2024-02-11 11:14
Warm days; chilly nights. Rain downpours; blazing sunshine. The Inca Trail has six different microclimates making the weather changeable and unpredictable. Packing for the Inca Trail is a ch… Read More
Blog Directory > Travel Blogs > Slow Sustainable Travel Blog - Charlie on Travel travel Blog >
Slow Sustainable Travel Blog - Charlie On Travel Blog
charlieontravel.com
Tags:
inca trail
visit
algarve beach town
trekking adventures
carvoeiro
trail
trekking
croatia
trail packing
sustainable swimwear
Slow, sustainable travel blog. Responsible tourism, house sitting and vegetarian travel in Central America, Taiwan, the UK and more.
2024-02-10 16:36
Lima, Peru’s coastal capital, is worth visiting for its unique gastronomy, fascinating history, and vibrant neighbourhoods. Most travellers will find enough to do to occupy at least a… Read More
2024-01-11 22:15
lHiking the Inca Trail is a dream come true for many an intrepid traveller. This wanderlust-inducing trail through the Peruvian Andes takes you along ancient stone paths, high into the mount… Read More
2023-11-09 13:47
These 19 travel packing hacks will have you packing like a pro. These hacks will make your travel packing easier and more efficient. They’ll help you to save space through optimising y… Read More
2023-07-11 18:24
Our world is full of incredible wildlife, most of which many of us can’t even imagine how beautiful it is. It’s no surprise then that so many of us consider safaris and wildlife… Read More
2023-07-10 13:43
When seeking your next trekking adventure, there are several factors to consider. It is important to first assess the difficulty level of the hike, alongside your overall fitness. Some of th… Read More
2023-07-08 11:00
Mallorca is a beautiful Spanish island frequented by tourists throughout the year. Here you will encounter rugged cliffs, a stunning coastline, pristine beaches and plenty to see and do. Thi… Read More
2023-07-07 13:36
Shaped like a crescent, Croatia lies on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Over 1240 natural formations dot the country’s waters. 78 are actual islands, of which only 47 have peopl… Read More
2023-06-19 14:45
Carvoeiro in Portugal’s Algarve region is a beach town best suited to those wanting a smaller resort town with easy access to hiking, kayaking and day trips. In this short guide, we ta… Read More
2023-04-21 18:57
Ready to hit the beach with sustainable swimwear this summer? I’ve rounded up the best sustainable swimsuit and bikini brands based in the UK. Thankfully, there are now plenty of eco-f… Read More
2023-03-30 17:18
Let us take you on a weekend trip to Mumbles. In our 3-day itinerary, you’ll have the chance to explore some of Swansea Bay’s most stunning natural landscapes and experience the… Read More
2023-03-04 16:41
The vegetarian and vegan food scene in Cape Town is blossoming with tasty, exciting and exceptional food available all over the city. As you might expect from a cultured capital city, there… Read More
2023-03-04 16:37
If you’re looking for adventure, excitement, beauty and knowledge, then you’re in the right place. Breathtaking, sometimes even challenging, there’s so much to do in Cape T… Read More
2023-01-17 12:00
South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and Franschhoek might well be the most beautiful town in the country. Franschhoek means “French Corner” and was f… Read More
2023-01-11 12:00
Stunning mountain ranges, beautiful vineyards, cool glasses of chenin blanc at good prices, warm weather and blue skies — South Africa’s Cape Winelands are unmissable. This guide… Read More
2023-01-09 11:00
Are you thinking about travelling to Cape Town or South Africa, but worried about the safety situation? This guide contains safety tips and information based on our recent three-month stay i… Read More
2023-01-05 13:50
Cape Town’s best coffee shops and roasters are about to be revealed. Whether you’re an oat milk cortado seeker, or a simple black coffee drinker, our list of the best coffee shop… Read More
2022-10-01 15:38
Girona is an exciting city in northeast Spain (or Catalonia, as the locals would say) with a beautifully preserved medieval Old Town. Visit the town to wander its cobblestone streets and if… Read More
2022-09-07 17:13
