Did you know that tourism accounts for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions?
With each journey, we leave a footprint on the planet.
But what if our travels could tread more lightly?
We wanted to guide you through the best eco-friendly travel tips, so you can enjoy the beauty of our planet while helping to preserve it for future generations.
By adopting these practices, you will travel with care, reduce your carbon footprint, and make your next adventure both memorable and environmentally responsible.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
The first thing people do when planning a vacation is choose the destination. We have some tips to help make your choice a little more eco-friendly.
Local Destinations
Travelling closer to home significantly cuts down on your carbon footprint by reducing the need for long-haul flights or drives.
Exploring your own country or region supports local economies, and means less fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Short trips can be just as satisfying, offering hidden gems that might be overlooked when traveling abroad.
Plus, you get to experience unique local cultures and landscapes without the environmental toll of international travel.
For example, here in New York, we have Watkins Glen in the middle of nowhere, but it’s an absolutely beautiful park and waterfall!
Remember, every mile you don't fly helps in conserving the planet's resources.
Sustainable Destinations
If you do want to really get away for your next adventure, think about destinations that are known for their eco-friendly practices.
These locations often have strict environmental policies, protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable tourism, aka ecotourism.
Look for destinations with certifications or awards for sustainability so that your travel dollars support green practices and the environment!
Places like Costa Rica, with its focus on conservation, or Sweden, known for its sustainable tourism initiatives, or Singapore, the “Garden City”, are leading the way in ecotourism.
By choosing such destinations, you're not only enjoying pristine natural environments and beautiful clean cities, but also supporting communities and economies that prioritize our shared planet's health just like we do.
We wrote another post all about
the best places for ecotourism to give you some ideas of where to go!
Accommodation
Now that you know where you want to go, it’s time to look at where you could stay during your trip. This is how you can make your stay a little more environmentally friendly.
Eco-Lodges and Green Hotels
To find sustainable lodging, check for properties that advertise their eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy or water conservation systems.
Websites like Booking.com or TripAdvisor often have filters for eco-friendly accommodations, or you can directly search online for terms like “eco-lodge” or “sustainable hotel”.
Look for features like solar panels, organic gardens, or initiatives to reduce waste.
Staying at these places supports green practices and often provides a unique, green experience, perhaps maybe with a little tea?
Eco-Certifications
Certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or Green Key are indicators of a property's commitment to sustainability.
LEED focuses on energy efficiency, water usage, and indoor environmental quality, while Green Key assesses the sustainability of the entire operation of the hotel.
Other local equivalents might include EarthCheck or Green Globe, which also evaluate environmental management and social responsibility.
Choosing eco-certified accommodations makes sure your stay supports the environment and our shared planet.
Homestays
You can also choose homestays to lower your travel footprint because they are often less resource-intensive, since you'll be sharing resources like electricity and water with the host.
One cool and unique thing about homestays is that it provides cultural exchange opportunities, helping you understand local customs and support the community's economy directly.
Plus, you might meet really cool and amazing people from all around the world!
Platforms like Airbnb or Homestay.com make it easier to find local hosts committed to sustainable practices.
Transportation
Once you get to your destination, you aren’t just going to sit in the hotel, right? You want to get around and explore! Here are a few ways that you can do that with a smaller carbon footprint.
Public Transport
When
getting around the city, choosing buses, trains, and local transport over renting cars will lower your carbon footprint when it comes to transportation.
These modes are generally cheaper, allow you to experience the local culture more deeply, and decrease their traffic congestion.
Most public transportation systems in many cities are designed to be efficient and fast, reducing the time you spend traveling.
Also, you can’t get stuck in traffic, which is the worst, and there’s nothing like a train ride across a beautiful country.
Cycling and Walking
Another option is to cycle or walk, which cuts down on emissions and provides an authentic way to explore cities.
You get to see more of the local life, enjoy the fresh air, maintain your health while traveling, and discover things that you would have normally passed right by.
Many cities offer bike-sharing programs, making it easy to hop on a bike for short distances.
Plus, it's a cost-effective way to travel, saving money on transportation that can better be spent on delicious food.
Rent an Electric Vehicle (EV)
If you do have to drive, see if you can rent an electric vehicle to cut down on your carbon emissions.
