Your Sustainable Travel Guide to Explore the World Responsibly
Working online on my terms means I can travel anywhere at any time. (You can do this, too!)
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about traveling sustainably, exploring the earth conscientiously and minimizing my carbon footprint.
Sustainability isn’t a trend–it’s a practice we owe to the planet that gives us all the natural resources we need to survive. With some thoughtful planning and mindful choices, it’s easy to preserve travel destinations for future generations.
Here are my top tips to make your next adventure an eco-friendly and memorable one.
Pack lightly and mindfully
Instead of packing new clothes for every day of your journey, try a capsule wardrobe, which consists of a few key pieces that you can mix and match. Stick to a neutral color palette. Opt for eco-friendly travel gear like reusable water bottles, bamboo utensils, non-plastic toiletries and cloth shopping bags.
Stay green
When it comes to accommodations, look for hotels, guesthouses or eco-lodges that implement green practices such as energy conservation, waste reduction and supporting local communities. Give yourself enough time to research reviews with these keywords and check out websites such as greenkey.global, EcoHotels.com, ecobnb.com and responsibletravel.com. Websites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com and Expedia often have filters for eco-friendly options.
Use public transit
Ditch the pain of getting a rental car and embrace sustainable transportation options. Hop on a train, bus or bike to explore your destination like a local. You will reduce your carbon footprint (and stress of driving around a new city!) and immerse yourself in the culture and scenery along the way. Bring a journal for the ride to reflect on your explorations.
Offset your carbon footprint
Flying generates carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. You can support carbon offset programs to reduce your impact. Some airlines and booking websites offer this option directly on their websites, allowing you to contribute to projects that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support environmental conservation efforts around the world. There are also several third-party organizations that specialize in carbon offsetting with various programs. Check for details at carbonfund.org, ClimateCare.org and TerraPass.com.
Leave no trace
Whether you're hiking in the mountains or snorkeling in the ocean, respect nature and wildlife. Stay on designated trails to minimize erosion and preserve fragile habitats. Avoid disturbing wildlife. Don’t leave trash behind, and recycle when you can.
Support the locals
Seek out destinations and attractions that prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Look for eco-friendly tours, wildlife sanctuaries and community-based initiatives that support conservation efforts, empower the communities you’re visiting and promote responsible stewardship of natural resources. By supporting the local economy, you contribute to an area’s sustainability and preserve cultural authenticity.
Positively impact others
Before you bid farewell to your destination, take a moment to reflect on the memories you've made. Reserve a day for giving back to the community by volunteering for conservation projects, supporting community initiatives or spreading the word about sustainable travel practices your friends can follow. You can make more of an impact than you realize.
Sustainable travel makes ticking off bucket-list destinations even more meaningful. You get to develop deeper connections with people, places and the planet, preserving Earth’s natural beauty for years to come. Happy travels!