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November 22, 2023

I’ve been reading a lot in the travel press about how air fares are going to rise. It is not a question of if, but when. In fact, you may have been looking online yourselves and been surprised by the cost of flights to places you are used to travelling to. Have you asked yourselves whether this is just a passing glitch? Surely fares cannot have almost doubled in price? Perhaps you have decided to wait and see if they drop again? The bad news for travellers is that prices are definitely not predicted to drop.

There are several factors that affect the cost of air travel, including the rate of inflation. The high rate of inflation we are seeing at the moment might fluctuate very slightly but is unlikely to drop significantly. Then there is the high price of oil, linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine, and this does not seem likely to resolve itself any time soon, sadly. Airlines are also under great pressure to upgrade their planes to meet low emissions targets and there is an urgent need to fund research into sustainable fuel. We must, if we want to save our planet, stop polluting the atmosphere but all of this costs vast sums of money.

Ouch! Rising prices will affect us all. The good news is that it will hopefully make us think twice about how often we travel and how.

So my advice is, as always, to book well in advance to get the best airfares possible. You should, ideally, already be booking your 2024 holidays, including post-Christmas breaks, February and May half terms, Easter and summer holidays.

Did you know also that hotel contracts are negotiated well in advance and if you’re booking a package holiday (which I highly recommended) you’re much more likely to get a good rate now than if you wait until the last minute?

So, where to travel next year without breaking the bank? If you have the time to go long haul, the Far East is still very good value, so if you’re spending more on your airfare, you are saving significantly on your accommodation. Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos continue to fascinate even seasoned travellers. If you’ve visited the beaches of Thailand, I highly recommend taking a trip up to Chiang Mai, maybe on the scenic train, which takes between ten and thirteen hours but offers stunning scenery on route. Stay in the wonderful Four Seasons Resort or the Anantara.

Bangkok itself is awash with luxury hotels, such as the Mandarin Oriental and the Rosewood.

Even better news, flights within Thailand and to the neighbouring countries of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are inexpensive, and hotels are also relatively so compared to other countries, so you can make a longer holiday of it and push the boat out a bit on your accommodation.

So, while airfares remain high, the Far East is a good choice as the lower on-the-ground costs will balance out the overall price of your holiday.

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!

November 15, 2023

Donate to charity for free while shopping!

As millions of shoppers prepare for thousands of deals this Black Friday, Charitable Travel reveals which specialist sites are offering free ways to donate to charity – helping consumers give back at the same time as grabbing a bargain!

As the British public tightens their belts and reprioritises where to spend their hard-earned cash, charities are beginning to suffer as donations reduce. Previous research conducted by Charitable Travel has shown that due to the cost-of-living crisis, 71% of people have cut back on charity donations.

The most popular ways to donate to charity are bucket collections (38%), sponsoring friends or family to do a challenge (34%) and 28% (regular direct debits). However, what many do not realise is that there are additional ways to donate to charity which can be incorporated into general living spending, which can help charities maintain some of their much-needed income and with no extra cost for the consumer.

TOP SHOPPING HACK – SHOP FOR GOOD AT NO EXTRA COST!

Shop & Give initiatives are a free way to raise money for charity whilst shopping online and according to Charitable Travel, only 12% of people are aware of these. Known as affiliate marketing, websites directing customers to a retailer earn a small pay-per-click commission. This can be a small percentage of the total cost spent or a set amount for each referral. Although the figures are tiny (could be just 1p per click for example), they can soon build up. Shop & Give websites will collect this commission and donate much needed funds to good causes. And in the current climate, every little helps.

The top five Shop & Give websites to consider this Black Friday and throughout the whole year are:

Give As You Live – www.giveasyoulive.com

Simply register for free, choose to support one of 40,000 UK charities and select over 6000 participating retailers from M&S, John Lewis, Currys, Argos, Apple, Ticketmaster, WHSmith to easyJet and even Dominos Pizza. By accessing the retailers’ website from the Give As You Live page the affiliate commission will be donated by the brand to your chosen charity. Give As You Live has now generated more that £21 million for worthy causes.