San Sebastian’s Old Town is a mythical destination for foodies, spoken of in hushed, reverent tones. On every cobblestone street, there’s a welcoming bar with small plates of &ld&hell…Read More
2022-05-29 17:55
5 days in New York is the perfect amount of days for a first time trip to the city. Within 5 days, you’ll be able to see the best of NYC’s sights and enjoy its melting pot of res… Read More
2022-05-29 10:54
New York isn’t called the city that never sleeps for nothing. New York at night is alive, buzzing and ready to party. Many of the city’s restaurants and bars are open late into t… Read More
2022-02-23 18:44
Hotel Bel Ami, Paris’ sustainable city centre hotel is located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Hotel Bel Ami has been awarded the Green Key certification since 2012 for… Read More
2022-02-20 21:35
Paris is one of the most expensive cities to visit in Europe. Whilst there are cheap and free activities, the city is famous for its art galleries and fine dining that you won’t want t… Read More
2021-11-09 09:57
Whilst many might not have thought it possible to travel while working remotely, the COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the work landscape. Have you moved to remote working permanently… Read More
2021-11-07 21:13
We’ve put together this list of the best hiking backpacks in 2022. Whether you’re heading out for a day hike, or ready to tackle a multi-day hiking adventure, we’ve got the… Read More
2021-03-27 18:59
Taiwan’s cinema captured my heart. Taiwanese cinema is a highlight reel of culture and landscapes with cinematic cityscapes of spiralling alleyways and plotlines, to serene countryside… Read More
2021-03-01 13:34
There’s more to Vietnam films than just war films. When we decided to travel to Vietnam, I realised that the only “Vietnamese” films I had seen were American war films, lik… Read More
2021-02-20 18:13
Portugal’s Douro Valley stole our hearts. We jumped on a rented scooter in Porto and headed out into the rolling, vineyard-covered hills of the Douro wine region. The winding road spir… Read More
2020-11-29 22:02
We couldn’t resist a coastal hideaway and hike on our summer adventure in Portugal. I set myself the task of finding the best coastal hike in Portugal for the late summer season and I… Read More
2020-10-11 16:31
Planning a weekend in Porto? Our guide to 48 hours in Porto uncovers the best things to do, the cafes and restaurants and places to stay. Make the most of your northern Portuguese city break… Read More
2020-10-10 14:11
Lisbon or Porto — Por que não ambos? (Why not both?) If we’re telling the truth, we loved Lisbon and Porto so much that it’s hard to choose. The best outcome is gett… Read More
2020-07-26 16:38
Tucked away in a corner of the Midlands, the medieval town of Lincoln flies under the radar when compared to its neighbouring cities. However, quaint and quirky Lincoln really does have it a… Read More
2020-07-18 08:37
There’s a reason Cornwall is one of the UK’s best summer holiday destinations. This gorgeous region is home to rugged coastal walks, beautiful sandy beaches and magical castle ru… Read More
2020-07-10 10:25
Liverpool is one of the UK cities I love the most. If I lived up north in the UK, there’s no doubt that Liverpool is where I’d want to be. This northern city is a favourite of mi… Read More
2020-06-24 08:44
Dorset is the perfect UK summer destination this year for socially-distanced walking routes, rural viewpoints, large beaches and great history. Plan ahead and you’ll be able to choose… Read More
2020-06-21 09:51
Edinburgh is top of the wish list for many travellers to the UK. The Royal Mile, the cobbled streets and grand castle, the tartan kilts and bagpipes, the haggis and Scottish whiskey, are wha… Read More
2020-06-04 20:17
Ever find yourself stashing away books on a shelf that you never get round to reading? Have you been travelling, wishing you had the latest issue of your favourite magazine to flick through?… Read More
2020-05-01 16:45
Support small and local businesses in Brighton during the Coronavirus lockdown. We’ve put together a list of our favourite small and independent businesses in Brighton who are still ru… Read More
2020-04-25 15:58
Cuenca is the prettiest city in Ecuador. Expect curved, narrow streets dotted with cute cafes, more patisseries than you’ve seen in the rest of Ecuador put together, and historic churc… Read More
