What is sustainable travel?

Sustainable travel means exploring the world in a way that minimises environmental impact, supports local communities, and protects cultural heritage. For UK travellers, sustainable travel focuses on responsible choices such as eco-certified hotels, ethical wildlife experiences, reduced carbon emissions, and fair employment practices. It’s about travelling better, not less.

Can sustainable travel still be luxurious?

Absolutely. Sustainable travel and luxury now go hand in hand. Many high-end resorts offer private villas, world-class dining, spas, and personalised service while operating on renewable energy, eliminating single-use plastics, and supporting conservation. Today’s luxury is defined by quality, space, authenticity, and peace of mind — all core elements of sustainable travel.

Is sustainable travel more expensive?

Not always. While some sustainable travel experiences sit at the premium end of the market, many offer better long-term value through higher.opengl?comfort, fewer crowds, and more meaningful experiences. Travelling sustainably can also mean staying longer, travelling slower, and choosing quality over quantity — often resulting in a more rewarding holiday overall.

How can UK travellers make flying more sustainable?

Flying is often unavoidable, but UK travellers can make sustainable travel choices by booking direct flights, flying on newer aircraft, travelling economy-plus rather than short-haul business class, and offsetting carbon through reputable schemes. Choosing fewer trips with longer stays also significantly reduces your overall footprint.

Which destinations are best for sustainable travel?

Some of the world’s leading sustainable travel destinations include Costa Rica, Norway, Kenya, New Zealand, and parts of Italy. These countries actively protect natural landscapes, regulate tourism, and encourage eco-friendly luxury accommodation. Many island destinations, including the Maldives, are also investing heavily in sustainable travel innovation.

Are eco-hotels as comfortable as traditional luxury hotels?

Yes — and often more so. Modern eco-hotels are designed to blend comfort with sustainability, offering high-quality bedding, elegant architecture, fine dining, and attentive service. Sustainable travel accommodation focuses on thoughtful design, natural surroundings, and fewer guests, which often enhances privacy and relaxation.

How can I tell if a hotel is genuinely sustainable?

Look for recognised certifications, transparent sustainability policies, and evidence of real action — not just marketing language. Genuine sustainable travel hotels will share information about energy use, waste reduction, local employment, and community projects. Booking through a trusted travel expert like Jamie Wake Travel also ensures properties are carefully vetted.

Does sustainable travel really support local communities?

Yes. One of the core principles of sustainable travel is ensuring tourism benefits local people. This includes fair wages, local ownership, community-led excursions, and investment in education or conservation. Choosing sustainable travel helps keep money within the destination rather than leaking out to large international corporations.

Is sustainable travel suitable for families?

Sustainable travel is an excellent choice for families. Many eco-luxury resorts offer family-friendly villas, nature-based activities, and educational experiences for children. It’s a wonderful way to introduce younger travellers to wildlife, different cultures, and responsible global citizenship — all while enjoying a comfortable, well-supported holiday.

Sustainable Travel: How to Travel Luxuriously and Green

Luxury and responsibility no longer sit at opposite ends of the travel spectrum. For UK travellers who value comfort, style, and meaningful experiences, sustainable travel has become the new gold standard. Today’s most desirable holidays combine five-star service with a lighter footprint, thoughtful design, and genuine benefits for local communities.

In this guide, we explore how you can enjoy indulgent, unforgettable holidays while staying true to your values. From eco-pioneering resorts to greener ways of flying, this is your complete introduction to sustainable travel without compromise.

Why Sustainable Travel Is the New Luxury

Sustainability has reshaped what luxury means. It’s no longer just about thread count or champagne on arrival. True luxury now includes space, privacy, authenticity, and peace of mind.

For UK travellers, sustainable travel offers:

Better-designed hotels with fewer guests
Access to untouched landscapes and wildlife
Higher service standards rooted in care and craftsmanship
The knowledge that your holiday supports people and places

In short, sustainability enhances luxury rather than limiting it.

This shift reflects how sustainable travel is changing the industry, influencing everything from airline innovation to the design of modern luxury resorts.

Choosing Sustainable Luxury Accommodation

When it comes to sustainable travel, where you stay matters most. The world’s leading luxury eco-hotels share a few common traits.

