In a world where the effects of climate change and environmental degradation are becoming increasingly visible, sustainable travel is no longer just a trend—it’s a necessity. I’m sure you’ve heard of this before: If we want to enjoy the beautiful world around us, we must adapt to new ways of being sustainable, including the ways to travel sustainably.
The effects of climate change and environmental degradation can be seen in many visible places. One such example is the Maldives. Known as one of the most beautiful island nations in the world, this island nation is sinking because of the effects of climate change.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore what sustainable travel is, why it matters, and the practical steps you can take to travel sustainably and reduce your environmental impact. From choosing eco-friendly destinations to supporting local communities, you’ll find out how small changes in your travel habits can make a big difference for the planet.
Table of Contents
Why Sustainable Travel Matters
💡 Did you know that tourism contributes 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with air travel alone responsible for 40% of the sector’s emissions?
Now, it might not seem much, but when you think about the sheer number of flights taking off daily across the globe, it quickly adds up! The carbon footprints from these activities contribute to many effects such as global warming and rising sea levels, affecting the world in unforgiving ways.
“If there is a lack of action to tackle the climate crisis, by 2040 many of the world’s favorite destinations will be forced to go virtual.” Quoted from Intrepid Travel and The Future Laboratory’s A Sustainable Future For Travel recent report.
This is why sustainable travel is so important—it’s not just a choice; it’s a responsibility we all share. By taking practical steps, you can enjoy travelling while helping the world.
An Essential Change to Travel Sustainably
In order to start travelling sustainably, there’s one essential change you can make and will contribute the most: Tackling transport.
Transport contributes around one-fifth of global CO₂ emissions, making tackling transport a priority to achieve sustainable travel. Whichever destination you choose to go, your transport will most likely contribute the most to your CO2 emissions. This means that travelling for short distances and in a way that burns less fuel will contribute lots to the world.
One of the best ways to reduce carbon footprint is by choosing low-carbon transportation options whenever possible. Trains, buses, and carpooling give off much less CO2 emissions rather than private road and air travel. Not only that, choosing these low-carbon transportation offers a chance to immerse yourself in scenic routes and connect with fellow travelers!
To minimize your carbon footprint, consider the following tips in transportation to minimize your environmental impact:
- Use Public Transportation: Choose buses, trams, and subways instead of taxis or rental cars.
- Book Direct Flights: Non-stop flights reduce fuel consumption by avoiding multiple takeoffs and landings.
- Walk or Cycle: For short distances, walking or cycling is the best zero-emission option—and a great way to explore a destination!
- Carpool When Possible: If you need to drive, share rides with others to cut down on emissions and save costs.
Choosing Sustainable Destinations
Another way to help the planet while enjoying the thrill of travelling is by choosing destinations that takes care of environmental conservation, community well-being, and cultural preservation. Sustainable tourism destinations implement eco-friendly practices, protecting their natural resources and supporting the local communities.
Here are a few tips for selecting eco-conscious destinations:
- Research Sustainability Efforts: Look for places known for their green practices, such as using renewable energy, managing waste responsibly, and protecting biodiversity. Certifications like Green Destinations or EarthCheck are great indicators.
- Avoid Overcrowded Tourist Spots: Overtourism harms local environments and infrastructure. Choose less-visited destinations that will appreciate your support and have a lower environmental impact.
- Support Conservation-Focused Regions: Choose national parks, protected marine areas, or eco-reserves where tourism directly contributes to wildlife and habitat preservation.
- Seek Local Community Involvement: Destinations that prioritize fair wages, cultural heritage preservation, and community empowerment often have strong sustainability efforts in place.
By carefully selecting sustainable destinations, you can enjoy travel sustainably while contributing to a healthier planet and supporting local communities!
Packing Tips for Sustainable Travel
Now you know where to go and how to get there, it’s time for packing!
Packing is often the first step in preparing for a trip, and it’s also a great way to make sustainable choices to travel sustainably. What you bring—and how you pack—can massively reduce your environmental impact while traveling. From minimizing waste to supporting eco-friendly products, here’s how to pack with the planet in mind:
1. Pack light and smart
💡 Did you know that lighter luggage can reduce fuel consumption on planes and other forms of transport?