2020-04-08 11:00
“Dolphins!” shouted the captain, as he banged on the side of the boat. Everyone, including the crew, rushed to the front of the boat in time to see an enormous pod of dolphins la… Read More
2020-03-07 14:20
Quito’s UNESCO-listed old town is a sight like none other. Distinctive green and gold domes, grey-faced churches with glittering baroque interiors, indigenous street sellers with stack… Read More
2020-03-03 23:10
The closest city to my hometown, London has a special place in my heart. The UK‘s capital city has blossomed into a melting pot of culture, art and cuisine. Whether you’re chowin… Read More
2020-03-02 12:00
Eating out in Ecuador can either be dirt cheap or surprisingly expensive, as restaurants seem either to be holes-in-the-wall or high-end. Our favourite local dishes were quinoa soup and llap… Read More
2020-02-23 12:00
The Amazon rainforest in Ecuador is an adventure you’ll never forget. Take the spiralling mountain road from Quito into the deep, lush Amazon rainforest for a weekend or longer. Lace u… Read More
2020-01-13 12:00
Is Colombia expensive to travel? We backpacked Colombia for under $40 a day. Colombia isn’t the cheapest country to travel in South America, but it’s very reasonable for a backpa… Read More
2020-01-01 12:00
Hike your way through the Andes mountains, around the Quilotoa Loop in Ecuador. This 36km winding track takes you through green valleys as clouds descend on the mountain tops, past fluffy al… Read More
2019-12-31 13:44
The inescapable truth is that tourism leaves behind a carbon footprint, but we can all take steps to tread more lightly. In Europe, the eco-conscious traveller can search out sustainable tra… Read More
2019-12-31 12:00
Otavalo is home to Ecuador’s most famous market and it is the place to shop for ponchos, jumpers and other textiles in Ecuador. This highland town has a strong indigenous community who… Read More
2019-12-29 15:15
According to travel guides, the only safe place to cross the overland border between Colombia and Ecuador is Rumichaca. The closest Colombian town is Ipiales (but we recommend staying in Pas… Read More
2019-12-29 14:42
Pasto is a small city near the Colombia/Ecuador border and a frequent stopover for those making the long overland journey from Colombia to Ecuador. It’s an unappealing city and we woul… Read More
2019-12-19 01:49
Popayán is known by two names: the white city (la ciudad blanca) and the fertile city (la ciudad fecund). It’s known as the white city because the old town is whitewashed and th… Read More
2019-12-10 23:15
Wax palm trees and coffee farms — those are the two things that Salento is famous for. The little Colombian town of Salento is nestled in the verdant green Andes mountains and is just… Read More
2019-12-07 23:02
Adventurous souls can see can see glaciers, the mighty condor and the other-worldly fraijones in El Cocuy National Park. Snow-capped peaks and wide valleys make the hiking in this Andes moun… Read More
2019-12-01 21:39
Is Bogota just “a big city with big city problems” as one Colombia told us, or is there more to Bogota than first meets the eye? We had originally planned to skip Bogota after he… Read More
2019-11-25 18:58
Villa de Leyva is paradise in Boyaca, according to one Colombian that we spoke to and we’d agree. With white-washed buildings, a warm mountain climate, cobblestone streets and pictures… Read More
2019-11-20 00:38
Cartagena is a charming colonial city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The cobblestone streets are naturally lined with people taking Instagram-perfect selfies in front of beautiful chur… Read More
2019-11-09 22:30
Santa Marta is the next logical stop along the coast from Cartagena. It’s the gateway to Colombia’s north and the Caribbean coast where travellers can access the jungl/beach para… Read More
2019-11-09 20:38
Tayrona National Park — a glorious place where jungle meets beach. This travel guide takes you through how to get to Tayrona and the jungle hike to get to the best beaches once you&rsq&hell…Read More
2019-10-23 01:38
Nestled in a green valley, Medellin is a city of three million people that is blessed with a consistently pleasant climate all year round. The city, which was once the most violent in the wo… Read More
2019-09-16 12:16