The growing popularity of eco-friendly hotels and resorts shows how responsible design can enhance the guest experience rather than limit it.

What to Look For

Renewable energy such as solar or hydro power
Water conservation and plastic-free policies
Locally sourced food and materials
Fair employment and community investment

Across the world, sustainable luxury hotels are redefining what indulgence looks like by combining five-star comfort with genuine environmental responsibility.

Sustainability should feel seamless. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort, elegance, or service.

For decades, the Maldives has defined aspirational luxury. Today, it is also one of the most innovative destinations for sustainable travel, proving that indulgence and responsibility can coexist even in the most fragile environments.

Rising sea levels have pushed Maldivian resorts to lead the way in renewable energy, coral regeneration, and waste reduction. Many luxury islands now operate extensive solar farms, eliminate single-use plastics entirely, and run on closed-loop systems that recycle water and waste back into the ecosystem.

What makes sustainable travel in the Maldives feel truly luxurious is the sense of space and seclusion. Low-density island resorts limit guest numbers, creating a quieter, more exclusive experience while reducing pressure on natural resources. Snorkelling reefs are protected, marine biologists work on-site, and guests are invited to learn — or simply enjoy knowing their stay contributes to conservation.

Kenya offers one of the most powerful examples of sustainable travel in action. Here, luxury tourism directly funds wildlife protection, habitat preservation, and community development — making every stay part of a wider conservation effort.

Unlike mass-market safaris, Kenya’s finest lodges operate within private conservancies. These limit vehicle numbers, protect migration routes, and ensure wildlife encounters remain respectful and unspoilt. The result is a safari that feels more intimate, more exclusive, and far more meaningful.

Luxury comes through thoughtful detail rather than excess. Canvas tents feature king-size beds, copper bathtubs, and sweeping savannah views. Dining is refined yet relaxed, with ingredients sourced locally and menus shaped around seasonal availability.

Italy may not shout about sustainability, but it quietly excels at sustainable travel through tradition, regional pride, and slow living. From family-run hotels to organic vineyards and restored historic buildings, sustainability is woven into everyday life.

Luxury here is rooted in authenticity. Staying in a converted monastery, a lakeside spa retreat, or a countryside agriturismo offers a deeper connection to place while reducing environmental impact. Short supply chains, seasonal menus, and locally owned properties ensure tourism supports regional economies rather than displacing them.

Italy also lends itself naturally to slower travel. Trains replace internal flights, long lunches replace rushed itineraries, and fewer destinations mean richer experiences.

Costa Rica is often cited as a global leader in sustainable travel, and with good reason. Over a quarter of the country is protected land, and tourism is carefully managed to preserve rainforests, coastlines, and wildlife.

Luxury here feels immersive rather than extravagant. Think private jungle lodges, open-air suites, and guided experiences led by naturalists who genuinely know the land. Sustainable travel in Costa Rica is about proximity to nature — waking to birdsong, spotting wildlife from your terrace, and exploring ecosystems responsibly.

Hotels are designed to blend into their surroundings, often using raised walkways, natural ventilation, and minimal lighting to protect nocturnal species.

Norway shows how sustainable travel can thrive in extreme environments. With a strong national commitment to renewable energy, electric transport, and environmental protection, the country has become a blueprint for low-impact luxury.

Here, indulgence comes from silence, scale, and scenery. Fjords carved by glaciers, Arctic light dancing across the sky, and architecture designed to work with nature rather than dominate it. Many luxury lodges operate off-grid, using geothermal or hydroelectric power and sourcing food locally.

Norway’s emphasis on quality over quantity aligns perfectly with luxury travel values. Fewer guests, higher standards, and unforgettable settings define the experience.

If you’re keen to explore standout properties in more detail, our guide to sustainable hotels you need to know about highlights exceptional stays around the world.

Flying Smarter: Greener Ways to Reach Luxury Destinations

Flights are often the biggest concern for sustainable travel, but there are smarter ways to reduce impact.

Practical Tips

Choose direct flights where possible
Fly economy-plus or business on newer aircraft
Offset carbon through credible schemes
Travel less often but stay longer

Luxury doesn’t have to mean excess — it can mean intention.

Packing and Planning for Sustainable Travel

Simple choices before you leave can elevate your sustainable travel efforts:

Pack lighter to reduce fuel weight
Choose refillable toiletries
Support local artisans over mass-produced souvenirs

Every detail adds up.