Reserve an EV early, as sometimes availability can be limited, especially in high-demand areas or during peak travel seasons.
Do a little research and get familiar with the local EV charging infrastructure. You can download apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint to locate charging stations along your route.
Drive efficiently by maintaining steady speeds, avoiding rapid acceleration, and using regenerative braking systems, which are designed to extend your range by converting kinetic energy from braking into electrical energy that recharges the battery.
Look for rental companies offering special rates or packages for EVs, as they often come with perks like free charging or discounts on charging networks, making your eco-friendly choice better for your wallet.
Offsetting Carbon
For those flights you can't avoid, carbon offset programs are a way to mitigate your environmental impact.
These programs invest in projects like reforestation or renewable energy that reduce CO2 elsewhere.
By calculating your flight's carbon emissions and contributing to an offset program, you help balance out the environmental cost of your travel.
Many airlines offer a choice to offset some of your carbon when you book a ticket.
We also talked about
the world’s most sustainable airlines, so you can pick one that has a low effect on the environment.
Packing Light
Trust me, you’ll want to read this part. Your back will thank you.
Why Pack Light?
Packing light is a very small help, but every little bit counts!
If you pack lightly, it means less weight on planes, trains, or cars, which lowers fuel consumption and reduces carbon emissions.
It also makes your travel experience easier, since you won't have to lug around heavy bags, and it's often less expensive due to not having to check a bag or three.
When I go on my trips to Bangladesh, I usually only bring 1 or 2 shirts. Then I buy a few shirts there to last me through the trip, and then donate them the day before I leave. I can pack light and help a family in need!
What to Pack
Focus on packing multi-use items like a scarf that can also serve as a blanket, or a sarong that can double as a towel or picnic mat.
Try to get your hands on some biodegradable products like toothpaste tablets or soap sheets to reduce landfill and plastic waste.
Leave behind bulky items, single-use toiletries, and anything you can easily buy at your destination or do without.
Embrace the minimalist lifestyle by choosing clothes that can be mixed and matched for multiple outfits.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Now, you aren't going to want to leave a big pile of garbage at your stay, but you do want to help out the environment. This is what you can do to reduce waste.
Water Usage
Conserving water while staying in hotels can be as simple as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or choosing short showers over baths.
Also, if you notice a leaking faucet, inform the staff so it can be fixed, saving water for everyone, and ending that awful *drip* *drip* *drip* sound.
Reuse your towels rather than having them washed daily, and if your hotel offers, participate in their linen reuse program.
Lastly, think about using the “do not disturb” sign to reduce unnecessary cleaning, which indirectly conserves water. Plus, they probably think you’re having a really good time.
Reduce Landfill Waste
First tip to reduce landfill waste is to carry reusable bags, water bottles, and utensils to cut down on single-use plastics, which are terrible for the environment.
When you are out and about, refuse plastic straws, bags, and cutlery, and try to pack snacks in reusable containers rather than buying individually packaged items.
If your accommodation doesn't provide recycling bins, store recyclables until you can dispose of them properly, or ask the staff if they can recycle things for you.
Remember, every piece of plastic you avoid using helps reduce landfill waste.
Recycling
Recycling practices can vary depending on where in the world you are, so if you are serious about recycling you should research local recycling laws or guidelines before your trip.
Look for hotels that have clear recycling systems in place or ask at the front desk how to sort your waste.
In some countries, you might need to take recyclables to specific locations, so plan that in your itinerary, but remember to do the research beforehand so you don't waste precious trip time that can be better spent eating food!
You might even be able to download apps or check local tourism websites that can provide information on recycling stations or programs in the area you're visiting.
Recycling is important, but remember to have fun with it on your trip!
Eating Responsibly
One of the best parts about travel is eating all the food. You should eat whatever makes you happiest, but if you’re looking to be a little more environmentally friendly on your next trip, here’s how you can.
Local Food
Eating at local restaurants reduces the carbon footprint from food transport, known as “food miles.”
Local foods are often fresher since they haven't traveled far from farm to table. For the freshest food, try to buy at farmer's markets or food stalls run by locals.
There are so many benefits to eating locally like you get to try the authentic local flavors, directly contribute to the local economy, and promote cultural preservation.
Plus, a big plate of locally made biriyani beats fast food KFC any day.
