Your Guide: Eco Friendly Travel
Sustainable Journeys, Lasting Memories
Travel allows us to connect with the world’s most stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and incredible wildlife. By embracing eco-friendly practices, we can ensure these treasures remain vibrant and thriving for generations to come. Every small action helps protect the natural beauty and cultural heritage that make each destination unique.
Being an eco-friendly traveller is about more than reducing waste—it’s a commitment to travelling with purpose and respect. Supporting local businesses and being mindful of your consumption not only protects the environment but also enriches your travel experience. It allows you to connect more deeply with the places you visit, ensuring your adventures leave behind not just footprints but also a positive impact on the communities and environments you encounter.
Here’s our advice to help you see the world, sustainably.
Before your tour…
Pack light
Reducing luggage weight helps planes and vehicles consume less fuel. Plus, no one wants to lug a heavy suitcase through the airport! For tips on how to pack only the essentials, check out our packing lists for each tour.
Bring a reusable water bottle
On an Approach tour, two 500ml water bottles are included daily. But we recommend also bringing a reusable water bottle to fill up at the hotel so you’ll always have water handy.
Don’t overbuy
It can be tempting to go on a shopping spree and buy tons of gadgets and trinkets for your upcoming tour. But consider borrowing some items from a friend, and keep in mind, we like to send a few gifts (like an adapter) to our travellers a few days before their departure.
Bring snacks
Airport snacks come with a ton of packaging – and they’re expensive! Bring a few snacks from home to tide you over on your flight. You can also purchase snacks abroad to bring back with you. You’ll have a snack and a souvenir, all rolled into one!
Save paper
There’s no need to print off endless pages of notes and maps for your upcoming adventure. Your Group Guru and guides will help you get around, and by purchasing an eSIM, you can access information on your phone, even when there’s no Wi-Fi. There’s also no need to print off your Tour Journal from your Traveller Hub. We’ll provide you with a special printed copy.
Choose eco-friendly products
If you were planning on stocking up on toiletries like sunscreen and bug spray before your tour, try opting for sustainable options. This is especially important if you’ll be swimming in natural bodies of water, since the products you apply will go into the water and affect the aquatic life.
Reuse & recycle containers
Airports have restrictions on how much liquids and gels you can take on board. Since you’ll need to bring small quantities of products that usually come in large containers, e.g. shampoo, consider buying reusable containers to use. Bonus points if you can repurpose a container or bottle you’ve already used!
Knowledge is power
A great way to be a sustainable traveller — and to get excited for your upcoming adventure, is to learn about the environment where you’ll be travelling and how to be respectful. For example, did you know that using flash photography on a safari or game drive can startle wildlife and disrupt their natural routines? The more you know!
While on tour…
Bring home a souvenir with a story
There are two types of souvenirs: the kind crafted locally with love and authenticity, and the kind mass-produced overseas and shipped in. Both make great gifts for family and friends, but one is far kinder to the environment. If you want to shop sustainably, go for handmade treasures found at local markets. These unique items may cost a little more, but they support local artisans and carry the true essence of the place you’ve visited. Plus, their authenticity and charm make them infinitely more memorable.
Respect wildlife
Respecting wildlife on tour is essential to preserving the beauty and balance of the incredible destinations we explore. That’s why we choose operators who prioritize conservation and community welfare, like the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary. Whether you’re washing elephants in Thailand or spotting The Big Five in South Africa, your actions matter in protecting the wildlife you encounter.
Always follow your guide’s lead—touching or feeding animals without proper instruction can disrupt their natural behaviours and harm their diets. Speak softly, avoid sudden noises, and stick to designated trails to keep ecosystems intact and animals undisturbed. Remember, animals like elephants can perceive sudden movements or prolonged eye contact as a threat. By observing them calmly and respectfully, you’ll create unforgettable moments while helping to safeguard their world for future generations.
Leave only footprints
Refresh Responsibly
Every traveller has a role to play in protecting the planet while exploring its wonders. On our tours, we make it easy to stay fresh with stops at hotels offering laundry services, but here’s the catch: conserving resources starts with smart choices. Instead of running a full wash for a single shirt and a pair of socks, save up until you’ve got enough for a full load. It’s a simple way to cut down on water and energy use! And while you’re at it, remember to turn off lights, fans, and air-conditioning before heading out each morning. These small actions make a big difference in conserving energy and keeping your travels green.
With these tips, your next tour is sure to be a green one!
Authentic Thailand & Phuket
From the picture-perfect landscapes and soft sand beaches to the opulent temples and royal palaces, Thailand is packed full of riches. Dart through the noisy hustle and bustle of modern life in Chiang Mai on a Tuk-Tuk. Peer into the lives of Thai royalty at the Grand Palace and Ayutthaya Historical Park. Splash around in the tranquil waters of a 1,500-metre-long waterfall, in a pond with an elephant, and on the pristine beaches of Phuket. Sample the wide range of traditional Thai flavours, effortlessly blending savoury, spicy and sweet. Run your hands over artisan-made silks and teak carvings. Awaken all your senses at once in this timeless paradise.
Departures: October & November 2025January, Febrary, March, October & November 2026
Signature Italy Tour
A cherished favourite for many travellers, and the home of the “Dolce Vita” way of life, Italy has an expansive and established influence in world culture. Fall under the subliminal charm of fine leathers, renaissance art, classical music, delicate pasta, Neapolitan pizza, wonderful wines, fresh mozzarella and velvety chocolate. From Venice’s waterways and Pisa’s leaning tower, to Florence’s Duomo and Cinque Terre’s panoramic views – an unforgettable experience awaits. Our complete itinerary goes beyond the essentials and is the perfect way to discover Italy for the first, second or tenth time.
Departures: September & October 2025 April, May, September & October 2026
South Africa & Victoria Falls Tour
Sweeping panoramic views, a rich and diversified cultural heritage and a true wildlife haven are here to be discovered. In a few words, be ready to feel small – stand between two oceans at the southern tip of the continent, witness the Big Five up-close in their natural habitat, and cruise near the world’s largest waterfall. Enjoy some of the finest wines, a product of this unique climate. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure will awaken all your senses.
Departures: August, September, October & November 2025 January, February, March & April, August, September, October & November 2026
Treasures of Croatia & the Balkans
Whether you are relaxing next to the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic, strolling through the historical city centers of Split or Dubrovnik, or taking in the fairy tale beauty of Plitvice’s 100 synchronized waterfalls, experience life in landscape with endless immersive views. In Bosnia, you will learn about the Balkan region’s tumultuous history, while Slovenia will overwhelm you with exquisite views of alpine lakes and million-year-old cave formations. If that isn’t reason enough, get an early taste of what the world is discovering to be a budding wine region.
Departures: September 2025 April, May, September & October, 2026
Vietnam & Angkor Wat
If you come to Vietnam for the delicious food, dramatic landscapes and bustling markets, you will stay for the people whose complex history and rich heritage continue to seduce even the most seasoned travellers. Be humbled by the recounting of war-time stories with French colonial buildings as a backdrop in Ho Chi Minh City. Embrace the sense of awe that takes over while waking up to the dragon-like island formations dotting Ha Long Bay. Get up close and personal with locals while discovering true foodie culture, spanning from humble broths to rich curries. The sprawling temples of Angkor will leave you speechless, as Cambodia’s ancient traditions contrast with modern culture.
Departures: October & November 2025 February, March, October & November 2026