Packing light not only makes your journey easier but also helps reduce your carbon footprint. Stick to versatile, multi-purpose clothing and avoid overpacking. A capsule wardrobe with neutral colors and mix-and-match pieces can go a long way!
2. Use reusable alternatives
One of the easiest ways to reduce waste is by swapping single-use items for reusable ones. Here are some must-haves that will make your journey easier while helping the planet:
- Reusable Water Bottle: Avoid plastic bottles by carrying a refillable one. Many airports and destinations now have water refill stations.
- Eco-Friendly Utensils: Pack a set of bamboo or metal cutlery to avoid disposable plastic utensils.
- Tote Bags: Bring a foldable tote bag for shopping or carrying souvenirs, reducing the need for plastic bags.
- Reusable Containers: Use silicone food bags or stainless steel containers for snacks or leftovers.
3. Ditch Single-Use Plastics
Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges, and travelers often contribute to it unintentionally. Here’s how to avoid it:
- Say No to Plastic Straws: Carry a reusable straw made of metal, bamboo, or silicone.
- Avoid Travel-Sized Products: Instead of buying mini versions of your essentials, decant them into reusable containers.
- Pack a Reusable Coffee Cup: If you’re a coffee or tea lover, bring a collapsible cup to avoid disposable cups.
4. Leave Room for Local Purchases
Instead of packing everything you might need, leave some space in your luggage to support local businesses. Buying souvenirs, clothing, or crafts from locals not only reduces the need for overpacking but also supports the local community
Packing sustainably isn’t just about convenience—it’s about making conscious choices that reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the destinations you visit. By adopting these packing tips to travel sustainably, you’ll not only travel lighter but also leave a lighter footprint on the planet.
Sustainable Travel on a Budget
You might think that traveling sustainably is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! In fact, many sustainable travel choices can save you money while still offering fun and meaningful experiences. It’s all about being mindful, creative, and resourceful during your trip.
Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you travel sustainably without breaking the bank:
1. Use Public Transportation
Instead of spending lots on taxis or rental cars, opt for local buses, trams, or trains. Not only are they cheaper, but they also produce significantly fewer emissions compared to private vehicles. Plus, you’ll get to experience your destination like a local!
2. Stay in Eco-Friendly Hostels or Guesthouses
Eco-conscious accommodations often come at a lower cost than luxury hotels. Look for budget-friendly eco-hostels, family-owned guesthouses, or even campsites that prioritize sustainability. Platforms like EcoBnb and Green Pearls can help you find these options.
3. Cook Your Own Meals
Eating out for every meal can be pricey and wasteful. Instead, shop at local markets for fresh produce and cook your own meals. It’s healthier, cheaper, and supports local farmers.
4. Travel Off-Peak
Traveling during the off-season not only saves you money but also helps reduce overtourism. You’ll also enjoy a more relaxed experience without the usual tourist crowds.
5. Support Local Businesses
Buying souvenirs and dining at locally-owned businesses often comes at a better price than touristy shops and chain restaurants. It’s a win-win since you’re contributing directly to the local economy.
With a little planning and an open mind, the way to travel sustainably can be just as affordable—if not more so—than conventional travel. Plus, you’ll come home with experiences that are kinder to both your wallet and the planet!
Sustainable Accommodation: What to Look For
💡 Here’s something you should know: Hostels can be up to 75% less carbon-intensive than hotels!
Where you choose to stay during your trip plays a significant role in your environmental impact. Choosing eco-conscious accommodations, like hostels or green hotels, will help you in conserving resources, reducing waste, and supporting local communities.
The best way to find these accommodations is by looking for hotels and resorts with recognized eco-certifications such as Green Destinations or EarthCheck. These certifications makes sure that the property stick to environmental and social sustainability practices.
Examples of Sustainable Stays
- Gili Lankanfushi (Maldives): This eco-resort focuses on renewable energy, no single-use plastics, and marine conservation.
- Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel (Switzerland): Dome-shaped pods blend into the landscape, using minimal energy with a focus on sustainable tourism.
