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How to travel better: a beginner's guide to sustainable travel in 2023 and beyond

Sustainable, green, responsible — planet-friendly ways to explore the world are more popular than ever but how do you start to make better decisions when you travel? The first step is to understand what sustainable travel is and why it’s important.

What’s sustainable travel? Sustainable travel is about travelling in a way that’s sensitive to the climate and nature emergencies while ensuring that the wellbeing of the places we visit gain long-term benefit from us travelling there. It’s a balancing act between maximising the positives of travel while reducing or eliminating the negatives.

What’s happening and why? The concentration of carbon dioxide currently in the atmosphere is well over 400 parts per million higher than at any time in at least 800,000 years — and it’s still increasing, causing global temperatures to rise. The consensus is that a rise of just 1.5C will cause dangerous warming of the planet. The stability of our world’s climate hinges on whether we can keep this small rise in global temperatures in check and time’s running out. This is the decade that counts.

How does this impact the natural world? Commensurate with the climate crisis is the nature emergency: worldwide, 1 million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction due to the intensification of agriculture and forestry, resource extraction, hunting, invasive species, urban sprawl, pollution and climate change. Yet, this is not just about the disappearance of remote rainforests or polar bears at the extremities of the planet – habitat and biodiversity loss are happening on a colossal scale in the UK, to our hedgerows and forests, our garden birds, and the fish in our seas.

What can you do about it? Being a sustainable traveller is not about making grand, one-off gestures, it’s a state of mind, an ongoing attitude to conscious adventure that influences all aspects of how we holiday, including what we pack in our luggage and how we travel out to destinations, as well as the choice of hotels and activities we take part in while we’re there.

How do I even get started? To begin with, consider packing less: travelling lighter will reduce the chances of having to dispose of items; it makes it much easier to travel around, especially on foot, by bike or on public transport; and it’s more fuel efficient — especially noticeable if you’re travelling in an electric car. A useful device for packing economically is to consider the three Rs: Reduce: What can I get away with not taking; are there items that can double up for several uses? Reuse: What can I take that I can reuse over and over again? Recycle: What can I take that can be recycled once I’ve finished using it? Try to avoid taking single-use plastic, such as bottles, bags and straws, which break down over time into tiny microplastics that enter the food chain when they’re consumed by marine wildlife and ultimately cause serious health issues for humans. Instead, pack a refillable water bottle, coffee cup, Tupperware containers for food and toiletries, and a shopping bag — it’ll be handy not just as a replacement for buying a plastic bag at a supermarket, but also when you’re out buying food and groceries at a local market.

What’s the most important change that I can make? The single more significant way to reduce the carbon emissions of travelling is to tackle the transport portion, which is often responsible for at least 70% of the carbon emissions of a holiday. The most effective way to do this is to reduce the distance travelled and to travel in a way that burns less or, even better, no fossil fuels, using more sustainable modes of transport; or by not travelling in a vehicle at all, choosing instead to travel on foot, by bike or under sail. There’s a steep difference in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by aeroplanes compared with most land-based vehicles. There are concerted efforts to decarbonise air travel using alternative fuels and methods of propulsion (such as via electricity and hydrogen), but even the most optimistic predictions support that this change is at least a decade away for most airlines. For the time being, the emissions from just one long-haul flight can be more than those caused by someone driving a standard petrol car for a whole year. Taking the train within the UK emits about six times less than flying and taking the bus emits about nine times less. In Europe, where many trains (including Eurostar) are electric, the emissions from rail travel can be as much as 10 times less than flying.

And what if I do need to fly? If you do fly, bear in mind that there’s quite a large disparity between the carbon emissions of aircraft and the operating procedures of airlines, so do use online tools such as the ‘Greener Choices’ label on the search results provided by the flight search engine skyscanner.net , which flags up those flights that have less than average emissions.

While flying continues to be such a large polluter, consider adopting a more selective approach to flying: just as with the flexitarian approach to food where you eat a mainly plant-based diet and only occasionally eat lean meat and sustainably sourced fish, a similar attitude to flying could be that you mainly travel overland and only occasionally fly, staying for longer, and making the most of the flight by choosing a positive-impact holiday that benefits nature conservation and/or genuinely benefits the wellbeing of local communities.

What does my carbon impact look like once I get to a destination? There are other factors that will affect your carbon emissions when you’re at the destination, including your choice of hotel and the food you eat. The average carbon footprint of a night in a typical hotel in the UK is about 31.1kg CO2, according to the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative, so choosing a hotel that has lower than average carbon emissions can make a significant difference to your holiday’s footprint. Thankfully it’s becoming easier to find green accommodation — keep an eye out for the green filters on specialist accommodation booking sites, such as Airbnb’s ‘off-the-grid’, Sawday’s 'Sustainable stars'   and   i-escape's 'eco rating', there are several online agencies that specialise in green accommodation, such as fairbnb.coop and myecostay.eu , and even the big online agencies, such as Booking.com , TripAdvisor and Google , now flag up eco-certified hotels in their search results. Many of these eco-certified accommodations do much more than reducing their carbon emissions, they’ll also reduce the amount of waste they send to landfill and reduce the use of chemicals and the amount of water they use.

Feasting on local, seasonal food washed down with the local tipple conveys a sense of place better than any travel brochure. It’s also much better for the environment as there are significant emissions of carbon arising from the ‘food miles’ associated with transporting food great distances. Whether it’s freshly baked bread for breakfast, salad from the local market for lunch, or the catch of the day at the nearby restaurant, choosing local isn’t just good for the planet, it’s also healthier and a great way to put money into the local community.

Where to go Some of the most colourful cities in Europe are a great choice for a green break, such as Bristol, Angers, Nantes, Zurich, Ljubljana and Copenhagen. Here, pragmatic local authorities are implementing the circular economy to create sustainable transport, housing and economic development policies that are accelerating their transition to net zero, which has the knock-on effect of improving the experience for sustainable travellers. For example, regenerative wetlands and connected green spaces help manage storm water, air quality and improve biodiversity, but also provide wonderful green sanctuaries that are great for appreciating urban nature or for just chilling out in parks and gardens across urban villages.

And how to get around? Countries that have a modern, high-speed rail infrastructure make it easy to travel with a lower carbon footprint. Switzerland has an extensive public transport network across the country (the Swiss Travel Pass provides free admission to 500 museums as well as unlimited travel on trains, bus, boat and public transport in cities), while France, Spain, Italy and Germany have impressive high-speed rail networks, particularly between major cities.

What about long haul? Further afield, some countries have made concerted efforts to include tourism in their sustainable development goals. Following decades of tree clearing for agriculture and livestock production, in the 1980s the Costa Rican government implemented policies that have halted and reversed this deforestation. Today, over half of Costa Rica’s land is covered by forest, compared to just 26% in 1983, allowing it to make the most of the biodiversity in its rainforests and pioneer the concept of ecotourism, developing small-scale, high-end eco lodges that have contributed to the conservation of its rainforests. Guyana, too, is developing community-based ecotourism to fund the protection of its rainforests. Lodges such as Iwokrama River Lodge , Rewa Eco-Lodge and Surama Eco-Lodge enable visitors to enjoy the country’s incredible biodiversity, while contributing to its conservation and to the livelihoods of remote communities.

Where can I look for more information? Richard Hammond is a sustainable travel expert and founder of Green Traveller and the author of The Green Traveller: Conscious Adventure That Doesn’t Cost the Earth (£18.99, Pavilion).

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A Complete Guide to Eco-Friendly Travel

By Katherine LaGrave

Being a responsible traveler sounds simple in theory: Just go green. Take care of the environment. But when it comes time to actually taking action, it can get a bit overwhelming. Where to start? And what to pack?

With this in mind, we’ve compiled 26 actually doable steps to be an eco-friendly traveler. Some—like ditching single-use plastics—will have an effect on the environment, while others—like bringing a journal—will help hold you accountable and contribute to a culture of awareness. Others will require you to spend more, but many cost nothing at all. Don’t sweat it if you can’t tackle all 26 on the next trip, or the next, or the next. Even a few small changes to your travel lifestyle will lead to a better trip for you and Mother Earth, whether you're heading to Senegal or Sweden .

A is for avoiding the buffet

Put down that spoonful of soggy eggs in the hotel buffet line and order à la carte instead. Though there have been improvements in recent years, buffets are still incredibly wasteful. The U.S. alone generates 63 million tons of food waste annually, with an estimated 40 percent of that from consumer-serving businesses like hotels and restaurants, reports the New York Times . Only 10 to 15 percent of that food can be donated or repurposed because of food safety regulations. It comes down to this: Hotels are worried about seeming like they don’t have enough food, so they overcompensate—and waste. By avoiding the buffet, you’re casting your vote—one bite at a time.

B is for bringing your own amenities

All those little toiletries tubes? Yep, they’re terrible for the environment because they generally aren't biodegradable, which is why you’ll see more and more hotels adopting containers secured to the wall instead of ones that are largely useless after one wash (hey, we’ve got a lot of hair). Bring your own shampoo, conditioner, and lotion in reusable bottles, and better yet, take the unused samples, donate them to your local homeless shelter, domestic violence shelter, or community non-profit. Then encourage the hotel to adopt more eco-friendly policies.

C is for choosing a green destination

Supporting places that are working to combat climate change and preserve their local ecosystems is a big step in protecting the planet. Just a few of these destinations? Slovenia , Portugal, Lake Tahoe, and Sani Isla, Ecuador, all of whom were singled out at the 2018 Sustainable Top 100 Destination Awards for their focus on going green, whether it be showing innovation in sustainable tourism (Portugal) or protecting their natural habitats (Sani Isla).

Overpacking has more consequences than just putting stress on your suitcase's zippers.

D is for dropping pounds

Packing efficiently for a flight not only helps you narrow down what you truly need, it also reduces an aircraft’s carbon emissions. To lighten your load, cut out clothes that aren’t multipurpose and get rid of paper weight by downloading books on an iPad or e-reader . The next time you feel that familiar urge to complain about baggage rules and fees, remember that the lighter the aircraft, the less fuel it burns. The airline matters, too: A 2017 study from the International Council on Clean Transportation shows that Alaska Airlines continues to be a fuel-efficient leader; Frontier, Spirit, Southwest, and Hawaiian rounded out the top five.

E is for employing e-tickets

Scan your smartphone, save a tree (not really, but almost).

F is for flicking off the lights

Sure, some bulbs are more affected by the number of times they’re switched on and off than by the length of time they’re left on, but a good rule of thumb is to turn off the lights you don’t need. Reducing energy use = decreasing power plant emissions = protecting the air = preventing climate change.

G is for getting by without a car

Using Uber Pool and Lyft Line to share a ride may make you feel a little better, but the reality is that cars in general are still not ideal: they pollute the environment, lead to congestion, and compete with public transportation for the affection of travelers. Public transportation is good; walking is even better.

H is for hitting up hotels

“Aside from air travel, properties have some of the greatest impact in terms of energy use, food, and being LEED-certified,” says Jim Sano, the World Wildlife Fund's vice president focused on tourism and conservation. Check a hotel’s website for a "Responsible Travel," "Environment," or "Good Stewards" section—if they’ve spent time, energy, and money to be low-impact, says Sano, they’ll likely have this information displayed. For a list of global vendors, destinations, and hotels that abide by certain sustainability standards, explore the database at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council . Here, too, are a few of our favorite eco-friendly resorts .

I is for Instagramming

Resist the urge to pick up your phone and geotag everywhere you go. Social science shows that traveling for the ‘gram is on the up and up, and that it’s changing how we “discover.” Consider Wyoming: Last year, the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board asked travelers to stop geotagging , saying the flood of visitors to little-known places meant that trails were being eroded. It also just means less engagement in the ways that actually count. “We want people to have a real connection to nature, not just a page with a pin on it,” Brian Modena, a tourism board member, told the New York Times .

J is for journaling

We’re not perfect, and it’s easy for travelers to want to splurge, to indulge, or to still visit Santorini , even as it struggles under the weight of overtourism . We get that. Bring a journal on your trip, both because it helps you remember things better , and because it helps hold you accountable to ways in which you could be more eco-friendly. (We’ve got a list of our top picks here , but journaling on a phone or tablet will save you paper.) Look back at your entry from the day before: What’s something you can do better today?

K is for keeping it local

Part of being responsible when you travel is making sure you’re not perpetuating any negative cycles. Eat in locally owned restaurants, and stay in locally owned lodges, hotels, and B&Bs. Buy locally made handicrafts and products that double as practical, everyday items, so you're not stuck with a dust-inducing souvenir you never use. Never buy crafts or gifts made from protected or endangered animals.

Heading out for the day from your hotel or Airbnb? Hit the lights before you leave.

L is for leaving no trace

Take a cue from leave-no-trace camping, where the goal is to have as little effect as possible on the destination: anything you carry into camp, you should carry out. Carry your own reusable bags, straws, utensils, and takeaway containers whenever you can, and you’ll be making a small but mighty change. “Although we all like to treat ourselves to bits and pieces before we travel, be aware that in many places recycling, or waste disposal full stop, is tricky. So leave packaging at home,” says Justin Francis, CEO of U.K.-based travel agency Responsible Travel .

M is for making sure you follow local recycling rules

Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you can—or should—skip on separating your plastics from your papers. Staying at a hotel? Ask about their recycling program. Talk to your Airbnb or vacation rental host, too, to see what local rules or best practices you need to follow.

N is for navigating responsibly

Remember those selfie-taking tourists who were wandering off of wooden walkways in Croatia’s Plitvice National Park and causing damage to the park’s waterfalls and forests? Or the woman who ignored signs to stay on trails and headed off to take a selfie with a crocodile in Thailand's Khao Yai National Park? If there’s a lesson here, it’s that selfies are so 2018, sure, but also that venturing off designated paths is dangerous for both you and the environment. There’s a reason trails exist where they do, after all.

O is for offsetting your impact

To find out how much carbon you “produce” on a trip, crunch the numbers and donate the monetary value to any number of organizations including Carbonfund.org and TerraPass . Some airlines even have a carbon offset option when booking your flight—any money donated will go toward reducing the emissions you're adding somewhere else. Plus, if you use Goodshop coupons to purchase anything from luggage to currency, a portion of what you spend can be donated back to an environmentally focused organization, like the Natural Resources Defense Council or Conservation International.

P is for putting up a fuss

Got a favorite airline? Grand. Are you a status member with that airline? Even better. Research their policies and be vocal about changes you'd like to see, whether it's ditching plastic on their flights or partnering with companies to offset their carbon. Same goes for hotels and tours of choice: by communicating with them that this is a priority for you, you're helping hold them accountable to more environmentally friendly options. In your correspondence, don't forget to mention other airlines or brands that are doing good things—nothing gets things moving like a little competition, after all.

Q is for quitting single-use plastics

Globally, almost 300 million tons of plastic are produced annually—half of which is single-use—and more than 8 million tons of that plastic are dumped into the ocean, according to the Plastic Oceans Foundation . Read up on countries and travel companies that have phased out single-use plastics , and think about how you can do so when you travel, by declining plastic straws, plastic coffee stirrers, plastic bags, and plastic cutlery.

R is for raising responsible travelers

Find opportunities to get younger members of your traveling pack involved where you can—perhaps it’s helping you sort recycling, or picking clothes they want to donate. Raising responsible travelers only helps the next generation, and the next—especially since they'll have to live on this planet long after you're gone.

Meredith Carey

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Jessica Puckett

Caitlin Morton

Chemicals in traditional sunscreen are credited with bleaching our coral reefs—so swap in a reef-safe option on your next beach vacation.

S is for slapping on safe sunscreen

In July 2018, Hawaii became the first U.S. state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been found to increase coral bleaching . Make sure you’re slathered up with the good stuff, no matter where you're traveling: here’s a list of reef-safe sunscreens that we love .

T is for touring smartly

Choose companies that utilize the best environmental practices—even if it takes work, or added expense. “You’re paying for people who live and breathe this space and have thought about how they're going to do it in a way that has the least amount of impact,” says Sano. Doing so can also strengthen local communities: "Many of the tour operators who are best in class make an effort to leave a fair chunk of the money that travelers pay in-country—upwards of 60 percent.” Utilize a trusted travel specialist to help you sort the details.

U is for using that same towel again (and again)

We know, we know—this is a hot topic (so hot we’ve debated it ). But when it comes to what’s better for the environment, there’s no question that using the same hotel towel throughout your stay is the right choice: Laundry generally accounts for 16 percent of a hotel's water bill, according to Circle of Blue , which reports on water issues around the world.

V is for vowing to protect the destination

In 2017, Palau made history when it began requiring tourists to sign a stamped pledge at immigration that reads, "I take this pledge as your guest, to protect and preserve your beautiful island home. I vow to tread lightly, act kindly and explore mindfully.” Iceland, too, has an unofficial "oath" for tourists, as does New Zealand .

W is for welcoming the right kind of water bottles

We’ve already established that single-use plastics are terrible for the environment. If that doesn’t get you, consider that the average price of a water bottle at an airport is around $5—and that’s $5 you could have spent on Auntie Anne’s, we say. Here’s our list of the best water bottles to help you stay hydrated while traveling , from silicone glass-covered ones to insulated stainless steel tumblers.

