21 Sustainable Travel Tips

I’m not going to lie.

There is nothing I’ve missed more over the last couple of years than traveling. Pre-pandemic I’m pretty sure I was on a plane more than I was home. There is truly just nothing like exploring the world through travel.

Now of course, I’m fully aware how all that travel and tourism can have a major impact on the environment, and not in a good way. So I’ve always tried my best to do things to minimize my impact and make my traveling as sustainable as possible. But traveling can be costly and I don’t mean just mean how much you spent on plane tickets and hotel rooms. The biggest cost is always the environment. It takes a serious toll on it, puts a strain on local communities and resources, can cause over-crowded streets, extra pollution, potential loss of habitats and destruction to local animals and an influx of people who neither kind nor respectful of local people, cultures, communities, animals and plants.

As the world continues to open up more and more, and people begin to plan upcoming trips, it’s a good time to check in on just how sustainable your travel is, and where you might be able to take some steps and make some tweaks to be even more environmentally friendly.

Of course, there are some more simple, approachable swaps, things like bringing your own water bottle, packing reusable silverware and using more eco-friendly travel gear. But what about beyond that? It can certainly be a challenge, especially in a foreign place where you might be unfamiliar. But with people becoming more environmentally conscious, thankfully, the rise of responsible travel has risen, and along with it the ease and access to more sustainable travel options. From sustainable tourism companies that care about supporting local people and communities and are focused on slow travel experiences that positively impact the local economy, to restaurants that are more focused on highlighting local produce and cuisine, to unique activities that work with local communities not against them, hotels that are focused on being more eco-friendly and more ways than ever to for individual people to contribute to carbon offsetting, sustainable travel is most definitely on the rise. It’s nice to have these options that ensure we can travel with as little environmental footprint as possible because rest assured, travel won’t ever stop.

Below, I’m sharing some of my favorite traveling tips on how you can be a more sustainable traveler, leave less of a trace wherever you go and see the world without causing as much harm to the environment.

Offset your carbon footprint

Not sure how to do that? Start here or here. Both sites make it super easy to calculate the carbon emissions you need to offset be it from a flight, your car, home, etc. and just how you can do so.

Book flights that are MORE ECO-CONSCIOUS

One of the many reasons I love flying Delta is that they make it super easy to offset your flight for a minimal amount (I’m talking a few extra dollars, like less than a cup of coffee) and a few clicks right in their app. And, while I can’t speak to what every other airlines do, I know that some flight comparison services, like Skyscanner, now actually rate airlines by their fuel consumption so when you search for flights you can filter for 'Greener flights' to see exactly which airlines/flights emit lower carbon emissions. Also, opt to fly direct when you can.

Avoid single-use plastics

Travel is one of the worst culprits of single use plastics (and extra waste in general, let’s be real). From travel toiletries to snack packaging to airplane amenities and hotel bath products, the plastic never ends. Look for ways you can sub in your own reusable and/or refillable products be it snacks, bringing your own toiletries, etc.

Bring a reusable water bottle and coffee cup

I always travel with this one for water as it’s lightweight and collapsable making it super easy to travel with. And this is a great option for coffee.

Travel with a reusable utensil set

Another easy way to avoid single use plastics and unnecessary waste is to bring your own utensil set. I especially love this one as not only does it help eliminate unnecessary waste, it’s also fair trade and supports the artisans who make the sets. Plus, they just look good!

USE REFILLABLE toiletrY BOTTLES

Invest in reusable travel-sized bottles so you can always refill them with your own products (I love these, these are collapsable or this is a whole set that comes with everything you could possibly need). It’s really a win-win all around because it creates less waste AND you are guaranteed to have all your favorite products that you might need with you at all times.

Bring reusable bags and containers

I like to have a few options with me depending on what kind of traveling I’m doing and where I’m going. I’ll bring some reusable bags or containers (like stasher bags) to take snacks on-the-go or pack up leftovers and meals and a reusable tote if I know I will be doing grocery or market shopping.

