Responsible Travel Tips

Opt for Low-Emission Transport Options

When planning your trip, choose transportation that minimises your carbon footprint. Trains, buses, electric vehicles, and bicycles are excellent alternatives to flying or driving private cars. If you need to travel longer distances, trains are often a more sustainable option compared to flights, especially in regions where rail networks are efficient and eco-friendly. If flying is unavoidable, choose airlines that prioritise fuel efficiency and environmentally conscious practices. You can also read our guide How to Book a Lower Carbon Flight

Please also note that 50 Degrees North offsets all tour emissions, ensuring that the environmental impact of your travel experience is minimised as much as possible.

Travel During the Off-Seasons

Visiting destinations in off-peak seasons like autumn or spring can significantly reduce the negative effects of overtourism. This helps relieve pressure on local ecosystems, resources, and infrastructure, making travel more sustainable. In addition, travelling outside of peak seasons provides a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, allowing you to immerse yourself in the destination in a way that feels more authentic and less commercialised.

In the Nordic region, travelling during the off-seasons is particularly rewarding. Autumn brings vibrant colours to the landscapes, with fewer tourists, allowing for a peaceful and reflective experience in places like Iceland, Norway, and Finland (and you may also get to see the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle without the extreme cold!). Spring, too, offers the chance to witness the awakening of nature, from the Northern Lights in Finland to the blossoming flowers in Norway’s fjords. By choosing to visit during these quieter months, you not only reduce the strain on local resources but also enjoy a more serene and intimate connection with the region’s stunning natural beauty.

Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations and Travel Companies

Opt for accommodations and travel companies that are committed to sustainability. Whether it’s a hotel with green certifications, a guesthouse using renewable energy, or a tour operator with an eco-conscious approach, these businesses are making a positive impact on the environment. Many eco-friendly accommodations focus on reducing waste, conserving water, and supporting local communities. For example, look for hotels and lodges that use energy-efficient technologies, implement sustainable waste management systems, and support fair trade practices - or choose a travel company like 50 Degrees North who has done this research for you.

In addition to choosing green accommodations, consider booking with travel companies that prioritise sustainability. Many tour operators are increasingly offering eco-friendly tours, such as those that promote cultural heritage, wildlife conservation, or local community engagement. These companies often collaborate with destinations to ensure that tourism benefits the local economy without damaging natural resources. For inspiration, explore our article on Ecotourism in the Nordic Region, which highlights accommodations dedicated to providing experience-rich, sustainable travel. Whether you're booking a guided tour or a self-guided journey, selecting a responsible company can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your trip.

Support Local Economies

One of the best ways to make a positive impact while travelling is by supporting locally-owned businesses. Choose small, family-run accommodations, dine at local restaurants, and engage in activities offered by local guides. This ensures that more of your money stays within the community, directly benefiting the people who live there. Supporting local businesses also promotes sustainable practices, helping to protect local resources. For ideas on how to make your travels more impactful, explore our signature tours or read about 6 ways to support local communities responsibly.

Engage in Ethical Wildlife Experiences

If you are planning to experience wildlife during your travels, ensure the activities you choose are ethical and conservation-focused. Look for tours that contribute to habitat protection, biodiversity conservation, and wildlife welfare. Avoid activities that exploit animals or encourage harmful interactions. By supporting responsible wildlife experiences, you help protect wildlife and ensure that tourism does not contribute to their harm.

For example, when it comes to reindeer-related activities, we ensure that the experiences we offer align with ethical practices. Reindeer sled rides are designed to be a respectful and enjoyable way to connect with Sámi and Lappish cultures, where the animals are not overworked, and their welfare is always prioritised. The reindeer are part of a traditional, sustainable way of life for the Sámi people, and we work with operators who treat them with the utmost care.

Additionally, many craft activities involving reindeer materials are ethically sourced. Reindeer antlers, used in workshops to create unique crafts, are naturally shed each year and collected in a sustainable manner. This practice follows the traditions of the Sámi people, who ensure that every part of the reindeer is used responsibly. By participating in these workshops, you support local artisans and contribute to the preservation of traditional, sustainable practices that have been part of Sámi culture for centuries.

As travellers, you can contribute to animal welfare by following simple guidelines:

• Wild Animals: When enjoying experiences with wild animals, ensure you maintain a respectful distance so as not to disturb them or interfere with their natural behaviour. Speak quietly, avoid sudden movements, and never feed, touch, tease, or provoke wild animals. Avoid taking selfies with wild animals. Many National Parks have guidelines on respecting wildlife, so make sure to follow these and the advice of your tour guide.

• Working Animals: With working animals (such as reindeer and huskies), be respectful by avoiding sudden movements or loud noises that could cause distress. Observe how the animals are treated — do they seem happy and are they in good condition?

At 50 Degrees North, we have developed an Animal Welfare policy (please see the Animal Welfare section in our Sustainability Policy) to ensure we uphold the highest standards of welfare on our trips. Our Tour Guides are well-versed in this policy and our Supplier Code of Conduct, and they are passionate about maintaining these standards. However, if you have any concerns regarding the welfare of animals during one of our tours, we ask that you report them to us at sustainability@fiftydegreesnorth.com.

