Top 15 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips (Travel Sustainably)

Of course, everyone’s dream is to become an eco-conscious traveler.

But to put that into action isn’t an easy feat, as you may think. It would make sense if you travel and but also take care of the planet. That way, you enhance living a sustainable lifestyle. 

But what does eco-friendly travel mean? Most of us have had a chance to enjoy traveling to new, beautiful places both locally and internationally.

From extravagant tourism to bootlace backpacking, sustainable travel should be a top priority for us.

It refers to responsible travel practices or ‘greener’ activities that prioritize environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

You have a long way to go if you want to achieve. That’s why we came up with these 15 eco-friendly travel tips and

tricks to help you save the planet. 

Why Is Eco-Friendly Travel Important, Anyway?

According to the UN statistics, traveling is booming like never before. And although the earth is beautiful to explore, traveling isn’t the most environmentally friendly activity to participate in. 

The bitter truth is that many places out there are drowning in products, wastes, plastics, and more.

They’re not healthy and prettier as they used to be. Should this continue, our planet will lose stature, and there will be no beautiful place for future generations to travel in. 

Eco-friendly travel is nothing much but making simple choices to lessen harmful effects on a given destination.

A little bit goes a long way. Collectively, these small choices can bring a substantial cumulative impact on the big picture. All you need is to be more conscious about them. 

In Developing countries, the slogan has been ‘reduce, reuse and recycle.’ That’s the piece of advice for every person out there.

You’ll see people composting in large cities as they’re aware of how toxic it is to use plastic in general. 

Fascinating Tips for the Eco-Friendly Traveler

Are you preparing for your next trip? If so, figure out good habits that can positively impact the environment.

Today, the tourism and travel industry accounts for around 10% of the GBD globally. It’s high time we stay green.

Let’s all chip in with these environmentally-friendly tips, and make more significant impacts together.

1. Stay in eco-resorts/hotels

It’s no secret! If it’s a vacation, where you need to stay for a couple of days, choose to stay in a sustainable and eco-hotel.

In recent times, many places around the globe are putting in resources towards achieving a greener environment.

As an eco-friendly adventurer, it’s paramount that you support them and their programs so that more resorts follow suit.

It may sound like a small thing but be rest assured that the results will be excellent.

From using recycled materials and being an eco-building to eliminating plastic-related products, that’s the life we ought to dream of. Or, you can genuinely find a green place that practices sustainable activities such as thrashing clean-clean ups. 

In their effort to conserve the environments, these accommodations will do the following:

• Reduce water waste
• Risibly use heating/cooling/electricity
• Promote environmental habits such as forest cleanups

Accoridng to Lonely Planet here are few Eco resorts you can enjoy sustainably while traveling.

2. Avoid plastic bottles and use reusable mugs, flask instead.

It’s a no-brainer! Plastic products, including water bottles, contribute to lots of waste.

Most hotels will grant your complimentary bottles during your extended stay. Just avoid them! Travelers will ask, how?

This is very simple – take with you a reusable water bottle, mug, or even flask. With that, you can fill and refill it with clean water at stations or anywhere. That’s a win. 

Life becomes better when you carry around a trusty bottle. I do have a stainless steel bottle that I love. It’s hard to function without it. 

Even if you want to try aromatic, delicious coffee, it’s recommendable that you avoid buying a takeaway coffee. You can sit and enjoy a sip of it from your cute flask.

For an effective zero-waste lifestyle, try and address such issues next time you go for a strip. 

3. Use scooters, bikes and walk as much as you can

Yes. Try and walk where you can. Without a doubt, this is the most excellent way to explore the city.

Nonetheless, walking may prove tough in some places simply because of the terrain, safety, or faraway distances. 

Use scooters to get around big cities with less population. In campsites, lakes, and forests, the most innovative way to beat corners is by e-bikes.

You’ll enjoy not only the landscapes but also get to exercise. 

Like in the US, 60% of travelers use bikes in striving for a greener lifestyle. And this is worth the hype.

4. Support the local economy

We’ve spoken about this in our journey to an eco-friendly life.

Even though a staggering amount of money is meant for tourism, there are practices that you can buy. 

Buy local produce and lessen the carbon footprint.

This improves the morale of locals towards their businesses. That’s helping out the local economy. 

It’s worth repeating that:

• Shop locally
• Eat locally
• Use local transport to travel
• Support their recycling programs
• Stay in local eco-conscious accommodation
• Drink a brewed near beer

5. Ditch getting fresh towels daily

How come you want to change your towel daily just because you’re on the road.

Let’s be honest with each other here. Back home, washing your towels daily is a new thing. We don’t do it.

Most hotels offer hospitality. They will wash your towels after every use. Or, they may choose to bring new ones. But this results in water wastage, alongside chemicals and detergents that drive down in the waterways. 

Hang it up after each use. Write a note asking the hotel staff not to switch out your towel. Again, you can request at the front desk. 

6. Don’t use disposable plastic bags. 

Abandon plastic packaging at any cost. As mentioned, plastic materials take time to decompose.

Imagine if you dispose of a plastic bag after every shopping. In two weeks, you’ll have disposed of more than 10 bags that will take decades to degrade.

