Today, we want to highlight an adventure close to our hearts: the journey of Benjamin and Loïc, who set off on foot from Annecy to China to raise awareness about environmental challenges. Their idea? To inspire us through their unique journey to rethink how we travel, and promote more respectful ways of exploring the world.
“Airplane Mode”: Two Years of Walking Around the World
Who Are Loïc and Benjamin?
Loïc and Benjamin have been lifelong friends. Both were born and raised in Annecy, spending most of their free time outdoors—hiking in the mountains, taking part in sports, and exploring the natural beauty surrounding their hometown.
After studying computer science in Paris, Benjamin joined an organization supporting non-profits. His ecological convictions and love for the outdoors led him to imagine and dedicate himself to this adventure. Meanwhile, Loïc studied economics in Paris and embarked on several major trips. During these journeys, he became acutely aware of humanity’s impact on the planet and began helping businesses transition to more sustainable practices.
Now, these two adventurers are committed to preserving life on Earth and giving new meaning to travel. They’re walking across the globe to embody and share their convictions.
What Is Their Project?
More than just a journey, “Airplane Mode” is a lifelong project: an extraordinary, purpose-driven adventure designed to inspire others to adopt a more responsible lifestyle.
These are the numbers behind their remarkable trek from Annecy to China, traversing the Alps, the Balkans, Turkey, the Caucasus, and Central Asia—all on foot, without a single flight.
The idea for an adventure that respects life and the environment is based on a number of factors. Benjamin and Loïc wanted to raise awareness of the need to live within planetary boundaries - these are the environmental limits within which humanity can safely operate, and 6 out of 9 of them have already been crossed. In addition, they wanted to promote humanity's responsibility in relation to climate change and climate inequalities (and the simple measures that can be taken to reduce impact) and, of course, the impact of air travel.
Benjamin and Loïc’s journey is therefore based on several commitments to ensure their adventure aligns with planetary boundaries:
- Responsibility: Acknowledging the environmental and societal impact of their journey and acting accordingly.
- Simplicity: Questioning their needs and meeting them while minimizing their ecological footprint.
- Humanity: Embracing human diversity by respecting people and cultures.
Without embarking on such a grand journey ourselves, we can still draw inspiration from their adventure to contribute to building a more sustainable and fair world. There are countless small actions we can take to lead a simpler, more responsible life, especially when it comes to travel.
For example:
- Avoid flying.
- Avoid buying new gear; repair, reuse, and recycle instead.
- Respect local customs.
- Protect biodiversity (animals and plants).
- Leave no trace (waste, food, etc).
Benjamin and Loïc’s Experience With HomeExchange: Their Testimony
The HomeExchange team is proud to support this low-carbon adventure, highlighting the importance of working towards a new way of traveling. We are helping Benjamin and Loïc along their journey by providing GuestPoints and enabling them to stay with HomeExchange members whenever possible.
“With Benjamin, we wanted to embark on a grand adventure while respecting planetary limits. China, with its millennia-old history, fascinates us. But we couldn’t imagine flying there and contributing to global warming. We decided to walk instead, combining a physical challenge with exploring the regions along the Silk Road. Arriving in Istanbul after three months of walking, we’re amazed by the encounters, cultures, and landscapes we’ve experienced. We’ve relied on the hospitality of HomeExchange members to rest warmly between weeks of camping and share great moments together. Thank you!” – Loïc
- Pamela and Agustin (Locarno)
- Claudie (Bergame)
- Iulia (Trieste)
- Amira (Sarajevo)
- Nurdan (Istanbul)
- And many more to come!
Low-Carbon Travel vs. Air Travel
During a trip, transport accounts for the largest share of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Transportation, particularly air travel, heavily impacts tourism’s carbon footprint. Benjamin and Loïc understand this well.
Whenever possible, train travel is recommended as it is far less energy-intensive and polluting. According to the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME), a long-distance train trip can reduce CO2 emissions by an average of 95% compared to flying! Additionally, trains offer access to numerous destinations across France and Europe.
To significantly reduce a trip’s carbon footprint, it’s not just the mode of transport that matters but also the distance traveled. Flying poses a dual issue: high emissions per kilometer and the encouragement of long-distance travel that might not otherwise be considered.
To cut emissions, the best solution is to travel less frequently and closer to home, while staying longer at your destination. Local transport options also play a role. While exploring, consider regional trains, buses, or sustainable mobility options like walking and cycling.
Organizing a Low-Carbon Trip
Looking to minimize your vacation’s carbon footprint? Check out these tools and apps to plan a responsible journey:
Transportation Modes
- Hourrail shares countless low-carbon itineraries for exploring Europe without flying or driving.
- Mollow offers train itineraries and outdoor activities across Europe.
- Lowtrip, created by Mollow, compares the impact of trips based on chosen transportation modes.
Sustainable Activities
- Geovelo provides information on cycling routes in Europe.
- AllTrails offers hiking and outdoor activity suggestions worldwide.
“Slow Travel”: Discover the World Differently
Slow down!
HomeExchange is perfectly suited to slow travel. It’s an opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-track destinations, immerse yourself in local culture, and connect with residents.
Traveling by train is an excellent option for low-carbon journeys. It’s not just less polluting—it makes the journey itself part of the experience.
If you want to go even slower than train travel, consider cycling. No matter where you are in the world, this is a unique way to enjoy nature. Just look at bike routes in France like the Loire à Vélo and the ViaRhôna, for inspiration!
