How to Plan a Peaceful and Sustainable Escape

There’s something truly intoxicating about the idea of disappearing into the countryside for a few days. Just the thought of leaving behind the crowds, car horns, and incessant notifications - trading it all in for green landscapes, winding trails, and pure, earthy silence. Still, what if this escape could also be sustainable, thoughtful, and lighter on the planet? With a bit of planning, it’s entirely possible to design a countryside retreat that’s as good for you as it is for Mother Earth.

Let’s dive into the ins and outs of planning a peaceful and sustainable countryside retreat, where the birds chirp louder than your phone and every leafy underfoot-crunch leaves you feeling a little lighter.

Find Your Destination: Seeking Green Sanctuaries

Choosing the right place is like picking the perfect piece of pie: everyone’s tastes vary, but you know the good ones when you see them. Look for destinations that haven’t quite made it onto the travel ‘it-list.’ Smaller, lesser-known locales tend to offer a more intimate, genuinely “countryside” experience, away from the jam-packed hotspots where everyone with a selfie stick has already descended.

Also, aim for destinations with a proven track record of environmental initiatives - many rural towns and villages, though small, are staunch protectors of their natural spaces and often run programs that focus on conservation. You’ll find your tranquility here, and as a bonus, you won’t need to fight someone for the last rustic chair by the lake.

Choose Eco-Friendly Lodging

The charm of countryside lodging is that options can range from a converted barn to a treehouse or a solar-powered cabin; nevertheless, if sustainability is high on your checklist, you’ll want to do a little extra digging. Seek out accommodations that employ sustainable practices: rainwater harvesting, solar panels, locally-sourced building materials, and efficient waste management. Smoke and vape sensors are increasingly being adopted in eco-conscious rural stays, ensuring clean, fresh air remains uninterrupted for all guests; bonus points for accommodations that offer up biodiverse gardens, natural swimming pools, or on-site composting to minimize waste. 

Also, don’t overlook the smaller touches, such as bee-friendly landscaping or electric vehicle charging stations - the more features that demonstrate a keen commitment to preserving the tranquility of the countryside the better! Nowadays, many rural accommodations have cottoned on to the idea of eco-friendly initiatives, but, still, be sure to check reviews to ensure they’re not just ‘green-washing’ with a few potted plants.

A word of caution, though: sustainable - and even ‘off the grid’ doesn’t have to mean spartan. There’s no rule saying you can’t enjoy a snug fireplace or a comfortable bed with organic linens just because it’s sustainable; think of it as luxury with a lower carbon footprint. Remember also to pack for the weather - be it a Suray sun shirt or a snug evolution hoodie, pack for comfort - and even make those items sustainable!

Packing for a Low-Waste Stay

Packing sustainably for a countryside getaway can be a game-changer; the less you bring, the better for you and the planet. Start with essentials that cut down on single-use items: reusable water bottles, cloth bags, rechargeable batteries, and, of course, your trusty eco-friendly toiletries.

Avoid the travel-size products aisle - they’re as tempting as they are wasteful. Instead, decant your regular products into reusable containers. Need sunscreen for those long, sunny walks? Pack one with reef-safe ingredients. Will there be mosquitoes? Go for a natural, DEET-free repellent. Oh, and if you’re bringing a “beverage” for those evening porch-sitting sessions, opt for a local option that doesn’t come in a mountain of plastic.

Farm-to-Table...or Farm-to-Your-Backpack?

While a countryside escape certainly invites visions of hearty pub food and farm-fresh fare, it’s worth remembering that your meals can have a big impact on the environment. If possible, support local farmers’ markets or small grocery stores. Many rural towns have an impressive array of fresh produce, eggs, honey, cheeses, and meats. Stocking up on these means you’re not only fueling up with quality ingredients, but also supporting local agriculture directly. Perhaps you even need to take a duffel bag with you to stock up on all the countryside goodness and take some home with you.

Planning meals ahead also reduces the likelihood of food waste. And hey, countryside cooking has its perks: there’s something inexplicably satisfying about slicing vegetables with a pocketknife by the campfire, even if you’re only prepping a salad.

Respect Local Customs and Wildlife

In the countryside, it’s essential to remember that you’re a guest in both nature and the local community. Whether it’s sheep roaming freely in a field or a quirky custom where people leave painted rocks along hiking trails, taking the time to learn about and respect these unique characteristics will make your trip all the more rewarding.

When hiking or exploring, stick to marked trails to avoid disturbing fragile ecosystems. And for goodness’ sake, put down that giant acorn you found; nature doesn’t appreciate ‘souvenirs’ going missing. Similarly, be mindful of noise pollution: nothing disturbs the serenity of a countryside escape quite like someone blaring their workout playlist through portable speakers - the countryside’s magic lies in its simplicity, so let’s keep it that way.

Choose Sustainable Activities

The countryside offers up an abundance of low-impact activities, so you don’t need to bring your jet ski or ATV to have fun. Consider hiking, cycling, kayaking, birdwatching, or even fishing - activities that require little more than your energy and appreciation of nature. Many eco-friendly accommodations also offer guided nature walks or workshops on sustainable practices; some even have on-site permaculture gardens where you can spend a day picking vegetables, learning about sustainable farming, or just channeling your inner green thumb. If you’re off on a romantic break, you might want to take our Wanderer double hammock with you to canoodle with your beloved under the stars - just sayin’.

 

When it comes to souvenirs, steer clear of mass-produced trinkets. If you want a memento of your trip, why not try local arts and crafts? A hand-carved wooden spoon or a handwoven basket tells a better story and is much less likely to end up in a landfill.

Plan for a Minimal-Impact Departure

After soaking in all that clean air, it’s time to leave. But leaving doesn’t mean vanishing without a trace. Start by properly disposing of all waste - yes, even those tiny bits of snack wrappers hiding in the bottom of your backpack. If the countryside destination you visited has a recycling or composting program, participate; if not, take items with you to recycle responsibly elsewhere.

And here’s a final idea: if you’ve got a little extra time (and extra goodwill), consider giving back to the community or environment before you go. Some countryside destinations have volunteer opportunities, such as helping with local cleanup efforts or planting native trees; who knows, you might just leave feeling that the countryside got a little greener for everyone who comes after you.

Making It Last: Infuse Countryside Living Into Your Daily Life

The best part of a sustainable countryside escape isn’t the break itself - it’s what you carry home with you. As you head back to your regular life, consider adopting some of the slower, mindful practices you enjoyed on your trip. Whether it’s adding a plant or two to your home, keeping a stash of local honey in your cupboard, or practicing a screen-free walk in the park, there are countless ways to hold onto the peace and sustainability of the countryside, even in the heart of the city.