Plant-Based Meals
Choosing vegetarian or vegan meals while traveling can have a positive impact on the environment and lower your carbon footprint.
Livestock farming contributes heavily to greenhouse gases, water use, and
deforestation, so reducing meat consumption helps combat these issues in a small way.
Plant-based diets are also often healthier, providing a chance to explore local cuisines in a new light.
Vegetarian or vegan options can be found in most destinations, offering a sustainable and ethical choice for anyone that wants it.
If we are being honest, it doesn't mean you can't have meat at all. Just try to have less meat, since reduced meat consumption means less of the negatives associated with meat.
Sustainable Seafood
When seafood is on your menu, go for sustainable choices to support ocean conservation.
Look for certifications like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) which indicate responsibly sourced seafood.
Try to avoid species that are overfished or caught using harmful methods to help maintain marine biodiversity.
It can be hard to find out all of these things on your own, so apps like Seafood Watch can guide you to make better decisions at restaurants or markets.
Activities and Tours
It’s time to have some fun! Not everything you do has to increase your carbon footprint, you know? These are a few sustainable activities you can do.
Eco-Tours
You can go on eco-tours that are designed to be low-impact or contribute directly to conservation efforts in the area.
Look for tours that educate about local ecosystems, support wildlife preservation, or fund community projects.
Companies like those with Rainforest Alliance certification or similar endorsements will make sure that your adventure promotes sustainability.
By choosing eco-tours, you're being an active participant in local environmental conservation.
Hiking
Hiking is one of the most eco-friendly activities out there.
It's essentially free, low-impact, and lets you get up close and personal with nature.
Go for hikes in local parks or nearby nature reserves to reduce your carbon footprint by minimizing travel. You might be surprised at the natural wonders hidden close by.
Invest in durable, eco-friendly hiking gear like
clothing made from recycled materials, footwear with sustainable soles, or a nice comfy thrifted jacket.
Ahh, there’s really nothing better than the fresh air of hiking.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering while traveling is a great way to give back to the places you visit.
Some volunteering opportunities that you can try include joining beach clean-ups, participating in tree-planting initiatives, or helping out at local wildlife sanctuaries.
Websites like Workaway or VolunteerMatch can connect you with opportunities that align with your travel destinations.
Volunteering during your travels has so many benefits.
It gives you a unique travel experience, supports the sustainability of the communities and environments you explore, and it's a great opportunity to make friends with people from all around the world who share a similar mindset about the environment!
Cultural Respect
Lastly, we are going to talk about one of the most important parts of sustainable travel, and that’s respect for the local people and environment.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace is one of the keys to sustainable travel.
Sticking to the Leave No Trace principle means you are respecting both the environment and cultural heritage of your destination.
This includes packing out all trash, cleaning your campsite, and respecting wildlife and cultural artifacts.
Essentially, you want to make it look like you were never there, or make the area look even better than when you first got there.
By leaving places as you found them or better, you help preserve the natural beauty and cultural integrity for everyone who visits after you.
Remember, this also involves not removing any natural or historical items from sites, as we want to make sure that everyone can enjoy these places in their authentic state.
Support Local
Supporting local businesses is another key to eco-friendly travel as it helps boost the local economy, reducing the reliance on large, often less sustainable, chains. Ew, chains.
By eating at local restaurants, buying from local artisans, or staying in family-run accommodations, it's guaranteed that more of your travel money stays within the community, benefiting them directly.
This promotes both cultural preservation and is a sustainable practice since local businesses tend to have smaller ecological footprints.
Plus, it gives you a more authentic taste of the region's culture and cuisine and immersing yourself in local culture is what traveling is all about!
Final Thoughts
In this guide, we've explored a bunch of eco-friendly travel tips, from choosing local or sustainable destinations, using public transport or cycling, to packing light and eating responsibly.
Remember, every small action like opting for a plant-based meal or supporting local businesses can reduce your travel footprint.
By embracing these practices, you not only make your travel experience unique, but also contribute to the health of our shared planet.
Now, we encourage you to plan your next trip with these green tips in mind, share your own eco-friendly travel hacks, and inspire others to explore the world in a way that respects and preserves it.
Let's travel smarter, not harder, for the sake of our beautiful Earth!
If you like this post don't forget to share it, and check out another post about
living sustainably in the city!