- Hoshinoya Karuizawa (Japan): A carbon-neutral resort that operates on hydroelectric power and emphasizes nature conservation.
By choosing accommodations that prioritize sustainability, you’ll enjoy a guilt-free and meaningful stay while making a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
Responsible Sightseeing and Activities
Sightseeing is one of the most exciting aspects of travelling, but it’s important to ensure your adventures don’t come at the expense of the environment or local communities. The way we choose to sightsee and interact can have a lasting impact—both positive and negative—on the destinations we visit.
Here’s some tips on how to travel sustainably and responsibly while making a positive impact:
1. Choose Ethical Wildlife Experiences
Interacting with wildlife can be a highlight of any trip, but it’s important to make sure that these experiences are ethical and don’t harm animals.
Did you know that approximately 550,000 wild animals suffer for tourist entertainment worldwide? This shocking fact is the reason why choosing the right wildlife experiences are so important.
Avoid activities that exploit wildlife, such as riding elephants, taking selfies with drugged tigers, or visiting venues that keep animals in poor conditions. Instead, opt for:
- Sanctuaries and Rescues: Visit accredited wildlife sanctuaries that prioritize animal welfare and conservation.
- Responsible Safaris: Choose eco-friendly safari operators that follow ethical guidelines and respect animal habitats.
- Marine Conservation: When snorkeling or diving, avoid touching coral reefs or marine life, and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect underwater ecosystems.
2. Respect Cultural and Historical Sites
Many destinations are home to ancient ruins, sacred sites, and cultural landmarks that hold deep significance for local communities. Unfortunately, these sites often are vulnerable to physical, chemical, natural, and human factors that threaten their sustainability. Here are some tips to ensure these treasures are preserved for future generations:
- Follow Local Guidelines: Always adhere to rules and signage at historical sites, such as staying on marked paths or avoiding flash photography.
- Hire Local Guides: Support local experts who can provide insights into the history and significance of the site while ensuring respectful behavior.
- Leave No Trace: Never touch, climb, or remove artifacts from cultural or historical sites.
3. Be Mindful of Your Behavior
This is the most important part of sightseeing responsibly. Being mindful of your behavior means showing respect for the local environment, culture, and people at all times. Responsible sightseeing isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about how you do it. Small actions can make a big difference:
- Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly, ask for permission before taking photos of people, and learn a few phrases in the local language.
- Avoid Littering: Always dispose of waste properly or carry a small trash bag with you.
- Conserve Resources: Be mindful of water and energy usage, especially in regions where these resources are scarce.
Reducing Waste While Traveling
I’m sure it’s not a surprise to you that waste, especially plastic, is a big contributor to environmental degradation. However, did you know a not-so-fun-fact that Tourists generate up to twice as much waste as locals, straining landfills and causing pollution?
It is important to reduce waste while travelling to minimize the negative impact on the environment and help maintain the beauty of the places we visit. While tourists may unknowingly contribute to pollution, with just a bit of preparation and mindfulness, you can enjoy a sustainable journey without leaving a trail of trash behind.
1. Bring Reusable Essentials
Packing reusable items will dramatically cut down your reliance on single-use plastics.
- Water Bottle: Opt for a durable, refillable bottle with a filter if necessary. Many airports and public spaces now have refill stations.
- Shopping Bag: A compact reusable tote bag is handy for market visits and carrying souvenirs.
- Cutlery and Straws: Bring your own travel-friendly utensils and reusable straws to avoid plastic options when eating out.
- Food Containers: Perfect for takeaway meals or storing leftovers.
2. Carry your own reusable shopping bag
Having your own reusable shopping bag can help you avoid the unnecessary plastic waste from shopping while traveling. These bags are lightweight, foldable, and versatile — perfect for carrying groceries, market finds, or even your beach essentials. Many destinations are adopting plastic bag bans, making a reusable bag an even more practical travel essential.
3. Opt for Plastic-Free Toiletries
Minimize waste by choosing eco-friendly toiletry alternatives:
- Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars: They last longer and come without plastic packaging.
- Refillable Bottles: Use refillable silicone travel bottles for your liquid products.
