10 Ways to Have an Eco-Conscious Family Holiday Abroad
Thinking about a family getaway but wondering how to balance adventure with ethics? We caught up with Dr. Prevatt, one of the UK’s only NHS Paediatric Consultants specialising in Travel Medicine, to talk about how families can travel more responsibly, sustainably, and thoughtfully, without losing the joy.
Here’s her expert advice on how to make your holiday a win for both your kids and the planet.
Can travel ever be responsible? Or should we just not travel at all?
Travel can absolutely be responsible. In fact, when done thoughtfully, it can be a force for good. UK tourists support millions of jobs worldwide, especially for young people and women. Tourism, when done right, helps meet global Sustainable Development Goals by reducing poverty, improving quality of life, and preserving cultural heritage.
So no, you don’t have to stay home. You just have to travel smart.
How can we travel responsibly with kids?
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple swaps that make a big difference:
❄️ Avoid destinations with known environmental damage (like heavily foot-trafficked reefs).
🏠 Stay in eco-friendly accommodation with green certifications (Green Seal, EarthCheck, Green Key, etc.)
🚌 Use public transport from airport to hotel.
♻️ Opt out of daily towel/sheet changes.
🍜 Skip the tourist traps and eat at local, sustainable restaurants.
🌿 Bring your own bottle and cutlery to reduce plastic and avoid tummy bugs.
⛳️ Avoid plastic souvenirs and historical artefacts that shouldn’t leave their origin country.
🌍 Respect local languages and traditions to help preserve them.
🌽 Shop local (but don’t haggle too hard!) to support small businesses.
☀️ Use reef-safe suncream (ditch oxybenzone and octinoxate) or cover up with long sleeves and hats.
Holiday clothes?
Definitely use secondhand clothes from thelittleloop :) But also consider this:
🌍 Pack light to reduce your carbon footprint.
🧵 Donate good quality outgrown clothes while abroad. Dr. Prevatt packs her daughter’s nearly-too-small clothes and donates them locally.
🛁 Wash with non-toxic detergents while travelling (and at home!).
🌳 Offset your travel impact by supporting tree-planting or verified carbon offset programmes.
Dr. Prevatt, NHS Paediatric Consultant specialising in Travel Medicine
She is passionate about sustainable travel and shares her insights on her blog. She also leads the paediatric board for the International Society of Travel Medicine and offers remote kids travel clinic appointments across the UK. Check out her blog for more travel tips or book a consultation before your trip!
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