In grocery stores, skip anything to do with plastic produce bags.

Instead, put veggies and fruits directly into your cart during your shopping trips. 

You’ll find reusable produce bags in the supermarkets.

Use them so that your cloves of garlic, apples, and onions don’t float everywhere in your shopping cart. Whether abroad or home, these bags are a better choice for you.

7. Ask about recycling

Get in touch with people around your area and ask about recycling.

Some sites don’t have trash disposal areas. Others have few public garbage cans and dumpsters.

It’s beneficial as locals and travelers are aware of their trash. 

In most cases, you’ll find yourself buying purified drinking water.

The idea that comes to your mind after a few days is how to recycle your empty bottles. If you’re unsure, ask the staff or landlady before making the next move.

8. Opt for vegetarian meals

Eating more plant-based is genuinely the most straightforward practice when traveling.

Even at home, going vegan allows for a more sustainable lifestyle.

Try to decrease meat consumption for a couple of days. It’s common sense that red meat is the most significant carbon contributor. 

Remember that livestock farming demands a lot of oxygen, water, and resources.

Ditching one meat meal can save our environment. Decrease meat intake by taking traditional meals and vegetables in restaurants. 

It’s something we are used to in our homes. So, sticking to it, especially when traveling, is always good. This will lessen not only worldwide carbon print but also the considerable amount of greenhouse emissions. 

9. Turn off lights, AC, fan, and water.

Always flick off the lights when you don’t need them. Please don’t disturb the bulbs by switching them on and off many times.

Better than said, this reduces energy use, protects the air, decreases power plant emissions, and prevents climate change.

Turn off the water. In some countries, they’ll teach you how to conserve water. However, saving water seems to be a debatable topic in some places. 

How can you achieve this? Take short showers. Also, make sure you turn off the tap in the sink when brushing your teeth. Never wastewater.

As much as you need little water for everyday tasks and chores, think about how much you can save.

As a traveler, learn how to conserve gallons of water while bathing.

10. Avoid plastic utensils

If you can bring your bottle and flasks, then nothing hinders you from taking around your set of cutlery.

Traveler’s feel comfortable when they use their things. Have cutlery with you. It’s great when you feel like preparing some French fries or snacks. 

You can also have a picnic and treat your body with a plate of local groceries.

Travelers who don’t own cutlery will take a step further and ask the staff to help you with metal plates, knives, and more. That way, you become an environmental champion. 

11. Keep off fast-food restaurants.

This is another go-to solution. Although it’s a hard decision for many of us, avoiding it is the best move.

Please do! When traveling, we often eat fast-foods day in and day out. We like going for golden fries.

Keep in mind that these foods can generate lots of waste, resulting in pollution.

Plus the foils used to wrap and plastics to store, be assured that this will negatively impact our environment.

It doesn’t add up. I prefer eating local meals to support the community and economy.

12. Pick up litter

Pick up trash. It’s essential to have a bag so that you can pick up litter.

This keeps the environment tidy and eye-catching. It might be other people’s waste. 

Should you fail, the thrash will end up in streams.

If I pick 2 pieces of crap and another person 3 pieces, we will have a clean planet by the end of the day. Pick, recycle and reuse it if possible. 

13. Leave no trace

The main goal is to have a sustainable life, especially when camping.

Anything you’ve at the disposal will potentially impact the destination.

Carry your own utensils, reusable container, and straws whenever you can. 

In the end, you’ll pull in some only changes. All these items are reusable, so you’ll leave the place as greener as you got it. 

14 Choose eco-friendly companies  

Not all tour companies operate sustainably. Some brainwash tour operators claim to be greener while they aren’t (greenwashing). Being transparent is vital. The best company is the one that gives back to the community. 

Just scrutinize their websites before you select one.

The best ones will have a page that highlights the sustainability practices.

For example, they encourage all travelers to pick up litter and participate in offset carbon footprint programs. 

The commitment to preserve the local ecosystems is something to pay attention to. Some of the things to expect include:

• Use renewable energy
• Building structures without hurting natural habitats and trees
• Green places to stay

Just scroll online, and you’ll find such places at ease. The bucket list is long enough such that it offers a broader selection.

15. Don’t print your hotel reservations, boarding pass, maps, etc.

With advanced technology, everybody owns a smartphone.

You can minimize paperwork by downloading everything with your phone.

Use the intelligent Apps to check out your flight, bus, train, and maps. 

You can also buy a mobile ticket to save damn lots of paper waste. 

Eco-Friendly Things to Pack When Traveling

While you can save water, energy and ensure green transport, it’s a wise idea to pack your amenities. Some eco-items include;

• Shampoo bars
• Soap rather than shower gel
• Bamboo toothbrush
• Organic cotton towels
• Cotton shopping bags
• Reusable straws

Wrap up

To sum up things, the tips help you become more eco-friendly when you’re out and about. Start with ditching plastic related-products.

Stay in eco-hotels, buy food locally, and more. As a traveler, all these habits will make a difference. 

Travelers should vow to protect the destination. It all starts with you, then comes your actions. Happy trip to you!

Please share your sustainable traveling stories so we all can learn from this.