Travel better

As the summer crowds surge in some of the UK’s most popular locations, we take a look at how we can all do our bit to combat overtourism, which affects destinations in different ways. 

The good news is that the slower, more engaged, more considered way of travelling that we’ve always championed is better for you and for the places you visit. With our expertise and our owners’ local knowledge on your side and the few simple steps below, you’ll have richer experiences, connect more with the places you go and, quite simply, make travel better. 

4 ways to travel better this summer

1. Love the journey  

Take your time on trains and buses, knowing that you aren’t part of the traffic problem and relaxing as the scenery slides by.  

Find inspiration for a flight-free adventure >

2. Unearth hidden beauty 

Find a new destination or explore deeper into an old favourite, it’s so much more rewarding than hitting the hotspots. 

Find slow travel inspiration in our latest guide >

3. Embrace all the seasons

Travel off season to give local communities a sustainable economy and you more chance of finding empty trails and seats by the fire!

See the Isle of Skye in the snow >

4. Taste local 

Eat, shop and even forage locally, because nothing puts you in touch with a place like experiencing the flavours of its produce and traditional cuisine.  

Read Gill Meller’s food and drink guide to Dorset >

Our overtourism policy

In 2021, we launched our overtourism policy as part of our commitment to protecting communities and wild spaces. We capped the number of places we’ll work with in overpopulated tourist destinations to limit the impact on infrastructure and the environment created by our business. 

Layers of meaning: Our work with photographer Natacha de Mahieu  

We spoke to Natacha about her dedication to highlighting the problem of overtourism, the thinking behind her work and the incredible amount of time that went into editing the final images!  

Find out more >

The Lakes without brakes: Visiting England’s most popular national park, car-free

Working with Campaign for National Parks, we’ve produced a guide to travelling to the Lakes responsibly, from public transport options to lesser-trod walking routes.  

Find out more >

What we’ve learnt as part of our overtourism campaign

Our ideas on overtourism are always going to evolve as we learn more. We gladly collaborate with other leaders on the issue, refining our understanding and adapting our policy for maximum impact.  

Find out more >