Carbon-offsetting: Frequently asked questions

We know that not all carbon offsetting schemes have been effective. We have thoroughly researched and are proud to be working with ClimateCare (the highest-ranked B Corp in the UK), who deliver some of the largest and most successful carbon offsetting programmes in the world. Their team has helped us to select a portfolio of projects that not only deliver robust carbon reductions, but which have a positive impact on local communities too. By supporting Gold Standard projects, we are working with best-practice projects around the world that deliver real carbon reductions and also improve people’s lives.

Yes, we absolutely should, and we are. We are working hard to reduce the emissions of all our trips - offsetting helps us mitigate those remaining emissions that could not be eliminated. Offsetting is just one tool to help us act on climate change; but it's also important that we take responsibility for our current carbon footprint. Offsetting these emissions through high-quality carbon reduction projects is the most effective way to act quickly.

We are auditing the carbon footprint of all our holidays and that of our head office, identifying ways in which we can reduce impacts while improving our customer experience. We’ve come a long way in recent months. Our UK office is a zero-waste-to-landfill space and we have eliminated all single-use plastics from HQ. This includes soaps, washing up liquids and takeaway coffee cups. We have reduced staff travel, and we offset our own carbon footprint. We have a long-standing partnership with Water-to-Go and are working towards being single-use-plastic-free across the world.

You will have noticed that some companies symbolically plant a tree or offset a tonne of carbon. We know we need to do better than this. While we know carbon offsetting is not a silver bullet, we are using a science-based approach to reduce and then offset all of our emissions. We use data from our trips and the UK Government emissions factors to calculate the carbon footprint of our tours and are working to refine these calculations even further.  

The funds that we dedicate to carbon-offsetting need to be spent where they can have the greatest chance to make a meaningful difference. We take advice from ClimateCare as to which projects deliver the greatest return on investment to truly reduce emissions. The projects that we have chosen to offset your carbon footprint with are Gold Standard, and also protect the livelihoods and human rights of the communities that rely on the environment being protected.

We all need to fly less. More than 75% of the carbon footprint of everyone’s holidays are a result of flying to their destination and offsetting doesn't give us a license to continue flying as usual. Consider taking fewer flights and staying longer at your destination. Make a positive contribution to the local economy. Consider your route – flying direct has a lower carbon output than taking connecting flights as additional take offs add a disproportionate amount of carbon. Travel should be about experiencing, learning and understanding, and of course having fun! At the same time we should be mindful of our impact.