Travel more sustainably

Travel more sustainably without sacrificing experience or comfort. Small choices—transport, packing, and spending—add up to big benefits for destinations and communities. This guide gives concrete, practical steps you can use on your next trip.

Choose lower-impact transport

Prioritize trains, buses, or ferries over short-haul flights; for example, in Europe take the night train from Paris to Barcelona (saves flight emissions and a hotel night). When flights are unavoidable, book nonstop routes (fewer takeoffs/landings reduce emissions) and fly economy; consider one longer multi-destination trip instead of several short flights. Use local transit passes (e.g., Tokyo Metro 72-hour pass) and ride-share only when public options are unsafe or unavailable.

Pack smart and light

Limit luggage to one carry-on and a personal item to reduce fuel burn and airport handling time—aim for under 7–10 kg if possible. Choose versatile clothing (neutral colors, quick-dry fabrics) and a lightweight reusable water bottle, travel cutlery, and a collapsible tote to avoid single-use items. Bring a small repair kit and basic first-aid so you can fix gear and avoid replacements while abroad.

Support local economies

Spend at locally owned restaurants, family-run guesthouses, and artisan shops—ask your host for neighborhood recommendations or use platforms that highlight independent businesses. Book tours with licensed local guides (confirm permits or membership in local guide associations) and tip in local currency. Buy fewer souvenirs of higher quality: pick items that are locally made from renewable materials and ask about production methods to avoid supporting exploitative crafts.

Choose responsible accommodations

Look for certifications like Green Key, EarthCheck, or local eco-labels and read recent guest reviews about sustainability practices (waste reduction, water-saving, energy policy). Opt for places that reuse towels and sheets on request, have recycling programs, and source food locally—ask how much of their menu is regionally produced. Consider homestays or small guesthouses where benefits more directly reach residents rather than global hotel chains.

Reduce waste on the road

Carry a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter for destinations with uncertain tap water and a small set of reusable cutlery and a cloth napkin. Decline single-use toiletries (ask hotels to refill dispensers) and refuse plastic bags—bring a compact foldable bag for markets. Properly dispose of waste: separate recyclables when facilities exist, and if recycling isn’t available, pack out non-biodegradable trash until you find appropriate disposal.

Respect ecosystems and wildlife

Stick to marked trails in parks to avoid trampling vegetation and follow posted limits on group size or seasonality; bring a field guide or app to help identify species without disturbing them. Never buy products made from endangered species or participate in wildlife attractions that allow touching, feeding, or close posing—choose reputable sanctuaries that prioritize rehabilitation. Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid feeding animals to maintain natural behaviors and food sources.

Offset thoughtfully and reduce carbon footprint

Prioritize emissions reduction (choosing trains, longer stays, fewer flights) before buying offsets; when you do offset, select verified programs (Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard) with transparent project details and co-benefits like local community development. Calculate your trip footprint using reputable calculators, then invest in projects that match the region you visited when possible (forest restoration, clean cookstoves). Keep records of offsets and treat them as part of a broader strategy rather than a license to overtravel.

Plan longer stays and slower travel

Travel fewer times per year but stay longer at each destination to reduce transit emissions and deepen cultural understanding—consider renting an apartment for a month to shop and cook locally. Use slow- travel itineraries (bike, walk, or local rail between nearby towns) to experience places more fully and spread tourism income over time, which reduces peak-season pressure. Work with local operators to create experiences that respect community rhythms, such as off-peak visits to popular sites or volunteer opportunities with reputable local organizations.

Quick tips

• Bring a reusable water bottle and a lightweight filter
• Pack a reusable shopping bag and cutlery set
• Book direct trains or night coaches instead of flights for short routes
• Choose accommodations with clear sustainability practices and local ownership
• Avoid wildlife entertainment that allows touching or feeding animals
• Use public transport passes and walk or cycle when safe