When I’m home in the UK, I seize the opportunity to stock up on all the best travel kit — and that includes activewear. It has taken a lot of research, trying on and postal retur… Read More
2019-09-05 19:49
Our list of the best places to visit in Spain has something for everyone: beautiful cities, charming fishing villages, blissful Mediterranean islands and unforgettable culture. In fact, the… Read More
2019-08-04 15:50
Our weekend in Prague was one of the best European city breaks we’ve had. From wandering the streets of the Old Town to drinking wine in Prague’s vineyard overlooking the city, t… Read More
2019-06-26 19:55
As travel bloggers, we’re guilty of taking flights too often and we feel bad about it. We’ve been worrying about the negative environmental impact of flying and it’s contri… Read More
2019-05-29 11:00
Our guide to Brighton’s best vegetarian restaurants and places to eat. Brighton is one of the UK’s most vegetarian and vegan-friendly cities. We’re going to reveal the best… Read More
2019-05-14 20:47
Thinking of moving to Vietnam? Andrew Miles from meman mevegan lived in Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi for two years. In this guide to living in Vietnam, Andy shares the pros and cons… Read More
2019-05-12 20:21
Lanzarote is the northernmost island in the Canary Islands. You’ll find plenty of Spanish influence here in the tapas and culture. But the island has its own distinct identity. The vol… Read More
2019-05-09 21:28
How can I make money and travel at the same time? It’s the question all of us travel enthusiasts ask ourselves. Travelling can be expensive. Costs of accommodation, food and activities… Read More
2019-04-21 16:17
Zero-waste living isn’t always easy… Want to do your bit for the planet, but without too much self-sacrifice? We’ve got your back! These 13 practically painless ways to be… Read More
2019-04-02 11:43
Trying to figure out how if Vietnam is expensive and how many dong you need to bring? You’ll be pleased to hear backpacking in Vietnam is not expensive. We travelled from Hanoi to Ho C… Read More
2019-03-26 12:00
Sustainable travel should be the only way we travel. From excessive air travel that causes harmful CO2 emissions to package holiday resorts that are built on natural areas, international tra… Read More
2019-03-17 10:00
Slow travel is how we like to travel. We often get asked why we spend so long travelling in just one destination. We made a conscious decision to put a stop to fast travel. Rushing around fa… Read More
2019-02-22 11:00
Packing light can feel like an insurmountable challenge, but after reading these packing light tips you’ll know the secrets to keeping your travel bags light. I’ve been travellin… Read More
2019-02-11 21:42
Like many travellers, I came to Tromsø in winter hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights – and I did – but there was more to experience in this Arctic cit… Read More
2019-02-05 18:15
Tromsø is 300km north of the Arctic Circle in Norway. It’s further north than Iceland, Finland and Sweden, making it one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Ligh… Read More
2018-12-29 22:00
Unaccustomed to the UK winter after years of travelling, we had to escape for some winter sun. Flights to Malta from the UK can be very cheap (we chose to holiday in Malta because of this!)… Read More
2018-11-29 10:00
Read on to find out how Airbnb works and use my coupon code to get £25 off your first Airbnb booking. Airbnb is a holiday rental website where you can find local homes, private apartme… Read More
2018-11-20 08:00
Need the best Christmas gifts for travellers, backpackers and wanderlusters in 2018? This Christmas gift guide includes unique travel gifts, zero waste travel essentials, travel photogr… Read More
2018-11-10 20:58
The Spanish capital city of Madrid is a hot weekend-away destination and it’s easy to see why. The city boasts some of the world’s best art and the night time tapas and Estrellas… Read More
2018-09-28 11:00
Devon is a place close to our hearts because it’s the county where Luke and I first met. For those of you who don’t know, we met at Exeter University and we’ve been togethe… Read More
2018-09-26 11:00
Northumberland is high on our list of places to visit now we’re back living in the UK. We’ve been excitedly researching the best destinations in Northumberland for nature, hiking… Read More
