Holiday-goers are increasingly conscious about the impact of their travels on our planet, opting for more sustainable alternatives to traditional breaks. Walking holidays are a great way to slow down and explore a destination completely on foot. But, are they truly beneficial to our environment or is the reality more nuanced than it sounds?
Are walking holidays good for our planet?
The carbon footprint advantage
Walking holidays undoubtedly offer significant environmental benefits compared to conventional tourism. The obvious advantage is, of course, the transportation – or lack of it. Once you’re at your destination, your carbon footprint drops dramatically, as you become your only vehicle for the time being.
Research suggests that around 8% of all carbon emissions is generated through tourism and transportation is by far the largest chunk of it. Walking holidays, therefore, slash your emissions substantially. Not just that, leading agencies like Orbis Ways recognise their responsibility, which is why they compensate for the CO2 emissions generated by your trip, whilst also curating experiences with minimal environmental impact.
Supporting conservation through mindful travel
Sustainability is not just about reducing carbon emissions, but also contributing to the conservation of our environment. Many popular walking destinations actually rely on tourism revenue to fund habitat protection and wildlife conservation programmes. The economic incentive created by responsible walkers can help preserve natural areas that may otherwise face development pressure, potentially outweighing the negatives.
In addition to this, mindful travelling means choosing your activities wisely and contributing to the nearby communities. For example, eating out in restaurants owned by locals, which typically use local produce, rather than large international chains that import much of their food. Similarly, buying souvenirs from local artisans who value tradition and sustainability. Although it might not seem like much, it all adds up with more people spending their money mindfully.
The bigger picture
However, walking holidays aren’t automatically guilt-free. The environmental benefits depend heavily on how you reach your destination. If you’re taking a long haul flight to reach your destination, the emissions will be substantial and most likely dwarf any saving from walking once there. The same goes for driving hundreds of miles for a weekend walking break, producing way more CO2 than a local break accessible via public transport.
This is where certain compromises have to be made, if you wish for your walking holiday to be more sustainable. Where possible, opt for a local or nearby destination that will not involve too much travel. If you are planning to travel further away, make the most of it on a longer stay to justify the emissions (e.g. a long-distance Camino de Santiago route in Spain).
Moreover, there are also small but impactful ways you can reduce your emissions in your accommodation. For instance, remember to turn off the AC unit and not leave lights on for no reason. Only ask for replacement towels and toiletries if you absolutely need to, as well as aim to generate as little waste as possible.
Striking a balance
Everyone deserves a holiday once in a while, and so you should not feel guilty for it. Walking holidays, although not zero carbon, are one of the more sustainable options. And, when paired with mindful tourism, your holiday can indeed benefit the local environment and communities.