Charitable Travel – www.charitable.travel

The social-enterprise travel agency with a ‘Travel For Good’ ethos enables customers to donate 5% of the cost of their holiday to a charity of their choice via a Just Giving partnership. The fully bonded, online travel agency books holidays from a wide range of big brands and smaller operators and airlines including easyJet Holidays, Intrepid Travel and G Adventures.

Easy Fundraising – www.easyfundraising.co.uk

The UK’s biggest shopping charity site with over 2 million users generating more than £43 million for much needed causes, with a simple message ‘when you spend, brands donate’. Register for free, sign up to support your favourite cause and download their Donation Reminder plug-in for your desktop, which will alert you when donations from over 7000 brands are available whilst doing your online shopping. You can then track your donations via your online account.

Nectar Donate – www.nectar.com

Nectar Donate is a collaboration between Nectar and Crowdfunder, which allows consumers to donate their nectar points directly to a range of charities from the Nectar app. Each donation must be a minimum of 200 nectar points (which is the equivalent of £1). There are no hidden fees as part of the scheme and customers who donate will be updated on how the funds are used. Points can be earned online by shopping with a variety of well-known brands via the nectar.com portal.

Giving Machine – https://shopandgive.thegivingmachine.co.uk

Launched in 2006 the Giving Machine have raised over £1.9 million for over 9000 charities. Register for free online and choose up to four local or national good causes. Choose from hundreds of high street and big brand stores from The Body Shop to Ebay or Waitrose, click through to their website via an affiliate link and earn free donations from the brand to your selected charities. Giving Machine also offers discount codes, charity raffle tickets with great prizes and a £1 per week supporters lottery.

Melissa Tilling, Founder and Chief Executive at Charitable Travel, said:

“Every year, online shops pay millions in sales commissions to websites for affiliate marketing campaigns, but there is a way to shop smarter and direct this commission to charities, whose services are increasingly in demand given the current climate, but their donations from the public are falling. Shop & Give is a quick and easy way to incorporate charitable giving into your daily life and the more of us that do it, the bigger the difference we can make.

“At Charitable Travel we offer travellers the opportunity to donate a percentage of their holiday to charity for free, simply by booking a holiday. For a family of four – where the average cost of a holiday is £2,000 – a free donation of £100 would be made to a charity of their choice, ensuring that travel can be a force for good.

“To ensure we continue to provide support to our beloved charities we recommend supporting Shop & Give initiatives in addition to direct charitable donations, as charities need our help now more than ever before.”

Founded in April 2020, Charitable Travel operates the same as other high-end travel agencies, with one key difference. The social enterprise will donate 5% per cent of the cost of the holiday – usually charged to generate profit – to a charity of the customer’s choice, via a partnership with JustGiving. Charitable Travel’s mission is to make travel “a force for good.” Whether it’s a city break or a beach getaway, holidaymakers can rest assured that their booking supports good causes.

After shopping for bargains on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, don’t forget Tuesday 28^th November 2023 is Giving Tuesday, the Global Day of Giving. A timely reminder that charities are in need of our help.

Inspired and ready to book your next getaway? Check out Charitable Travel’s fantastic range of travel deals!

November 13, 2023

Welcome to the Charitable Traveller Report! In this issue, you’ll find unforgettable hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations with the latest edition of Charitable Traveller Magazine, fantastic tips and tricks for your next Australian trip from our luxury travel expert Lizzi, and special deals for the Algarve, Portugal, a self-driving Route 66 adventure in Illinois, and a week-long escape in sunny Aruba this Christmas!

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily dose of travel inspiration!

