Sustainable Travel
At Road Scholar, our mission is to make the world your classroom. We believe in the transformative power of learning through exploration, and with that comes a deep responsibility to the environments and communities that host us. We are dedicated to integrating sustainable best practices into every aspect of our programs, continuously learning and improving and striving to be a catalyst for positive change in responsible travel.
Road Scholar’s Five Core Values for Sustainable Travel
Respect & Preserve Local Cultures
At the heart of our sustainable travel ethos is a deep respect for the rich and diverse cultures we encounter. We are learning from the locals we meet — not about them. We believe that every destination has its unique traditions, languages and ways of life that deserve to be honored and preserved.
Conserve Natural Environments
We recognize the vital importance of maintaining the health and integrity of ecosystems, from lush rainforests to pristine coastlines. By minimizing our carbon footprint and adhering to Leave No Trace principles, we strive to reduce our impact on the planet.
Minimize Waste and Pollution
To reduce our environmental footprint, we are dedicated to responsible consumption and waste management in every aspect of our program experiences. By choosing reusable over disposable products, participating in recycling programs and supporting businesses that adopt sustainable practices, we actively work to decrease the volume of waste generated. We are committed to reducing food waste and working toward eliminating plastic water bottles and single-use plastics on all our programs. Our goal is to leave the places we visit cleaner and healthier.
Protect Wildlife
We advocate for responsible wildlife tourism practices, such as observing animals from a distance and avoiding attractions that exploit or harm animals. Through these efforts, we aim to foster a deeper connection with the natural world and inspire a collective commitment to protecting the magnificent creatures that share our planet.
Make a Difference
We believe in the power of educational travel as a force for good, and we actively seek opportunities to contribute to local economies, support community projects and engage in volunteer efforts. By partnering with local organizations and investing in sustainable initiatives, we help to improve the quality of life for residents and ensure the long-term viability of the destinations we love.
Offsetting Some of the Plastic Used on Road Scholar Programs
At Road Scholar, we do our best to limit the amount of plastic used on our programs. We have partnered with TONTOTON and funded the reclamation of 30 metric tons of plastic waste in Cambodia and Vietnam. Through TONTOTON’s projects, post-consumer, non-recyclable, ocean-bound plastic waste is recovered and processed into fuels and raw materials that replace coal at a local manufacturing plant.
Addressing Carbon Emissions Created Through Travel
To counter the impact of travel to Road Scholar programs, we invest in projects that reduce the amount of carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Road Scholar has funded projects that offset the amount of CO2 created by flying almost 121 million miles in economy class, which is the equivalent of planting over 400,000 seedlings and allowing those trees to grow for 10 years! The projects we have invested in include:
- Wind energy in the Dominican Republic
- Clean cookstoves in India
- Nitrous oxide abatement in Florida
- Methane gas-to-electricity at a New Bedford, Massachusetts landfill
- Applying fungus to soil to increase resilience and nutrient uptake and reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers – Mid-western and southern United States
- Bio-oil – using pyrolysis to heat biomass, capturing carbon in process and then storing it underground – California
- Microbial Carbon Mineralization – uses microbially-induced silicate weathering to improve soil health and store carbon – Mid-west US
- Direct Air Capture – capturing carbon from the atmosphere and store it underground – Kenya
- Safeguarding indigenous forested homeland in Tanzania
- Conserving biodiversity in peat swamps in Borneo
- Rainforest conservation in Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia
- Improved Forestry Management in Upper Peninsula, Michigan
What’s Next?
- We have begun training the hundreds of Road Scholar staff around the world on the best practices for sustainability.
- For learning adventures beginning in 2025, we will be eliminating plastic water bottles wherever possible and seeking to reduce food waste.
- We’ll continue to invest in reputable, science-backed carbon offset and removal projects to mitigate some of the greenhouse gases created through air travel. We reevaluate the projects we support on a semi-annual basis.
- For accommodations and transportation, we are looking to emphasize more eco-friendly lodgings and low-emission or electric transportation options.
- Educating you, our participants, before, during and after your programs.
- Develop a process to allow you to opt out of receiving a neck wallet and luggage tags each time you enroll in a program.
- As we invest in a more sustainable future, expect updates and reports on our progress.
Sustainability Policy
Want to see other ways Road Scholar is putting our values into action?
Explore Our Sustainability Stories
Discover how we’re making a positive impact on the planet. From carbon reduction initiatives to eco-friendly travel tips, explore our latest sustainability blogs and learn how we’re working toward a greener future.