The

The
travel pendulum keeps swinging and no one is quite sure in
which direction both the industry and we, the travellers within it,
are heading next. At a time when nothing is quite certain, one
thing remains constant: wherever we go (or don’t go), a conscious
approach should come first. Eyeing up a long-haul escape?
Keeping that carry-on firmly closed, at home? Letting wanderlust
lead the way? Travel experts and editors weigh in on the ways we
can move around more thoughtfully – and where they hope to go
next.

Experts and editors weigh in on more thoughtful ways to
travel

Travel Slowly

“Instead of relying on myriad transfers that increase my carbon
footprint, I want to spend more time soaking up a singular
destination, exploring by train, boat, bike and even on foot,
hiking where I can. Not only is this a novel way to see and
experience places you may not have visited before, but it also
allows more time to process and reflect on the rich tapestry of
cultures, customs and breathtaking natural beauty that a
destination offers. I’m itching to visit Japan,
specifically Tohoku’s mesmerising Kiso Valley. This historic area
lends itself beautifully to slow travel, being easily accessible
via two express trains from Tokyo Station. The valley was part of
the ancient Nakasendo Route, merging the new capital Tokyo – called
Edo in those days – with Kyoto, the former Imperial capital. This
rugged and densely forested region of Japan offers an authentic way
to commune with the natural world and almost take a step back in
time. Sign me up.”

Brendan Drewniany, Director of Public Relations and
Communications at Black Tomato

Revisit and Rediscover

“As the new year looms, so do annual reflections and
resolutions. Something about the year 2022 feels fresh, attractive
and, ultimately, a welcome change. As I continue to navigate the
ever-evolving travel landscape, I’m hoping to strip things back to
where I feel most at home and connected to the landscape that
surrounds me. For me, this is a lesser-trodden beach on the
south-west coast of Corfu, Chalikounas. This place has seen me at
all ages and there’s something truly beautiful about visiting a
destination that remains unchanged regardless of what’s happening
in the world. As I (hopefully) make a beeline for the sun-drenched
streets of Greece, I’ll strive to continue to travel slower,
immersing myself in the culture before me.”

Georgina Groom, Editorial Assistant at SUITCASE

Return to Safari

“As travellers become more conscientious about how they travel
and the impact of their travel, I believe one of the best things we
can do is support businesses that employ local and therefore make
an impact in the local community. Those who work in tourism are
often the breadwinners, supporting their extended families. What
these individuals earn is put back into their community and
supports more people, creating a virtuous cycle. I am very keen to
get back on safari, having seen first-hand the impact of
these vast areas having no visitors. All the parks and conservation
areas need income from tourism to fund the amazing conservation
projects run across the continent. Not only is the wildlife more at
risk of poaching during times of low-to-no tourism, but those who
rely on the income to support their families and communities lose
access to education, health and opportunities to improve their
situation.”

Justin Huxter, Owner and Travel Designer at Cartology
Travel

Support Sustainability-Forward Suppliers

“We head into 2022 with the renewed hope of borders reopening
and our collective ability to rediscover this beautiful planet. I
will continue to offer dreamy, imaginative escapes for my clients
while always supporting those hotels and countries with sustainable
travel practices at their core. Blue Moon Escapes consistently
strives to work with environmentally conscious suppliers throughout
the world while encouraging travel to countries such as Bhutan,
a destination whose tourist model is founded on sustainability
principles. While in Sri
Lanka, recently, I was cheered by the lengths that several
properties, including Teardrop Hotels, have reached, such as being
both plastic-free and community-focused. I will also look to
continue to educate myself and build strong partnerships with
similar organisations while highlighting the positive impact that
exploring this amazing world can bring.”

Jess Pugh, Founder of Blue Moon Escapes

Champion Independent Properties

“While many of the world’s most glorious (and often
sustainability-forward) hotels fall under a corporate umbrella,
smaller, independently owned properties in rural areas have been
hit unduly hard. A new year presents an opportunity to start afresh
and support what really matters to you, whatever that may be. I
plan to go above and beyond to find lesser-known boutique
properties not on my radar yet and continue to return and support
the owner-led places I love. Top of my list? Foraging and fancy
scones at the Allen family’s Ballymaloe House in East
Cork, botanical cocktails at The Baa Bar of the Hibbert
family-founded Thyme,
nestled deep in the Cotswolds, and, closer to my current home in
Florence,
yoga, honey and sensationally peppery olive oil at Podere Ebbio.”

Rachael McKeon, Editor-in-Chief at SUITCASE

Pack Sustainably

“I’m a chronic overpacker and the fact that this affects my
overall travel footprint has been bearing heavily on my conscience
this year. In 2022, I plan to pack lighter. Much lighter. Plus,
I’ll be decanting any can’t-do-without beauty products into
refillable containers – like these nifty ones from The Karry – and
avoiding the last-minute dash to Boots for throwaway travel-sized
beauty products at all costs.”

Grace Lee, Editorial Associate at SUITCASE