November 8, 2023

If you think about travel to Australia, you may immediately picture backpacking students. Maybe you did this yourself on a gap year, or maybe one of your children did? Or you may associate travelling around Australia with hiring a giant motor home. These are just stereotypes. Not for you?

You may not necessarily think of Australia as a luxury destination, but I can assure you that a first-class experience is definitely possible Down Under.

So many of us in the UK have relatives living in Australia. Maybe they went out on a £10 ticket back in the 70’s or maybe they fell in love while touring round as a student and ending up marrying and staying. I know it is hard for relatives, especially grandparents when their families live so far away.

Lots of my more mature clients travel out to Australia every few years to visit family. Others may never have been and want to tick it off their list. It’s exciting, but a bit daunting travelling such a long way. How can it be made easier?

Firstly, let’s talk about getting there. Some of the best airlines fly there, such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar and British Airways. All have superb business class services, which makes the journey so much more comfortable. Next best would be premium economy. However, if you are concerned about the negative effect of upgraded seats on the environment, flying economy on Emirates is definitely no hardship at all! Break your journey in Dubai and again in Singapore and stay in one of the superb airport hotels.

So, on to luxury experiences in Australia itself. How about taking one of the iconic trains, such as the Ghan? I have been privileged to step on board and it’s very opulent and a wonderful experience. Or you could take a private helicopter tour over the Barrier Reef and the rainforest, or over the Blue Mountains? You could sail around Sydney Harbour on a private yacht or explore the Barrier Reef aboard a private catamaran.

Australia is famous for its wines, and you can visit vineyards and sample some of their finest, paired with exquisite fine dining whilst staying in magnificent hotels like the boutique Cape Lodge at Margaret River. Or stay on one of the islands such as Lord Howe, home to the modern Capella Lodge or the Hamilton Island Reef View Hotel on Hamilton Island. For a truly unique experience, how about staying in a luxury, safari-style tent overlooking Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock)?

Finally, a mention about culture in Australia. Australia has wonderful theatres, art galleries, music venues, historical monuments, and iconic sporting venues. A cultural experience can be combined with a stay in one of the countless luxury hotels on offer. For example, stay in the Four Seasons or the Park Hyatt in Sydney, both with magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House. Or in Melbourne, the Langham Hotel is just a stroll away from the National Gallery of Victoria, The Australian Ballet and Hamer Hall.

If you are as concerned as we are about the environment, there are plenty of eco luxury options for tours and accommodation. Please ask me when you enquire.

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!

November 1, 2023

A new regular feature from Charitable Traveller Magazine, our team of experts answer your travel queries. In the hot seat this month is Melissa Tilling, founder of Charitable Travel

On a recent European holiday, our return flight was cancelled while we were waiting to board the plane. At the time, the only guidance we were given by the airline ground staff was to go back through passport control, collect our bags and rebook our return flights on the airline’s app. We were left to find our own accommodation for the night and hope that the costs would be reimbursed.
Having rebooked seats on the next available flight, we then suffered the same fate and were left stranded in the airport at midnight for a second night in a row. We eventually flew home two and a half days after we’d originally planned, having paid through the nose for a flight with an alternative airline. We’ve always booked our travel independently as we tend to book with short notice and dislike the idea of traditional ‘package’ holidays, but this experience has made us think twice. How might our experience have been different if we’d booked with a travel agent and what would be the advantages of booking with a travel agent in future?
Clara Gillingham,Warwickshire

Melissa: In the unfortunate event of a flight cancellation, EU Regulation 261/2004 outlines your rights with the airline. You have three options to choose from: you may request a refund for your ticket, opt for a return flight to your original departure airport, or select a replacement flight to your final destination, provided the conditions match your initial booking.