X is for x-factoring

Francis of Responsible Travel says that the best thing you can do for a destination depends on, well, that destination. Research where you’re going, and see what part of your trip you can change to help—we’ll call this the X-factor. An example? “Using water sparingly in areas that experience droughts , or if you are going to see wildlife, then make sure this is done responsibly where the wildlife is put first, not the tourist,” he says.

Y is for yielding with a fuel-efficient car

Ok, ok. Say you skipped over “G” and have to have a car. So do Mother Earth a solid and reserve one of these fuel-efficient options , won’t you?

Z is for zooming out

When planning your next trip, look at the big picture, says Samantha Bray, Managing Director of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) . “One of the biggest misconceptions is that traveling responsibly somehow puts a damper on your trip or is difficult. I would argue that the opposite is true. Traveling responsibly doesn’t mean giving something up. It means appreciating the place you are visiting and acting in a way that ensures it is taken care of for the community that lives there and future generations.”

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How to Travel More Sustainably

Don’t skimp on doing your own research, and be aware that ‘green’ certificates aren’t always all they’re cracked up to be.

Credit... Gabriel Alcala

Supported by

By Paige McClanahan

• April 22, 2021

So you’re vaccinated and eager to — finally — plan a real summer vacation after a rough year, but you don’t want to add to the problems you might have read about: overcrowding, climate change, unfair working conditions in the tourism industry. What’s a thoughtful traveler to do?

For those who want to travel responsibly, it comes down to this: You, the traveler, have to do your homework.

Looking for a hotel or tour operator that has earned a sustainability label might seem like a good place to start, but the reality isn’t so simple. There are around 180 certification labels floating around in the tourism industry, each purporting to certify the green credentials of a hotel, restaurant, tour operator or even a destination. And while some of those labels are well enforced, others might better be described as greenwashing — when a company portrays itself as an environmental steward, but its actions don’t match the hype.

“The range is enormous — from rigorous, impartial and excellent to, frankly, poor,” said Randy Durband, the chief executive of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council , a nonprofit organization that establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel. “We strongly believe in the value of third-party certification, when it’s done right,” Mr. Durband added. “But the way the word ‘certification’ is used in tourism is out of control.”

Still, while the labels might be all over the map, many businesses are waking up to the importance of improving their environmental and social performance, said Andrea Nicholas, the chief executive of Green Tourism , an Edinburgh-based certification body with more than 2,500 members. The pandemic has brought the concept of sustainable tourism forward by five to 10 years, she said. Before, she added, many businesses saw sustainability as an “add-on.”

“What we’re seeing now, from the interest we’re getting, is that it’s a must-have,” she said.

There are some promising signs that consumers, too, are waking up to the consequences of their vacations. More than two-thirds of respondents to a recent seven-country global survey for American Express Travel said that they “are trying to be more aware of sustainability-friendly travel brands to support.” Another poll, this one for the digital travel company Booking.com, found that 69 percent of the more than 20,000 respondents “expect the travel industry to offer more sustainable travel options.”

What does “sustainable travel” mean, anyway?

Given the diversity of destinations and contexts that a traveler might encounter, there’s no universal answer to what sustainable travel means. A hotel’s water efficiency is a lot more important along Spain’s dry Mediterranean coastline than in rain-soaked western Scotland, for instance.

But experts say that the concept is about a lot more than just reusing the towels in your hotel room or buying a carbon offset for your flight, although those are good places to start.

Sustainability is also about the wages and working conditions of the people who are waiting tables on your cruise ship or schlepping your bag up a trail; it’s about the additional pressure you might be putting on an already-crowded city , heritage site or natural area ; it’s about whether your hotel buys its produce from a farm down the road or from a supplier on the other side of the world, or whether the money you spend goes into the community you’re visiting — or into the distant account of a multinational.

“What you need to do is marry the corporate social responsibility with an informed tourist consumer who knows what they’re asking for, and then demands it,” said Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, an adjunct senior lecturer in tourism at the University of South Australia. She listed some questions that travelers should ask themselves before they take their next trip: How can I travel in an off-peak time? How can I go to places that aren’t overcrowded? How can I ensure that the money I spend ends up in the local economy?

Johannah Christensen, a nonprofit executive and longtime concerned traveler, says that she always looks for some sort of reliable certification when she books a block of hotel rooms for an annual professional event. The Green Key label — a certification program that is headquartered in Copenhagen, where Ms. Christensen lives — is one that she has used in the past, but she is always sure to do some digging on her own. (This 2016 guide to some of the major tourism certifications can be a good starting point.)

“You can look for those green check marks, but understand what’s implied in them,” she said. “What does the hotel actually have to do to earn it? Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

How to do your homework

Asking questions — both while you’re traveling and, more important, before you book — is one of the most powerful things that travelers can do, said Gregory Miller, the executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Responsible Travel . He recommends people start by looking closely at the websites of the tour operators, hotels and destinations that they’re considering. If they don’t find any language about sustainability, “that should be a flag,” he said.

Beyond that, he suggests that travelers check his organization’s list of responsible travel tips , which include recommendations like hiring local guides, asking permission before taking photos of people, staying on designated trails in natural areas and thinking twice about handing out money to children. While they’re traveling, Dr. Miller said, people shouldn’t be afraid to ask difficult questions of their service providers, or to call out waste or abuse when they see it — whether directly to a manager or in an online review.

“Certification can be a tool in the toolbox, but don’t be limited by that,” Dr. Miller said. “It’s about choices, and travelers do have the choice.”

Susanne Etti, the environmental impact specialist at Intrepid Travel , a global tour operator based in Australia, had other tips for travelers. She said they could start by checking the list of the more than 230 travel organizations that have joined the Tourism Declares initiative, members of which have pledged to publish a climate action plan and cut their carbon emissions.

Another reliable indicator, she said, is whether a company has been classified as a “B Corporation” — a rigorous sustainability standard that’s not limited to the tourism industry. Her company, Intrepid, has achieved the distinction, as have the apparel company Patagonia and ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s. The B Corporation website lists some three dozen companies in the “travel and leisure” sector — from a paddle sports company in Hawaii to an Ecuadorean tour bus operator. A number of other tourism businesses are listed under “hospitality,” including Taos Ski Valley and Orlando-based Legacy Vacation Resorts.

Dr. Etti also shared some of the advice that she follows in her own travels. “When you fly, make it count,” she said, adding that, before the pandemic, when she would travel from her current home in Australia to her native Germany, she would do the long-haul flight, but then choose trains or other less-polluting ways to get around Europe, even when cheap short-haul flights were readily available.

Dr. Etti also recommended that travelers learn to slow down. “Stay in one location longer,” she said, “to really understand how life works in that community.”

Rethinking what travel means

Many travelers also need a shift in mind-set, said Dominique Callimanopulos, the head of Elevate Destinations , an international tour operator based in Massachusetts that has won a number of awards for its commitment to sustainability. People should learn to see their travels as an opportunity for exchange with a host community rather than a simple consumer transaction. Ms. Callimanopulos said that even her sustainability-inclined clientele rarely do their homework: She has received more questions about the availability of hair dryers than about the company’s environmental or social practices.

“People can make a shift from thinking just about what their personal experience is going to be to looking at the impact of their experience on the ground, on the destination and on the community,” she said.

Lindblad Expeditions , which operates adventure cruises in destinations like Alaska, the Antarctic and the South Pacific, has also won awards for its approach to sustainability and for giving back to the communities it visits. Sven-Olof Lindblad, the company’s chief executive, said that he continues to see people spending up to $40,000 on an Antarctic cruise without doing any research on the practices of the company offering the trip.

“You wouldn’t just buy a car from an ad without understanding what it was and how it compared,” he said. “I’m absolutely amazed at how little diligence people sometimes do in relationship to travel.”

Mr. Lindblad recommended that, in addition to doing their own research, travelers could speak to a travel adviser or travel agent who can help them dig for answers that might not be readily available on a company’s website.

“When people choose to travel, they should really understand what they’re getting into,” he said, “because there’s a lot of smoke and mirrors in this business.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2021 .

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14 sustainable travel companies you can feel good about booking with

Do some good while seeing the world when you book with these ethical and sustainable travel companies

While we don’t want to labour on the negatives, you don’t need to be an expert or activist to understand that we are in a climate pinch. It seems a little contradictory to fear for the future while excitedly encouraging international travel, but we humans are an innovative bunch. Exploring the globe doesn’t need to be devastating, and being a responsible traveller doesn’t mean lectures and negativity. Whether you call it eco-travel, sustainable, ethical, regenerative or eco-travel, there is plenty to get excited about.

An increasing number of sustainable travel companies are creating itineraries that allow curious minds to see the world while keeping the impact down. The experiences are awe-inspiring, from hiking remote mountaintops to embracing the world’s most impressive national parks, allowing visitors to engage with destinations in a way that extends far beyond the superficial. If you’re looking for an ethical and environmentally driven travel company for your next adventure, look no further.

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Sustainable travel companies

1.  Byway Travel

In an ambitious mission statement, UK travel platform Byway declares that its goal is to make flight-free holidays a mainstream holiday choice. Their way of doing so? By helping people discover the beauty of slow, overland travel across the British Isles and Europe . Founder and CEO Cat Jones launched the now B Corporation-certified company during the first Covid lockdown, determined to find a way to reduce flight emissions. Her explanation was simple: If we continue on the current trajectory, emissions from flying are due to triple by 2050. 

2.  Gondwana Ecotours

Named after the ancient supercontinent that gradually split to become the land masses we recognize today, Gondwana Ecotours says its mission is to bring people from different continents closer together, one trip at a time. The New Orleans -based company specializes in small group and private tours that take on exhilarating experiences around the globe, such as gorilla trekking in Rwanda and eco-adventures in Patagonia and Mendoza.

A key component of Gondwana is its network of guides who live in the communities visited, adding personal knowledge, depth and authenticity to the experience while providing tourism-generated income. The company is also committed to limiting its carbon footprint through sustainable travel practices and is recognized for offsetting more than 580 tons of carbon emissions. Since 2021, its tours have been 100-percent carbon-neutral, as certified by the Cooler emissions tracking organization.

3.  Intrepid Travel

Australian-owned Intrepid has always been forthright in declaring its commitment to ethical and responsible practices. In 2018, it became one of the first global travel operators to be B Corporation-certified. Since 2010, it has been operating as the world’s largest carbon-neutral company, carefully measuring and offsetting all unavoidable carbon emissions for 13 years. 

Their trips are just as impressive. From 15-day expeditions traversing the extraordinary gorges and remote villages of northern Pakistan’s Hunza Valley to nine-day itineraries centred around baby gorilla naming ceremonies in Rwanda’s spectacular Volcanoes National Park, Intrepid offer true bucket list travel adventures suited to guests of all interests and abilities. In 2020, as a part of the Tourism Declares A Climate Emergency initiative, the company published a seven-point climate commitment plan – revealing its intention to transition to 100% renewable energy use in offices by 2025 and on all trips by 2030.

4.  Experience Travel Group

Operating on the belief that ‘travel should be about reciprocation’, Asia travel specialist Experience Travel Group holds responsible travel at its core, enabling guests to interact with the community and experience real cultural immersion on every trip. Another B Corporation-certified company, the team is dedicated to creating experiences that divert away from trendy hubs and big hotels. Instead, they build personalised itineraries with initiatives to give back to the community included in the package. 

On adventures in Indonesia , Laos, Cambodia , Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam , for example, guests can enjoy delicious local dishes at ‘social enterprise’ restaurants that support vulnerable young people through job training and employment. In Cambodia, a trip to the Phare Circus in Siem Reap sends funds directly to a performing arts school for underprivileged children in nearby Battambang. A three-day hike along sections of Sri Lanka ’s Pekoe Trail follows the old horse and cart routes that carried tea to the ports, bringing vital income to little-visited communities. 

5.  Seacology

In 1990, American ethnobotanist Dr Paul Cox was conducting forest research in Samoa when village leaders told him 30,000 acres of pristine rainforest were about to be logged due to a government decree to fund a school. Cox was horrified and quickly devised a proposal to raise the needed money to conserve the forest in perpetuity. His plan worked and has come to define the Seacology model: Provide material benefits to villages that pledge to protect their natural resources.

Today, Seacology offers unique ecotourism adventures throughout the world’s islands, where travelers visit active projects, interact with local people and are part of the formula that helps conserve both habitats and communities. Seacology guests also explore intriguing island environments, from the coral reefs of  Fiji to the rainforests of Borneo, while staying at well-appointed resorts and visiting important cultural sites. With all this tropical splendour, expect plenty of opportunities to scuba dive, snorkel, hike and kayak.

6.  Discover Corps

Discover Corps is the leader in the rapidly growing field of 'volunteer vacations' focusing on children, schools, animals and wildlife conservation. Yes, 'voluntourism' has often become a buzzword to cash in on thinly veiled claims, earning criticism and scrutiny over the years. However, Discover Corps operates with complete transparency and has become something of a gold standard for the model.

Trip itineraries are designed to connect travellers to local communities and provide a deeper understanding of the culture, issues, and ways of life in locations around the world. Many projects are in Africa , Asia , and Latin America and can range from caring for elephants in Thailand to helping to protect the animals in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park region.

7.  ROW Adventures

From its beginnings as a whitewater rafting company in the US's Pacific Northwest, ROW Adventures has evolved into an adventure travel company that advocates the transformative nature of human-powered experiences. According to ROW, connecting people with nature results in positive impacts, and the company adheres to conducting business in an inclusive and sustainable way while promoting social equity, environmental stewardship and accountability. Human-powered activities allow participants to fully observe the surroundings, whether white water rafting in Idaho's Salmon River, sea kayaking the orcas in Canada, or trekking across Machu Picchu.

ROW also recognizes that travel is a large contributor to the world’s carbon footprint and subsequently mitigates the impact by offsetting carbon-producing activities whenever possible. At the same time, trips also educate guests to be advocates for locations visited, with special recognition given to the awareness of Indigenous communities and honouring their legacies, lives and connections to the land.

8.  Natural Habitat Adventures

Conservation through exploration is the credo of Natural Habitat Adventures , the official travel partner of the World Wildlife Fund. Nat Hab, as it’s called, is committed to environmentally friendly nature travel, stressing that its travellers become a force for change in addressing the planet's most pressing conservation challenges. Polar bear tours in the Canadian Arctic , African safaris and South American nature tours are examples of the company’s itineraries where tourism dollars become an influential incentive for communities to protect their natural resources.

Nat Hab also acknowledges that its 8,000 annual travellers on all seven continents expend plenty of CO2. To mitigate travel’s carbon output, the company leans into offsetting measures. From 2007 to 2019, Nat Hab offset 49,418 tons of carbon dioxide and has become the world's first 100-percent carbon-neutral travel company. They’ve also provided more than $4.5 million to support WWF’s global conservation efforts and continue to give one-percent of gross sales plus $150,000 annually in support of WWF’s global mission. 

9.  Cheeseman's Ecological Safaris

Ecology safaris catering to wildlife enthusiasts looking for an in-depth nature experience is what husband-and-wife founders Doug and Gail Cheeseman envisioned when they started their namesake company in 1980. Doug, a college zoology and ecology professor, and Gail, a naturalist, turned their passion for nature into a travel company focusing on comprehensive wildlife tours all over the globe. Working with local guides and wildlife researchers, tours are designed for hardcore animal lovers who are obsessed with travel and enjoy learning about the animals they encounter.

For example, Cheeseman’s  Palau National Marine Reserve diving trip in the western Pacific Ocean offers 12 days of snorkelling, paddling, sailing and diving among the awe-inspiring tropical islands in the region.

10.  Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions co-founders Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell took the first group of commercial travellers to the North Pole in 1991, completing the first-ever tourism transit of the Northeast Passage. That inaugural expedition proved a game-changer and positioned the company at the forefront of polar explorations. In the three decades since, its polar travellers have visited remote parts of the Arctic and Antarctic. 

With the Earth’s polar regions threatened by climate change, Quark is committed to raising awareness of these delicate ecosystems through environmentally responsible tourism. A facet of that commitment is the company’s Polar Promise to reduce its footprint and work with other industry leaders, as well as guests, to address the complex and challenging issues facing the regions. Coordinating with a global network of scientists, community leaders and sustainability innovators, the company plans to contribute a minimum of $500,000 each year in support of key environmental initiatives and sustainable development projects.

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Sustainable travel: 6 simple tips to make a positive impact on your next trip

Apr 6, 2022 • 6 min read

Bring reusable bags for shopping © Imgorthand / Getty Images

Sustainable travel is about making smarter choices in every aspect of the trip. It starts at the beginning, when booking transport and accommodation, and comes into play when seeking out local experiences and being conscious of where you're investing your tourist dollars.

But that doesn't mean you need to totally overhaul your vacation. We've put together a list of practical tips that will help you along the way, even if you're just getting started on your sustainable travel journey. 

1. Travel off-peak or off-beat

In recent years, the global phenomenon of overtourism has begun straining infrastructure and ecosystems, and pricing locals out of communities. For a time it appeared that this trend wasn't slowing down, but then the  pandemic hit and holiday hotspots suddenly went from overtourism to no tourism.

As travel rebounds, many people are rethinking how they explore. Taking the road less traveled and visiting under-the-radar spots to avoid crowds is one way to be responsible.