For practical advice on making conscious choices without giving anything up, read our guide on how to travel green without sacrificing comfort.

Booking With Confidence: Why Protection Matters

All holidays booked with Jamie Wake Travel include:

ATOL protection on flight-inclusive packages
Supplier Failure Insurance for added reassurance
Trusted, vetted partners worldwide

Sustainable travel should feel secure from start to finish.

Why Book Sustainable Travel With Jamie Wake Travel

At Jamie Wake Travel, we believe sustainable travel should be effortless, luxurious, and personal. We take the time to understand what matters to you — whether that’s eco-credentials, exceptional service, or once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

With access to carefully selected eco-luxury partners and a powerful website search tool, we create holidays as unique as you are.

To start planning:

Call 01495 400005
Or use our enquiry form for a bespoke consultation

Your next luxury holiday can be beautiful, meaningful, and responsible — all at once.

What is sustainable travel?
Sustainable travel means exploring the world in a way that minimises environmental impact, supports local communities, and protects cultural heritage. For UK travellers, sustainable travel focuses on responsible choices such as eco-certified hotels, ethical wildlife experiences, reduced carbon emissions, and fair employment practices. It’s about travelling better, not less.
Can sustainable travel still be luxurious?
Absolutely. Sustainable travel and luxury now go hand in hand. Many high-end resorts offer private villas, world-class dining, spas, and personalised service while operating on renewable energy, eliminating single-use plastics, and supporting conservation. Today’s luxury is defined by quality, space, authenticity, and peace of mind — all core elements of sustainable travel.
Is sustainable travel more expensive?
Not always. While some sustainable travel experiences sit at the premium end of the market, many offer better long-term value through higher.opengl?comfort, fewer crowds, and more meaningful experiences. Travelling sustainably can also mean staying longer, travelling slower, and choosing quality over quantity — often resulting in a more rewarding holiday overall.
How can UK travellers make flying more sustainable?
Flying is often unavoidable, but UK travellers can make sustainable travel choices by booking direct flights, flying on newer aircraft, travelling economy-plus rather than short-haul business class, and offsetting carbon through reputable schemes. Choosing fewer trips with longer stays also significantly reduces your overall footprint.
Which destinations are best for sustainable travel?
Some of the world’s leading sustainable travel destinations include Costa Rica, Norway, Kenya, New Zealand, and parts of Italy. These countries actively protect natural landscapes, regulate tourism, and encourage eco-friendly luxury accommodation. Many island destinations, including the Maldives, are also investing heavily in sustainable travel innovation.
Are eco-hotels as comfortable as traditional luxury hotels?
Yes — and often more so. Modern eco-hotels are designed to blend comfort with sustainability, offering high-quality bedding, elegant architecture, fine dining, and attentive service. Sustainable travel accommodation focuses on thoughtful design, natural surroundings, and fewer guests, which often enhances privacy and relaxation.
How can I tell if a hotel is genuinely sustainable?
Look for recognised certifications, transparent sustainability policies, and evidence of real action — not just marketing language. Genuine sustainable travel hotels will share information about energy use, waste reduction, local employment, and community projects. Booking through a trusted travel expert like Jamie Wake Travel also ensures properties are carefully vetted.
Does sustainable travel really support local communities?
Yes. One of the core principles of sustainable travel is ensuring tourism benefits local people. This includes fair wages, local ownership, community-led excursions, and investment in education or conservation. Choosing sustainable travel helps keep money within the destination rather than leaking out to large international corporations.
Is sustainable travel suitable for families?
Sustainable travel is an excellent choice for families. Many eco-luxury resorts offer family-friendly villas, nature-based activities, and educational experiences for children. It’s a wonderful way to introduce younger travellers to wildlife, different cultures, and responsible global citizenship — all while enjoying a comfortable, well-supported holiday.
Why book sustainable travel with Jamie Wake Travel?
Booking sustainable travel with Jamie Wake Travel means expert guidance, full financial protection, and carefully selected partners who share your values. Every holiday is tailored to you, combining luxury, responsibility, and reassurance. With ATOL protection, Supplier Failure Insurance, and bespoke planning, you can enjoy sustainable travel with complete confidence.