If you book your arrangements through a travel agent and in turn through a tour operator we can support you, ensuring the airline honours their obligations. If your flight is cancelled at the last minute and you are stranded you’re entitled to complimentary drinks and meals, with the extent depending on the duration of the delay, free hotel accommodation for overnight delays, and transportation to and from the airport to your designated hotel.
It is true to say that the airline might not support you actually making these arrangements but your rights ensure you will be compensated so receipts and records are critical, and your travel agent and tour operator can support with these arrangements if you need that assistance. The idea of a ‘package holiday’ under that protected package does not mean the accommodation, travel and duration cannot be tailored to your needs, so forget the idea of a package meaning a fixed one week on a sun bed. Instead, regard ‘packages’ as entrusting your plans to a professional and then benefiting from the support of that professional when things go wrong, which they can even with the best planning in the world.

Speak to our travel experts today to plan your perfect holiday!

Remember – every time you book a break with Charitable Travel you can donate 5% of the price to the charity of your choice for free!

This is a feature from Issue 19 of Charitable Traveller. Click to read more from this issue.

October 30, 2023

With Charitable Travel, you can perfectly balance giving back with treating yourself to wonderful travel experiences. In this edition of the Charitable Traveller Report, you’ll discover a range of breaks from Tallinn, Estonia to Copenhagen, Denmark. You’ll even get to head stateside with a trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey and the Big Apple itself, New York. Plus, fascinating updates from the world of travel with our luxury travel expert Lizzi, and an exciting opportunity to help tiny critters in Florida with The Holiday Volunteering Hub.

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily dose of travel inspiration!

October 25, 2023

November is a very exciting time for the UK Travel Industry. We all eagerly head to the World Travel Market in London, a huge event spread over four days where tourist boards and suppliers from all over the world congregate to showcase their countries and their products.

For those of us who work in travel, it’s like entering a giant sweetie shop. So much choice, so much to sample and new products to learn about. The world of travel is constantly evolving. It wasn’t so very long ago that Libya and Syria were tipped to be the next big thing and the travel industry put past differences behind them and waited to show the world what amazing historical sites these countries could offer. Then war broke out. This year, we will rally around Morocco and offer our support. We are here to help each other, just as we will be when current conflicts come to an end and other countries need our help to build their tourism up again.

If you would like to help support those affected by the recent earthquake in Morocco, consider supporting the Charitable Travel Fund emergency appeal here.

I will be especially keen to learn about new luxury hotel openings and other luxury experiences that I can share with you. Of course, the old favourites will also be showcasing and those luxury hotels I have been recommending for years will no doubt have news about new additions and upgrades which will make them even more fabulous.

The big difference in recent years and more than ever this year is that we will all be talking about responsibility, sustainability, and ethicality. It is no longer a case of paying lip service to these ideas. With many countries experiencing dramatic climate changes and having suffered wildfires, flooding, drought and other natural disasters which have severely impacted their tourist numbers, there is no room for complacency. Greener travel is urgently needed now. So, I will be paying very close attention to new hotel openings and checking out their green credentials before I offer them to you.

I was recently impressed by a number of hotels I visited In Belize, all with sustainable practices in place. In particular, I’d like to mention Blancaneaux Lodge, owned by none other than Francis Ford Coppola. The hotel itself is rustic and blends in with its natural forest surroundings. But there is more. It has an enormous garden, growing almost all the vegetables and fruit used in the kitchen. Mr Coppola even thought to install a hydro dam on the property to generate electricity!

Before you ask, yes, luxury hotels can be sustainable. Most are now adopting sustainable practices, such as serious recycling, aiming for near-zero net waste, importing less by being more self-sufficient and using renewable energy sources.

I hope to return from World Travel Market with many new and exciting luxury travel products to share with you. Watch this space!

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!

October 19, 2023

Whether you refer to it as Halloween, All Hallows Eve, Day of The Dead, Samhain, or All Saints Day, this amalgamation of traditions, rooted in superstition, end-of-year harvest festivities, and religious observance, provides an excellent opportunity for travel.

We’ve chosen a selection of our most beloved eerie destinations to awaken your longing for Halloween-themed journeys in the years ahead.

