The green traveller

Travel is an intrinsic part of many of our lives. The places we visit and the experiences we have become part of our identity. Today, we are increasingly aware of the negative impacts our travel can have, and a cultural shift towards living more consciously and responsibly means many of us are reassessing our travel priorities. The knowledge that air travel is bad for the environment isn't new, but it has long been considered a 'necessary evil'. Fortunately, in this new carbon-conscious era, consumer demand is seeing real change in the industry. New, faster and more comfortable rail and ferry services are making cross-continental travel easy and enjoyable, while many hotels and tour operators are improving their credentials and actively facilitating local conservation and community projects. With so many factors to consider and so much greenwashing to avoid, travellers need a knowledgeable guide to lead them through the issues and inspire them with practical ideas and itineraries.