New York ,
08
May
2019
|
18:16 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

Booking.com reveals stays and activities for travelers looking to travel more consciously

According to findings from Booking.com’s fourth consecutive sustainable travel report, almost half (45%) of US travelers say that they are more determined to make sustainable choices when traveling than they were a year ago. At the same time, 42% of US respondents agreed they would be more encouraged to travel sustainably if companies offered tips on how to be more sustainable whilst on vacation. In light of these findings, Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms, has delved into its more than 28 million listings in over 148,000 destinations worldwide to identify stays and activities for travelers looking to travel more consciously.

Margaret River Region, Australia

When looking ahead to upcoming vacations, almost half (31%) of US travelers said they would be interested in a community farm stay. The picturesque town of Margaret River in Western Australia is the perfect place for travelers looking to embrace the outdoors, with its vast wineries, white sandy beaches and lush forests.

Where to stay: Located on a 37-acre farm with a vineyard, winery, avocado orchard and vegetable gardens, the Burnside Organic Farm is an idyllic nature retreat. One in five (18%) US travelers associate sustainable travel with a destination where you can interact with local wildlife, and this stay offers guests the chance to feed the animals onsite and pick fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden. This will also please the three in 10 (33%) of global travelers who class sustainable travel as being able to stay in accommodation where local food is produced. Relax in solar powered bungalows, featuring a cozy fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen and a private patio overlooking the surrounding farmland.

Ladakh, India

There is an appetite among some travelers to explore slightly more unusual and uncommon sustainable activities while on vacation. Last year, almost a third (27%) of US travelers said they would be keen to embark on a several-day hiking trip to a remote village in the mountains to install solar lighting. Booking Booster 2018 finalist, Global Himalayan Expeditions, is a company that can help these travelers fulfil those needs, through organizing impact expeditions to provide clean energy and digital education access to remote mountain communities in the Himalayas.

 

Where to stay: For 2019, Global Himalayan Expeditions are offering four impact expeditions in Ladakh, India. After a several-day hiking tour, travelers seeking rest and relaxation should book a stay at the eco-friendly Grand Dragon Ladakh. Overlooking the famous Cold Desert and surrounding mountains, this hotel is fitted with solar panels and provides energy conserving features, perfect for the conscious traveler. This hotel is situated in the ancient city of Leh and is conveniently located just a ten minute walk from Leh Palace and Leh Market.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

The historical city of Chiang Mai is home to gilded temples, night markets and scenic hikes. A popular route includes hiking the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat, where adventurers will discover the hidden temple nestled deep within the jungle. This will appeal to the 57% of US travelers who are interested in an alternative walking tour that explores hidden corners of a well-known city.

Where to stay: Swap the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai with a trip to the nearby, yet remote, Lisu Lodge guest house. Relax in stilted timber-clad cottages, surrounded by rice paddies and tea plantations. During your stay, travelers are invited to get involved with cycling tours and work with the local community at the Himmapaan plant nursery.

Montecorto, Spain

Almost half (49%) of US travelers are interested in participating in the sustainable activity of a half-day cooking class with an authentic local chef. The sleepy village of Montecorto located in southwest Spain is ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful and sustainable gastronomic getaway, with a selection of farm-to-table restaurants and retreats. Work up an appetite and explore the surrounding agriculture with a trip to the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.

 

Where to stay: Located in Montecorto, the picturesque La Donaira country house perfectly entwines rustic farmhouse with chic design. Surrounded by 618 acres of pastures, vineyards, gardens and vegetable patches, guests can take part in the on-site soil workshops and savor farm-to-table food.

Tulum, Mexico

With 54% of US travelers interested in embarking on a local nature tour when planning future vacations, Keteka, one of the 2018 Booking Booster finalists, is a great starting place. Keteka brings global access to local guides to provide authentic experiences that are loved by the locals. Escape to Tulum for a bohemian chic vibe and opt for Keteka’s Cenote snorkelling or scuba diving tour. Other activities in Tulum include exploring the ancient Mayan culture with a visit to the Tulum ruins.

Where to stay: The eco-friendly Posada Lamar is a charming beachfront hotel, offering beautiful decorated bungalows with stunning sea views. Each room is decorated using local handicrafts and this green getaway is fitted with solar panels and wind generators. The hotel also makes a conscious effort to reduce their use of artificial light to not impact the breeding cycles of nearby sea turtles.

Methodology: Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 18,077 respondents were surveyed across 18 markets (1000+ from Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, UK, USA. In Israel 883 respondents were surveyed). Respondents completed an online survey in February and March 2019.