1. Mexico - Mexico City & Isla de las Muñecas

We couldn’t start this list any other way than with Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday where families welcome the souls of their deceased loved ones for a brief stay in the land of the living, full of celebration, food, and drink. Celebrated annually from 31st October to 2nd November, this holiday has routes in Mesoamerican & European Spanish culture. Visit Mexico City for a festival experience you will never forget.

If you’re looking for something more spooky than celebratory, Isla de las Muñecas, or the Island of the Dolls, might be just the place you’re looking for. Just south of Mexico City, this small island has a sad history and a very eerie ambience. Home to hundreds of dolls with severed limbs, decapitated heads, and blank eyes, said to be possessed by the spirit of a young girl who drowned mysteriously close to the island.

2. Northern Ireland - Derry~Londonderry

Known as Europe’s biggest Halloween celebration, Derry Halloween started as a humble fancy dress party 35 years ago and has transformed into an international celebration full of stories, art, and performances that welcomes over 100,000 visitors to the historic city.

This city-wide celebration gets its routes in the Celtic festival, Samhain (pronounced sah-win), which marks the beginning of the ‘darker half’ of the year on 1st November. This Celtic festival was co-opted by Christianity and became All Hallows Day, making 31st October All Hallows Eve, which over time became Halloween.

For the nights leading up to the big day, you’ll find light shows, street performances, incredible food, and iconic Celtic storytelling throughout the city. Whilst you’re in town, a tour of the city walls is a must-do, especially if you can pair it with a walking food tour, or a Derry Girls tour!

Being in Northern Ireland, travel is easy, and more wallet-friendly than some of the places on this list, leaving you with more time and money to perfect your costume!

3. Czech Republic - Kutná Hora

Bizarre Decoration From Human Bones

Do you like unusual places? Then you absolutely must visit the complex of the former Cistercian Abbey in Sedlec near Kutná Hora. A visit to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist and the world-famous Ossuary of the Cemetery Church of All Saints is an amazing experience in its own right.

If you visit these places late in the evening, you will be accompanied by guides dressed in the habits of Cistercian monks. The premises of the cathedral and ossuary are lit only by candlelight and you have a great opportunity to listen to some Gregorian chant and the sound of the cathedral organ.

The Gothic Cathedral of Saint Barbara is a unique building, thanks to which your visit to this royal city will become a powerful experience. This architectural and church gem was built by local master builders over the course of more than 500 years.

4. USA - Salem, Massachusetts

Salem has a captivating history intertwined with the spirit of Halloween. The tragic Salem Witch Trials of 1692 set the stage, where 19 innocent lives were lost due to Puritan beliefs. Arthur Miller’s 1953 work, “The Crucible,” and the 1992 Salem Witch Trials Memorial further revived this dark history.

Today, Salem embraces its modern witches and Pagans, who celebrate Samhain each October, marking the end of the harvest season. It’s a unique place where these communities can share their beliefs with both locals and tourists.

Whether you seek history, thrills, shopping, live music, or a vibrant food scene, Salem offers a memorable October adventure in the Halloween spirit.

5. Romania - Brașov, Transylvania

Halloween in Romania, particularly in the enchanting city of Brasov, nestled in the heart of Transylvania, is a truly unique and captivating experience. With its rich history and deep-rooted connection to Gothic folklore, this charming town offers a perfect backdrop for celebrating the spookiest night of the year. As the crisp autumn air sweeps through the picturesque Carpathian Mountains, Brasov transforms into a realm of mystery and wonder. Visitors can wander through the cobbled streets adorned with eerie decorations, explore medieval castles like Bran Castle, often associated with Dracula’s legend, and partake in ghostly tours that unveil the region’s haunting stories. The fusion of Romanian traditions and Halloween festivities creates an unforgettable blend of culture and the supernatural, making Brasov, Transylvania, an enticing destination for those seeking a Halloween experience unlike any other.