But if you can't resist the lure of the big tourist districts, Justin Francis, CEO of activist travel company Responsible Travel , says you should travel off-peak . "If you really want to see the canals of Venice , or La Sagrada Familia of Barcelona , then consider traveling outside of summer or school holiday," he advises. "There will be far fewer people around, and the money you spend will help businesses that can struggle outside peak season."

The Points Guy:  Carbon offsetting: How to calculate your carbon footprint when you travel

2. Go by road or rail

Trains, planes and automobiles. Which one is best? Air travel is the natural enemy of sustainable travel because it wreaks havoc on the environment. The Swedes have even coined a new phrase, ' flygskam’ or ‘flight shame,’ to refer to the feeling of environmental guilt travelers have over flying. Unfortunately though, sometimes flying is non-negotiable. If you live in New York and need to visit Shanghai , you're not going to take the slow boat to China . So the best solution is to fly less.

9 best sleeper train journeys to take in Europe in 2022

"Instead of taking three or four short city breaks by air each year, aim to take one, longer trip by plane and a few ‘staycations’ or trips where you go by road or rail," recommends Francis. He notes that travelers should always choose economy class (as first class can have a much higher carbon footprint ) and fly direct where possible. "You can also look into which airlines have the lowest emissions per passenger mile . And wherever you can, travel overland in a destination instead of taking domestic flights."

I'm a Lonely Planet writer and I gave up flying. Here's what happened

3. Opt for eco-conscious accommodation

Eco-conscious accommodation has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, thanks to changing attitudes among consumers. Now the industry knows what's good for the planet is good for profit and hotels are starting to rack up serious eco-credentials. There are CO2-neutral stays on offer in places like The Brando in Tahiti, the Olakira Camp in the Serengeti , Vienna's Boutiquehotel Stadthalle and Hotel Kong Arthur in Copenhagen , part of Arthur Hotels, which was the world's first carbon-neutral hotel group. You can even try Zero Island, a tourist-friendly island in Sweden that managed to go carbon neutral in one year.

When it comes to plastic waste, the Angama Mara in Kenya follows a strict plastic-free policy and EDITION Hotels launched the "Stay Plastic Free" campaign to remove single-use plastics from the hospitality industry. Companies are also giving back, like AccorHotels who are financing smart-tree planting schemes for local farms. In 2016, the international hotel group planted nearly 17,000 trees in the UK as part of its global Plant for the Planet program, financed by the £233,000 saved by guests reusing towels rather than sending them to the laundry.

16 stunning eco-hotels for the environmentally conscious traveler

4. Pack reusable items

The best way to reduce your waste output is to produce less. Vicky Ellmore from Reusable Nation says pack light and purposeful. "Stick to the basics and take reusables like a water bottle, coffee cup, steel or bamboo straw, food container (collapsible ones are great for traveling) and bamboo cutlery or a spork so you can avoid single-use plastics," she advises. "Take a reusable shopping bag and produce bags so you can shop plastic-free, and take zero waste toiletries, such as shampoo bars, deodorant paste and tooth tablets. You'll create a lot less waste and you won't have to worry about liquids and aerosols."

Bea Johnson, the author of Zero Waste Home recommends repurposing everyday items you use at home for vacation use. "I bring my own earbuds and a peshtemal, which I use as a towel at the beach, a picnic blanket in a park or a scarf when it gets cold, but also a blanket on the plane, so I don't have to use those provided by the airlines which are wrapped in plastic."

Innovative sustainable tourism attractions around the world

5. Spend your money locally

If you choose locally-owned accommodation, eat at independent restaurants, buy locally made products and choose local experiences you can make a positive impact. Travel social enterprises such as I Like Local use tourist dollars to create sustainable incomes for local guides and hosts in 19 countries across Asia and Africa . Founder Sanne Meijboom tells Lonely Planet, "As many local people in Asia and Africa are not benefiting from tourism in their country and more travelers are looking for authentic travel experiences, we connect the dots. A traveler like you can join local life and the local person earns 100% of the money he asks for the experience."

Colombian tour company Impulse also has a social enterprise mission and harnesses the power of tourism to generate a market-driven peace movement. "We do this by creating experiences travelers love and which actively involve local communities thriving for peace in the business. This generates economic and cultural empowerment that supports social transformation and helps break material and psychological poverty cycles within the communities," says Impulse's Nikola Kelch. "Our passion is to help communities get back on their feet, one tour at a time."

6. Choose your animal experiences carefully

Even 'harmless' selfies can be threatening to wildlife. According to the charity World Animal Protection (WPA), animals in the Amazon “are being torn from the wild so tourists can take selfies for Instagram and other social media”.

How to be a responsible wildlife tourist

Animals shouldn't be used for human entertainment and they need to live as free from human interference as possible. If you are keen to see wild animals in their natural habitat, choose places that offer ethical and sustainable animal interactions such as elephant sanctuaries and marine conservation volunteer projects. Elephant rides should always be given a miss and avoid all experiences where animals are behaving unnaturally.

The best way to travel sustainably is to be more mindful. As Responsible Travel's Justin Francis sums it up, "There is just one key point to keep in mind: respect the fact that you’re holidaying in someone else’s home, and think about how you can make a positive impact while you’re there."

7 easy tips for eco-friendly travel on a budget

You might also like: 'Why travelers need to rethink their attitude to travel' Into the green: eight destinations for an eco-friendly escape You can be a part of worldwide coral regeneration schemes – here's how

This article was first published June 2019 and updated April 2022

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The Ultimate Guide to Green Travel — Includes 50 Green Travel Tips

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

775 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3120 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

What is Green Travel?

When you get there, staying there, get packing, save energy while you are there, back at home, explore sustainably, top 10 eco-friendly tour operators, top 10 best eco-friendly hotels in the u.s., top 10 best eco-friendly hotels abroad, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Becoming a green traveler can make a massive difference to the way you see the world, and the impact you have when traveling through it. Even small and subtle adjustments can reduce your footprint and help protect the environments we travel to.

There are many definitions of green travel that also overlap with sustainable travel, responsible travel, and eco-tourism. Whatever you want to call it, it is essentially traveling responsibly while taking into consideration your environmental, social, and economic impact. It is also the art of traveling sustainability every time you embark on a new adventure.

Hot Tip: The simplest way for travelers to remember to travel green is through the mantra “reduce, reuse, and recycle.”

50 Green Travel Tips

There are many small changes that you can make to your travel plans that can make a big difference overall. Here are 50 of them, just to get you going.

As obvious as this may seem, swapping air travel for more carbon-neutral transportation such as the train is the single easiest way to go green if you can. While this may not be feasible for trips abroad, this may well be an option for domestic travel.

Fly From Green Airports

If you have to fly, try and make your flight plans based on where you fly from and through. If you can choose more eco-conscious airports along the way, then so much the better. Denver and Boston are 2 of the most environmentally friendly airports in the U.S .

Don’t Drive to the Airport

Where possible, always make public transport your first choice when getting to and from the airport. Choose buses, metros, subways, or even car-sharing if you can. These are cheaper, easier, and much greener.

Choose a Fuel-Efficient Airline

Not all airlines are as fuel-efficient as they could be. Frontier, Spirit, and Southwest are the 3 most fuel-efficient airlines in the U.S. , and American, Hawaiian, and JetBlue are the least efficient. For transatlantic flights, Norwegian is ranked the best, and British Airways is the worst.

Choose a Fuel-Efficient Aircraft

Although not always possible, see if you can find an airline that will take you where you want to go on either an Airbus A350-900 or a Boeing 787-9 — 2 of the most fuel-efficient planes available .

If 25% of a flight’s total emissions happen during takeoff and landing, the less often you have to take to the skies and land back on earth, the better. Flying direct is more time-efficient, too!

Fly Coach Sometimes

Coach class offers a more sustainable way to fly for a number of reasons. First-class seats take up a ton of space and add more weight, and their passengers require more staff than those sitting in economy.

Travel Lightly

The more weight there is on a plane, the more fuel consumption that is required. Pack like a minimalist pro, and help to reduce your carbon footprint.

Offset Your Carbon

You can donate money to carbon offsetting programs that fund environmental projects that work towards absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, such as planting trees. Some airlines already offer programs you can donate to, or you can choose your own. 3 options are:

• Climate Action Reserve
• Gold Standard

Getting Around on the Ground

When you reach your destination, switch renting a car and taxis for public transportation or car-sharing, and if you are staying somewhere central, get ready to walk or cycle instead.

Take the Train

If you are in Europe, America, Australia, India, China, Southeast Asia, or any other large landmass, chances are the rail services will be excellent. Train travel offers low emissions, affordable fares, and a great way to see the country as you jump on the “slow travel” trend bandwagon.

Book an Eco-Tour

Eco-tourism in on the rise and if you want to visit some of the remote, protected places in the world, an eco-tour is a great alternative to commercial mass tourism and offers far more socially responsible travel options.

Use an Eco-Friendly Car

If you really do need to rent a car when you get there, look for an eco-friendly alternative to a gas-guzzling SUV or RV. Avoid renting a car that is bigger than what you need to help reduce your carbon footprint.

Choose a Carbon-Neutral Hotel

When booking your stay, look for a hotel that follows the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) guidelines and focuses on cutting down emissions by using low energy light bulbs and linen reuse programs, among other initiatives.

Look for Global Certification, Too

If you are traveling outside of the U.S., look for local eco-friendly initiatives such as EarthCheck (Australia), Green Globe, Rainforest Alliance (Latin America, Caribbean), and the Green Tourism Business Scheme (U.K.).

Ask About Recycling

Your hotel should be happy to tell you what, if any, programs they have in place to handle their recycling needs. If you think they are lacking, let them know via the guestbook or suggestion box.

Go Car-Free

Many eco-friendly hotels will provide their guests with free use of bicycles to get around or will offer car-sharing or shuttle services to negate the need for you to use your car at all.

Check out the Menu

Locally-sourced, freshly-produced organic fare is not only better for the world around you, but it also tastes better, too. Win, win!

Hire an Adventure Concierge

If you want to experience a really out-there adventure, do it responsibly by booking the services of an adventure concierge to show you how to reconnect with the great outdoors as consciously as possible.

Work With the Community

While you may not want to roll your sleeves up on vacation, make sure that the place you stay and the services you use do. Always look for hotels that utilize local resources to ensure their investment in the local economy. You might even consider volunteering abroad, too.

Use Soap Instead of Shower Gels

Soap bars may seem a little old fashioned, but they are more compact to carry with you, are not wrapped in plastic, and last a lot longer than your average bottle of shower gel.

Use a Shampoo Bar

Again, not being squeezed out of a plastic bottle makes shampoo bars an instantly better choice. Plus, they take up very little room in your toiletry bag and are often made from entirely natural ingredients.

Go for Bamboo Dental Products

Plastic toothbrushes, picks, and sticks are a no-no! Switch to full compostable bamboo brushes and toothpicks instead.

Buy Organic Towels

An organic cotton or bamboo towel is a must-have for any serious adventurer. Not only are these natural materials better for the environment, but they are also lightweight to carry, dry quickly, and can be used as a blanket, too.

Take a Marine-Safe Sunscreen

Sunscreen is important, but try to purchase a product that is formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, as these 2 chemicals are toxic to coral reefs and other marine life.

Pack a Cloth Bag

Never leave home without one. These cloth bags are easy to fold away in your luggage and can be used on the beach, at the store, or even to carry your picnic in. Choose 1 made from sustainable organic cotton or hemp where possible.

Take Reusable Straws

If you must use straws when drinking, make sure you are not using plastic ones. Paper straws are quick and easy or invest in your own set of stainless steel ones to take with you.

Pack a Zero-Waste Picnic Set

If you are likely to be taking your own food with you often, pack a reusable lunch bag and bamboo cutlery. This will help you to stay away from the dreaded single-use plastics.

Take a Reusable Water Bottle

You will probably want this for the journey anyway, but always be sure to take your own BPA-free water bottle that you can refill.

Save Water While You Are There

Always opt for showers over baths, as the humble shower uses only a fraction of the amount of water that a soak in the tub does. Don’t spend too long in there, either.

Switch off the Water When Not Using It

Lather up in the shower, shave, or shampoo your hair with the water turned off, and always turn off the faucet while you are brushing your teeth.

Wash Your Own Clothes

If you need to, wash your clothes in your hotel room and hang them up to dry. You can take laundry soap bars with you to ensure that they are truly clean.

Hang Your Towels

If you leave wet towels on the floor, the maid will take them away for washing, whether they are dirty or not. Hang them up and reuse them for a few days to save water and energy.

Use a Menstrual Cup

These innovative cups offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional sanitary solutions. Easy to use, compact, and incredibly clever, you will want to use this back at home, too.

Rather than showering off every time you are hot, take a dip in the pool or ocean instead. It will cool you down, and you can shower it all off later.

Report Leaks

If your hotel shower is leaking, or the taps don’t turn off, tell the front desk. They could be wasting water without even knowing it.

Turn off When You Leave

Every time you leave your room, be sure to turn off any air conditioning or heating units, all the lights, and the television.

Close the Curtains

Drawing the curtains or pulling down the blinds can help to keep out the heat of the sun, and keep the room warm in winter.

Leave the “Do Not Disturb” Sign-On

Your room doesn’t need cleaning every day, and by leaving the sign up, the staff won’t even try. This means less use of chemical cleaning agents and unnecessary energy.

Ditch the Car

Walk, ride a bike, or take public transport to cut down on gas usage.

Unplug Appliances at Home

Every type of appliance consumes energy even when it’s not switched on or on standby. Turn off all of your energy-draining appliances before you leave.

Turn Down Your Water Heater

Turn your water heater to its lowest or “vacation” setting to keep it saving energy while you are away. Modern fridges and freezers sometimes have eco settings, too.

Use a Timer

Make your house look occupied without wasting energy by plugging your lights into a timer. If you don’t have any smart home technology, a mechanical plug timer will do just fine.

Stick to the Trails

Stay on marked paths and trails when out adventuring to avoid harming native flora and fauna, or worrying wildlife that you may be unfamiliar with.

Avoid Wildlife Encounters

Elephant rides, tiger encounters, and other wild animal attractions are often unregulated and could lead to you accidentally supporting the mistreatment of animals. Only ever book encounters that are ethical and support wildlife conservation.

Respect Animals in the Wild

Never get too close to wild animals who could feel threatened or scared. They may attack you out of fear, which is not a good situation for either you or them.

Never Stand on Coral

Coral is very delicate — touching it or standing on it can cause irreparable damage. If you do any diving or snorkeling tours where guides are damaging the coral, leave reviews online so that others know to avoid them.

Do Your Research

Examine your route, check the weather forecast, and have a plan in place. If you get lost or put yourself in unnecessary danger, you may need a ranger rescue, which is a drain of public resources.

Know Where It Is You Are Going

Learn a bit about local customs, or a phrase or 2 in the local language, and always remain courteous at all times. When you are a guest in another town, city, or country, you will enjoy the experience so much more if you are able to really immerse yourself in the local culture.

See How You Can Help

From picking up litter while out hiking to taking on a volunteer project, there are always ways to show your concern for the world around you. Research before you leave or ask what you can do when you get there.

If you would like to have a professional tour operator plan your perfect trip, or are interested in getting more involved with local communities, there are many specialist companies out there that will help you do that.

Eco-friendly tour operators will help you to broaden your horizons while at the same time reducing your footprint. Here are 10 of the very best.

G Adventures

Founded in 1990, G Adventures was set up to offer authentic, sustainable travel experiences, the likes of which had never been seen before. Offering inventive alternatives to cruises and resort hotels, G Adventures can help travelers to find tailor-made and authentic life-changing adventures to perfectly suit their needs.

Intrepid Travel

Since 1988, the team at Intrepid Travel has been offering small group adventures all around the world and is now one of the biggest and most trusted tour operators in its field. Committed to making a real difference by investing in local communities, wildlife conservation, and the environment, travelers get to see the world and make new friends, while at the same time making a real difference.

Blue Ventures

Operating for over a decade now, Blue Ventures is a science-led social enterprise that helps to nurture and sustain locally-led marine conservation projects. Rebuilding fishing communities in places where the ocean is vital to the culture and economy, travelers can volunteer to join Blue Ventures’ responsible initiatives across the world.

Offering small group adventure holidays since 1981, Explore! is committed to offering authentic, localized experiences while leaving as light a footprint on the world as possible. From stopping elephant rides to offsetting CO 2 emissions, the travel operator works with both local and global initiatives to help make the world a better place for everyone.

Mosaic Adventure

Since 2009 Mosaic Adventures has been offering fully specialized trekking itineraries, adventures, and cultural trips in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. Its eco-conscious, small group tours tread lightly while taking a lucky few travelers into some of the most remote areas of the Himalayan peaks and beyond.

Since its first trip in 1979, Backroads has been doing everything it can to make its 2-wheel trips as positively impactful as possible.

It is involved in community projects, buys locally grown products, and practices the principles of Leave No Trace (pack it in, pack it out). It does this for all of its bike tours, walking tours, safaris, cruises, and yoga breaks that demonstrate its commitment to providing responsible travel opportunities.

Covering 80 destinations worldwide, Peregrine supports local economies by working with tour leaders from the regions it visits, sourcing local produce, and carbon offsetting every trip. Travelers can enjoy small group tours in some of the most remote corners of the world while knowing that the travel company they have chosen offers responsible travel solutions. Peregrine also advocates for child protection and animal rights in the tourism industry.