Respect Natural Spaces and Wildlife Habitats

Always be mindful of the natural environment. Stick to designated paths in nature reserves and national parks to avoid disturbing local flora and fauna. When hiking, be respectful of the land and avoid leaving any trace of your presence behind. Never pick plants, disturb wildlife, or leave litter. All Nordic countries offer stunning natural landscapes where you can enjoy outdoor activities while respecting the environment.

In these regions, the Everyman’s Right (Allemansrätten) gives everyone the freedom to roam the countryside, as long as it is done sustainably and respectfully. However, it is important to only take what you need and avoid damaging the plants or disturbing wildlife. This right fosters a deep connection between locals and nature, and visitors are encouraged to follow these principles to ensure the preservation of these beautiful, wild spaces for future generations. By respecting these natural spaces, you help protect the ecosystems that make the Nordic region so unique.

Learn and Respect Local Cultures

Before travelling, take the time to understand the customs, traditions, and values of the places you will visit. Show respect for local norms and practices, and be mindful of cultural sensitivities. Learning about the history and heritage of a place fosters positive interactions with locals, enhances your travel experience, and reduces your environmental and social impact. Always approach cultural differences with an open mind and appreciation.

For example, the Sámi people have a deep connection with the land and reindeer, which have been central to their culture for thousands of years. Understanding their traditions, such as reindeer herding, and their history of living in harmony with nature, will enrich your travel experience and foster respect for their way of life.

Minimise Waste and Recycle

Waste minimisation is a key part of responsible travel. In many destinations, especially those like the Nordics where tap water is safe to drink, carrying a refillable bottle can significantly reduce plastic waste. Avoid using single-use plastics and look for opportunities to recycle. Most places in the Nordic region are well equipped with clearly marked recycling bins, making it easy for travellers to dispose of their waste responsibly. Countries like Sweden, Finland, and Norway are renowned for their commitment to sustainability, with advanced recycling systems in place to reduce waste sent to landfills. By adopting these practices, you can contribute to the region's efforts to promote a circular economy and reduce environmental harm.

In addition, many Nordic cities have strict environmental laws and encourage sustainable living. For instance, in Sweden and Finland, citizens are encouraged to recycle everything from paper to electronics, and there is a high emphasis on reducing waste. When visiting, be mindful of these practices and make sure to recycle properly to support the local commitment to waste management and sustainability.

Reduce Energy and Water Use

While travelling in the Nordic region, being mindful of your energy and water consumption is especially important. These countries place a strong emphasis on sustainability, and many accommodations are designed to help reduce energy and water waste. From energy-efficient buildings in Norway to water-saving systems in Finnish hotels, you’ll find that eco-friendly accommodations are not only reducing their environmental footprint but also encouraging guests to do the same. In many Nordic regions, water is of high quality and readily available, so using a refillable bottle and avoiding bottled water is both a sustainable and practical choice.

Nordic countries also lead the way in using renewable energy sources like hydroelectric power, wind, and solar energy. While travelling, make an effort to reduce your own energy consumption by turning off lights, heating, and cooling systems when not in use, and by taking shorter showers. This small consideration helps reduce the demand on local resources and aligns with the region’s sustainability efforts. By being mindful of your energy and water use, you contribute to the Nordic countries’ collective commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Offset Your Flight Emissions

Travel can contribute to carbon emissions, but you can offset your impact by supporting projects that capture or reduce carbon. Options include investing in reforestation projects, renewable energy initiatives, or sustainable agriculture programs. There are several services available that calculate the carbon emissions generated by your travel and help you invest in offset programs. If you are going to travel, offsetting is a key way to ensure your travels do not contribute to long-term environmental harm. (Please note that 50 Degrees North offsets all tour emissions, however, any intercontinental flights are not included in our tours.)

You can also read our guide How to Book a Lower Carbon Flight

Stay Informed and Make Conscious Choices

Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools you have when it comes to responsible travel. Stay informed about the environmental and social impacts of your choices. Read articles on sustainable travel, like National Geographic's guide on how to travel better, and explore resources that help you make more eco-conscious decisions. The more you learn about the impact of your travels, the easier it becomes to make responsible choices that align with your values and support a healthier planet.

Support Sustainable Tourism Initiatives

If at all interested, look for opportunities to participate in sustainable tourism initiatives such as beach clean-ups, community workshops, or eco-conscious cultural experiences. These activities not only offer a deeper connection to the destination but also contribute to its long-term environmental protection.

By following these responsible travel tips, you help reduce your ecological impact and contribute to preserving the world’s natural and cultural heritage for generations to come. Remember that small actions, when added together, can have a powerful effect in supporting more sustainable and ethical tourism practices.

For further information on 50 Degrees North's sustainable travel initiatives, please see our Sustainable Tourism page.