6. Hong Kong - Yue Lan Festival

Halloween in Hong Kong is a fascinating fusion of tradition and contemporary celebration, highlighted by the captivating Yue Lan Festival. This vibrant city comes alive with a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences during the spooky season. The Yue Lan Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is a significant part of Hong Kong’s Halloween, where locals pay homage to their ancestors and wandering spirits with colourful offerings and elaborate ceremonies. As the night falls, the city transforms into a spectacular display of lanterns, incense, and burning paper money, creating a mesmerising ambience. Visitors can explore the bustling streets, adorned with traditional decorations and experience the thrilling spectacle of locals practicing ancient customs alongside more modern Halloween festivities. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the mystical side of Hong Kong’s culture during the Halloween season, making it a captivating destination for those seeking a culturally enriched Halloween experience.

7. Scotland - Edinburgh

Halloween in Edinburgh, Scotland, is an otherworldly adventure deeply rooted in the ancient Celtic tradition of Samhain, and the Samhain Fire Festival perfectly encapsulates this mystic celebration. As the historic city’s winding streets and centuries-old architecture provide an evocative backdrop, the Samhain Fire Festival offers a mesmerising journey into the supernatural. This immersive event, inspired by Celtic folklore and mythology, brings forth a mesmerising spectacle of fire, drumming, and enchanting performances. Attendees are invited to don costumes and become part of a vivid, immersive experience, where ancient rituals blend seamlessly with modern Halloween celebrations. The festival’s unique fusion of tradition and mysticism offers an exceptional way to embrace the essence of Samhain and Halloween in one of the most enchanting settings in the world, making Edinburgh a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly magical Halloween experience.

8. Italy - Capuchin Catacombs, Palermo

Halloween in Palermo, Italy, offers a truly spine-tingling experience, with a visit to the eerie yet fascinating Capuchin Catacombs at its heart. Located within the ancient city, these catacombs are a resting place for the mummified remains of the deceased, many of whom appear strangely well-preserved, adding an air of macabre mystique to the occasion. As Halloween approaches, the catacombs take on an even more haunting aura, inviting visitors to explore the eerie corridors and pay their respects to the long-departed. With flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows, the Capuchin Catacombs provide an otherworldly atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of Halloween. This unique experience in Palermo, Italy, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and the supernatural, making it an unforgettable destination for those who seek a truly chilling Halloween adventure.

Book Your Halloween Escape Today!

Feeling inspired? Get in touch with our team of expert travel agents to book your Halloween escape today! Don’t forget you can donate 5% of the price to the charity of your choice when you book with us.

October 16, 2023

With Charitable Travel you can have the best of both worlds, the opportunity to travel to exciting locales all around the globe while supporting the charities you care about. In this edition of the Charitable Traveller Report, you’ll find phenomenal breaks including a 2024 February half-term break in Spain with big savings, an intriguing twin-centre break in Miami and Belize for 10 nights, and a York Christmas Market Escape!

If you can, please also continue to support the Charitable Travel Funds’ vital relief efforts assisting those impacted by the Moroccan earthquake. Every penny donated will go towards helping those affected rebuild their lives and helping the Moroccan tourism industry recover.

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily dose of travel inspiration!

October 12, 2023

It is of great concern that many popular tourist sights are being ruined by mass tourism. Steps are already being taken to limit the number of tourists to certain places. Too many visitors mean there is the risk of damaging ancient sites and monuments, landscapes, and disturbing wildlife.

Venice is about to introduce a tourist tax and has banned all cruise ships from entering Venice. I have been horrified to see hordes of people queuing up to cross the tiny bridges that are dotted all over this beautiful city. Surely, there can be little pleasure in sharing your experience with hundreds of other tourists and the noise a large crowd of people generates. These special places are meant to be enjoyed in peace, with time to reflect and wonder, rather than being moved on in a hurry.

Assuming you agree, what choice do you have? You do have options, especially as a luxury traveller.

