The Green Road Trip Guide: How To Travel Sustainably

The UK summer has finally returned, a time when the word Fernweh (the German word for "farsickness") calls out, tempting you with distant adventures in faraway places. But what if the adventure you seek is closer than you think? From beautiful British coastlines to rolling green hills dotted with charming villages, the UK is an adventurer's paradise; you just need to know where to look.

A road trip isn't just good for your adventurous spirit, it's great for the environment too. Travelling in the UK will help lower your carbon footprint and allow you to explore at a slower pace, supporting local businesses and communities that make the UK unique. In this blog, we’ll cover how to travel eco-friendly by helping you plan your dream summer adventure.

Pack Light, Pack Green

When thinking about the best eco-friendly ways to travel, being prepared is the key. When packing for your road trip, it's important to consider each item you plan to take with you and its environmental impact avoiding plastics and products with toxic chemicals. If you only take the essentials, then not only will you lower your waste, but travelling lighter will consume less fuel, which is also better for the environment.

Travelling by campervan is a great option for eco-friendly travel due to its reduced carbon footprint compared to flying or driving multiple cars. Campervans allow for friends and families to travel together cutting out the need for hotels allowing you to be self-sufficient. They are also green and efficient because they have self-contained living spaces with everything you need, so you don't have to rely on outside resources.

They also allow for greater control over your carbon footprint, practising eco-friendly habits like staying in eco-friendly campsites and reducing waste. Longer trips are possible with less environmental impact, and campervan travel encourages outdoor activities that foster a deeper connection with nature. If you are planning a campervan holiday, we recommend checking out roadsurfer, the UK's leading campervan rental company who have many different campervans and motorhomes to choose from and four different UK campervan hire locations.

Stock up on reusable water bottles, sustainable tote bags, and food containers. Not only will you save money, but you'll also decrease your plastic waste and reduce your footprint as you travel.

Also, our natural travel soap bars are a great addition to your packing list as they're kind to your skin, septic tanks (perfect for those campervan stops!), and the planet!These eco-friendly travel bars are compact and versatile. They can be used for washing your skin, hair, and even your clothes, making them a great space-saving option and a champion for reducing waste on your trip.

Plan Your Route

When planning your route, it's important to avoid unnecessary backtracking to conserve fuel and make the most of your adventure. Mapping out the most efficient route can save time and hassle. Additionally, using navigation apps like Waze can help you steer clear of traffic jams, which not only saves fuel but also reduces emissions, making for a greener journey.

Supporting local businesses by choosing independent stores over supermarkets and high street chains helps to boost local economies. Making small choices such as opting for lunch at an independent cafe or picking up your essentials at a local market can have a positive effect on communities and small businesses. Choosing to support eco-friendly businesses such as vegan cafes/restaurants and zero-waste stores is a great way to keep your trip sustainable whilst also giving something back.

Recycle On The Road

By researching recycling facilities near your planned stops, you can take a few minutes to sort your waste and ensure that it gets a second life. This simple action can make a big difference in reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. It is an easy and effective way to make a positive impact on the environment.

Leave No Trace

This golden rule of eco-travel should apply to every part of your trip. Remember that while you are on the road, it is important to remember that you are a guest in these wild spaces, so you should respect the environment by doing everything you can to properly dispose of waste and minimise your impact on natural areas.

Why is Sustainable Travel So Important?

Sustainable travel trends are growing in popularity because tourism can have a huge effect on the environment. By making conscious choices, we can help protect our wild spaces for the animals who depend on them and future generations.

Remember, a green road trip isn't about perfection, it's about making conscious choices. With a little planning and these handy tips, you can have an unforgettable adventure while leaving a positive footprint on the beautiful world we explore.