What is sustainable family travel?
Sustainable family travel simply means making more conscious choices at every stage of your holiday. This includes:
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Choosing lower-carbon transport
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Staying in eco-conscious accommodation
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Supporting local businesses
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Minimising waste
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Teaching children about the importance of looking after our planet and adapting the activities you do whilst on holiday for more eco-friendly options.
With more UK families seeking slower, more meaningful trips, sustainable travel is fast becoming the norm rather than the niche. People are ditching the fast-paced, activity-filled breaks for a more relaxing, recharging break, and this is actually already a step to being more eco-friendly without even realising it!
How can I make our family holidays more eco-friendly?
1. Travel greener
Trains over planes:
For short-haul European breaks, travelling by train is often the greener and more relaxing choice. It means nobody has to be the designated driver and everyone can sit back and enjoy the views and the chat too. Sleeper trains are making a comeback too, turning the journey into part of the adventure.
Fly smarter:
When flights are unavoidable, opt for direct routes (which generate fewer emissions) and use reputable carbon offset schemes to help balance your impact.
Go electric on the road:
Consider hiring an electric or hybrid car for road trips, especially if you are looking to hire some kind of transport to get around anyway. Public charging infrastructure across the UK and Europe is improving every year, but do make sure you check you will be able to charge your car before you hire one.
2. Choose sustainable places to stay
Look for eco-friendly certifications:
When booking accommodation, look for properties with recognised environmental credentials. Many hotels, lodges, and holiday lets now display green awards or sustainability policies. These will run with more sustainable practices taking the stress and worry out of it for you.
Support local:
Family-run guesthouses, farm stays, and boutique hotels not only offer a more authentic experience but also help to keep tourism income within local communities. You are likely to get a more personalised touch here too, and it's a great way to get to know the locals rather than staying in a hotel full of holidaymakers.
Be mindful during your stay:
Simple actions like reusing towels, conserving water, switching off lights, and recycling can all make a difference. People often get carried away with wasting water or taking extra showers etc, because they aren't footing the bill but this isn't very sustainable.
3. Pack sustainably
Ditch disposables:
Pack reusable water bottles, cutlery, food containers, and cloth bags to avoid single-use plastic on the go. Whilst it might feel easier and cheaper to buy disposable, when you buy renewable to you use it time and time again so not only are you helping to reduce plastic waste, but you will be saving money in the long run too.
Travel light:
The less you pack, the lighter the load, saving fuel whether you're driving or flying. Capsule wardrobes work well for kids and adults alike. Let's face it, we all pack way more than we need (10 pairs of pants for a 3-day trip, anyone!?!) Just try and mimic what you would do at home, just with a few extra swimsuits if you are near the sea or pool!
Eco-friendly essentials:
Consider solid toiletries (like shampoo bars), bamboo toothbrushes, and biodegradable wipes to reduce packaging waste. Check if your hotel or accommodation stocks this in your room, as if they do, it saves you bringing it all together and will save you room in your bag too!
4. Eat and shop locally
Choose local and seasonal food:
Eating at family-owned cafés and buying from farmers’ markets not only supports local growers but also cuts food miles. It’s also a great way to introduce children to regional flavours and traditions. Isn't that part of the fun of travelling to different places, trying the cuisine, getting to know the culture, etc.
Say no to plastic:
Encourage children to carry their own reusable bottle or cup, and avoid snacks in excessive packaging.
5. Opt for eco-friendly activities
Nature-based fun:
Hiking, cycling, kayaking, wildlife watching, and stargazing are all low-impact activities that families can enjoy together. Look out for activities and excursions available to you through your holiday to many eco-friendly or sustainable destinations will have eco-friendly activities for both kids and adults to take part in. My two loved the crown-making nature session at Bluestone, and they learnt so much about nature to
Learn as you go:
Visit conservation centres, eco farms, or cultural workshops. These experiences help children develop a deeper understanding of sustainability and community and can be educational as well as fun for the whole family.
6. Reduce waste while travelling
Be prepared:
Carry your own reusable items and a small bag for recyclables, especially in places where recycling may not be readily available. There will likely be better places to recycle at your hotel or accommodation.
Leave no trace:
Teach children to respect natural environments. Stick to marked trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and take all litter home.
7. Slow down
Less is more:
Rather than cramming multiple destinations into one trip, consider spending longer in one place. This reduces transport emissions and allows your family to truly connect with local culture and nature.
FAQs about sustainable family travel
How can families cut carbon emissions when travelling?
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Choose trains or coaches where possible
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If flying, take direct flights and offset emissions
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Opt for walking, cycling, and public transport once at your destination
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Consider car-sharing or hiring an EV for road trips
What should we pack for a sustainable family holiday?
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Reusable water bottles and snack containers
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Solid toiletries and eco-friendly personal care items
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Reusable shopping bags
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Lightweight clothing to reduce luggage emissions
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Digital copies of tickets, maps and travel guides
What types of accommodation are best for eco-friendly family travel?
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Eco-certified hotels, lodges or guesthouses
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Farm stays and community-run properties
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Family-friendly rentals that follow sustainable practices (energy efficiency, waste reduction, local sourcing)
What are some great sustainable activities for kids?
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Nature walks, bike rides, and outdoor sports
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Wildlife tours with reputable guides
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Farm visits and eco-craft workshops
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Educational visits to national parks and conservation centres
Why sustainable family travel matters
Our travel choices today shape the world our children will inherit. As more families seek responsible ways to explore the world, demand for greener options is growing fast.
By adopting even a few of the tips in this guide, you can significantly reduce your holiday’s environmental impact—and create rich, meaningful experiences that your family will cherish.
Quick eco-friendly family travel checklist
| What to do | Example actions |
|---|---|
| Transport | Take trains, coach, or offset flights; hire an EV |
| Accommodation | Book eco-certified stays or support local providers |
| Packing | Bring reusables, eco-toiletries, and travel light |
| Food & shopping | Eat local, seasonal food; avoid plastic packaging |
| Activities | Favour nature-based, educational, and low-impact fun |
| Waste reduction | Carry reusables, recycle, leave no trace |
| Teaching kids | Involve them in eco-friendly choices and planning |
Final thoughts
You don’t need to be perfect to make a difference. Sustainable family travel is about making better choices where you can—choices that inspire your children and support the places you visit.
Start small, stay curious, and have fun. By travelling more thoughtfully, your family can help protect the planet and foster a love of sustainability in the next generation of explorers.
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