How to travel more sustainably in 2026

The way British travellers think about holidays is changing. Whether it’s swapping a short-haul flight for a rail journey, staying in a certified eco-lodge or buying local on the ground, sustainability has become an active consideration instead of an afterthought. For those looking to reduce the environmental impact of their travels this year, practical choices are more accessible than ever.

Why Sustainable Travel Matters in 2026

The demand for greener holidays among UK travellers is substantial and growing. According to Booking.com’s 2025 Travel & Sustainability Research, released in April 2025, 93% of global travellers say they want to make more sustainable travel choices, a significant leap from 42% when the same research began a decade ago. Many are already making changes: travelling by train or ferry rather than flying, packing lighter to reduce fuel load, and reusing towels and bedding as standard. UK tourism is responding in kind, with initiatives such as the 2026 National Active Travel Conference in Cambridge, focused on walking, cycling, and sustainable tourism infrastructure, highlighting just how seriously the sector is taking the shift.

Choosing Lower-Carbon Transport

For UK and European breaks, a rail-first approach is both practical and lower-carbon than flying. Eurostar services, coach travel, and ferry routes to destinations such as Ireland or the Channel Islands offer viable alternatives that allow travellers to take in the journey as part of the experience. When flying is genuinely unavoidable, it is worth seeking out airlines engaged with the UK’s new Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandate. Under regulations published by the Department for Transport, at least 2% of UK jet fuel demand must come from sustainable aviation fuel from 2025, rising to 10% by 2030, with the SAF Bill introducing a revenue certainty mechanism to accelerate domestic production. If you do need to fly or travel abroad, planning ahead helps on every level; book your route, sort your tickets and order travel money in one go to avoid last-minute, less considered choices.

Staying in Greener Places

Eco-certified accommodation has moved well beyond the basic. Look for properties carrying recognised sustainability certifications, whether that is the Green Tourism scheme in the UK or international equivalents such as EarthCheck. Key things to look for include renewable energy use, water-saving measures, locally sourced food, minimal single-use plastic and clear recycling procedures. For UK breaks, rail-accessible national parks such as the Lake District, Dartmoor, and the Cairngorms offer a wide range of low-impact options from eco-lodges to coastal camping. The growing network of certified properties means travellers no longer have to compromise on comfort to stay in a genuinely sustainable place.

Spending and Activities That Give Back

On the ground, the choices travellers make about how they spend their money matter considerably. Supporting locally owned restaurants, independent shops and community-led tour operators keeps money circulating in the destination instead of flowing to large corporations. Avoiding activities that exploit wildlife or damage fragile ecosystems, and instead choosing walking, cycling and wildlife watching guided by local experts, aligns holidays with the values that most eco-conscious travellers hold. Carrying a reusable water bottle and bags, planning meals around seasonal local produce and staying curious about emerging UK initiatives in sustainable tourism are all small actions that collectively add up. The direction of travel is clear, and in 2026 there are more tools, options and information available to make the greener choice the easier one.

Travelling more sustainably does not mean giving up the holidays you love. It means making thoughtful choices at each stage, from how you get there and where you stay to how you spend your time and money once you arrive. Small shifts in habit, made consistently, are what drive real change.