Our top tips for traveling more sustainably

All of us, are extremely fortunate that the ability to travel across and around the globe is so accessible. However, as more and more people travel the ongoing effects can greatly affect the area or particular destination. Including or especially the planet of which we all call home. In many cases as travellers, we have the greatest impact on any destination we visit. A scientific study on global greenhouse emissions between 2009-2013 estimated tourism accounted for 8%, forecasting this figure will increase by 4% annually1. With the major contributors being transport, shopping, and food1, which can be a start of change, for traveling more sustainably.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) predicts the number of tourists between countries, could reach 1.8 billion a year by 20302. In addition to a further 15.6 billion, from domestic tourist arrivals2. That said there are ways that the impact we have on the destinations we visit can reduce by traveling more sustainably.

In most cases traveling more sustainably is not much more expensive, requiring only consideration. Though even when it does come at a greater cost, we consider an investment into the future, and the destination we are visiting. One of the easiest ways for traveling more sustainably is about being more mindful. Including mindfulness of where you are, respectful of the surrounding environment and the local people that live there.

The smallest act by you when it comes to traveling more sustainably, can have a massive impact on the destination you are visiting. Traveling more sustainably doesn’t mean you have to miss out on going to a particular destination or doing that ‘must do’ activity on your DO list. Though it may require a bit more planning and budgeting, but we can help you do that.

I hope that the next time you plan an itinerary, you consider adopting even some of these ways for traveling more sustainably. In many ways these can enhance you experiences, our main focus throughout is on the locale we are visiting and authentic experiences.

1 Lenzen, M., Sun, YY., Faturay, F. et al. The carbon footprint of global tourism. Nature Clim Change 8, 522–528 (2018).

2 World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and International Transport Forum (ITF), Transport-related CO2 Emissions of the Tourism Sector – Modelling Results. (2019).

*Disclosure: We may have affiliate links with one or more of these companies mentioned & may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosures for further information.

Preview – 11 Easy Ways for Traveling more Sustainably

Our preview, briefly highlights some of the easy ways you to can be traveling more sustainably for your next trip. Each description gives you brief outline of each of the 11 easy ways for traveling more sustainably and a link to that section.

  1. Mode of Transport – reviewing ways you get to & travel about a destination to be traveling more sustainably
  2. Destination – when choosing a destination, things to consider for traveling more sustainably
  3. Time of Travel – when to go – ways the time you travel, can reduce impact on the environment
  4. Stay Longer – how the length of time you stay in one place can assist in traveling more sustainably
  5. Accommodation – types of accommodations that value sustainability & ways you can assist
  6. Saving on Resources – ways that you can limit the resources for traveling more sustainably
  1. Single Use Items & Packaging – items and steps to reduce single use products
  2. Support Local Economies – ways you can assist the local economy
  3. Eat Local Produce – how this can have an impact on the destination & the local community
  4. Choose attractions & Tours carefully – ways you can make informed choices of the attractions and tours you partake in
  5. Respect for the destination & local people – how you can show respect for the people & destination

Mode of Transport

The mode of transport that you choose to use, can have the greatest impact on the environment. Of the 8% emissions created by the tourism industry, it was reported transport accounts for 49% of these3 (which increased to 60% in 20162) That said for us living in Tasmania, Australia requires a plane or ferry service to cross over to the mainland of Australia. whether for local or international travel. However, there are several ways to help with traveling more sustainably. Where you can reduce the impact your chosen mode of transport has on the environment.

The three on the top of the my list are pay any carbon offset, travel with partners that use renewable biofuels and look for more energy efficient ways for traveling more sustainably.

It helps to be mindful of the options available to you at each destination.

Transport examples for traveling more sustainably

Trains (Bus)

No matter where we are in the world once we arrive our first destination we rarely hop back on a plane until we are leaving. When choosing a way of traveling more sustainably, trains are a great choice for ground travel. Though if time is limited  consider this into your decision. Getting a train pass is often the most cost effective way to go. Most companies have a variety of passes available, in addition to paperless tickets helping the traveling more sustainably ethos. Our favourite travel resources can help you choose a company that is right for you.