Wildland Adventures

Wildland Adventures was founded on the principle that environmentally responsible travel can be a powerful force for change, and its ethos remains the same to this day. Offering small luxury tours to a wide range of remote destinations, the tour operator supports the affiliate program The Travelers Conservation Trust (TCT) that allows travelers to support local initiatives and small-scale community development projects.

Lindbald Expeditions

The historical legacy of Lindblad Expeditions was to bring travelers to some of the most exotic parts of the world, including Antarctica, Galápagos , Easter Island, and the Amazon, while allowing travelers to experience authentic local cultures. The founders also continue to look for ways for the company to help preserve natural resources as well as getting involved in conservation efforts.

Elevate Destinations

As a provider of custom-designed, eco-luxury adventures and safaris, Elevate Destinations  combine upscale tourism with support for local communities and conservation. Offering travelers the chance to embark on their very own ecologically sound adventures, Elevate trips allow explorers to experience and fully understand remote and protected areas.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly hotel for some domestic travel, look no further than these great hotels.

Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito, California

This beautiful hotel housed in a historic building focuses not just on sustainability but also on restoration and preservation as well. With a LEED Gold certification, this stunning traditional home-style hotel works with local suppliers to recycle materials and provide sustainable solutions in a stunning location overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.

Guests will love the well-appointed bedrooms that offer sensors and timers for energy-efficient fixtures and fittings, as well as natural cooling systems and in-room recycling. There is also a choice of 2 on-site restaurants at Cavallo Point Lodge that serve up delicious local dishes, and the Healing Arts Center for Wellbeing has a host of treatments, classes, and wellness experiences for you to enjoy during your stay.

Proximity Hotel, Greensboro, North Carolina

Sophisticated, stylish, and perfectly sustainable, the Proximity Hotel has been designed with environmentally-friendly amenities in mind.

As the first hotel in the U.S. to receive the LEED Platinum certification from the Green Building Council, this hotel features 100 solar panels on the roof, a bistro bar made of salvaged walnut trees, an elevator that captures the energy and feeds it back into the electrical grid, and interiors made from ultra-efficient materials.

Guests can rest easy in the luxurious guest rooms knowing that the bathroom fittings reduce water usage by over a third. Air quality is provided by circulating large amounts of outside air into guest rooms, and eco-friendly amenities are provided throughout the Proximity Hotel , including bicycle hire to discover the Greensboro area.

H2hotel, Healdsburg, California

Located on the site of a former gas station, this LEED Silver-certified establishment is a real testament to transforming previously wasted spaces into sustainable solutions. Offering a wide range of luxurious yet earth-conscious amenities and set in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, this is the perfect hotel for those who want to enjoy excellent wine without making a dent on the environment.

The H2hotel utilizes solar panels to heat the pool and hot water, smart sensors for fans, lights, and air conditioners, and an amazing green roof that filters water with its very own bio-diverse environment. The on-site Spoon bar also specializes in locally-produced food and is a delightful spot to relax after a day exploring the Healdsburg area.

Element New York Times Square West, New York

Situated in the heart of the Big Apple, this stylish Manhattan hotel offers authentic city living with additional eco-friendly benefits thrown in. Designed to incorporate as many sustainable features as possible, this is a downtown hotel with a difference.

Bedrooms feature carpets made from recycled materials, low-flow faucets, and earth-friendly paints and interiors, as well as kitchenettes with Energy Star appliances. In the communal areas, guests can admire artworks mounted on bases made from recycled tires or enjoy a drink on the natural rooftop terrace with outstanding views of the city.

Reducing your carbon footprint in a big city environment can be difficult, but Element New York Times Square is certainly committed to changing that.

Hotel Felix, Chicago, Illinois

This chic, urban hotel offers a taste of the luxe-life thoughtfully combined with earth-friendly initiatives and amenities. As the first hotel in the Windy City to earn Silver LEED certification, this hotel is dedicated to recycling in a big way.

The Felix is packed full of organic materials and renewable resources, and the interiors have been created to capture the elements of earth, wind, water, and fire to create a cozy retreat from the urban streets. Carpets made from recycled materials, low-energy lighting, and organic beauty products in the spa are just a few of the eco-friendly touches that set The Felix apart from the competition.

Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle, Washington

As the first hotel in Seattle to be granted with the LEED-certification, this Hyatt hotel offers much more than just the usual familiar, chain-hotel comforts. On the top of the building sits a green roof that provides the perfect urban habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies, and an in-house water conservation program helps to reduce water wastage throughout every area of the hotel.

Beautifully appointed bedrooms continue the earth-conscious theme with in-room recycling and energy-efficient lighting, while suites and upgrades even have their very own water bars. The on-site restaurant at the Hyatt prides itself on offering farm-to-table offerings from local suppliers, and there is also a spa with organic treatments and beauty products.

Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga, California

Nestled into a canyon in the Upper Napa Valley , the Calistoga Ranch offers luxury lodge accommodation with a ton of eco-friendly amenities woven into the fabric of the establishment. With over 150 acres to explore, guests can stay in any of the freestanding lodges scattered around this car-free estate.

Dine on organic, locally-produced dishes at the on-site eatery, and sleep soundly knowing that your lodge is not only made from natural, sustainably-sourced materials but also that it features energy-saving light bulbs. It also has water flow reducers and ecologically friendly toiletries and cleaning products.

The Calistoga Ranch also offers its very own vineyard, an indoor and outdoor fitness center and acres of picturesque hiking trails within easy reach of your own front door.

Hotel Terra, Teton Village, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Designed to let you enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of indoors, this stunning resort hotel features a lot of huge glass windows to make you feel at one with your snowy surroundings. With natural air being circulated around the hotel, you will feel like you are sleeping on a mountain top as you bed down on your organic mattress after a busy day on the slopes.

Designed with nature enthusiasts in mind, the Terra Hotel also offers aluminum water bottles and on-site water stations, low VOC carpets and interiors, radiant underfloor heating, dual-flush toilets, low flow shower fixtures, and solar-powered faucets. The on-site spa uses only organic products, and the ski-in, ski-out nature of the hotel reduces the need for vehicles around the resort accommodation.

Bardessono Hotel and Spa, Yountville, California

This LEED Platinum-certified property offers first-class accommodation paired with eco-friendly practices and standards. Using woods milled from salvaged trees, underground geothermal heating systems, and over 900 solar panels, this is a luxury hotel that takes care of both its guests and the environment.

Guests can enjoy low VOC compound materials, no carpeting, and drapes throughout the Bardessono Hotel , hot water and heating powered by 300-foot wells on the property itself, and low-energy lighting. The on-site restaurant also offers organic, natural, locally sourced produce for guests to savor.

The Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho’omaluhia, Hawaii

Island resorts don’t come much more perfect than this one. The Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho’omaluhia takes green initiatives to the next level with a wealth of earth-friendly additions to be found throughout the entire resort.

Solar panels and windmills are used to create heating and to purify the saltwater pools, while the on-site 50-acre organic farm produces goat milk, avocados, and much much more. The design of the hotel uses the cross breezes from the Kohala to eliminate the need for air conditioning, and bedrooms all offer low-flush toilets, low-flow showers, in-room reclining, and sustainable-sourced linens and interior elements.

Situated in a paradise, the Hawaii Island Retreat makes vacation dreams come true.

There are some incredible eco-friendly hotels that can be found across the world. Here are 10 of the best.

Zuri Zanzibar, Kendwa, Tanzania

Designed to look just like a traditional African village, the entire hotel is built to work alongside the natural environment and not to damage it in any way. Comprising a range of thatched-roof villas that balance on stilts, guests can take shelter from the sun under the shade of the ancient baobab trees, or sip a cool drink on the white sands of Zuri Beach.

Overlooking the stunning blue seas of the Indian Ocean, Zuri Zanzibar is the world’s first hotel to be awarded EarthCheck’s Sustainable Design Gold Certification and offers standout eco-friendly initiatives and solutions, including an energy-efficient Evening Breeze air-conditioning system in the luxury villas and a home-grown fragrant spice garden.

Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam

This eco-friendly, 5-star resort offers some of the most luxurious, environmentally-sound accommodations in the world. Designed and built to help reduce consumption while supporting local communities and ecosystems, a stay at the Six Senses Con Dao will awaken all of yours while restoring your faith in human nature.

The Six Senses’ commitment to sustainability and low carbon footprints can be found in every corner of the resort. It has solar panels that heat your shower water, fresh air climate conditioning, and even a Crystal Water system with its refillable glass bottles that save over 10,00 plastic bottles from heading to landfill every month. The Six Sense Hotel is an eco-marvel, found in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Soori Bali, Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia

A stunning well-being retreat on the island of Bali, Soori Bali, offers guests the chance to unwind and refocus in sustainable surroundings. Designed to meet the requirements of the EarthCheck international environmental standards, the resort has been crafted out of locally sourced materials, combined with opulent and inspiring interiors.

The Soori Bali fully utilizes the island’s famous rainy season with its rainwater filtration systems, and the open-plan spaces allow natural light and air to flow freely. Guests can enjoy total relaxation at the on-site spa that offers a range of treatments with traditional practitioners and herbalists.

Spice Island Beach Resort, Saint George’s, Grenada

This luxurious 5-star resort offers first-class accommodation curated with sustainability in mind. The Spice Island Beach Resort is just a short walk from the world-famous white sands of Grand Anse Beach and has received numerous Green Globe Certifications in recent years.

The resort helps to keep its carbon footprint low by using solar panels to heat the water, providing an on-site desalination system to provide clean water, and using local suppliers and community connections where possible. As one of the very best hotels on one of the prettiest islands in the world, a stay at The Spice Island Beach Resort is a truly memorable occasion.

Thala Beach Lodge, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia

Set on over 140 acres of native forest, the Thala Beach Lodge has been awarded one of the highest eco-tourism accreditations, Advanced Ecotourism Certification. Nestled away on a nature reserve offering views out across the Coral Sea, this quiet corner of Queensland is home to one of the most incredibly eco-friendly accommodations in the world.

This beautiful art deco resort allows guests to stay in comfortable and authentic lodges, while there are plenty of earth-friendly amenities to enjoy including the organic coconut plantation, the natural swimming pools formed by granite boulders and waterfalls, and the regular talks from the local elders of the Kuku Talanji community. There are also lots of free guided tours available at Thala Beach Lodge .

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, Maldives

Offering luxury stays on the exclusive island of Hadahaa, the Park Hyatt Maldives offers picture-perfect 5-star villas, first-class diving, and the miles of sandy beaches you would expect to find in the Maldives. What may surprise you, though, is that this famous hotel is also one of the most eco-friendly in the Indian Ocean.

Tucked away in a lush green location, parts of the hotel have been built over the water to minimize disruption to existing ecosystems, and the hotel promotes recycling, fresh air conditioning, and solar heating where possible.

The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is also the sole recipient of a silver EarthCheck certificate and is the only resort in the Maldives to be awarded by EarthCheck for both design and construction.

The Park Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India

Situated in the business and entertainment district of this bustling city, you would think that The Park Hyderabad is just another upscale urban hotel, but you would be wrong to do so. While the hotel does indeed offer first-class, 5-star accommodation and amenities, it is also one of the few in India to have achieved LEED Gold certification.

The design of the building starts by maximizing natural light that in turn allows it to consume less electricity. It is also careful to use interiors made from sustainable materials wherever possible. For guests at The Park who wish to reduce their personal carbon footprint, green transportation, bikes, and electric cars are very much encouraged to explore the city outside your doorstep.

Whitepod, Monthey, Switzerland

This unusual concept hotel is not luxurious, nor does it offer a huge host of amenities. But for all that it lacks, it more than makes up for with its superb on-piste location, unique sleeping accommodation, and incredible eco-friendly credentials.

Guests are able to sleep on the side of the mountain in a selection of well-appointed pods that have a minimal environmental impact. Each pod is heated by stocking up its own wood stove, lighting is provided by LED bulbs, and there is no bottled water. Whitepod also uses timers on boilers to keep consumption down and water-saving devices on taps and showers.

Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda, Italy

With amazing views out across Lake Garda, the Lefay Resort is an eco-conscious hotel that offers total luxury in this stunning part of the world. Awarded the platinum level GreenLeaders certification, the hotel has been built using natural materials, most of which were locally sourced, including olive wood, Italian walnut, and even marble.

Guests can marvel at the beautiful infinity pool and enjoy the first-class cuisine in the on-site eateries, as well as enjoying a host of treatments available at the Mondo Lefay Spa. They will also be impressed by the use of renewable energy sources at the Lefay Resort for cooling and filtering the air and producing electricity, as well as in-room sensors to turn off electrics when the rooms are empty.

Casa De Las Olas, Tulum, Mexico

With a strong eco-ethic, this luxury resort hotel is the only property in Mexico with a LEED review and 1 that is committed to combining opulence with sustainability at all turns. Retro-fitted solar panels help to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint while personal touches like hand-sorted trash offer a truly bespoke twist on traditional recycling.

Guests at Casa De Las Olas can also enjoy rainforest showers using re-filtered well water, as well as locally sourced food from family farms, all carefully handpicked to ensure the freshest and ripest ingredients are always available. Luxury awaits at this stunning, eco-friendly resort just outside of downtown Acapulco.

There is a big world out there just waiting to be explored, and with a bit of forward planning, you can reach the furthest corners of the earth while being a truly responsible traveler. From simple lifestyle changes like ditching plastic straws and single-use bottles, to committing to volunteer with conservation projects, every single person can make a difference — and that includes you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is green travel.

Green travel can often be referred to as eco-travel, where you travel responsibly and minimize your impact in natural environments. More broadly, this can also involve your impact culturally, socially, and economically, and traveling in a sustainable manner.

What is the most green way to travel?

There are many green alternatives to flying or driving that include, cycling, walking, buses, trains, and electric cars. Depending on the type, motorcycles may also be more fuel-efficient than cars.

How do you become a green tourist?

The simplest method of becoming a green tourist is to remember the 3 Rs for sustainability: reduce, reuse, and recycle. If you consider these with every aspect of travel from packing to transport, you can become a green tourist.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Sustainable travel: 6 ways to be an eco-conscious traveler.

Discover top things to consider while exploring the globe.

How to Be an Eco-Conscious Traveler

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There are plenty of ways to put sustainability in focus for your next vacation.

Finding sustainable ways to travel doesn't need to be burdensome. Sustainable travel is easier than you may think, whether you start by supporting local businesses or taking small steps to reduce your carbon footprint. One of the simplest things you can do is fly less, but there are so many different ways to be more intentional and responsible as you traverse the globe. This guide – with plenty of tips from U.S. News travel editors and sustainable travel experts – will help you make your future travels more sustainable and meaningful.

What is sustainable travel?

Traveling to new and exciting destinations, whether a stone's throw from home or on the other side of the world, can be a deeply rewarding experience. You have the opportunity to soak in new cultures and landscapes as you learn about the world around you – but you'll also want to consider how your visit may affect the places you go and the people who live there.

Sustainable travel means not only minimizing harm to the environment but also respecting and supporting local communities and economies. "It's not exploitative or degenerative to the host's culture, community, wildlife, ecosystem or economy," says Nora Livingstone, co-founder of Animal Experience International, a certified B Corporation that provides travelers with ethical animal-related experiences. "From the root of its name, it sustains."

Susanne Etti, global environmental impact manager at Intrepid Travel (an adventure travel company and certified B Corp), believes that great travel goes hand in hand with great responsibility. "Sustainable tourism is all about making simple choices to lessen your negative impact on a given destination," she explains. "It stresses the importance of reducing your carbon footprint and encourages travelers to step off the worn path and linger longer, respect cultural differences and invest in communities, reconnect with nature, and support organizations that are protecting the planet."

Why is sustainable travel important?

Sustainability matters just as much for travelers as it does for their host destinations. When you commit to more mindful travel, you help preserve awe-inspiring natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, not only for local citizens but also for future travelers.

"You may also have a more meaningful experience knowing that your impact on the place and people was a positive one," says Lindsey Lyons, director of sustainability learning at Dickinson College's Center for Sustainability Education.

Plus, it's important to consider sustainability as a way to protect attractions, scenic areas and destinations so that others may experience them in the decades ahead.

"Without a shift in focus to sustainable tourism, there would be little left of the places we want to visit," says Corey Determan, owner of the Bella Rose Travel agency, who has a master's degree in environmental education and 13 years of experience in ecotourism. "Implementing sustainable tourism practices ensures the survival of sensitive tourist destinations so that travelers may enjoy them for generations to come."

The choices you make while traveling have lasting effects. Opting to fly a short distance rather than take a train, for example, may save you a little bit of time – but perhaps not enough to make it worth the extra carbon emissions.

Traveling sustainably requires a balance of many factors, from your budget to the time you spend in transit. With even just a little extra planning, you can figure out what sustainable practices work best for you and how to incorporate them into your travels.

This guide will take you through tips for every step of the process, from choosing a destination to deciding what to pack.

Where to Go

Where to stay, what to pack, how to get there, what else to keep in mind.

Most trip planning begins with deciding where to go. There are many ways you can think sustainably at this step – examples include finding destinations focused on responsible tourism or exploring somewhere closer to home. Get ready to unearth some wonderful off-the-beaten-path locations.