I had the Taj Mahal practically to myself, even took a picture of myself on the “Lady Diana” bench, without another soul in the picture, as I had booked with a very good guide, as part of a package booked in the UK. These guides have special privileges, are allowed access before the sights open to the general public, and they will wave you through, without the need to queue, even. It makes for a much superior experience.

Again, at Siem Reap, I was taken to areas most people do not know about, through entrances only available if you have booked through an excellent tour company. They know which sights are best visited at certain times, in order to avoid the crowds. I saw the fabulous ruins with a private guide, no one else around. It was so worth it.

As part of an educational trip, I experienced the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia in exactly the way I would NOT want my clients to. We went aboard a large, state-of-the-art vessel, but there were over a hundred people on board and when we actually got into the water, all I could see were other people swimming around me. Evidence of the damage mass tourism has done to the reef was enough to make you weep. There was not much marine life in the area we visited, and the coral was dying. For my luxury clients, I send them on private boats, and they are taken to areas chosen for their beauty and tranquillity. Yes, you pay a bit more for this experience, but it is worth every penny.

I just experienced snorkelling on the world’s second largest barrier reef in Belize and here you do not have the crowds and the marine life is stunning, as you would expect it to be. No mass tourism here and the guides visit each dive site on a rota basis, allowing each reef to rest.

Also in Belize, there are a couple of fantastic Maya ruins. We had the run of the place and time to imagine it as it once was, without being rushed around. It was magical. Our guide was telling us that in Chichen Itza, Mexico, the crowds are horrendous, and you can no longer climb the ruins. The famous Inca Trail at Machu Picchu is also very overcrowded, and numbers are shortly to be restricted. Same with the Great Wall of China. A private guide will take you to less crowded areas of the wall.

By paying for a private guide and paying entrance fees to sites, you will be helping to preserve ancient sites for future generations to enjoy. You can also get involved with conservation projects.

The danger to wildlife is obvious if too many people are visiting rare animals in their natural habitats. Who would want to see the Big Five aboard a coach, followed by countless other coaches, all vying for the best spot to get the best view of a poor lion, probably terrified out of its wits? As luxury travellers, you can benefit from the use of a private safari vehicle, with a knowledgeable guide who will take you to quiet areas and allow you to respectfully view the wildlife without leaving any footprint.

Another consideration is to try to avoid travelling during peak times if you can. Airfares are cheaper, the crowds have gone, and it makes for a much more relaxed and enriching experience.

So, always ask me for options: better times to visit places to avoid the crowds, alternatives to places experiencing mass tourism and more civilised ways to visit popular areas, using expert guides who practise responsible tourism.

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!

October 10, 2023

In a recent article in the Travel Trade Gazette, Charitable Travel’s exciting new Travel More Sustainably travel deals were highlighted. These itineraries represent a departure from traditional package holidays, featuring accommodation options that try to reduce environmental impacts, advice on how to lower emissions, activities which help local communities and the environment, and so much more.

Deals on offer include a series of 4 and 7 night itineraries in Florida locations including Amelia Island, Daytona, Orlando, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, St. Pete/ Clearwater, and Florida’s Sport Coast. Find out more.

7 night itineraries are also available for the Caribbean including the Bahamas, St Kitts, Barbados, St Lucia, Grenada, and Tobago. Find out more.

Our Sustainable Caribbean and Sustainable Florida Supplements feature in-depth information to help you plan your next eco-conscious escape.

October 3, 2023

At Charitable Travel we’re committed to helping you explore the world while helping to protect the planet, local communities, ecosystems and the environment at large. That’s why we’ve launched our new ‘Travel More Sustainably Holidays’ to Florida & the Caribbean!

