Travel Carbon Footprint: Simple Ways to Cut Emissions

f you care about the planet but still want to explore it, you're not alone. Many travellers are now looking for ways to reduce their travel carbon footprint without giving up the joy of new experiences. Whether you’re planning a beach break, a city escape, or a far-flung adventure, small choices can lead to big changes.

At Jamie Wake Travel, we help you take trips that feel incredible and leave less of a mark. We tailor-make holidays to suit your lifestyle while working with trusted partners who care about the same things you do. From transport to hotels and excursions, there are smart ways to travel more sustainably.

Why Your Travel Carbon Footprint Matters

The carbon footprint of your trip includes all emissions created by transport, accommodation, food, and activities. Flights are often the biggest contributor. But even choices like hotel type or how you get around at your destination can make a difference.

Travelling better doesn’t mean travelling less. It just means thinking a little more carefully.

By understanding your impact, you can make more informed decisions and feel good about your holidays.

Getting There: Choose Smarter Flights

Flying less often is one solution, but most holidays will include at least one flight. The good news? There are still ways to reduce the impact.

Book flights that:

Are direct (take-offs and landings burn the most fuel)
Use newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft
Offer a carbon offset option at checkout

You can also pack lighter. Less weight means less fuel is used.

We always check for the most responsible flight options when building your itinerary. Ask us how we can include carbon-conscious routes in your plans.

Ground Transport: The Greener Way to Explore

How you get around after you land matters too. Swapping a hire car for a train or using local public transport reduces your emissions significantly.

In many European destinations, rail is quicker and more scenic than flying or driving. Cities like Vienna, Amsterdam, and Madrid have excellent networks.

Want to go further off-grid? Electric bikes, scooters, or simply walking let you explore without leaving a trace.

We have great offers on rail-based tours and low-emission travel packages. Ask us what’s available.

Stay Green: Choosing Low-Impact Accommodation

Where you stay has a big role to play in your travel carbon footprint. Hotels that follow green principles use energy more efficiently, reduce water waste, and source food locally.

Look for properties that:

Hold sustainability certifications (like Green Key or EarthCheck)
Use solar power or renewable energy
Serve seasonal, local ingredients
Employ local staff and reinvest in the community

Many eco-resorts offer the same level of comfort as high-end hotels. Some even exceed it with unique, nature-based experiences.

We work with a wide range of eco-friendly properties around the world. There are offers available that let you stay green without giving up luxury.

Dining and Your Carbon Impact

What you eat also matters. Imported food and meat-heavy diets come with a high carbon cost. On holiday, trying local cuisine isn’t just fun – it’s sustainable too.

Opt for:

Locally sourced dishes
Seasonal fruit and vegetables
Plant-based meals where possible

Farm-to-table restaurants, street food vendors, and local markets offer authentic flavours with a lighter footprint.

We can recommend resorts and tours where food is not only fresh, but planet-friendly.

Choose Low-Impact Activities

You don’t need a jet ski to enjoy yourself. In fact, many of the most memorable experiences are low-impact by nature.

Try:

Snorkelling in coral-friendly areas
Wildlife watching with expert guides
Forest hikes, canoeing, or cycling tours

These options create memories without damaging the environment. They also tend to support local communities more than big commercial attractions.

We can match you with excursions that focus on nature, education, and sustainability.

Offset Your Travel Carbon Footprint Properly

Offsetting is a way to balance out your emissions by funding projects that reduce carbon elsewhere. These include:

Reforestation initiatives
Renewable energy projects
Clean water access in developing areas

Not all offset programmes are equal. That’s why we only work with trusted offset partners who meet recognised standards and show real results.

We can help you calculate your holiday’s carbon footprint and build in an offset plan that reflects your values.

Travel Light, Pack Right

You can reduce your emissions before you even leave home. Bringing fewer items lightens aircraft loads and reduces overall fuel use.

Sustainable packing ideas:

Reusable water bottle
Eco-friendly toiletries
Reef-safe sunscreen
Lightweight clothing

You’ll also avoid single-use plastics and unnecessary waste.

Packing smart saves you space and supports your goals.

Reduce, Reuse, and Respect

Being mindful on the ground goes beyond carbon. Reduce water use by reusing towels, switch off lights, and refuse plastic straws or hotel toiletries.

Support local artisans instead of buying mass-produced souvenirs. Treat wildlife with respect, and follow park or conservation area rules.

These small decisions protect the places you love.

Holiday Types That Naturally Lower Emissions

Some types of holidays are naturally lower in carbon. Consider:

Train Holidays: See more with fewer emissions
Cycling Tours: Active, immersive, and sustainable
Sailing Trips: Minimal motor use, maximum serenity
Wildlife Retreats: Often based in low-impact lodges

We can help you plan a holiday that reflects your interests and reduces your footprint. Many of these holidays also support conservation.

Destinations That Make It Easy

Some countries and regions have made great progress in supporting green tourism.

Look out for:

Strong rail infrastructure (e.g., Switzerland, Germany)
Eco-label certifications (e.g., Costa Rica, Slovenia)
Plastic bans or conservation zones (e.g., Palau, Bali)

We often have exclusive offers for stays in these destinations. Let us help you discover the options.

What Jamie Wake Travel Is Doing

We’re not just asking you to travel better – we’re doing it too. Jamie Wake Travel has implemented its own carbon reduction plan, which you can view here on our website.

We:

Offset our business-related travel
Choose sustainable suppliers whenever possible
Use digital processes to reduce paper use

It’s part of our commitment to offer holidays that reflect your values and ours.

What Protections Do You Get When Booking with Us?

At Jamie Wake Travel, we offer more than just great advice and inspiration. When you book with us, your money and holiday are fully protected.

We are:

A member of Protected Trust Services (PTS) – your money goes into a secure trust account
ATOL licensed – your air package holiday is covered
Every tailor-made holiday includes:
Supplier Failure Insurance (SFI)
Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI)

This means you can book with confidence, knowing that your trip is secure from planning to return.

Can Your Holiday Make a Positive Impact?

Yes, it can. When you think about your travel carbon footprint and make thoughtful decisions, you help set new standards. Other travellers notice. Operators take action.

And you leave a place better than you found it.

Holidaying responsibly doesn’t mean missing out. It means making your time away more meaningful. You’ll come back with better stories, too.

Ready to Travel More Consciously?

You don’t have to plan it all yourself. We’re here to help. At Jamie Wake Travel, we know how to design holidays that feel good in every sense.

If you want to lower your travel carbon footprint without losing comfort or adventure, we can make that happen.

Call us on 01495 400005 for a chat
Fill out our holiday enquiry form online
Or start browsing right now – our search function is available on every page

You can build your own trip or let us do the work. Either way, we’ll make sure your next holiday is as unique as you are – and a little kinder to the planet too.

< Older Post

Newer Post >