Find places that promote sustainable tourism

One way to pick your travel destination is by consulting the Global Destination Sustainability Index rankings , which gives cities a sustainability score based on factors such as carbon emissions and public transport. Many Western European cities top the list, but there are places all over the world that focus on sustainability.

"The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago, has preserved 92% of the islands as green space and has a strong focus on renewable energy," says Elizabeth Von Tersch , a senior travel editor at U.S. News. " Victoria, British Columbia , is the first designated urban biosphere reserve in the U.S. or Canada and is going beyond net-zero emissions to become climate positive. Bhutan, the world's first carbon-negative country, enforces a sustainable development fee to preserve not only the environment but also Bhutan's people and culture."

As you're researching potential green destinations, look for signs that a place is committed to sustainability. "If a destination is focused on sustainable tourism, chances are this will be obvious in their marketing," Von Tersch advises. "But to avoid being a victim of deceptive greenwashing , make sure sustainability claims are supported with data and look for certifications from reputable groups like EarthCheck, Responsible Tourism Institute and Blue Flag (for beaches), among others."

Be mindful of overtourism

The world's most popular attractions are tourist hot spots for good reason – but too many visitors flocking to the same spot at the same time can strain fragile cultural sites and create an unpleasant experience for locals and travelers alike.

"Many popular destinations are also putting caps on the number of visitors, including Venice , Bora Bora and several U.S. national parks ," Von Tersch says. "While this may require an extra layer of planning for travelers, it's an important step in preventing overtourism to make sure these beloved places stick around for years to come."

You can also help prevent the negative effects of overtourism. Choosing unique destinations that aren't heavily trafficked can be a good option, but if iconic attractions like the Taj Mahal or the Colosseum are next on your bucket list, consider visiting outside of the peak season – or at least at off-peak times during the day.

If you have your sights set on visiting awe-inspiring natural wonders , such as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, it's important to be prepared so you can avoid doing anything that will harm the environment. Even something small – such as wearing sunscreen that isn't reef safe on a snorkeling excursion – can damage an imperiled landscape.

Look close to home

Far-flung destinations may seem glamorous, but the truth is that travelers don't have to go far to find incredible experiences.

"Focus on local travel and exploring the areas domestically – whether it is in your state, county or region," says David Perkins, assistant professor of geography and sustainable tourism at Missouri State University. "There are so many things to explore just in our own backyards if one simply looks. This will enhance connections within your own community, increasing social sustainability all while satisfying desires to explore."

With so much potential for adventures near home, you can enjoy all the wonders of traveling while saving on transportation costs and decreasing your ecological footprint.

Vacation rankings: Explore top vacations by region and state

Courtesy of The Brando

Another critical component of your trip is where you'll lay your head at night. Depending on your budget and the type of experience you seek, options range from eco-conscious luxury hotel rooms and vacation rentals to communal hostel bunks and campsites.

Choose your hotel or resort carefully

Evaluating various hotel options is an important part of being a sustainably conscious traveler. Hervé Houdré, founder of H2 Sustainability, has a few recommendations for travelers to consider.

"Before booking, check if the hotel has received any environmental certifications or participates in any programs," Houdré recommends. "If not, some of the initiatives a hotel should undertake and communicate are: no single-use plastic (bottles, straws and stirrers), housekeeping linen program, energy-efficient practices, EV car chargers and locally sourced produce on the menus." He also suggests looking for hotels that participate in local not-for-profit environmental and community initiatives.

Hotels and resorts around the globe are finding innovative ways to help protect the environment. At The Brando in French Polynesia , for example, solar power strips made from recycled materials help to power the resort. In addition, the Sea Water Air Conditioning system was developed at The Brando and uses ocean water to help reduce the property's energy consumption needs.

If you're looking for more of a city-oriented escape, ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas receives 90% of its daytime power from a solar array, is focused on going paperless when possible and has an advanced back-of-the-house recycling program. What's more, the property partners with a local food bank to freeze and store unserved food from events and provide it to those in need.

You'll find multiple hotel brands throughout the world focused on sustainability. All of the 1 Hotels properties are LEED certified , and its U.S. locations are 100% carbon neutral. The hotel and resort teams at Aman use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to create the brand's sustainability strategies, as well as its four pillars: local heritage, local culture, environment protection and social responsibility. Soneva resorts combine luxury with sustainability: The company's foundation invests in initiatives designed to offset direct and indirect carbon emissions, along with other programs focused on a positive environmental impact.

Here are some things to look for when selecting a hotel:

• A sustainability policy that focuses on energy, waste and water processes, and may include certifications and accreditations such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings, EarthCheck and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council
• Commitment to the environment with eco-friendly initiatives like an on-site garden, beehives, or energy- and water-conserving technologies
• Local involvement to empower members of the community through hiring local staff, promoting tours that support regional culture, and using local suppliers for its food and beverage programs

Read: The Top Ecolodges Around the World

Consider other accommodation options

Short-term rentals and homestays: With Airbnb, Homestay.com and other online marketplaces, short-term rentals and homestays have become a popular option for travelers who want a unique experience – or simply a nice place to stay without the high price tag of a hotel room. Home sharing has certain environmental benefits too: According to Airbnb, its listings waste less and consume less water and energy compared to traditional hotel accommodations.

Renting from a local host can give you a more authentic and eco-friendly experience in your destination, but keep an eye out for hosts offering many units for short-term stays without a host. Unlike home sharing, this practice drives up property values for local residents.

Hostels: Hostels are one of the most budget-friendly and sustainable types of lodging. Because most hostel accommodations are dorm-style rooms with bunk beds and shared facilities, they consume far less water and energy than private hotel rooms. Hostels allow travelers to find centrally located lodging in a city without breaking the bank, which will also cut down on the transportation needed to get to all your must-visit sights. To go a step further, seek out hostels that highlight sustainable practices, such as renewable energy and eco-friendly materials. You can search for hostels on Hostelworld .

If safety is your main concern, especially for women traveling solo , be sure to read hostel reviews from travelers like yourself. Many hostels offer dorm rooms designated only for women, but if you're nervous about sharing a room with strangers, U.S. News senior travel editor Marisa Méndez recommends opting for a smaller room with friends or even a private room in a hostel.

"Is it still more expensive to book a private hostel room? Sure. But it's less than the cost of a hotel and if you're a social human, it's a good way to meet other travelers and get their opinions on things," she says. "I think hostels are worth it and I felt so much more comfortable sharing one room with everyone I knew. It alleviated some of the stress of being in a place with strangers."

Campgrounds: Camping is an ideal option for a sustainable vacation. As you immerse yourself in nature and enjoy some outdoor adventure, you'll be using far less water and energy than you would in hotels or vacation rentals. If the more rustic side of camping isn't your thing, glamping resorts offer a more luxurious experience that can still minimize your carbon footprint. You can even find camping and glamping sites that actively promote sustainability with initiatives such as renewable energy, recycling facilities and rainwater collection.

For more information on how to be an eco-conscious camper, check out the section on adventure travel .

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Invest in eco-friendly luggage and sustainable products

Whether you're packing a weekender bag , carry-on suitcase or checked luggage , try to bring only what you need. Consider luggage constructed with sustainable materials, such as the CALPAK Terra Collection and the Paravel Aviator Carry-On , which are both made out of recycled plastic bottles and other materials.

To reduce waste, pack a reusable water bottle in your carry-on bag, such as the insulated Tree Tribe stainless steel water bottle with a leakproof lid (bonus: a tree is planted for every bottle purchased). You can also invest in a foldable shopper tote like the Standard Baggu for a picnic lunch or market finds, a Zoku reusable straw and a TSA-compliant BergHOFF Travel Flatware set .

Looking and feeling your best is always the goal, but travel-size single-use plastics aren't good for the environment. However, you can minimize your impact with eco-friendly health and beauty products. Begin with a TSA-friendly reusable Stasher silicone quart-sized bag if you're planning to fly with any liquids.

To reduce water, waste and packaging, consider solid versions of shampoo from brands like HiBAR , along with hair conditioner , facial cleanser and moisturizer bars from Ethique . For a sustainable smile, consider Bite toothpaste and mouthwash . If you're heading to the beach, a reef-safe sunscreen like the All Good sunscreen butter is key to protect both your skin and the ocean. In addition to conserving water, the solid versions of health and beauty items also help to save space in your 3-1-1 liquids bag.

For clothing, consider garments made from organic cotton and other sustainable materials. Clothing that is classic, durable and designed to work for a variety of situations provides more longevity to your travel capsule wardrobe. Méndez recommends sustainable clothing company Pact , where travel staples like leggings, long sleeve tees and dresses with pockets are carbon neutral, fair trade and constructed with organic cotton. "My favorite thing about this company − aside from the quality − is that everything comes in a set of basic colors, not just fun prints," Méndez says. "You can easily make a capsule wardrobe for travel."

Follow these sustainable packing tips:

• Pack light to help reduce fuel needed for the transportation of you and your baggage.
• Use TSA-friendly reusable bags and containers for health and beauty items.
• Bring your own reusable water bottle to reduce waste and stay hydrated. You can add a sticker from each destination as a fun souvenir of your adventures.
• Use items you already own , like your stainless steel water bottle you take to the office, your gym bag that doubles as a personal item or the suitcase you've owned for years.
• Ditch the single-use plastic bags and utilize packing cubes to keep travel essentials organized.

Choosing your means of transportation is one of the biggest determinants of the carbon footprint your travel will leave. Slower means of travel – such as by train instead of plane, or bike instead of car – are often more sustainable and can provide a richer travel experience, but your selection will depend on the options available and how much time you have to spare.

It's no secret that plane travel contributes significantly to carbon emissions. "Air travel today is inherently carbon intensive – fossil fuels account for 99.9% of aviation energy use, and choosing to board a plane is the single most emitting decision many of us will make in our lives," says Dan Rutherford, program director of marine and aviation at the International Council on Clean Transportation.

That doesn't mean eco-conscious travelers can never again travel by air, but you should be aware of the consequences of frequent plane travel and take steps to minimize your impact. "I recommend that travelers learn to fly like 'A NERD,' with the acronym referring to: A voiding unnecessary trips, flying on N ew aircraft, in E conomy class, on a R egular-sized plane, and whenever possible choosing a D irect flight," Rutherford says.

Many flight booking sites, including Google Flights and Kayak, show you the expected carbon emissions from different options, which allows you to choose flights that emit less, Rutherford says. Etti, of Intrepid Travel, recommends choosing airlines that are committed to using sustainable aviation fuels when possible – and even taking small steps like minimizing your luggage weight, which can have an impact on emissions.

Traveling by train rather than plane helps reduce harmful carbon emissions. That's why in 2022 France banned short-haul domestic flights that can be replaced by a bus or train ride of less than 2.5 hours. Taking an Amtrak train is 34% more energy efficient than flying domestically and 46% more energy efficient than car travel, according to the U.S. Department of Energy Data Book. A study by the European Environment Agency found that apart from walking or cycling, rail transportation is the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Think about it this way: A traveler can conserve close to the same amount of carbon dioxide as not running your washing machine for a year, just by choosing to take a train from London to Edinburgh rather than a plane, according to Trainline, a European train booking app. Rail travel also provides a prime opportunity to see the scenery on your route, along with the option to create a multistop itinerary to explore local cultures.

Investing in an electric vehicle is a great way to reduce carbon emissions in your daily life and for travel by road, if you're able to make the switch. But EVs are not the only way to make car travel a little more sustainable: Another option is to look into carpooling websites such as BlaBlaCar or CarpoolWorld , which allow you to share a ride on long car trips. After all, more passengers means a lower carbon footprint for each individual.

Other ways you can reduce the environmental impact of your road trip a little include packing light, using cruise control on the highway to maximize your fuel, planning the most efficient route and not letting your car idle when you stop.

Boat travel can be more sustainable than flying – climate activist Greta Thunberg, for example, takes boat trips whenever possible to travel overseas. This form of transportation also takes much longer. But if you're hoping to cut down on your carbon footprint by setting sail, keep in mind that not all boats are created equal.

While a sailing boat or a vessel powered in part by wind is a greener form of transportation than a plane, staying on a luxury cruise ship can produce around double the carbon emissions of a flight and hotel stay, according to the ICCT. New technology continues to make cruise ships greener and more efficient, so if your heart is set on a cruise, do your research to see which major cruise lines are publicly committed to sailing sustainably. Newer cruise ships are also a better bet than old vessels, as the majority are now designed with at least some sustainability measures in mind.

Read: Sustainable Cruising: Cruise Lines Making Progress

Getting around your destination

Upon arrival at your final destination, the most eco-friendly ways to explore are by foot or bike.

"These options offer win/win/win solutions by providing low/no cost transport, health and wellness benefits to the walk(er)/rider, and no emissions and traffic for the community or place of exploration," Lyons explains. When you walk or bike, you get to truly experience the community while helping the planet.

Public transportation is another good option for getting from place to place in a city that will be especially convenient if you plan to stay near a metro station or a bus stop. Investigate the city's public transit options in advance so you can find the most efficient routes.

"Not only does traveling on public transport let you swap chuckles with your neighbors in their territory, but it also cuts pollution and carbon emissions," Etti says. "Zip around on a tuk-tuk in Southeast Asia, climb into the mountains on India's famous toy train, hire a bike or walk when it's convenient."

Plan an outdoor adventure

One way to explore sustainable travel is to enjoy the great outdoors at a national or state park close to you. Hiking, camping and backpacking are a few eco-friendly activities that allow you to connect in and with nature. When participating in any outdoor activity, however, there are a few things to remember in order to best protect the environment.

Leave No Trace (LNT) is a concept designed to put conservation and preservation into practice when it comes to outdoor recreation. Though there are seven principles to LNT, it boils down to one big takeaway: Respect the environment. This means properly disposing of all waste, leaving flora and fauna alone, minimizing campfire impacts, and sticking to trails and designated sites.

To help ensure LNT success, consider purchasing the following products for your next outdoor adventure:

• A camping stove: A stove is essential for minimizing fire impact while still enjoying delicious camping meals. There are a plethora of quality camp stoves on the market, such as Camp Chef stoves . And if you're backpacking, consider a lightweight Jetboil stove system.
• Binoculars: With wild animals, it's important to remember that you can be just as damaging and dangerous to them and their environment as they can be to you. It may be tempting to approach wildlife for a closer look, which is why binoculars are the perfect tool for safe viewing from afar. These top-rated Adasion binoculars are waterproof and include a phone adapter for taking photos.
• A sketchbook or camera: Instead of picking a flower or taking a unique rock home, consider drawing or taking a picture of it instead. A small sketchbook, such as this one on Amazon , is perfect for travel. A sketchbook made of recycled paper is an even more sustainable choice.
• Biodegradable soap and lotion: You can't go wrong with the Mrs. Meyer's brand when it comes to biodegradable soap and lotion. (Even with biodegradable products, however, it's still important to wash at least 200 feet away from all natural water sources to minimize impact.)

Remember to thoroughly research the outdoor area you'll be exploring or activity you'll be participating in before you begin your adventure to ensure you're safe, prepared and well equipped to leave no trace.

Read: The Best Camping in Colorado

Research attractions in advance

Museums : When it comes to attractions like museums and historical centers, check to see if the property is LEED certified – such as The Exploratorium (a top recommendation for San Francisco ) and The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. LEED certification means the building is designed and constructed to promote sustainability, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions and more.

Zoos: Some attractions clearly call sustainability into question – zoos and animal-centered activities , for example. Amanda Norcross , content and SEO strategist for travel at U.S. News, recommends looking for accredited institutions that are dedicated to animal welfare, education and conservation efforts. "You can often find this information in an attraction's mission statement or by researching the programs and experiences they offer," Norcross says. "Be wary of any attraction that promotes animals as a form of entertainment." Examples include riding and holding animals as well as animal shows.

Read: The Top Zoos in the U.S.

Theme and water parks: It can be difficult to find a sustainable theme or water park, but more and more parks are striving to go green. Disney is making large strides toward a sustainable future: One small example is the company composting organic waste from Walt Disney World and using the soil to fertilize on-site plants. Six Flags uses sustainable packaging such as compostable containers, plates and cutlery; two of its parks (Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom) use solar panels.

Book with reputable tour providers

Tours are a wonderful way to experience a destination, but it's important to find a licensed and ethical operator that prioritizes sustainability measures such as responsible waste disposal and employs local staff.

"Look for tour providers that explain on their websites what they're doing to preserve the environment," says Méndez, who is a tours expert at U.S. News. "This is particularly important if you're trying to find a tour in a fragile ecosystem like the swamps of New Orleans or the waters of Maui or Cancún ."

If you're not sure where to start, consider a walking or biking tour to minimize environmental impact.

Read: The Best New Orleans Walking Tours

Watch out for greenwashing

As you begin to research for your next trip, be careful of "greenwashing," which is a tactic companies may use to trick you into thinking their experiences or products are environmentally friendly – without any real proof to back up those claims.

"Misleading labels abound when referencing tourism, sustainability and 'green impact,' " Perkins warns. "The best way to assess whether a company is engaging in greenwashing tactics is to educate yourself on sustainability and take a few extra minutes to see if a company is actually adhering to sustainable principles."