2018-09-24 18:27
Cornwall is a county in the southwest of England that’s famous for its spectacular coastline and its unusually good weather. As you might imagine, the two above facts combine to make C… Read More
2018-09-16 19:59
Zero waste living and reducing plastic waste is always on our mind. We’ve tried hard to cut down our plastic use during our travels over the years. Now we’re learning more and mo… Read More
2018-09-09 11:30
Our Plovdiv travel guide covers the best things to do in the city and the Plovdiv European Capital of Culture 2019 programme and plans. There is a lot to explore in Bulgaria’s second c… Read More
2018-09-09 11:00
In this vegetarian and vegan guide to Sofia, we share where to find the best vegan Bulgarian food in Sofia. We munched on banitsa, filled our bellies with mish-mash and bob chorba, and explo… Read More
2018-08-20 11:00
Get organised for your next trip with this eco travel packing list. If you’re an eco-conscious traveller like us or trying to stop yourself from over-packing, then this minimalist trav… Read More
2018-08-14 15:30
The kiwi bird needs your help! Sign up for free in under thirty seconds and Old Mout Cider will donate 20p to a kiwi conservation charity! My road trip around New Zealand is one of my f… Read More
2018-07-15 20:24
I love that feeling of overwhelming excitement when stepping off a plane in a new place. Except that it’s often shortly followed by a pang of fatigue that’s so bad you can’… Read More
2018-07-15 14:32
Brighton’s independent coffee scene is buzzing. Forget Starbucks, Costa, Nero and those other chain coffee shops. You can get your caffeine fix and support local Brighton coffee busine… Read More
2018-06-10 16:58
Looking for the best things to do in Brighton on a weekend break? We’ve got you covered. When we’re not travelling, Brighton is our home base. Luke is a Brighton local; he grew u… Read More
2018-06-10 16:58
Looking for the best things to do in Brighton on a weekend break? We’ve got you covered. When we’re not travelling, Brighton is our home base. Luke is a Brighton local; he grew u… Read More
2018-05-24 10:00
Aruba is a beautiful Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. It’s recently emerged as a wellness and happiness destination! Whether it’s exercise, relaxing in a natural pool… Read More
2018-05-21 10:00
A Barcelona cooking class is the best way to learn to cook tapas. Even better, you can learn to cook Spanish food from locals who live in Barcelona. We’re about the reveal Barcelona&rs&hell…Read More
2018-05-20 12:00
Is Barcelona expensive? In this Barcelona travel budget, we break down the cost of accommodation, transport, activities, tapas and wine in Barcelona. Barcelona is a popular European destinat… Read More
2018-05-14 11:30
A Northern Vietnam travel guide revealing the breathtaking province of Hoa Binh. This is a guest post written by Liezl Bruwer, a South African expat living and teaching in Northern Vietnam… Read More
2018-05-07 07:50
Wild elephants in Sri Lanka were a huge highlight on our trip. On our safari in Udawalawe National Park, we saw herds of elephants, baby elephants and elephants bathing in the mud. We held o… Read More
2018-03-26 11:00
In this Sri Lanka travel guide, we share the best places to visit and the attractions which should be on your travel itinerary. Sri Lanka is an island of bustling cities, secluded tea f… Read More
2018-03-19 11:02
Sri Lankan food includes curry and rice, lentil dhal, roti breads, rice noodles, sweet coconut pancakes — and that’s just for breakfast! A Sri Lankan meal is a lavish experience… Read More
2018-03-08 12:00
Our Southeast Asia Travel Guide explains how you can make the most of your trip, including routes, maps, highlights, countries to visits and pitfalls to avoid. Dreaming of backpacking around… Read More
2018-03-03 14:54
Komodo dragons can only be seen one place in the world — in Komodo National Park in Indonesia and we were finally there. Luke was beside himself with excitement at the possib… Read More
2018-01-07 12:25
One of the pull factors of Thailand is the low cost of living, but how much does it really cost? Living comfortably in Chiang Mai, expect to pay 28,100 Thai baht per month. That’s roug… Read More
Subscribe to Slow Sustainable Travel Blog - Charlie On Travel
Get updates delivered right to your inbox!