ECO-FRIENDLY ESCAPES: 10 TYPES OF SUSTAINABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER

As travellers become more aware of their environmental impact, the demand for sustainable accommodations has really risen. A very happy development! From eco-friendly hotels to off-grid retreats, there are more options to choose from than ever for environmentally conscious travellers seeking to keep their trip as green as they can. Let's go ahead and explore some of the most sustainable types of accommodations to book when traveling, so you can head on your next adventure feeling excited and good about the accommodation choices you have made.

10 Most Sustainable Types of Accommodations When Travelling

1. Eco-Friendly Hotels:

Eco-friendly hotels are leading the way in sustainable hospitality, implementing a range of environmentally friendly practices to reduce their ecological footprint. These practices may include energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, recycling programs, offering plant based meal options, and the use of renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. Many eco-friendly hotels also prioritize local sourcing and organic, fair-trade products to support sustainable agriculture and reduce transportation emissions.

2. Green Lodges and Eco-Lodges:

Green lodges and eco-lodges are designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and low-impact construction practices. These accommodations are often set in stunning natural surroundings, allowing guests to connect with nature while minimizing their environmental impact. A perfect setting for a relaxing reset! Green lodges may offer eco-friendly amenities such as composting toilets, rainwater harvesting systems, and organic gardens, providing a truly sustainable and immersive experience for travellers to enjoy.

3. Hostels and Guesthouses:

Hostels and guesthouses are popular choices for budget-conscious travelers seeking affordable and sustainable accommodations. Many hostels and guesthouses prioritize sustainability by implementing energy-saving measures, waste reduction programs, and eco-friendly amenities such as compost bins and refillable toiletry dispensers. These accommodations also offer opportunities for social interaction and cultural exchange, fostering a sense of community among guests while promoting sustainable travel practices. A great setting for creating some amazing and unexpected memories.

4. Glamping and Eco-Camping:

Glamping, otherwise known as luxury camping, and my personal choice if I am going to be doing any camping lol, and eco-camping offer a sustainable alternative to traditional camping, providing guests with the opportunity to experience nature without sacrificing comfort or convenience. These accommodations may include eco-friendly tents, yurts, or cabins equipped with solar-powered lighting, composting toilets, and rainwater harvesting systems. Glamping and eco-camping sites are another option that are most often located in incredible nature settings, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty the earth minimizing environmental impact.

5. Treehouses and Treetop Retreats:

I have never done this one but who doesn't want to sleep in a treehouse! It's definitely on the bucket list. Treehouses and treetop retreats offer a unique and sustainable accommodation option for nature lovers and adventure seekers. These elevated dwellings are often built using sustainable materials and designed to minimize their impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Treehouse accommodations provide guests with a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing them to sleep among the trees and enjoy breathtaking views of the forest canopy while supporting sustainable tourism practices.

6. Off-Grid Retreats and Wilderness Cabins:

Off-grid retreats and wilderness cabins provide travellers with the opportunity to really disconnect from the social media centred and hectic patterns of modern life and spend time reconnecting with nature. Sustainable and rejuvenating. These secluded accommodations are often powered by renewable energy sources such as solar or hydroelectric power and designed to operate off-grid, minimizing their environmental impact. Off-grid retreats offer guests the chance to experience true wilderness immersion while leaving a minimal footprint on the environment.

7. Community-Based Tourism Initiatives:

Community-based tourism initiatives empower local communities to benefit from tourism while preserving their cultural heritage and natural resources. These initiatives may include homestays, cultural tours, and volunteer opportunities that allow travellers to engage with local communities in a meaningful and sustainable way. By participating in community-based tourism initiatives, travellers can support grassroots development projects, promote cross-cultural exchange, and contribute to sustainable development goals.

8. Sustainable Resorts and Eco-Resorts:

Sustainable resorts and eco-resorts are designed to minimize their environmental impact while providing guests with luxurious and sustainable accommodations. These resorts often feature eco-friendly design and construction, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable landscaping practices. Sustainable resorts may also offer a range of eco-friendly amenities and activities such as organic spa treatments, guided nature walks, and sustainable plant based dining options, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious, sustainable, and often wellness promoting getaway.

9. House Swapping and Home Rentals:

As in the awesome festive movie, The Holiday! Who else watches this one every single year? Lol, anyways, house swapping and home rentals offer travellers a sustainable alternative to traditional accommodations by allowing them to stay in private homes and apartments while supporting local communities. House swapping platforms connect travelers with homeowners looking to exchange their homes for a designated period, allowing both parties to save money on accommodation costs while really getting in there and experiencing life like a local. Home rental platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO offer a wide range of sustainable accommodation options, from eco-friendly apartments to off-grid cottages, allowing travellers to enjoy a unique and authentic travel experience while supporting sustainable tourism practices.

10. Choose Local Bed and Breakfasts and Small Independently Owned Hotels:

We choose this option a lot when we travel. Locally run small hotels and bed and breakfast options often incorporate a lot of sustainable practices into their business models such as refillable and locally sourced amenities for your room, recycling programs, plant based meal options, locally sourced produce and farm to table ingredients, and encourage unnecessary laundry and cleaning to be at a minimum. By picking this option you are also directly supporting local individuals and communities, often get top notch local recommendations for where to eat and what to see, and a real sense of connection and community in the space.

Final Musings

Some of these sound pretty amazing right? Much more interesting than simply booking the first big brand hotel that happens to have availability. When booking accommodations for your next trip, consider opting for one of these sustainable accommodation options instead. Whether you're staying in an eco-friendly hotel, a green lodge, a fully vegan bed and breakfast, or a treehouse retreat, choosing sustainable accommodations allows you to enjoy a memorable and immersive travel experience while leaving a positive impact on the planet and the communities you visit. Also, imagine the insta worthy content some of these accommodations can provide you with ;)

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Yours in sustainable wanderlust,

Krystle

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