Whilst this form of transport is the third least cause of emissions it is still a contributor. Many companies are moving away from fossil fuels to meet the global climate goals. Germany have announced (Aug-2022) they are switching one of their regional train lines to hydrogen passenger trains. These are said to reduce the CO2 emissions greatly each year3.

Many travellers are looking for ways to traveling more sustainably, this I see as a great step forward.

Plane

The is no denying, traveling by plane is the most detrimental to the environment as the biggest CO2 emitter in the Carbon Footprint of Tourism3. However, for traveling more sustainably there are some things you can do to reduce and offset the environmental cost by this mode of transport.

  • pay the airlines carbon offset
  • choose an airline (where possible) that uses biofuels
  • direct flights when possible
  • contribute to carbon offset programs
  • fly lighter (pack less)
  • where possible choose an alternative mode of transport

The list of airlines using biofuels is growing rapidly, so before booking your flights, research if the airlines you choose are doing so. If you are a member of a frequent flyer program research if they use biofuels, if not consider switching programs, as whether you use points or pay can help keep cost down when traveling more sustainably.

Automobile

Automobiles are noted as the 2nd and 3rd biggest emitters of CO2 in Carbon Footprint of Tourism3, though there are instances where the are required. As an example, when a bus/train trip take 4-5 hours when it’s a 1.5hr drive and you have limited time. Alternatively, driving might be a strong preference of you and those you are traveling with. With the car rental companies, mindful about lower emissions and meeting, company, country, and global targets. There is an influx of hybrid and electric vehicles entering the rental companies, which is great for traveling more sustainably.

If you are traveling in a group, automobiles are often a more economical option especially if the distance is reasonable and you can share the driving. Like trains, driving when traveling more sustainably, is often a more scenic way, allowing you to see more of the place you are visiting.

Walking

Whilst other forms of transport may be necessary to arrive at your destination. Once there, wandering the streets is the best way to discover the area. Whether it’s a walking tour, a guide or you are getting your bearings. For me it’s usually finding the best morning coffee shop and where all the restaurants are. Depending on where you are headed, walking can have the least environmental impact, when traveling more sustainably.

3Carbon Footprint of Tourism, ©2020, https://sustainabletravel.org/issues/carbon-footprint-tourism/ 

4 Koop, F., (Sept 6, 2022) The world’s first hydrogen passenger trains are now running in Germany https://www.zmescience.com/science/worlds-first-hydrogen-passenger-trains-are-now-running-in-germany-06092022/

Our travel checklists, are the first step to start your independent traveling. They are a great way to help when planning to be traveling more sustainably. Helping you build your own Destination ‘DO’ List, or prioritise the one you have.

Checklists for:

  • Your destination DO List
  • before you travel
  • see and do notes
  • carry on packing list – warm and cold climate
  • checked in packing list – warm and cold climate
Picture of some elements in the Free Travel Checklists one of our favourite travel planning resources

Destination

Often when choosing a destination, it’s your ‘DO’ List that contributes highly to that choice. Those places, events or activities that you desire to see and experience. Often if a destination has achieved some level of global sustainability, isn’t your deciding factor. However, as a society as we become more aware of the impact on the earth, many of us are making this a factor. That said, for us traveling more sustainably is about our actions at a destination, more than the destination itself we are traveling to.

However, to review a destinations performance the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) provides a quantitative evaluation for 180 countries, based on several categorial measures. This system considers numerous variables with ‘high-scoring countries exhibiting longstanding and continuing investments in policies that protect environmental health, preserve biodiversity and habitat, conserve natural resources, and decouple greenhouse gas emissions from economic growth’3. The 2022 EPI results of the top 5 ranking countries are in order of 1-5 – Denmark, United Kingdom, Finland, Malta and Sweden.

A quote I love about traveling more sustainably regarding destinations, is by Jonathon Day, an Associate Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Purdue University  and a renowned teacher on tourism and sustainability who stated in an interview.

“I think it is fair to say that sustainability is a journey – not a destination.

 It is a process, rather than an outcome.

 I expect that the best destinations would never feel that they have ticked off the box for sustainability and can now move on to the next thing.

