Sustainability in travel remains one of the fastest growing trends to take over the industry. The way in which we explore the planet is moving slowly towards a more responsible future, and at Not in the Guidebooks, that future is now. While sustainability is growing, what we mean by sustainability and how we express it is always changing and evolving. We want to take a look at the trends that are gripping the sustainable travel industry in 2025. Forbes recently released their report on the travel trends that will really bloom in 2025, and there are a few we want to pick out as sustainable travel experts. We’ve always had our finger on the pulse of sustainability, so hopefully this run through can help you make more responsible travel choices in 2025:
Off-Peak Travel – The sustainable travel trend
Something we’ve been preaching about since our conception, off-peak travel is coming to the mainstream. Choosing off-peak travel means going to a destination when the fewest other tourists do – that might be Costa Rica between May and November or Cuba between August and October. If you’re wondering when the peak, shoulder and low seasons are for any destination, you can find the information on our individual destination pages.
There are always upsides and downsides to visiting a destination in any period of time, but when it comes to being a responsible traveler, the clear winner will always be off-peak. Not only will you get to explore areas of a destination that would otherwise be crowded by tourists, but you also get to see the landscapes in a whole new light. Take Costa Rica for example, the off-season or Temporada Verde (Green Season) as the locals often call it, is perhaps the most beautiful time of year there. So, make sure before you book your holiday you do some research around the tourism seasons and when is best to book sustainably – you’ll often discover something more unique and exciting.
Costa Rica East to West
14 Nights
Costa Rica
- Brave ziplining and hanging bridges in Monteverde
- Enjoy Tenorio Volcanic National Park and hot springs
- Guided boat wildlife tour in Tortuguero
- Explore the charming village of Santa Elena
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Cool Cuba
7 Nights
Cuba
An 8 day once in a lifetime adventure discovering the magic of Cuba off the beaten track, taking in Havana, Viñales and..
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Iceland Fire & Ice Experience
4 Nights
Iceland
- Golden Circle Tour
- Sky Lagoon and The Lava Tunnel
- South Coast & Glacier Hike
- Reykjavík Food Walk
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Amazon Adventure in Peru
3 Nights
Peru
- 3 nights accommodation - all meals included
- 6 experiences included throughout your stay Guided Wildlife Walks
- Airport transfers included
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Highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia
20 Nights
Cambodia
- Taste of bustling Hanoi with its busy markets and delicious street food
- Discover the magnificent caves of Ha Long Bay
- Visit the Imperial City of Hue and the ancient port of Hoi An
- Experience the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh and the Mekong Delta
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Off-the-Beaten Track Travel – Our Specialty
As well as off-season travel, there is off-the-beaten track travel. If you’re dead-set on visiting a destination in peak-season then perhaps consider a less touristy part of the country, or a country that is slightly less crowded. For example, maybe you’re desperate to visit Cuba in August, but if the entire country is sunny and beautiful at this time of year, then there is no reason to overcrowd the busier towns and cities. Instead you can opt for an off-the-beaten track part of the country. All Not in the Guidebooks itineraries are designed to take you away from those big tourist sites, without necessarily missing out on the experiences you can have there. So, if you want to go to Peru in peak time, we’ll show you Machu Picchu from a unique angle at the quietest time of day. Our local guides are experts in their local communities, and so you can always trust them to know where to take you.
Our off the beaten track holidays aren’t limited to destinations abroad, but also as close as the UK. We have loads of unique accommodations in the UK that are perfect for disconnecting from your phone and connecting with nature. Whether it’s a boat house or a cabin in the woods, our UK accommodation will take you out into the wilds of the UK.
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Destination Dupes – The Newest Trend
Another way of going about choosing sustainable travel has come through on social media, that is destination dupes. A destination dupe is effectively a destination that is so similar to another, usually more popular destination, that you can go to the less popular one instead. This is great for reducing overcrowding while still giving tourists the adventure and thrills they’re looking for on their holiday. An example for us would be instead of going to Rovanimei at Christmas time, try Pyha or Nellim for a change.
Slow Travel
Another trend that we’ve been really leaning towards is slow travel. This means pretty much what it says, travelling slowly through a destination, spending time in each town and each place with the intention of discovering more about the place. Many of our local hosts talk about the virtues of slow travel, like Prateeque in our Green Horizons magazine –
“Tourism should be about quality, not quantity. Travellers are encouraged to slow down, explore fewer places in greater depth, and truly engage with the people and the environment. This mindful approach to travel not only reduces the strain on popular tourist spots but also fosters a deeper connection with the country’s culture and landscape.”
So, if you’re looking for a way to explore a destination more responsibly, you can simply slow down. Our itineraries are designed to allow the visitor to really get under the skin of a destination, and explore those areas that an average tourist might miss.
24/10/2024 
Sustainability 
