Responsible Travel
Make a positive impact on your next trip
There's more to travel than just seeing the sights, and at YHA, we believe that we as explorers and globetrotters can not only leave a lighter footprint with our travel, but in many cases, be a net positive to the places we visit. Whether you're picking greener transport, engaging with local conservation organisations or just plain staying with YHA, there's tons of ways to travel responsibly. If you're sustainably minded and want to learn how you can make a difference, check out some of the links below!
A brief guide to responsible wildlife encounters
From koalas to kangaroos, crocs to cockatoos, Australia’s wildlife is legendary. That's why YHA has teamed with World Animal Protection to craft set of guidelines for choosing the most wildlife-friendly options across the country – helping protect animals from harm, while help connect you with more authentic wildlife experiences. Here are seven tips for your next wildlife excursion Down Under...
How to make a positive impact on local communities while you travel
Being mindful of our footprint on local communities when travelling has never been more important. If you're keen to leave a positive impact on your next getaway, use these tips to craft a memorable itinerary bound to benefit the local legends you meet along the way.
Why hostel-style accommodation is better for the planet
Want to make your next trip as sustainable as possible? Where you choose to stay could have a bigger impact than you realise – With research indicating hostel-style accommodation is leading the pack when it comes to sustainability.
7 tips for ethical travel photography
It's never been easier to capture and share photos and videos of our adventures around the globe – but do you ever stop to consider the ethical implications of your holiday snaps?
Why slow travel is the key to exquisite travel experiences in Australia
The slow travel movement is gaining momentum around the world, and for good reason. Travelling more mindfully and at a slower pace doesn’t just make for a more meaningful and enriching experience – it’s also a much less expensive and exhausting way to go. Here's why you should stop and smell the roses on your next Australia trip.
How to reduce your transportation footprint while travelling Australia
Travelling in Australia involves some pretty big distances, so how we get where we want to go can have a dramatic effect on carbon emissions. But which transport options are best for the planet? Let’s find out.
7 Aussie travel experiences that help protect the planet
Travel becomes more meaningful when you leave your destination in a better condition than you found it in. Known as regenerative travel, and it can be more fun than you think! Here are just seven easy activities to try at your next Australian destination.
Short film: How two YHAs are leading the way in sustainability
Go behind the scenes at the purpose-built, sustainable Sydney Harbour YHA and the remote Pittwater Eco YHA where sustainable & regenerative living is more than a choice.
Eco-friendly travel guide to seeing Australia's icons
Ever wanted to see Uluru, Sydney Harbour and the Great Barrier Reef, but balk at the environmental impacts your travel might have? In this article, we've researched detailed ways you can minimise your footprint.
How we're making your stay more sustainable
Whilst we love enjoying our planet, we're pretty passionate about making sure it's around for future generations to enjoy, too. From our eco-friendly initiatives to the very design of our properties, YHA is constantly pushing for more sustainable ways to travel... and we're pretty proud of our efforts so far!
Sustainability Stories | YHA Pittwater Eco
Watch and share the full version of the 'Sustainable Travel: Where Next?' short film featuring YHA Pittwater Eco, our eco retreat in the heart of Ku-Ring-Gai National Park.
Sustainability Stories | YHA Sydney Harbour
Watch and share the extended cut of the 'Sustainable Travel: Where Next?' short film featuring YHA Sydney Harbour, our cutting-edge property in The Rocks built brick-by-brick with sustainability in mind.
5 swaps to reduce your plastic waste
Wondering how to be plastic free while travelling? Here's five simple swaps to help make your travels a little more sustainable, keeping plastic out of landfill, and some extra cash in your pocket
10 great ways to be a more responsible traveller
Guidebook gurus Lonely Planet know a thing or two about travel, and we've pulled out their top tips for greening up your next getaway from their excellent ‘The Solo Travel Handbook’.
Top 5 eco-friendly YHA escapes
YHA has made it our mission to make travel as sustainable as possible, and we've gone to great lengths to kit out our properties to reduce their ecological impact. For environmentally-conscious travellers, check out these 5 sustainable YHA getaways...
6 ways to be a better traveller in 2024
We can’t all be Greta Thunberg, but all of us can take a stand and drive change … simply by making planet-friendly choices when we travel. Read on to learn what you can do to become a better traveller.
Top 10 tips for greener travel
Trotting the globe can leave a big environmental footprint – so reduce your impact on the planet by following these ten tips.