That may be easier said than done, but there are things you can look for to see if a company is truly committed to sustainability. First and foremost, transparency is key. If a company touts a third-party certification it has received without actually detailing the nature of that certification, you should be wary of its legitimacy, Etti says.

Companies may use buzzwords and make eye-catching claims to win you over but if the information they give is vague or difficult to corroborate, chances are there's some greenwashing going on, Etti adds. Seek out businesses that actually prioritize sustainability so you can feel good about where your money is going.

Your travel choices can change the industry

There's no denying that the travel industry has a long way to go to become truly sustainable. "As travelers begin to demand less-polluting options, and reward better carriers with their business, that will change," Rutherford explains. "The aviation industry is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Government policy will lead but green travelers voting with their dollars will be important, too."

With every choice you make, from your intended destination to accommodations to transportation, you have the chance to make a difference. For the sake of the planet, you won't want to waste it.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood is a senior travel editor with a passion for nature and wildlife, especially whales and sea otters. She chooses train travel whenever she can, and seeks to visit environmentally conscious destinations and attractions. For this article, Hood used her personal experience along with research expertise.

Catriona Kendall , an associate editor, cares deeply about finding ways to make awe-inspiring travel experiences more sustainable and affordable. She'll always pick a long train or bus journey over a short flight. Kendall has stayed in more than 20 hostels around the world and navigated the public transportation options in countless cities. Her own travel experiences as well as advice from experts helped her write this article.

Leilani Osmundson , a digital producer, makes sustainability a focus in her life, from utilizing solar energy and a composter at home to shopping for many of her clothes at thrift stores. Being green extends to her favorite activities as well: backpacking, camping and hiking in the great outdoors. To write this piece, Osmundson used her own experience with adventure travel and sustainable activities along with research.

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Top 10 Tips for Sustainable Travel

Tourism is at a crossroads, facing the challenge of balancing growth with sustainability. Over the past two decades, the number of international tourist arrivals more than doubled, surpassing  1.4 billion  in 2019. While this tourism boom promoted economic growth and personal fulfillment, it often came at the expense of the environment and local communities. As tourism surged, it came hand in hand with gentrification, crowded streets, pollution, and habitat loss.

In recent years, destinations began implementing measures to combat the burdens of unsustainable tourism: Hawaii banned the sale of reef-toxic sunscreens, Dubrovnik limited the number of cruise ships that can dock each day, Palau protected 80% of its waters, and Barcelona cracked down on illegal vacation rentals. While these are certainly steps in the right direction, there’s still much more to be done.

According to research by Booking.com, 76% of travelers say they want to travel more sustainably. While this shifting mindset is a promising sign many travelers don’t know where to begin.

You can be part of the solution by adopting more responsible travel habits and supporting companies that are taking action. In this blog post, we offer guidance on what sustainable travel looks like in practice. By rethinking the way we travel, we can realize a future where tourism protects and respects our planet and its cultures. Read on to discover our top tips for eco-friendly and socially conscious travel.

Free Resource: Download our Sustainable Travel Tips List and keep it handy when planning trips to engage in more responsible travel. 

What is sustainable tourism?

Before we go any further, it’s important to clarify what we mean by sustainable travel.

While people often think of sustainability as minimizing our environmental footprint, it is much broader and all-encompassing than this. Sustainable tourism is all about achieving a balance between economic growth, human well-being, and environmental health. It focuses on reducing tourism’s negative impacts  and on  maximizing its positive benefits  for communities, cultures, ecosystems, and the planet. Sustainable tourism accounts for both the immediate impacts felt today as well as those longer-term impacts that will be experienced by future generations.

You’ve probably seen other buzzwords such as “ecotourism,” “regenerative travel,” “community-based tourism,” “ethical travel,” or “nature-tourism” and wondered how they differ from “sustainable tourism.” Without getting into the nuances of each, these terms tend to be narrower in scope and focus on specific applications or aspects of sustainable tourism. For instance, ecotourism specifically focuses on responsible travel to natural areas, while regenerative travel focuses more on leaving places better than they were before and repairing damage that has already been done.

How to start traveling more sustainably

While it’s one thing to understand what sustainable travel means, it’s another to actually put it into practice. That’s why we’ve rounded up our top ten tips for sustainable travel to help you be a more eco-friendly and socially conscious traveler .  As you read, think about which practices you can adopt when you travel.

1. Get off the beaten path

Prior to the pandemic, many destinations were literally being loved to death as they became victims of their own popularity. Historic cities, beaches, and other tourist hotspots were being overrun by hordes of visitors, a phenomenon that is now known as “overtourism.”

As a traveler, you can help prevent a resurgence of overtourism by skipping tourist traps and getting off the beaten path. While it may be tempting to go to the same bucket list destinations that everyone is Instagramming, it can be even more rewarding to explore less traversed places. The reality is that many tourist hotspots don’t live up to their expectations – you may have to spend hours standing in line, only to discover that the destination doesn’t look the same in person as it did online.

Getting off the beaten path allows travelers to have a more unique and authentic experience while avoiding the crowds. This doesn’t mean you have to pitch a tent in the middle of nowhere, but it does require that you do some extra research. Look beyond the “Top 10” destinations and attractions lists, explore Google Maps, or ask locals or other travelers for recommendations. Instead of staying in major tourist centers, visit smaller cities or head to a more rural area. Doing so will reduce the burden on over-visited destinations, while spreading tourism benefits to other local communities. If you travel by cruise, opt for a small ship cruise line. Because these boats carry less passengers and are able to visit smaller ports, they alleviate pressure on common cruise destinations. If you are dying to go to a popular destination, consider scheduling your trip during the off-season. Check out  this website  which helps predict the best times to avoid the crowds.

2. Slow down and stay awhile

It can be easy to get caught up trying to cram as much as possible into a trip. After all, this may be the only time you visit the destination. Though a packed itinerary may seem ideal on paper, you’ll likely spend the majority of your vacation rushing from one place to another. While you may tick off lots of bucket list sights, you’ll miss out on actually getting to know the destination. Not to mention, this fast-paced “hit and run” style of tourism is a surefire recipe for stress.

Do yourself a favor and give yourself more time to explore the destination. Instead of taking multiple shorter trips each year, opt for just one longer vacation. Once you’ve reached your destination, park yourself in one area for a while instead of hopping from one place to the next.

Slowing things down will allow you to really experience the place you are visiting. When you aren’t rushed, you can take time to immerse yourself in the culture, build deeper connections with local people, and get to know the destination’s unique charms. Take a cooking class to taste the local flavors and learn how to make traditional dishes. Spend a day walking or cycling around town and you’ll be sure to discover hidden gems like a quirky local coffeehouse. Meander through a museum and arm yourself with a mountain of fun facts.

Spending more time in a destination makes for more authentic, memorable, and meaningful travel experiences. At the same time, it reduces pressure on the cities and communities you visit while creating greater benefits for the local businesses you support. An extra bonus: slow travel is also better for the environment since it reduces the amount of carbon emissions generated by flying or driving between destinations.

3. Use efficient modes of transportation

In addition to traveling slow, there are other ways that you can reduce the carbon emissions produced by your trip. Approximately 8% of the world’s carbon emissions are caused by travel and tourism. As such, the travel industry is a significant contributor to climate change, which is one of the  gravest threats  to the future of tourism, people, and the world.

Air travel, driving, and other forms of transportation make up the largest part of  tourism’s carbon footprint.  Though all modes of transportation require energy, some are more efficient and cleaner than others. How you get to/from and around your destination makes a difference.

In general, planes and cars tend to be the least efficient modes of transportation. When vacationing to closer destinations, travel by train or coach to cut your emissions while soaking in the scenery. Once you’re in your destination, consider taking the bus, traveling by rail, or cycling around town instead of renting a car. If you do rent a car, opt for an electric, hybrid, or smaller model.

Keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all guideline for which method of transportation to use since the carbon footprint also depends on the type of energy being used. The most sustainable option will vary from one destination to the next. Trains in the Netherlands are powered by wind energy, Washington D.C. has zero emissions buses, and some of Thailand’s infamous tuk tuks are going electric. Research the different transportation options in the destination you are visiting to make an informed decision.

> Discover more ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

4. Conserve water and energy

Beyond transportation, tourism also relies on energy for heating, lighting, and electricity. This along with intensive water use by tourists can put great strain on local water supplies and energy infrastructure. Tourists often consume significantly more water and energy than local residents and many destinations struggle to keep up with the demand. As global temperatures rise and the population grows, it will exacerbate this problem even further.

When you’re on vacation, do what you can to conserve local water and energy resources. Turn off the lights, TV, and any other electronics when not in use. When leaving your hotel, turn off the AC or set the thermostat a few degrees higher. Take a shower instead of a bath and keep it as short as possible. Handwash your own clothes and hang up the “Do Not Disturb Sign” to prevent unnecessary laundering.

You can also reduce your environmental footprint by staying in a low impact accommodation. This could either be a smaller, more basic accommodation or a higher-end property that utilizes renewable energy and water/energy efficient technologies.

Free Sustainable Travel Tips List

5. Offset your carbon footprint

While you should always do what you can to minimize your energy usage, some carbon emissions will remain unavoidable. You can compensate for these inevitable greenhouse gas emissions through a process known as “ carbon offsetting .”

Carbon offsetting allows you to balance out the carbon footprint of your trip, by reducing emissions somewhere else in the world. All you have to do is  calculate your carbon footprint  using an online carbon calculator, then purchase offsets equivalent to the amount of CO2 you produced. The money from your offset purchase will be invested in  projects  that reduce carbon and other greenhouse gases. For instance, one project may protect a tropical rainforest from being cut down, while another might build a wind farm or convert cow manure into energy. Carbon offset projects can also create benefits that go beyond emissions reductions, such as creating local jobs, improving sanitation, or conserving endangered species.

When offsetting your footprint, just be sure to go through a  reputable provider  to ensure you’re creating the greatest impact.

>  Get started offsetting your carbon footprint. 

6. Keep your dollars local

Many communities are hurting from the lack of tourism over the past year. You can help them bounce back by making sure your dollars stay in the local economy.

The best way to ensure host communities reap the benefits of tourism is by supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. Consider staying in locally-owned homestays and guesthouses rather than expat-owned hotels or international chains. Dine at local restaurants and savor traditional dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. Get out of your comfort zone and have some fun navigating the local market – buy spices grown by a local farmer or purchase jewelry made by a local artisan. Although haggling is expected in many cultures and okay to do, don’t be stingy and pay a fair price. Book excursions led by local guides or learn a new skill from a local expert by signing up for a weaving workshop or surfing lessons. If you book a packaged tour, choose an operator that prioritizes local suppliers.

While it may be tempting to give money to beggars, it’s best to avoid this practice as it often causes more harm than good. At its worst, begging can be a form of human trafficking and travelers’ well-intentioned gifts can perpetuate a system that keeps children out of school and forces them onto the streets. Even if this isn’t the case, giving money to beggars can fuel a dependence on tourist handouts. A better alternative is to make a contribution to a local charity that empowers people through skills development, education, micro-loans, or access to social services. You can help promote the equitable distribution of wealth by patroning businesses that are owned or managed by marginalized groups such as women, indigenous populations, or minorities.

7. Respect local communities

One of the incredible things about travel is that it offers a glimpse into other traditions, beliefs, and ways of life. Seize this opportunity to expand your horizons by embracing the differences and soaking up the local culture.

Begin immersing yourself in other cultures by reading up on the local history, traditions, and etiquette before visiting. Download a language app and learn a few phrases in the local language. Be aware that certain gestures, clothing, or words are considered offensive in some destinations. Be especially mindful when visiting religious or spiritual sites. Only go to sites where tourists are welcome and adhere to any protocols. At some sites, this may mean taking off your shoes, covering your shoulders, keeping your voice down, or not taking photos.

Wherever you go, remember that the destination you are visiting is someone else’s home. Obey the local laws and guidelines, from traffic rules to health and safety precautions. Do your best to leave places like you found them so that future generations of travelers and residents can enjoy them too. A little bit of respect goes a long way – be considerate of local people and treat them with dignity. This includes honoring their privacy and asking permission before you take their photo.

8. Avoid single-use plastics

Every year,  8 million  metric tons of plastic ends up in our oceans. This is equivalent to one garbage truck full of plastic being dumped into the ocean every single minute of every single day. In recent years, a growing number of consumers, companies, and governments started rejecting single-use plastics. But over the past year, single use plastics made a comeback as the pandemic led to an increased reliance on plastic gloves, takeout containers, packing bubbles, and grocery bags. As tourism recovers, many hotels and tour operators are reinstituting disposable plastics as an added hygiene precaution. But many countries lack sufficient waste management infrastructure to keep up with the amount of plastic trash that is produced by tourists and locals. As a result, plastics end up in overflowing landfills or dumped in the environment where they can remain for hundreds of years. With the increased reliance on plastics due to COVID, it’s even more important to cut down your own consumption when you travel.

One of the most common plastic items used by tourists is single-use beverage bottles. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: bring your own reusable water bottle on your trip! If you’re worried about the water quality in the destination you’re visiting, bring a water bottle with a built-in purifier. Refillable toiletry bottles are another eco-friendly item to add to your packing list.

Another easy way to reduce plastic waste is by changing your eating habits. When going to a restaurant, dine-in rather than getting takeout which typically comes with plastic bags, containers, cups, and utensils. Hit up the local street food scene, but opt for vendors that dish up their goodies in biodegradable alternatives. Some travelers also choose to bring their own reusable container and utensils. In general, it’s best to eat fresh, local foods or drinks instead of imported ones which tend to use more packaging. Even something as simple as asking the bartender to skip the straw can help trigger larger operational changes.

9. Visit parks and protected areas

National parks, marine sanctuaries, and other protected areas play an important role in protecting our planet’s natural resources and biodiversity. Many countries rely on tourism fees such as entrance fees, operator permits, or bed levies to preserve these special places and animals. Every year, more than  8 billion  people visit the world’s protected areas, generating about $850 billion in spending. These dollars help fund the conservation activities necessary to protect these areas while also providing income to local communities.

The pandemic essentially cut off this revenue stream, putting many protected areas and endangered species in jeopardy. Over the past year, there have been an alarming number of reports of increased poaching and illegal deforestation around the world. Rising poverty has only compounded the problem as local communities resort to destructive activities for income and sustenance.

As you’re planning your post-COVID travels, look up the protected areas in your destination and add one to your itinerary. When visiting any natural area, be sure to minimize your impact by acting in a responsible manner. Avoid degrading sensitive environments or disturbing wildlife, comply with all visitor guidelines, and follow the  Leave No Trace Principles . Along with paying any usage fees, be sure to support local communities by booking local accommodations and service providers.

> Learn more about how tourism benefits nature and wildlife. 

10. Choose sustainable accommodations and operators

Our final tip focuses on how you can drive businesses to change their practices and help to mainstream sustainable travel. The best way you can influence the industry is by seeking out businesses that are lessening their environmental impact and contributing to the well-being of local communities.

While many companies have embraced sustainable travel, there are still plenty of businesses that don’t see the value. Let them know that sustainability matters to you by putting your money where your mouth is. Keep in mind that just because a company markets themselves as ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ doesn’t mean they necessarily are. Look for information about the specific practices and policies that they’ve implemented, and ask questions to show that you’re factoring sustainability into your purchase decisions. What energy and water conservation practices do they have in place? Have they eliminated single-use plastics? How do they promote diversity and inclusion? Do they hire local people for management roles? Do they prioritize local suppliers and producers? Do they promote responsible interactions with wildlife?

If you notice other practices that the business could adopt, be sure to share your feedback. You can also write online reviews or share your experience  in our  Travel Better Facebook Group  to help other travelers identify sustainable businesses.

We hope you enjoyed these tips and are feeling inspired for your next trip!  Click here to sign our Travel Better Pledge and join the sustainable travel movement.

• March 9, 2021
• Blog , Climate Change , Nature & Wildlife , People & Culture , Sustainable Travel , Waste & Pollution

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Sustainable Travel Trends: How to Explore the World While Protecting It

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Imagine a world where every traveler leaves a positive impact on the places they visit. Where we can explore our planet’s wonders without harming it. This is the future of sustainable travel.

Sustainable travel is about more than just reducing your carbon footprint. It’s about being mindful of your impact on the environment, local communities, and cultures . It’s choosing to travel in ways that support responsible tourism and sustainable development.

In this article, we’ll explore the latest sustainable travel trends and show you how to explore the world while protecting it. From choosing eco-friendly accommodations to supporting local businesses, there are many ways to travel more sustainably.

Let’s dive right in.

Eco-Friendly Accommodations

The first step to a sustainable adventure comes down to where you choose to stay. Gone are the days when eco-conscious travelers had to choose between roughing it in a tent or staying at a luxury resort that isn’t exactly earth-friendly.

Today, you can find a wide array of eco-friendly accommodations that combine comfort with sustainability . From treehouse hotels perched in lush forests to cozy, solar-powered cabins overlooking pristine lakes, there’s an option for every type of adventurous traveler.

Slow and Mindful Travel

Today’s sustainable adventurers embrace the philosophy of “slow travel.” It’s all about taking your time to savor every moment and minimize your environmental impact. Whether you’re hiking through rugged terrains or exploring quaint villages, this approach allows you to immerse yourself in local cultures and truly appreciate the beauty of your surroundings . 

