Mindful Travel for Earth Day & Beyond

In a recent Virtuoso survey, 68 percent of luxury travelers indicated that traveling more responsibly – and with tour companies and resorts that have strong sustainability programs in place – is important to them post-pandemic.

With all of the choices and where we spend our money, we have the power to shape the world for better — not just by where we go, but how we go. In honor of Earth Day, here are a few of my favorite ways to travel with intention and purpose, along with a few companies leading the way in sustainability, community empowerment, and conservation.

Things You Can Do as a Mindful Traveler

🌍 Pack Smart:
Bring reusable water bottles, a collapsible tote, reef-safe sunscreen, and bamboo utensils to cut down on single-use plastics.

🌱 Choose Sustainable Stays:
Work with a travel advisor (like me!) to vet hotels that go beyond “greenwashing” — supporting those truly giving back to the land and people. It can be hard to tell with all the good marketing out there!

🍽 Eat with the Locals:
The best way to get to know a place is by breaking bread with the people who call it home. Whether it's street food in Bangkok, a home-cooked meal in Lebanon, or a cooking class in Porto — these moments create true connection.

🛍 Support Local:
Book local guides, dine at family-run restaurants, and buy from artisans — your money directly benefits the community.

🚶‍♀️ Travel Slower:
Stay longer, move less, and connect more deeply. Slow travel reduces your carbon footprint and enhances your experience. This is also a great way to save when there are stay long hotel deals.

Mindful Companies & Hotels to Stay

1. Wilderness Safaris
A pioneering force in sustainable luxury safaris, Wilderness operates eco-camps across Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, and Zambia. Their model protects vast wild lands while partnering closely with local communities and conservation initiatives like anti-poaching programs and gorilla habitat preservation.

2. Great Plains Conservation
Founded by National Geographic filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Great Plains blends cinematic luxury with a fierce commitment to protecting Africa’s wildlife and landscapes. Their intimate, low-impact safari camps directly fund conservation, rewilding projects, and community engagement.

3. Intrepid Travel

The world’s largest B-Corp certified travel company, Intrepid leads small-group adventures with a commitment to ethical tourism, carbon offsetting, and supporting local communities. In each itinerary, you visit and interact with a non-profit organization your trip is supporting.

4. The Brando – French Polynesia
This trailblazing eco-resort on a private atoll runs on 100% renewable energy and supports reef conservation, scientific research, and Polynesian culture preservation — all wrapped in true barefoot luxury.

5. Meadowood Napa Valley – California
A Relais & Châteaux retreat committed to sustainability, culinary excellence, and land stewardship in the heart of California wine country. Taking care of the planet while drinking amazing wine? Sign me up.

6. Six Senses Resorts
Each Six Senses property integrates sustainability into the guest experience — from Earth Labs and zero-waste goals to farm-to-table cuisine and plastic-free operations. Check out the property in Douro Valley. It’s really sublime, and makes you appreciate Mother Nature.

7. Playa Viva – Mexico
An off-grid, solar-powered regenerative resort with an on-site permaculture farm and sea turtle sanctuary. Perfect for barefoot luxury with a purpose.

8. Lindblad Expeditions + National Geographic
Offering expedition cruises with an environmental mission, Lindblad supports marine protection, research, and education in the world’s most remote places.

9. Soneva Fushi & Soneva Jani – Maldives
Zero-waste luxury resorts focused on conservation, clean energy, and local empowerment — setting the gold standard for eco-luxury.

10. Fogo Island Inn – Newfoundland, Canada
This design-forward lodge reinvests in its community through a unique social enterprise model that preserves culture, supports artisans, and protects the island’s wild beauty.

11. Beit Douma & Souk El Tayeb – Lebanon

Nestled in the preserved village of Douma, Beit Douma is one of the few guest houses called ‘Beit’ in various small villages around the country that are centered around an authentic Lebanese experience. As part of the Souk El Tayeb initiative, it emphasizes sustainable tourism by supporting local farmers and artisans. Guests can partake in traditional cooking, enjoy meals prepared with local produce, and immerse themselves in the region's rich culture and hospitality. Every weekend, Souk El Tayeb has a farmer’s market while you can enjoy dining there daily in downtown Beirut in the Mar Mikhael neighborhood. Part of our Wander Women’s Retreat, we arranged an after-hours cooking class and dinner — highly recommend!

This Earth Day — and every day — we can choose trips that feel good and do good. Luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. I can help you design an itinerary that aligns with your values and leaves a meaningful mark on the places you visit.

Ready to plan your next trip with purpose?