The new Sustainable Holidays range marks an evolution in the traditional package holiday. Combining a hand-picked selection of accommodations making a concerted effort to improve their environmental and social impact; activities and experiences which benefit the local community and conservation projects, as well as advice on how to travel with the lowest footprint. Making more sustainable travel an option to some of the most popular destinations – with clear, unambiguous, and easy-to-understand presentation to help you make informed choices.

Recognising the environmental impact of air travel and that the aviation industry still has a long way to go, Charitable Travel is still passionate that travel and tourism can be a force for good and, as recognised by the United Nations, sustainability goes beyond environmental protection and must also factor social equity and economic viability. According to the WTTC Report in May 2023 travel and tourism contributes 8.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions (with 13.8% of this related to international aviation). The industry also generates 10% of global GDP, employing one in 10 people around the world, providing essential support for local communities as well as the connecting of people, broadening of minds and restorative properties which only travel brings.

The new Travel More Sustainably Holidays allows you to visit popular destinations, which you may not have previously considered as responsible travel destinations, prepared with all the information you need to reduce your environmental impact. From how to fly more fairly, how to get around considerately, how to stay responsibly and how to experience ethically.

Travel More Sustainably breaks to Florida are available including:

Daytona

– 4 nights in sustainable Daytona Beach from £1,629pp

– 7 days exploring nature and more in Daytona Beach from £1,720pp

St. Pete/ Clearwater

– 4 nights exploring sustainably in St.Pete/ Clearwater from £2,095pp

– 7 nights of Sustainable Luxury in St. Pete/ Clearwater from £2,839pp

Orlando

– 4 night sustainable escape in Orlando, Florida from £2,235pp

–7 night sustainable Orlando, Florida break from £1,825pp

Amelia Island

– 4 nights in beautiful Amelia Island from £1,895pp

– 7 nights exploring natural Amelia Island from £2,539pp

Florida Sports Coast

– 4 night sustainable Florida’s Sports Coast break from 1,105pp

– 7 night sustainable Florida’s Sports Coast adventure from £1,405pp

Travel More Sustainably Holidays to the Caribbean are also available:

The Bahamas

– 7 nights in 4* Nassau Paradise Island from £2,735pp

St Kitts

– 7 nights Sustainable St Kitts Holiday from £3,130pp

Barbados

– 7 night Sustainable Barbados Holiday from £2,929pp

St Lucia

– 7 nights in Sustainable Saint Lucia from £2,459pp

Grenada

– 7 night Sustainable Grenada Holiday from £1,679pp

Tobago

– 7 nights in Sustainable Tobago from £1,285pp

"Our new Travel More Sustainably range to Florida and the Caribbean, demonstrates how it is possible to make sustainable choices in travel in a wide variety of popular destinations. Aligning with UN Tourism's (formerly the UNWTO's) definition, it's paramount for us to ensure that tourism meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Some would say flying across the Atlantic itself is not sustainable but, if choosing to travel, our focus is about making the best decisions with the choices that are open to the customer. Both these regions have unique ecosystems, and as travellers, it's our responsibility to tread lightly and ensure they thrive for years to come. By hand-picking accommodation, choosing specific travel options and tailoring experiences to be locally owned and operated, holidays can have a positive impact on the destination’s economy and the local people.”

Melissa Tilling, Founder and CEO of Charitable Travel

Keen to find out more? Charitable Travel has produced detailed guides on exactly how to enjoy these destinations more sustainably.

Sustainable Florida

Charitable Traveller Magazine – Sustainable Florida – OUT NOW!

Includes Amerlia Island, Daytona, Orlando’s wild side, Anna Maria Island and Bradenton, St Pete/ Clearwater and the Florida Sports Coast.

Sustainable Caribbean

Charitable Traveller Magazine – Sustainable Caribbean – OUT NOW!

Includes the Bahamas, St Kitts, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Tobago.

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now by getting in touch with one of our travel experts!

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A new regular feature from Charitable Traveller Magazine, our team of experts answer your travel queries. In the hot seat this month is Melissa Tilling, founder of Charitable Travel

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