5 Simple Steps to Sustainable Travel

By Abigail Mawhinney

As an eco-luxury brand, we are passionate about always being kind to our environment. We believe in ethical practice at every stage of a product’s journey – from the sourcing of materials to the moment a piece of Irvetta resort wear makes its debut on the sands of your dream destination.

With this in mind, we have collated a list of approaches that every modern woman can take in order to make her travels a little kinder to the planet – whether you’re venturing to distant, dreamy shores or somewhere closer to home.

Opt for a minimalist packing style

A lighter suitcase means a lighter aircraft, which in turn means less fuel to be burnt. Select several key pieces of multi-purpose clothing that can be dressed up or down to suit the weather, time of day and activity, rather than attempting to take your entire wardrobe away with you.

Each elegant piece of Irvetta resort wear is designed to carry you from your day to evening ensemble – offering the ideal option for those looking to lighten the load. Irvetta's silk crepe de chine palazzo pants are light and breathable and perfect for warmer spring days. Pair with any of the swimsuits from our Odyssey selection or from pieces of your already established wardrobe.

Be conscious of your method of travel

While we suggest travelling overland wherever possible, flying is often necessary to reach those alluring, faraway destinations. In order to reduce your carbon footprint, always select flights with no stopovers, as it is the takeoff and landing that create the majority of harmful emissions.

During your holiday, embrace the world around you and go on foot wherever you can. Walking is the best way to truly experience the finer details of your chosen destination and will allow you to feel closer to the local culture and natural environment.

Sample the local cuisine

Eat and drink in locally-owned restaurants and bars rather than large chain establishments. Experience the ‘near beer’, which – as the name suggests – refers to beer that is brewed locally, rather than being imported from afar. In this way, you can avoid products which have been transported cross-country (or even from abroad) and enjoy a low-carbon meal. Embolden your taste buds and embrace the local cuisine as much as you can.

Fortunately, the endeavor for sustainability is a rapidly growing trend across the globe in fine dining, as chefs more and more frequently choose to work with local farmers and use native ingredients. A 2019 article from Forbes covers some of the world’s best sustainable fine dining restaurants, offering plenty of inspiration to those looking for a guilt-free gastronomic experience.

Choose your accommodation carefully

We certainly aren’t saying that you should camp out in a tent for the entirety of your stay. However, we highly recommend researching any hotel, B&B or lodge and gathering any information you can on their environmental practices.

When you browse any website, check and see if they have a section on topics such as ‘Sustainability’ or ‘Responsible Travel’, and search for answers to the following questions: Do they recycle? Do they use eco-friendly energy sources such as solar or hydroelectric power? Do they partake in activities that benefit the local community? These are all important factors to consider when selecting your holiday accommodation.

As an example, we adore Design Hotels; these luxury eco hotels are scattered across the world, from Zanzibar to Indonesia to Italy. Each hotel is uniquely eco-conscious and employs a diverse range of green initiatives, including farm-to-table food programs, biomass heating and the use of solar energy. Yet their accommodation remains at the height of luxury, set against dreamy, exotic backdrops and featuring exquisitely cutting-edge architecture.

Leave only footprints

Perhaps the most important step of all: wherever you go, leave only footprints, take only memories. By taking the simple step of respecting your environment, you ensure that the beauty of a place remains intact for the person to follow after you. It goes without saying that littering anywhere is a big no-no, but beyond that, it is vital to be aware of your impact on the local wildlife and environment when participating in certain leisure activities. For example, some sun creams contain chemicals that can cause damage to coral; make sure to consider this if you’re planning on going snorkeling at all during your holiday.

By following these simple steps, you can continue to enjoy all of the perks of a luxury vacation, with the added benefit of feeling closer to the environment around you.