Sustainability: travel writers in glass houses

Reducing the carnage caused by our work

Apr 11, 2023

∙ Paid

This is the second in our sustainability series by Stuart McDonald, founder of Travelfish.org and Couchfish. If you missed the first instalment, head here.

There’s an implicit double standard in dovetailing sustainable tourism and travel writing. How much of it is a clear case of “do as I say – not as I do”? One of the first questions that popped up when Lottie and Steph asked readers for their queries read:

Do you see conflict in the fact that many travel journalists, who fly frequently, write and give tips about sustainable tourism?

Great question! The simple answer is “no,” but let's expand on it a little.

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A guest post by

Stuart McDonald

The co-founder of Travelfish.org and Couchfish, I’m based in Bali, Indonesia and write about both travelling and the travel industry. Think both could be better than they currently are.