As members of the Otto Holiday Club community will know, holidays do not necessarily need to cost the Earth in a financial sense. But to be more ethical and conscientious, we should all be looking at whether our holidays are costing the Earth in a more literal way.

Are your family holidays truly eco-friendly and sustainable? How can families holiday more sustainably and make the right choices for people and planet?

Read on for a few tips to help you understand how we can all care for our planet and other people when we go away, just as much as we aim to do at home.

Travel to Off-Peak Destinations if Not At Off-Peak Times

Getting off the beaten track can be a lot of fun. But more importantly than that, making sure we don’t go to the same places as everyone else means that we do not contribute to the problems associated with mass tourism.

With young children in school, or if we work in a school ourselves, we likely won’t be able to travel when places are quieter. But we can choose the road less travelled by and seek out unique and interesting destinations where not as many people go.

Choose Slow-Travel Solutions To Get There and Get Around

Getting from A to B is also very important when thinking about how we can holiday more sustainably. Rather than flying, for example, we can consider taking a train, perhaps, hiring an electric vehicle, or other more eco-friendly travel solutions.

And once we arrive at our destinations, we can embrace the most sustainable solutions of all to get around. Walking, cycling, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, sailing… these are some slow travel options that can be wonderful for a sustainable family adventure.

Select Accommodation Carefully for a Sustainable Stay

Another important thing to think about when trying for a more sustainable holiday is where we stay while we are away. From sustainable city hotels with 100% renewable power, ethical materials use, low-environmental impact, water saving sense, and good waste management practices… to a simple tent in a rustic campsite… there are plenty of options for a sustainable stay.

But whatever type of holiday we are looking at, we should consider carefully whether or not the place we are thinking about staying shares our sustainability goals.

Eat Local, Fresh and Seasonal Food Wherever You Go

What we eat while we are away from home also sets the tone for our sustainable adventures. While on holiday, as at home, we should always aim to eat local, fresh and seasonal produce whenever possible. That way, we support local growers and producers, and cut the carbon footprint of what we eat.

Buying at local farm shops, farmers markets, or similar and making up picnics or self-catering can save families money and help them to eat wherever they are in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way. But of course we can also find sustainable places to dine out if we prefer.

These are just a few basic hints to help you travel with your family in a more sustainable way.