There are always ways to improve”

– Jonathon Day

Image depicting the Ruhr Valley - Germany in Autumn

If it is ecotourism that you are wanting to include when traveling more sustainably, consider the National Geographic’s best seven destinations of the world. These included from 1 – 7:

  1. Chimanimani National Park, MozambiqueSupport conservation efforts in a biodiverse wonderland
  2. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/WashingtonMindfully wine and dine in the US’ largest National Scenic Area
  3. Ruhr Valley, GermanyBe surprised by art and nature in a former industrial zone
  4. Yasuní National Park, EcuadorLearn what’s at stake in a threatened, biodiverse paradise
  5. Łódź, PolandFocus on a factory town turned sustainable-living leader
  6. Adelaide, AustraliaOn track to become the world’s next National Park City
  7. Grenoble, FranceGreen Capital of Europe for 2022

3Wolf, M. J, Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2022). 2022 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. epi.yale.edu

Travel Time – when to go

When you are traveling, can have a big impact on the environment with mass tourism possible at the front of the line. That said there has to be a balance between the events you may wish to see and the time you travel. For traveling more sustainably can be a balancing act. For us, we usually travel during shoulder season to avoid crowds where possible, which generally makes for traveling more sustainably.

Though there are many places that are considered ‘must see’ or just beautiful locations that no matter when you go there are crowds. Additionally, there are people that have set vacation time and can only travel at certain times of the year. These usually correspond with the busiest travel season. Here enters the traveling more sustainably balancing act.

When the peak times can’t be avoided consider having a base outside a congested area and travel around on public transport.  Alternatively, consider other ways you can reduce your impact on the environment. Take a train rather than fly, walk instead of driving or Taxi/Uber are just two ways you can be traveling more sustainably.

Image of blossom trees depicting spring
Image depicting Autumn/fall season
Image of sunflowers depicting Summer
Image depicting winter season

Stay Longer

Ahhh…my absolute favourite way for traveling more sustainably, is ‘Stay Longer’. Once again there are many things to be considered. However, staying longer at one destination can reduce your impact greatly and assist you in traveling more sustainably. By staying in one place, you can reduce impact on the environment by walking, or using public transport. However, public transport also allows to get to all the places you wish to see in the area and those that border where you are.

We found this to be the case during our last stay in Germany staying for a week in one place. We were still able to see all we wanted in the area. It even got us visiting places we didn’t know we wanted to until we spoke to a few of the locals. 

By staying longer, it permits you to travel slower, which can enhance your trip ten-fold. Exploring the area and local culture, becoming familiar with the residents, whilst reducing the carbon footprint you leave. Though traveling slower may reduce the quantity of destinations, it increases the quality of experiences you can have.  Additionally, there can be a reduction to the number of resources you use as a traveller.

We believe for traveling more sustainably this one way of reducing our impact has multiple benefits. It certainly takes a bit of planning, which our checklists will help, the packing lists ensure we take only what we need for 7+ days in one spot.

Image of meandering path
Picture of some elements in the Free Travel Checklists one of our favourite travel planning resources

Our travel checklists, are the first step to start your independent traveling. They are a great way to help when planning to be traveling more sustainably. Helping you build your own Destination ‘DO’ List, or prioritise the one you have.

Checklists for:

  • Your destination DO List
  • before you travel
  • see and do notes
  • carry on packing list – warm and cold climate
  • checked in packing list – warm and cold climate

Accommodation

When choosing accommodation for traveling more sustainably, it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your luxuries. Though you can with travellers being more conscience of traveling more sustainably, many companies in the industry are providing this.

The booking website Booking.com, launched a travel sustainable badge in Nov, 2021, which is just one example. This is for properties offered on the site, that meet the criteria of the travel sustainable programme. These measures are a range of sustainable practices, which is assessed by Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an independpent organisation. The participating property can then use the ‘Travel  Sustainable Property’ badge. Two examples of properties offered that have the Travel Sustainable Badge are Burg Gutenfels and Pennan Inn

However, when using a booking site or a hotel directly, research what the sustainably practices are. In addtion to seeing if they have specific, labels or filter options to choose. As an example, we are members and use the ALL Accor group for the majority of our bookings, they belong to the  Sustainable Hospitality Alliance of which many of the larger hotel group are also members.