Slow travel encourages you to tread lightly on the planet while forging meaningful connections with people and nature.

Sustainable Transportation

Getting from one breathtaking destination to another doesn’t have to compromise your commitment to sustainability. Green travel is on the rise, and eco-friendly transportation options have become more accessible. 

Electric bike tours, carpooling, and even electric camper vans are all the rage. These modes of transportation reduce your carbon footprint and offer unique opportunities to explore the world at a slower, more intimate pace.

There’s more: EVs are becoming the responsible choice when hitting the road for a travel adventure. With expanding charging networks, they offer reliability and convenience. Beyond preserving the environment, EVs save on fuel costs, making them cost-effective for long journeys.  Learn How to Plan an Epic Electric Car Road Trip here.

Culinary Adventures with a Twist

For many travelers, food is an essential part of the adventure. Sustainable food tourism is a growing trend , allowing eco-conscious explorers to taste local delicacies while supporting environmentally friendly practices. 

From farm-to-table experiences to foraging tours led by expert guides, sustainable foodies have endless options. 

Plus, you can even join local communities in cooking classes or help harvest fresh produce. It’s a mouthwatering way to dive deep into the culture of your destination while promoting sustainability.

Giving Back with Responsible Tourism

Sustainable travel isn’t just about what you take; it’s also about what you give back to the places you visit. Responsible tourism practices have become a fundamental part of every eco-adventurer’s journey. 

Engaging with local communities and participating in volunteer activities or conservation efforts allows you to leave a positive mark. By supporting local artisans, learning about the culture, and contributing to conservation initiatives, you’ll make your travel experience even more meaningful.

Pack Light and Smart

With sustainable travel, what you pack—and what you leave behind—matters. Minimalism is key, and packing light makes your adventures more manageable and reduces your environmental footprint. 

Opt for eco-friendly travel gear, like reusable water bottles, solar chargers, and versatile clothing that can adapt to various weather conditions. Plus, it’s always a good idea to bring your reusable shopping bag and cutlery to minimize waste and reduce single-use plastic consumption.

Go Off the Beaten Path

Traditional tourist hotspots are often overrun and suffer from the environmental strain caused by massive visitor numbers. Sustainable travelers have turned to uncharted territories, seeking hidden gems that offer unique experiences and remain untouched by mass tourism. 

Off-the-beaten-path destinations are more sustainable because they’re less frequented, which helps preserve their natural beauty and cultural authenticity.

Consider Bhutan, a Himalayan kingdom with stunning landscapes and a strong focus on sustainability. Or explore Madagascar, known for its biodiversity and otherworldly landscapes. Albania, in the Balkans, boasts pristine beaches and historical sites. 

Head to the Faroe Islands for dramatic cliffs and remote villages. Namibia’s desert landscapes are otherworldly, and the Far North of Sweden offers the Northern Lights without the crowds. 

These destinations provide adventurous travelers with unforgettable experiences far from the tourist masses.

Sustainable Adventures for Everyone

You might think that sustainable travel is exclusively for rugged backpackers or seasoned environmentalists, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. 

Sustainable adventures are accessible to everyone, from families with young children to solo travelers looking for a unique experience. Many travel agencies and tour operators now focus on eco-friendly trips, ensuring that the less adventurous can embark on sustainable journeys with ease.

The Future of Sustainable Travel

As technology advances, eco-conscious travelers can look forward to even more efficient, sustainable, and innovative options. From electric planes to cutting-edge eco-accommodations, the possibilities are endless.

Emerging trends and advancements are already reshaping the way we explore the world while treading lightly on the planet.

1. Electric Aviation: Electric aircraft are on the horizon, with companies like Boeing and Airbus developing electric propulsion systems for short-haul flights. This technology could significantly reduce aviation emissions and noise pollution.

2. Hydrogen-Powered Transportation: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are gaining traction, offering longer ranges and quicker refueling times compared to traditional electric cars. Hyundai’s NEXO is a prime example, emitting only water vapor.

3. Sustainable Accommodations: Smart hotels and resorts are incorporating cutting-edge energy management systems, IoT technology, and renewable energy sources, ensuring eco-friendliness without compromising guest comfort.

4. Green Mobility Apps: Advanced mobility apps provide travelers with real-time information on eco-friendly transportation options, making it easier to choose low-emission options, from electric bikes to shared electric scooters.

5. Virtual Reality Tourism : Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will enable immersive, eco-conscious travel experiences without physical travel, reducing the environmental footprint.

As these technologies mature, travelers will have a wealth of options to explore the world while minimizing their impact on the environment.

As we conclude our exploration of sustainable travel trends, remember this: every adventure you embark on is an opportunity to leave a positive legacy. By choosing eco-friendly accommodations, slow travel, responsible tourism, and embracing sustainable technologies, you’re preserving the planet for this and future generations. 

Every footprint you leave should tell a story of responsibility, connection, and the enduring beauty of our shared planet.

Luke is a passionate environmental advocate based in upstate New York. When he's not sharing tips on sustainability and wellness, you can find him hiking with his dog, Max.

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9 Sustainable Luggage Brands To Travel The World (2024)

The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here .

Travel season is upon us! And by that, we mean every season can be travel season if you’ve got the right luggage. If you’re looking to upgrade your travel gear (or gift an upgrade to a loved one!) consider choosing sustainable luggage from these eco-friendly, fair trade collections from the best luggage brands we could find.

Coming in an array of styles, colors, personalizations, and sizes, these sustainable suitcases are made by conscious brands, many of which are committed to ethical practices and environmental conservation efforts. Most importantly, these eco-friendly luggage lines are built to last; this means less waste and a bag you can travel with for years to come.

For that “one personal item” on planes and trains, see our guides to sustainable backpacks and eco-friendly purses and handbags for stowing your travel essentials!

Best Overall | Most Affordable | Best Weekender

Best For | Carry-on luggage, packing cubes Price Range | $$–$$$

Paravel is reimagining travel, and not just with its collection of chic suitcases. This NY-based brand has a forward-thinking sustainability model; to date, the company has recycled 5 million plastic water bottles (and counting!) into what’s called negative nylon. This material is used for Paravel’s packing cubes, totes, backpacks, and the interior lining of the Aviator suitcase. The luggage shells are made with recycled polycarbon exterior, an aircraft-grade recycled aluminum handle, vegan leather details, and recycled zippers.

All of this plus the timeless designs, beautiful color schemes, and Paravel’s five-year warranty? We know precisely what suitcase we’re rolling into our next adventure. Weekenders starting at $285 make this the kind of investment you won’t regret. Read our Paravel review for an in-depth look.

Best For | Hard-shell cases Price Range | $$

For a classic hard-shell suitcase that will hold up to the wear and tear of years of work trips and family vacations, we love Quince . Choose from five beautiful but practical hues including dark green or a clear, bright blue in case you want to easily find your piece in a sea of black (although black is classic for a reason, and they have that too!). With Japanese-crafted Hinomoto 360-degree wheels, a removable laundry bag, and a TSA-approved lock, these two pieces also nest easily for storage. Crafted ethically with BCSI-certified production and at a combined price of just over $300, this could be the last travel set you need for a long, long time.

Best For | Artisan-made totes, weekenders, and carry ons Price Range | $–$$$

For a beautifully handmade bag, you can’t go wrong with Nisolo . The certified B Corp works hard to create ethical and sustainable leather goods in partnership with Peruvian artisans. Each climate-neutral purchase comes with a transparent “Sustainability Facts” label that holds the brand accountable for materials, ethical working conditions, and their environmental impact. We love their commitment to planet and people, and their products are the highest quality, crafted with skill and care. Choose from their shoppers, backpacks, weekenders, and more, all handcrafted from responsibly sourced leather and canvas in a gorgeous array of rich whiskey-browns and earthy neutrals. We love the waxed canvas messenger bag, perfect for carrying on or taking to the office, starting at $180!

4. Patagonia

Best For | Heavy duty wheeled duffels Price Range | $$–$$$

Known for its expansive line of outdoor clothing and accessories as well as its sustainability efforts, it comes as no surprise that Patagonia’s collection of bags and gear includes a truly heavy duty wheeled duffel that could withstand a lifetime’s worth of trips around the world. Sold in 40L, 70L, and 100L sizes and starting at just $159, this weather-resistant, waxed bag is designed to haul your gear on sturdy wheels and with a telescoping handle. Made from 100 percent recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing, this duffel is perfect for long-term trips and outdoor travel.

The brand is so committed to sustainability and reducing waste that they not only back every product with an ironclad guarantee that it will last, but they also offer repairs and include DIY repair & care instructions on their site. We are also big fans of their secondhand shop Worn Wear, for trade-ins, buying used, or recycling their items to reduce consumption and extend product life.

5. Lo & Sons

Best For | Weekenders, totes, & backpacks Price Range | $$–$$$

Imagine a bag that’s as stylish and eco-friendly as it is functional: Say hello to Lo & Sons ’ Catalina Deluxe tote, starting at $185. Made with organic canvas or recycled polyester, this sustainable luggage is ideal for anyone and everyone you know! With a roomy shoe compartment, a padded messenger strap, suitcase handle, and plenty of pockets, it’s spacious and durable. No wonder it’s one of the brand’s best-selling bags.

When Helen Lo saw a need for better backpacks and luggage, she worked with her two sons to make it possible. Today, this small Asian American, family-owned business uses organic and recycled materials whenever possible, strives to be fully sustainable, and donates five percent of proceeds to community action organizations and nonprofits local to their NY base.

Best For | Customizable luggage Price Range | $$–$$$$

From former TUMI employees comes Roam , one of the world’s most customizable luggage brands. From monograms to selecting the color of your bag’s stitching, this collection is fun, unique, and created to reflect each traveler’s personality. (Or you can choose from its existing gallery!) Even the totes are customizable (and starting at just $95!).

Roam is also passionate about local business and job creation in the USA. Every one of these suitcases is designed, made to order, and handcrafted at a workshop in Georgia. Each bag comes with a lifetime guarantee to cover non-cosmetic damage.

Best For | Functional, timeless matching sets Price Range | $$$

If you are a frequent flyer looking for the perfect timeless luggage set that is equally as functional as it is stylish, look no further than Monos . Named after the Japanese concept of “mono no aware,” or the appreciation of beauty in fleeting moments, the brand is committed to creating travel products that will help you do just that. Their mindfully designed luggage line offers TSA-approved carry-ons to check-in sized premium travel cases that all nest neatly together between trips.

We love the attention to functionality in their designs, like the sleek front compartment on the Carry-On Pro Plus for easy access to laptops, books, and more. Mix and match starting with their versatile (and beautiful) backpacks that start at $200. Build a set in matching hues for each person in your family over the next several gift-giving occasions to ensure a lifetime of sleek, stylish, and functional journeys to wherever life takes them!

8. Solgaard

Best For | Built-in Shelving Price Range | $$–$$$

Overpackers rejoice! Solgaard is making it easier than ever to pack everything you want with their innovative trunks, which are both a suitcase and a closet combined! Coming in a medium or large carry-on size or a sleek, hard-shell check-in size, these unbreakable suitcases have removable built-in shelves (!!), making unpacking easier than ever. With a lifetime warranty and the knowledge that these babies help to recycle up to 6 lbs of ocean-bound plastic from coastal communities, what’s not to love? Their circular backpacks, starting at $165, are also the perfect personal item. Made from post-consumer recycled plastic, these bags can also be recycled when you’re finished with them!

Best For | Luggage to last Price Range | $$–$$$$

A bag by Orvis is a bag inspired by nature, and we’re all about investing in quality luggage with the Battenkill Expandable Roller. Perfect for extended trips and touting a lifetime warranty, the Battenkill is one we know will be passed down through generations. We also love their adventure tote, which is built with the same attention to detail for a lifetime of use, starting at just under $100.

Orvis dates back to 1856 when the company was founded in the hills of Vermont. Dedicated to protecting the wild, these products will survive and outlast all your adventures. They even offer a repair program. Orvis gives five percent of pre-tax profits to environmental protection efforts and works with numerous conservation partners and initiatives .

Featured Image from Monos

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41 Must Have Sustainable Travel Essentials

Please note: This post contains affiliate links.

After looking up and seeing the ocean choked with plastic bags, diapers, utensils and cups while surfacing from a dive in Ambon, Indonesia, my husband and I committed to identifying sustainable travel essentials to minimize single use plastics . I hope some of my favorite eco friendly travel products resonate with you, perhaps sparking gift ideas for friends and family.

Shockingly, we learned the local ferry dumped all of its garbage overboard three times a day, littering the ocean and our dive resort’s beach in plastic. In addition to being horrifying and alarming , we both contracted throbbing ear infections from it.

Unfortunately, this is a common theme throughout the world. As avid scuba divers, we’ve been fortunate to explore remote islands in the Galapagos ,  Palau , Micronesia; Raja Ampat , Indonesia; and Anilao , Philippines. We’ve been shocked by the plastic bits littering these uninhabited places.

Given that less than 9% of plastics are recycled in the United States , the statistics are far lower in other parts of the world. Most countries don’t have the resources or infrastructure to deal with all the debris created from disposable items. By making small changes as travelers and shifting to sustainable travel products, we can help minimize the burden at home and abroad.

Eco-friendly Toiletries

Identifying eco-friendly travel toiletries can be a challenge. While small travel sizes are convenient, they create A LOT of waste . After discovering LUSH’s solid shampoos, conditioners and body lotion bars , I swear by them. They offer a variety of fantastic scents.

Not only will you save on weight, space and not have to worry about leaking containers, but you’ll also not leave any packaging or debris behind wherever you travel.

After experimenting with a variety of options, my favorites are:

Eco friendly shampoo bar

Jason and the Argan oil – a luscious Rose Jam scent and Moroccan Argan oil will keep your hair silky and smelling divine. The shampoo bars provide  80 washes !

Eco friendly conditioner bar

American Cream – a relaxing combination of vanilla, clary sage and lavender that softens and detangles your hair.

Eco friendly moisturizer bar

Therapy massage bar –  a lovely orange, neroli and lavender scent combined with fair trade cocoa butter and shea butter is a great moisturizer.

TOP TIP: Buy the  tins for $3.95 to store/transport the solid bars. To maximize life , tilt them on an angle in the container to dry overnight. Otherwise, they get mushy and stick to the bottom of the tins.

LUSH doesn’t use palm oil , which lurks in many everyday products. Given the widespread demand and use, landowners chop down rainforests to plant palm oil, displacing orangutans and other vulnerable wildlife in Asia.

TOP TIP : When reading labels, avoid products that contain the following as these are other names for palm oil:

• Sodium Laureth
• Lauryl Sulphate
• Palm Kernel Oil
• Glycerel Sterate

If you do buy anything that has palm oil, look for this sustainably sourced palm oil logo on the label.

Other sustainable travel essentials

Using one of these bars saves the equivalent of three full shampoo bottles ! In addition to using compostable packaging, their products are vegan and palm oil free .

Sustainable solid shampoo and conditioner bars

Since I love the tingly feeling associated with peppermint, I recommend their Mintasy shampoo bar (previously known as Damage Control) . The coconut oil and cocoa butter in it also serve to moisturize.

Their Guardian conditioner bar , which saves five conditioner bottles , is great for moisturizing your hair. This is always key for me after I’ve been hiking, scuba diving or swimming in the ocean.

Ethique’s solid body polish is great for exfoliating rough feet and elbows . This innovative product uses cocoa butter to soften and pumice to smooth rather than using microplastic beads that clog our waterways. Opting for this product means one less plastic jar in landfill. I personally love the lime & ginger scent.

TOP TIP : My local San Francisco Athleta store started carrying Ethique products, so check if yours offers them too!

Eco friendly deodorant

In addition to plastic waste, deodorants and anti-perspirants can expose us to unwanted chemicals. While natural deodorants didn’t work for me in the past, the Ethique Botanica deodorant is a great zero waste alternative.

Rather than using aluminum, it uses magnesium hydroxide, zinc oxide and bamboo to keep you dry. And, the lavender and vanilla provide a pleasant, but not overpowering scent. After using it for heavy cardiovascular workouts, I can attest it works well.

Eco friendly toothpaste

Bite toothpaste bits are a convenient plastic-free option to decrease the number of toothpaste tubes that enter landfills each year – currently 1 billion ! Not only does Bite package the toothpaste bits in a glass bottle , but they also send refills in compostable packaging .

To minimize their carbon footprint, all Bite products ship via ground. This is one of my favorite sustainable travel toiletries!

TOP TIP: I prefer the Fresh Mint flavor. They periodically offer limited release flavors such as pumpkin, lavender lemon, or champagne, which are worth trying.

Eco friendly mouthwash

Bite also offers solid mouthwash bits with a convenient travel tin, which holds the equivalent of 5 travel mouthwash bottles . All you need to do is bite down, take a sip of water and swish for 30 seconds.

It contains a non-toxic fluoride alternative (nano-hydroxyapatite) to strengthen your teeth while also freshening bad breath with peppermint and eliminating cavity-causing bacteria with xylitol and erythritol.

Eco friendly bamboo toothbrush

Switching to a bamboo alternative is a sustainable and biodegradable option . Personally, I like the Wowe 4-pack toothbrush set as it covers my husband and me for six months.

