A mother and daughter hiking in the forest
A mother and daughter hiking in the forest
Sustainability in travel

Reducing our carbon footprint

Travel nourishes the soul, and responsible travel helps protect our planet and its precious ecosystems. At Little America, we are committed to shaping the future of environmentally conscious travel.

As the world’s largest industry, travel plays a significant role in supporting local economies and creating jobs. It employs up to 20% of some countries' populations, directing funds into local communities. This not only helps individuals support their families but also enables these communities to continue caring for their homelands.

At Little America, we take an action-driven approach, harnessing the positive power of tourism.

By partnering with small, local businesses and supporting carbon offsetting programmes, we help preserve the natural beauty of the USA and Canada. Together, we can ensure these magnificent destinations are enjoyed for generations to come.

Spot whales, dolphins and sea otters on this tour around northern Vancouver Island
Supporting locally-led tours and initiatives helps preserve wildlife...
Spot bald eagles and other wildlife in the USA
... for both you and locals to enjoy for generations to come

Our sustainability practices

While every long-haul trip has an ecological impact, we take steps to minimise this footprint. Our goal is to make each trip with Little America both environmentally conscious and culturally meaningful.

Here’s how we do it:

  • Working with local businesses: We partner with nearly 700 small accommodation and activity providers across the USA and Canada. Many of these businesses use locally grown food and products and are committed to preserving their natural surroundings.
  • Choosing sustainable transport: We opt for rental cars instead of campervans, as they are more fuel-efficient and have lower emissions, making them a more eco-friendly choice for our clients.
  • Carbon offsetting: We purchase three tonnes of CO2 compensation from United Nations Gold Standard offset programmes, such as the clean cooking stove project in Asia. These programmes help reduce CO2 emissions and improve local communities' quality of life.
  • Tree planting: Many of our customers have already contributed to planting trees in the Urewera Rainforest in New Zealand. We are also developing a new initiative to support reforestation projects in the USA and Canada, helping restore local ecosystems.
  • Supporting education initiatives: We collaborate with local and regional tourism boards to provide training and support for suppliers, helping them adopt sustainable practices.
  • Promoting slow travel: We encourage longer stays and more time spent in fewer locations, directly contributing to reduced CO2 emissions.
  • Certification: We hold the highest level of Travelife Certification, a mark of our commitment to sustainability in tourism. This certification ensures we meet rigorous environmental and social standards.
A man and woman sitting on a ledge at sunset at Horseshoe Bend
Sustainability in travel is important to us and our clients
© Christopher Burns / Unsplash

Deepen your cultural understanding

Our sustainability practices go hand-in-hand with cultural preservation. When you travel with Little America, you don’t just explore a new destination – you experience it through the eyes of the people who live there. Here’s what that means:

  • Locally-owned businesses: Many of the small businesses we partner with are run by passionate locals who love sharing their part of the world. By choosing these businesses, you are directly supporting the local community and helping preserve their way of life.
  • Cultural connections: The North American people are known for their warm hospitality. By spending time with local hosts, you get a richer, more authentic understanding of the culture. Through storytelling and shared experiences, you’ll deepen your connection with the land.
  • Indigenous communities: Whenever possible, we partner with Indigenous-owned businesses, providing opportunities to learn about Indigenous heritage and knowledge. These initiatives allow you to connect with local cultures while contributing to their wellbeing.
  • Preserving natural landscapes: North America boasts some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. By travelling with us, you support local efforts to preserve these ecosystems and ensure their long-term protection.
Take a tour on horseback through the Blackfeet Nation in Montana
© Little America
Learn about Métis history and culture in Canada
Icelandair aircraft plane in the sky
We work with leading airlines like Icelandair that have sustainability practices
© Icelandair

Our commitment to the future

At Little America, we are always striving to make a positive impact. We continue to support and work alongside local communities and suppliers who are dedicated to maintaining the natural beauty of Canada and the USA.

While travel inevitably has an environmental footprint, we take pride in our ongoing efforts to reduce it and provide sustainable travel options for our clients.

Created by TravelEssence Our story

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One step closer to your dream trip

More is possible than you may think

You probably already have ideas for your holiday to the United States and Canada. Nature tours through the Rocky Mountains, spotting orcas near the San Juan Islands, or exploring the streets of San Francisco on the iconic cable car?

For the best local tips and advice, visit one of our online presentations. Meet our travel specialists and have all of your questions answered.