However, for the most eco-friendly accommodation style consider camping and glamping, as they can have the lowest impact on the environment.

Saving on Resources

It has been stated that ‘the hotel industry accounts for approximately 1% of global carbon emissions’4. Though, no matter what type of accommodation you stay in, at some point you will be using resources provided. By resources I mainly refer to electricity and water. It is why we recommend and practice mindfulness of resources when traveling more sustainably.

Water

When looking across the differing types of accommodation available, the average water consumption comes in at 366.83 L (96.9 gallons) per guest a night. When compared to domestic usage of 160 L (42.3 gallons) a day this is a considerable increase5.

Electricity6

Findings of a study by the Caribbean Hotel Energy Efficiency Action Program (2012) estimated energy use in hotels in Barbados. Findings were based on hotel size (# of guestrooms), and the  average energy usage <=50#: 43 kWh/guest night, 51-100#: 44 kWh/guest night, 101-200#: 32 kWh/guest night and >200#: 34 kWh/guest night. The larger hotels had a higher ratio of room occupancy to guest nights than that of smaller hotels 1.90 to 1.63.

Additionally, the study found the major contributors to hotel energy usage were air conditioning 48%, general room equipment (TV’s etc) 13%, lighting 12% and kitchen & refrigeration 11%. Other contributors were pool pumps 7%, hot water and laundry 5% and other 4%.

Managing Resources when Traveling more Sustainably

So, what does this mean and how can you reduce this, so you are traveling more sustainably.

There are actually quite a few programs for energy savings that many accommodation styles are utilising. However, if we the consumer take that longer shower, leave the taps running, leave the A/C and lights on we are still greatly contributing to these figures.

So how can you help and be traveling more sustainably:

  • Turn off A/C when not in the room (if you can)
  • Keep curtains closed to reduce impact of external weather
  • Turn off or unplug any unnecessary lights and electrical devices
  • Make sure lights are off when leaving rooms
  • Take shorter Showers
  • Hang out your ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign if staying for more than a day, to reduce housekeeping costs

4United Nations Climate Change (2018)  UN Works with Global Hotel Industry to Reduce Emissions, https://unfccc.int/news/un-works-with-global-hotel-industry-to-reduce-emissions

5 Antonova, N.; Ruiz-Rosa, I.; Mendoza-Jimenez, J., Water Resource Management in Hotels Using a Sustainable Balanced Scorecard. Sustainability 2022, 14, 8171. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138171

6 Sustainable Travel Organisation, Carbon Footprint of Tourism, https://sustainabletravel.org/issues/carbon-footprint-tourism/

Reduce or Stop – Single use item and package usage

Another factor that can contribute greatly to traveling more sustainably, is reducing the amount of single use items and packages. You know the ones I mean, those cute little bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soaps and lotions. However, they aren’t the only things I mean, also are those single packaged snacks (usually made of plastics) we as travellers find easy to carry in our day packs. Single use coffee cups, drink bottles and handy readymade meals also contribute. 

The magnitude of plastic waste entering our oceans is a staggering amount. With current numbers of 8 million metric tons of plastic finding it’s way into our oceans. It is also theorised that by 2040 this amount will have tripled to 29 million metric tons3

So, what to do, for us traveling more sustainably means taking our own cups, bottles, snack and produce bags as a start. Whilst this increases our baggage weight slightly, it is nothing in comparison to what the plastic pollution could amount to. Additionally, we also take our own toiletries, the main reason for this is we practice low-tox for our toiletries, and household products. However, the reduction of single use is a close second reason. 

One great company is Biocasa, they have a range of products that can be used for everyday use and whilst traveling.  One of their great products is solid toiletries, these are great to put in carry-on and don’t need to be take our when going through security.  

For onboard the plane or other modes of transport we use, own headphones for as the ones supplied are single use. We have recently invested in travel cutlery and straws also, in the hopes to further reduce our plastic use. This was mainly done so we can be confident we are traveling more sustainably.

