What can you do?

We know we need to up our sustainability game and fast, which is why we are putting a lot of time and effort into improving the ways in which we travel. But we are not alone in this and we also need you to start improving yours. So what can you do to help? 

We are offsetting the carbon for all of our trips through projects supported by our amazing partner Forest Carbon. Our calculations include everything we offer from the moment you emerge through the airport doors to stepping back onto the plane, however, often it is the flight that emits the most emissions of the whole trip. Now, we firmly believe that stopping people experiencing the incredible world that we live in is not the way forward, and we certainly don't want you to stop exploring. So we have provided a calculator for you to offset the carbon emissions from your flights yourself. Simply, type in the destination you are travelling from and to, and whether it will be a one way or return flight and let the calculator work it's magic. Once you have your total, head on over to our friends at Forest Carbon and select a project that you wish to contribute towards to offset your emissions - please remember that for your emissions to be offset immediately you need to choose a project that has Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). For more information on which projects to choose have a look at our Forest Carbon page. 

This isn't possible in all our destinations however, where possible, travelling via public transport is by far the most sustainable means of travel to your destination...consider it an extension of your holiday and take it in the scenery on route. There's something to be said for a couple of days rest prior to a big adventure. For information on train travel and how to get between destinations check out The Man in Seat 61. 

Part of making travel sustainable is ensuring the impact we have on the local/indigenous communities that we are visiting, is a positive one. To enable us to do this, we are building relationships with different charities and projects working in the lower economic destinations we offer. This means we can provide safe, reliable ways for you to give back to the communities who have supported you during your treks, kayaks and climbs.

We suggest that if you would like to give a little back and help these communities out in some way then you follow the links below which will explain how you can do this. 

A good way to become more sustainable is to reduce the number of flights taken to visit any given long haul destination. Now, this may seem counter productive coming from a travel company. However, we aren't suggesting you don't embark on your adventure, we are simply encouraging you to make the most of your time in destination and make it the trip of a lifetime! As a general rule, we would suggest spending a day in destination for every hour of flying it takes you to get there, for example, to fly from the UK to Tanzania it takes, on average,  11 hours so we would recommend a minimum of 11 days spent in country. 

We offer extensions that include visits to cultural sites, wildlife viewing and even hot air balloon rides, or perhaps you might consider linking together two trips in one destination - embark on the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp whilst you are in Nepal, for example. 

We are aware that the equipment used on our adventures can be very specialised and you may only use it once for your trip, before retiring it to the back of the wardrobe. So it seems a bit of a waste to be buying brand new kit, simply for one outing. 

When deciding on kit to take on your adventure, consider the possibility of rental hire. In some of our destinations we provide hire of sleeping bags and trekking poles as an additional service, in others we partner with rental shops to help to provide you with the kit you need. However you decide to acquire your rental gear, we suggest you plan to arrive early in order to find equipment that is appropriate for you. 

Hiring equipment reduces the numbers of single use products being regurgitated into land-fill, providing an easy reusable system. 

If you prefer to have your own kit for your trip, consider buying from second-hand sites or upcycling schemes. 

Its a small request that can make a huge difference if we all get onboard. Countries like Tanzania and Nepal have implemented a ban on single-use plastics, which helps to reduce the amounts of single-use plastics entering these countries, however elsewhere it is down to you. Pack clothes into drybags or packing cubes rather than plastic bags, bring a reusable water bottle (or two) and bring compostable bags where absolutely necessary.  

As members of Leave No Trace we provide responsible waste disposal whilst on your trek, this includes providing a rubbish bag, when camping, that will be carried down off the trail and disposed of appropriately. Where you are staying in hotels, guesthouses or refuges you will be expected to locate a rubbish bin and dispose of any waste in a responsible manner. Any wrappers from snacks need to be stored in your pocket or rucksack and disposed of upon arrival at your next accommodation.