- Reusable Cotton Pads: Perfect for makeup removal or applying skincare products.
- Biodegradable Toothbrushes: Bamboo toothbrushes are a fantastic plastic-free option.
4. Proper Waste Disposal
Be responsible about disposing of waste:
- Recycle When Possible: Find out about local recycling guidelines and separate your trash accordingly.
- Pack Out Your Waste: In places without proper waste management, carry your trash until you find a better way to dispose of it.
By embracing these waste-reduction strategies, you’ll contribute to cleaner, greener destinations and set an example for other travelers!
Supporting Local Communities
When traveling sustainably, it’s important to recognize the role local communities play in creating meaningful and unique travel experiences. By supporting them, you not only help preserve their cultural heritage and economy but also foster a deeper connection with the places you visit.
Before you go on your way to your next adventure, stop for a moment, and think to yourself: “How does my visit support local communities?”
If you’re not so sure how to answer that, here are some tips to craft a memorable, empowering adventure.
1. Shop Locally
Instead of buying mass-produced souvenirs, look for unique handmade items crafted by local artisans. Not only will you get a more meaningful keepsake, but you’ll also help support local livelihoods. Visit traditional markets or community craft centers to find authentic and ethically produced goods.
2. Dine at Family-Owned Restaurants
Choose small, family-run eateries or street food vendors instead of big chain restaurants. This not only gives you a more authentic taste of the local cuisine but also directly supports the community’s economy. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from locals—they often know the best hidden gems!
3. Stay at Locally-Owned Accommodations
Opt for locally-owned guesthouses, eco-lodges, or boutique hotels. These accommodations are often more committed to sustainable practices and contribute directly to the local economy.
4. Pay Fair Prices and Tip Generously
Look for tours and experiences organized by local guides. These activities often provide a richer cultural experience and support initiatives that empower the community. Examples include village tours, cooking classes, or cultural workshops.
5. Participate in Community-Based Tourism Activities
While bargaining might be a part of the culture in some destinations, always ensure that the price you pay reflects the value of the product or service. Additionally, tipping generously can make a big difference for service providers.
Supporting local communities not only makes your travels more meaningful but also contributes to their well-being and growth. Travel becomes a beautiful exchange—where you not only take home memories but also leave a positive impact.
The Future of Sustainable Travel
“At this pivotal moment in climate history, lack of action from the travel industry will see catastrophic and fatal trends continue to develop… If there is a lack of action to tackle the climate crisis, by 2040 many of the world’s favorite destinations will be forced to go virtual.” -a message from Intrepid Travel and The Future Laboratory’s A Sustainable Future For Travel recent report.
The need for sustainable travel has never been so important. In a fast ever-changing world, sustainable practices in all sectors is essential for the livelihood of the world.
By following sustainable travel practices, our favorite destinations will continue to thrive and remain as breathtaking as we remember them. Imagine lush forests teeming with wildlife, pristine beaches free from plastic pollution, and vibrant communities that welcome travelers with open arms. This isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s a reality we can create together by making responsible travel choices.
The future of sustainable travel depends on collective action. Here’s how you can be part of this movement:
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself about sustainable travel practices and the impact of your choices.
- Advocate for Change: Share your experiences and encourage others to adopt responsible travel habits.
- Support Responsible Businesses: Choose companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.
- Offset Your Carbon Footprint: Participate in reputable carbon offset programs to balance out your travel emissions.
The future of travel can be bright and sustainable if we all commit to mindful choices and responsible behaviors. By embracing eco-conscious travel, we can ensure that generations to come will be able to explore the beauty of our planet just as we do today.
Conclusion: Travelling with Purpose
As travelers, we hold the power to shape the world through the choices we make. Sustainable travel isn’t about grand, one-time actions—it’s a mindset, a continuous commitment to thoughtful and responsible exploration. It influences everything from what we pack and how we get to our destinations to the accommodations we choose and the activities we enjoy.
By embracing these approaches, we can enjoy fun travelling experiences, all while protecting the beauty, culture, and communities that make each destination special.
So, as you plan your next adventure, remember: Travel isn’t just about where you go; it’s about how you leave the places you visit.