists miss out on.
Seacology
Seacology provides tropical island holidays with a difference. Instead of all-inclusive resorts, you’ll visit one of Seacology’s projects, contribute to protecting the local environment, and stay in luxury sustainable lodgings whilst visiting pristine natural environments. Seacology works on a win-win system with indigenous island communities, giving grants to projects that protect forest or marine ecosystems. Their next big trip is to the island of Curaçao in the Caribbean, where you will help scout for new projects and visit places protecting native trees and combating overfishing. You’ll stay in the Lions Dive Beach Resort, an idyllic island dream, with a reef just off shore and some of the best diving in the world. Responsible tourism never felt so tropical.
Natural Habitat Adventures
Natural Habitat Adventures is the official travel partner of World Wildlife Fund and believes in conservation through exploration. By inspiring eco-conscious travelers, supporting local communities and influencing the rest of the travel industry they believe travel can be a force of good. They specialize in trips to remote places usually inaccessible to tourist crowds. Choose from polar bear spotting in the Canadian Arctic, ethical African safaris or charter a catamaran in the Galapagos, paddling by kayak to parts of the islands that few get to see. Of course all this travel comes with a lot of CO2 output which Nat Hab tackles with offsetting measures, becoming the first carbon-neutral travel company in the world.
Responsible Travel
The clue is in the name of this company, who screen every holiday against their criteria for, you guessed it, responsible travel. Every trip employs leaders from the host country with fair wages, all guests are given refillable flasks to avoid plastic use, and encouraged to shop at local markets and handicraft makers throughout. The company also vets anybody they work with for animal welfare standards. 1% of all profits are given to their Trip for a Trip scheme, which takes a disadvantaged child or young person on an inspiring day trip. So far, they have made a positive impact on over 5,000 children's lives. You can choose from trips all over the world and there are often last minute deals. The Palawan Philipines adventure to discover idyllic islands and the Borneo family trip to see orangutans stand out for 2024.
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid is seen as a leader in the responsible travel industry. They gained B-Corp status in 2018, have operated as a carbon neutral company since 2010, and published a climate commitment plan, promising to transition to 100% renewable energy on all trips by 2030. All of that and truly bucket-list trips, whether you are looking for adventure, cultural connection, cycling expeditions or cruises. Take your pick from trips like a 14-day expedition into the Arctic Circle with a team of WWF scientists, itineraries around Jordan to connect with Middle Eastern culture or 10-day journeys into the tropical Costa Rican jungle.
Aracari
If you have dreams of a South American adventure consider Aracari, set up by Peruvian Marisol Mosquera to provide trips that benefit her country. Sustainable, regenerative and conscious travel has always been the aim and they now offer trips throughout the continent. Over 25 years they have built relationships with local suppliers, responsible hotels, indigenous communities and environmental initiatives and take guests to see with their own eyes how their travels can make a positive impact. From trekking in the Andes to exploring Brazil’s beautiful tropical beaches, you can rest assured you’re contributing to the cultures you are exploring.
Rickshaw Travel
Rickshaw Travel is known for its commitment to ethical tourism practices, community engagement, and promoting responsible travel initiatives. They are specialists in Africa and ethical safaris and support charities that work to stop poaching, as well as NGOs helping women and seniors in Tanzania. Take advantage of their local knowledge and explore tropical Zanzibar, trek to see gorillas in Rwanda or look out for big cats on jeep tours through the Serengeti.
Long Story Short...
It’s time to take a bit more responsibility with our traveling and the companies here make sure tourism money goes directly into the local community. Engage meaningfully with local communities, and experience eco-tourism alternatives that put the planet first. Travel memories will be all the sweeter knowing that you have done your part to protect the places you’re visiting.
Written by Laura Sedlak
