How to have an eco-friendly Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is not the most environmentally friendly holiday, with millions of cards being exchanged, expensive cut flowers being delivered and cheesy gifts being purchased – most of which will end up in landfill eventually. However, there are plenty of great ways to celebrate your love without it costing the earth. Visit our Eco Blog for some great tips for eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gifts and experiences.
A year of slow travel
You’ve probably heard of the slow food movement, but slow travel is another great concept that’s taking off globally and it’s a more mindful, eco-conscious way to explore the planet. The slow travel movement is all about taking your time, exploring your destination thoroughly and connecting with local communities and cultures.
Here are three ways to embrace it.
1 - Hop on a train
Travelling by rail is a slow and relaxing way to experience a country, and there are plenty of epic trips you can take including The Ghan in Australia, the Glacier Express in Switzerland and the Trans-Siberian in Russia. But you don’t have to splurge on a bucket-list adventure, taking a train ride to your nearest city or rural town means you’ll get to see your own country in a way you wouldn’t if you were in a car or on a plane – and it’s cheap, too.
2 - Book a group tour
Operators such as Intrepid Travel offer group tours with an emphasis on low-impact, carbon-neutral travel. Their recent partnership with Lonely Planet means you can avail of more than 300 tours that utilise public transport, local guides, businesses and restaurants.
3 - Stay in local lodgings
Ditch the chain hotel in favour of Airbnb or a homestay. You’ll instantly have the local track on the best places to eat, play and visit in your chosen destination thanks to your host. You’re also boosting the local economy rather than paying a huge international corporation.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks”
– John Muir.