Buy local produce

Shop at local markets for snacks, or to stock your airbnb (if staying at one) and check out local farmer’s markets for fresh produce. Not only is it a great way to get snacks and food for meals you might need to cook (which is also more sustainable than eating out for every meal), but it’s also a great way to support the local economy and people, connect with locals and discover local produce or foods you might not otherwise find.

Look for recycling options wherever you’re traveling to

Most hotels and Airbnbs now have recycling so be sure to take advantage of that while you’re staying there.

Take any single-use travel toiletries TO DONATE

Take all those hotel amenities (shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, etc.) that might otherwise get tossed and donate them to local women’s or homeless shelters where they are very much needed and used.

Use eco-friendly traveling products

From toiletries to toothbrushes and luggage to clothes, there are so many eco-friendly options on the market these days, there’s really no excuse to use anything else.

Choose more sustainable accommodations

Not only are there hotels that are specifically built around the concepts of sustainability and giving back to the local community, there are also more and more chains/properties that are changing and incorporating these practices into how they operate. This site and this one are good places to start researching these kinds of accommodations and travels. A few of my other favorite spots to check include Kind Traveler, Kynder, Steppes Travel, Responsible Travel, &Beyond, One&Only Resorts, SALT Resorts and Regenerative Resorts.

Book eco-friendly tours

Look for eco-friendly experiences that also support the local culture and economy and are run by tour operators that are local. Check out this site to get you started with some options.

Travel by bus/train and public transportation when available

Swap flying for one of these options instead. Especially if you’re traveling around Europe, train is the way to go. And personally, I prefer taking the train between countries rather than flying so much more. It’s easier and so much more scenic and enjoyable.

Respect and support local communities

Because being sustainable isn’t just about recycling and reusing. It’s also about respect. Respect towards the land you’re on, the people who live there and their customs, language, traditions and resources and the plants, animals and wildlife. Research and be mindful of any customs you need to be aware of in an area, don’t disturb wildlife or their habitats, pick-up after yourself, contribute how you can, learn a few basic words in the local language, try the local food, etc.

Eat at restaurants that support local farms and use locally sourced ingredients

Better for the people, better for the environment, better for the local economy and I promise, the food will taste 1000% time better!

Support local people, artisans and/or small local shops when buying souvenirs

Because those are the souvenirs you can feel good about…they aren’t janky plastic things that, let’s be real, no ones needs, they’ll providing you lasting memories of your trip and, the best part, you’ll be supporting and giving back to the community your staying in. A note- try to buy souvenirs you know you’ll actually use so you don’t end up with something your tossing in a few months. For me, that’s things like decor for the home, artwork, jewelry and spices or various food items I can cook with and recreate some favorite travel dishes with when I get back home.

Avoid places suffering from over-tourism

I mean, really, there are just so many wonderful places in the world, do you really need to only visit the “Instgram-y spot”? No, no you do not. Don’t add to the burden of a place that may be struggling with too many visitors and a strain on their resources, and instead visit something a little more under the radar, one that could use the economical support and won’t be strained from your visit.

Opt to walk or cycle around your destination

Not only is it a more eco-friendly option, I also think it’s the best way to see a place as you get to experience things you might normally miss if you were just driving by in a car. Bonus points- it’s a great way to burn off all that extra vacay eating and drinking you know you’ll be doing!

Don’t print WHAT you don’t need TO

Instead use apps on your phone to keep track of everything, whether it’s an airline app, a hotel app or even just your notes to keep pertinent details at the ready

Be mindful of USAGES

Turn off lights when you leave as well as AC and heat settings and, if staying at a hotel, reuse towels and sheets (most places now have a card you can leave out if you don’t want your sheets washed every day, and hanging up your towels is a good way to ensure that you can reuse them). Another way to make it easy, simply leave the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door for the duration of your stay.