A couple of articles we are working on, further address these items and some handy recipes for day trips. It is our aim to help as many people as possible, with traveling more sustainably.

3EarthDay Organisation,  Fact Sheet: Plastics in the Ocean (Mar, 2022)

Our travel checklists, are the first step to start your independent traveling. They are a great way to help when planning to be traveling more sustainably. Helping you build your own Destination ‘DO’ List, or prioritise the one you have.

Checklists for:

  • Your destination DO List
  • before you travel
  • see and do notes
  • carry on packing list – warm and cold climate
  • checked in packing list – warm and cold climate
Picture of some elements in the Free Travel Checklists one of our favourite travel planning resources

Support Local Economies

This is one of the most important ways for traveling more sustainably, the UNWTO Global Report on Adventure Tourism from 2014, cites, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) stating:

“That in most all-inclusive mass tourism package tours, about 80% of travellers’ expenditures go to the airlines, hotels, and other  international companies (who often have their headquarters in the travellers’ home countries), and not to local businesses or workers. Of each USD 100 spent on a vacation tour by a tourist from a  developed country, only around USD 5 actually stays in a developing destination’s economy.”

Whilst the figures may have changed the sentiment truly hasn’t, that said employment of locals by large companies, also assists local economies.

Supporting the local economies at more in-depth level, for traveling more sustainably, include taking a small group tour, through a local based company. Where you are guided around the area by a local guide and includes visits to smaller establishments owned by the local community. For truly low impact activities, that have minimal or no impact on the local environment. These include tours and activities that involve walking, bikes, kayaks and other forms of self-propelled transport.

Additionally, frequent local restaurants and eateries, is also an exceptional way to uncover the local cuisine and support the local economies. When buying souvenirs, be conscious of where they are produced and the materials and manner they are produced. Choosing items by local artists and artisans, that are manufactured locally, over those that are mass produced offshore.

Eat Local Produce

Following on from supporting local economies, you would think these two go hand in hand and often they do. Though, sometimes just because you are eating in a local restaurant or getting local snacks and delicacies from local shops. This doesn’t always mean they come from the local producers of food. That souvenir made in the country you are visiting;doesn’t mean it’s made in that specific locale. To truly support the locale, when traveling more sustainably. Hunt down the local producer’s market, if staying longer buy your produce here. Check for local markets or shops specialising in local items for souvenirs and when looking at restaurants etc, investigate if they use locally sourced produce.

Image of markets and several locally sourced food options

Choose Attractions and Tours Carefully

When choosing what activities, you want to participate in when traveling more sustainably. Be mindful of the activities you are choosing, being a responsible tourist, checking the ethical implication of your activities. Additionally, it’s important to check and do some research on the activity and operator. Check if they are certified by a genuine third party organisation such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Alternatively, you can do your own research on the company you are considering using. Ensuring the practices they have in place, meet any criteria you have for traveling more sustainably. It’s been our experience that there are many benefits to small group tours and local walking tours are always a favourite.

With many of the tour and attraction booking sites you may have the option to filter for eco-friendly tours when planning to travel more sustainably.
As an example to simplify things Get Your Guide use the eco-certified badge to identify those tours that have been vetted by a third party.

Examples of some of their eco-certified tours are:

Get your Guide Eco Certified Badge

Respect  – the place and people you are visiting

As travellers respecting difference is more important than understanding it. As we won’t always understand so things in another culture, but it takes no effort at all to respect that difference and people. Learning about cultures new to you can be one of the most exciting things about traveling or about past cultures.  Respecting the place, you are visiting is just another way of traveling more sustainably.

Always being careful to leave a place better than you found it (channelling my grandmother here – it was her favourite saying). Practice traveling more sustainably wherever you go to ensure you are able to accomplish the latter. 

Share any knowledge, and tips for traveling more sustainably, wherever you can so others can learn and experience them.

Travel more Sustainably - Jules Verne Quote

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I am always happy to reply to any comments, suggestions for next articles or a hello. You can contact me through our Social Media or at jeanine@letsgoawandering.com with any questions or comments.