TOP TIP : Remove the bristles before composting the brush as the nylon bristles are not biodegradable.

Eco friendly floss

Refills are shipped in compostable bags and shipping boxes are made from 100% recycled material. I personally love the various designs and colors they offer for their refillable vials and value not discarding numerous plastic floss containers per year.

If you’d like to fulfill all your dental needs with one vendor, Bite offers compostable dental floss too. This vegan, plastic-free floss effectively cleans those hard to reach places between your teeth with a biodegradable material that decreases waste by providing a refillable, glass vial.

TOP TIP : After using both Dental Lace and Bite biodegradable floss, I prefer the Bite floss as it seems more durable and doesn’t break as easily when flossing between tight teeth.

Reusable make up wipes

TOP TIP : Since they come with 3 colors in the set (pink, blue, white), allocate different sets for eye make up, face cleansing and nail polish removal.

Eco friendly biodegradable cotton buds

As a scuba diver, the thought of a tiny sea horse clinging to a plastic Q-tip floating in our oceans breaks my heart. These eco-friendly cotton buds are made from biodegradable bamboo and shipped in a recycled cardboard box. Cleaning ears or removing makeup with this sustainable alternative is a great solution.

Eco friendly body wipes

When camping or trekking, you may not have access to shower facilities. The Sea To Summit Wilderness wipes allow you to minimize waste by cleaning your body with compostable Viscose fibers rather than non biodegradable alternatives.

TOP TIP : I prefer the extra large size ( 8*12 inches or 20*30 cm) since I can fully refresh using just one wipe. I’ve used these camping in Yellowstone and Utah loved them!

Reef safe sunscreen

With coral reefs around the world facing challenges from rising water temperatures as a result of global warming, I’ve sought out reef safe sunscreens to use when kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and diving.

Environmentally safe sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and exclude ingredients like octinoxate or oxybenzone. I commend all the places around the world now requiring visitors use reef safe sunscreen including Hawaii and Palau , Micronesia.

Think Sport is one of my favorite brands for both face and body. Learn more about my favorite reef safe sunscreens and sun protection products . My one wish is that the sunscreen came in an eco-friendly container rather than plastic.

Eco friendly travel products

Finding reliable sustainable travel accessories to pack both toiletries and clothing expedites  TSA airport screening  and  improves packing and unpacking efficiency .

Flanabags Airquart Travel Bag

After using Ziploc plastic bags for years, I converted to this  TSA-approved, quart-sized bag for my carry on toiletries in 2014. In addition to easily ripping, Ziploc bags are not environmentally friendly.

Flanabags’ gusseted bottom (6.5” x 8” plus 1” gusset) allows me to fit more since I don’t have to worry about ripping this stylish and sturdy bag. The wrist strap also makes it  convenient to grab from the TSA bin after screening.

TOP TIP : They come in a variety of designs and make  great gifts/stocking stuffers . I recommended them to my in-laws for our trip to Takayama, Japan , and they love them as well.

I’ve been using the same one for eight years !

Flanabags Clear Pack Gallon

After accidentally leaving two Kindles in seat back pockets, I now bring my Flanabags Clear Pack Gallon , an eco friendly travel product, on every flight.

It fits all of my carry-on essentials that I bring on the plane – (my neck pillow, eye mask , Kindle , Bose noise cancelling earbuds , essential oil, No jet lag and compression socks ). You can also use this for sporting events that require clear bags. The wrist strap makes it easy to carry .

Eagle Creek Pack-It Original Packing Cubes

While my husband initially mocked my organizational tendencies when I suggested packing cubes, he now uses them for both business and personal travel .

These eco-friendly packing cubes are tremendously helpful for dive trips too. Unloading all of our dive gear on the main deck and carrying only four cubes to our room is  super easy !

I also no longer accidentally leave any clothes behind in drawers/closets. I’ve been using my same packing Eagle Creek packing cubes for 15 years and they are still good as new.

A  great starter set is:

Two Pack-It Tube Cubes Slim – use one for underwear and one for socks

TOP TIP : Buying  different colors for each family member allows to you to easily distribute cubes.

Eco friendly travel items

Eco friendly travel bottles.

Sustainable travel containers

To carry my supplements, vitamins and medications, I use the small 0.4 oz Go Tubbs . Since I travel with a limited amount of various medicines, I don’t need full size bottles.

This eco friendly travel container’s compact size is ideal . I stack two on top of one another in my Eagle Creek quarter cube .

I also put one in my Flanabags Clear Pack Gallon for those things I might need to access during the flight (melatonin, ibuprofen, etc).

TOP TIP : I always fill one of my Go Tubbs with a teaspoon of Vicks Vapo Rub and keep it in my pocket. It is great to combat people’s smelly feet or body odor on planes and trains.

By wiping a small amount under your nose, you’ll mask the offending odor . It works like a charm. And, if you get sick or congested while traveling, it’s great to have on hand.

I transfer these sustainable travel containers from my Flanbags to my pocket for easy access throughout the journey. My husband used to make fun of me for this travel hack and now always carries his own to mask undesirable smells.

Zero waste travel kit

Reusable water bottle.

I’m incredibly proud of the fact that San Francisco International Airport (my home airport) eliminated all plastic water bottles in August 2019. Water is only offered in glass, aluminum or paper containers.

Since I use ice to chill my drinks where possible, I prefer wide mouth water bottles for ease of inserting ice and filling. My two favorite brands since they never leak are Nalgene and Hydro Flask .

It’s also key for using my SteriPEN (more on that below) to sterilize my water. I love that Hydro Flask keeps my drinks cold for hours, motivating me to drink 64 oz of water every day.

SteriPEN Ultraviolet Water Purifier

Having contracted giardiasis while traveling in Northern China and getting violently ill from supposed “filtered/bottled” water in India and Egypt, I now prefer to sterilize water myself.

TOP TIP : I use the  SteriPEN Ultra UV Water Purifier. Since it’s  rechargeable, you don’t have to worry about batteries. Each charge allows for  50 water treatments . To use it, make sure you travel with a Nalgene or Hydro Flask wide-mouth water bottle . You won’t be able to get the SteriPEN into a water bottle with a narrow opening.

Reusable utensils

TOP TIP : Whenever we go out to eat in San Francisco, we bring our own reusable takeaway containers to bring leftovers home.

For flights, I bring my own food, snacks and reusable utensils aboard to avoid the waste caused by all the disposable plastic given to each passenger.

I commend airlines that are shifting away from plastic towards compostable options and hope more follow suit.

Reusable straws

Despite the fact that I rarely use straws, I always carry eco-friendly straws with me for smoothies or frozen drinks and offer them to friends as well. While San Francisco has led the way in banning plastic straws and offering compostable alternatives, many parts of the United States and world still automatically put them in drinks.

TOP TIP : Anytime I order a drink, I proactively request “no straw please .” I’m always delighted when the server says they don’t use plastic straws.

I personally love my stainless steel straw set since it includes curved and straight straws. For those that chew on straws or want to avoid stains on your teeth while drinking coffee, you might prefer the biodegradable Silicone Koffie Straw . I also like my bamboo straws . It’s all a matter of personal preference. All the reusable straw sets I’ve bought come with a cleaning brush, which is key for sanitizing inside your straws.

For me, this heartbreaking video of a plastic straw being extracted from a sea turtle’s nose is a great reminder of why it’s important to shift away from plastic straws.

Eco friendly travel bag

By traveling with your own sustainable travel bag , you can decline the plastic bags that many shops offer when selling you food, trinkets, etc. I buy Chico bags as they are made from recycled plastic bottles and stuff into their own sack, packing down to the size of a lemon. I always travel with one of these reusable bags no matter where I go.

Reusable snack bags

These reusable snack bags are also dishwasher and microwave safe . You can also use them in your freezer or Sous vide at home. A truly multi-purpose eco friendly alternative to plastic Ziploc bags.

TOP TIP : My favorite sizes are the sandwich (28 oz) and snack (12 oz).

Reusable coffee cup

If you prefer something stainless steel and insulated to keep your coffee/tea hot for longer, I highly recommend Contigo products. I adore my spill proof 16 oz stainless steel mug and have used it whenever I indulge in my favorite mint tea at my local Philz Coffee.

I’ve been using mine for eight years and it’s still going strong! It keeps drinks hot for seven hours and I can attest the spill proof lid works. Since I have mad skills for dropping and spilling things, this lid has saved me MANY times.

If you prefer glass, 12 oz Keep Cups are great as they have a cork band to make sure you don’t burn your hand when holding your hot coffee. Given my propensity for breaking things, glass is not a great option for me.

Other sustainable travel products

Eco friendly wash bag.

This pocket-sized washing machine has an internal, textured wash board. This will be a KEY tool for me during the 30 day Snowman trek, which I hope to do in Bhutan in Fall 2023.

Eco friendly travel wash

Since Campsuds ( a biodegradable, environmentally friendly soap ) is very concentrated, you only need a ½ to 1 cap per load. My husband and I typically share a 4 oz bottle on a three-week trip and often come back with soap leftover. This multi-purpose, eco friendly travel wash can be used as shampoo, body wash and dish soap. And, the leak proof Nalgene bottle is key to eliminate any spills in your bag

Another option is the Sea To Summit Pocket Laundry Wash , which comes with 50 soap leaves in each pack.

TOP TIP : Make sure your hands are completely dry before touching these or they will all stick together. I learned the hard way!

Sustainable shoes

My in-laws gifted a pair of Allbirds to my husband before they were all the rage. Now, we both have and LOVE them! It’s pretty much the only shoe I wear. When traveling, I typically travel with three pairs of shoes – my Allbirds, hiking boots and flip flops. They are super easy to slip on/off at the airport and aboard long-haul flights.

These eco friendly shoes are made from – wool for the shoe, sugarcane for the soles and a recycled plastic bottle for the laces. And, they ship in boxes made from 90% recycled material. Allbirds recently released the Mizzle , which uses thicker wool and is water repellent.

Since I’ve started running more this past year, increasing my mileage from two to seven miles at a time, I also recently invested in Allbirds Tree Dashers . Made from eucalyptus , these supportive and durable shoes are super comfortable to run in and come in a variety of color combinations.

TOP TIP : Since the Wool Runners and Wool Runner Mizzles run small and don’t come in half sizes, size up when ordering . If you typically wear a 6, go to a 7. If you wear a 6.5, you might want to consider a size 8. The Tree Dashers come in half sizes and are true to size. A bonus is the fact that the shoes are machine washable ; you just need to remove the insoles and laces before washing.

Eco friendly towel

Solar power charger

When trekking/hiking in an area where you don’t have access to electricity, a solar charger is helpful. After a few friends raved about their solar chargers, I decided to invest in one. This 25000 mAH  portable charger will be KEY for my upcoming Bhutan treks, including the month-long Snowman trek in Bhutan in 2023.

I hope you found some sustainable travel products and eco friendly travel essentials to simplify your travels.

Epic 7 Travel is a for-profit blog. The post contains Affiliate links for which I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only feature products that I own or would recommend regardless of an affiliate relationship. Read more in our Terms of Use . Thank you for your support of Epic 7 Travel!

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Marielena Smith

Marielena founded Epic 7 Travel to inspire you to Live the Unforgettable by sharing stories and photography from around the world. She aims to transport you to extraordinary places on, above and beneath all 7 continents and drive you to start your own adventures.

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Reader Interactions

April 15, 2020 at 3:49 am

I love this list!!!! I have a lot of these in my bag and I just started switching over to the eco-friend shampoos and conditioners. I’m going to put the UV sterilizer on my list because you’re right, you never know what is sterilized and what isn’t. You and I, with our sensitive stomachs, need to look out for ourselves. I’m going to also get some new bamboo toothbrushes from your link. I’ve had the same one for a while, and need to have them on hand.

April 20, 2020 at 2:49 pm

Lauren, That makes me so happy to hear! I just finished crafting this new blog post based on items I present about and new discoveries I’ve made in my quest to eliminate all the single use plastics that I can. So glad you like the eco-friendly shampoos and conditioners too. The UV sterilizer is a game changer for us and saves SO many plastic bottles. After two unfortunate situations where I was violently ill from water I was told was bottled or filtered, I no longer trust it and prefer for the purification to be in my control. Both of those situations were serious enough that I almost needed to be hospitalized so I’m not messing around. I’m delighted you found a number of new ideas and solutions!

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11 Top Sustainable Travel Companies That Support Eco-Friendly Tourism

These sustainable tourism companies give you endless ethical wanderlust.

Updated by Francesca Brooking

Edited & Fact Checked By Amber McDaniel

Updated September 7, 2023

We independently research all featured brands and products. To avoid waste, we test products on an as needed basis. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about why we do this here .

We love to travel—but if you’re like us, the conflicting eco-anxieties and GHGs associated with globetrotting can cast a grey cloud over your grand adventure.

For a better way to see the world, discover our favorite sustainable travel companies that enrich not only your life, but the places you visit.

From conservation projects and off-grid lodges to all-inclusive safari tours, boutique hotels and bespoke luxury itineraries that really do help the local communities, the below eco-friendly tourism companies wear their green hearts on their sleeves.

Our Curated List Of The Best Eco Tour Companies For Responsible Roaming

How can the travel industry be sustainable.

It’s no secret that the tourism industry has its fair share of ethical and environmental issues. 

Carbon and fuel-intensive flights, over tourism, exploitation, animal cruelty—the list goes on.

Not to mention tourism leakage, a process in which most of the money generated by tourism goes into the pockets of billion-dollar travel companies rather than into local communities that need it. 

However, you don’t need to hang up your suitcase for good. If done responsibly, tourism can have a profoundly positive impact on both the traveler and the destinations they visit.

With the right planning or travel companies, sustainable travel supports livelihoods and funnels your money directly into the local economy. 

It allows small businesses to flourish, funds community projects, and helps protect the environment by showcasing its economic value if left intact. 

To us, the environment is already priceless, but what we mean here is that sustainable tourism (whether solo or with the assistance of eco travel agents and tour operators) can help conserve the natural world by preventing it from being turned into farmland or apartment buildings! 

While tourism still has a long way to go, sustainable travel companies are pioneering positive change in the industry. 

From employing local guides to offering flight-free holidays and measuring their environmental and cultural impact, these tour operators make sure they benefit every destination they facilitate trips to.

Keep reading to find our top recommended environmentally conscious trips and jump to the bottom to learn what we consider when planning a trip with eco-tourism and sustainable travel in mind.

11 Eco-Friendly Tourism Companies To Book Your Vacation With

1. responsible travel.

The clue is in the name with Responsible Travel . They’ve led the way in eco-friendly vacations and ecotourism tours since the turn of the century.

This eco travel agency has over 5,000 adventures on offer to destinations all over the world.

Choose from hiking, conservation, diving, kayaking, cycling tours or head off to track snow leopards, swim with the whales or cruise Antarctica.

Responsible Travel has a give-back program, which campaigns for positive change with NGOs and activists.

Its eco travel options focus on local culture and local people, making sure your money goes to independent businesses and supports animal conservation.

You won’t find any elephant rides or exploitative practices here. In fact, they’re an excellent resource for learning about the difference between ethical and unethical wildlife experiences. 

2. &Beyond

One of the top eco-friendly travel companies for luxury safaris, &Beyond goes above and beyond investing back into the local environment. They focus on small-group and tailor-made tours in Africa, Asia, South America, and the Indian Ocean.

If you’re keen to tick off the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino), you have plenty of ethical choices with their range of responsible luxury safaris in 11 African countries with 29 camps and lodges that all employ local guides.

Search for wildlife on the Serengeti, track the great migration, explore Masai Mara national park or glide in a hot air balloon over the Namib Desert.

One example is their Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp in Botswana which has a state-of-the-art Tesla solar power plant that gives them 80% of their energy.

They also have a responsible travel policy which looks after the land, people and animals. Environmental projects in Botswana include rhino conservation, supporting local isolated communities and providing them with access to safe drinking water. 

Kynder cuts to the chase.

This eco-travel platform brings together the best hotels, cafés, bars and restaurants in Europe and the USA that are eco-friendly, humane, kind and community loving.

We’re talking kind to the planet, to staff, their locality and kind to you, too. 

Find the off-the-beaten-track places that make your sustainable trip, from coffee shops hiring only refugees to the coolest eco hotels and holistic retreats.

All hotels and hospitality establishments must pass a rigorous set of guidelines to be accepted onto their platform. 

That way, you can be confident that these small businesses are truly genuine. No greenwashing here. 

4. Undiscovered Mountains

Undiscovered Mountains is one of the top travel companies for sustainable tourism in the French Alps.

From skiing and snow-touring to building an igloo in winter to mountain biking, rock climbing and cycling in the summer, it’s all here. 

It’s possible to do horse riding, wildlife holidays, walks, kayaking and fishing holidays. Any active, outdoor adventure holiday you can think of, you will most likely find it. 

It has special packages for families and singles, so you can guarantee you’re always paying a fair price. 

Plus, Undiscovered Mountains only works with local guides, independent accommodation and responsible partners. 

Rest assured, all your hard-earned cash goes to the people who deserve it and those who help protect this stunning European mountain range.

5. Adventure Alternative

Among sustainable travel companies, UK-based Adventure Alternative is calling other mountain enthusiasts with sights set on remote, rugged adventures worldwide.

This responsible travel tour operator is based in Ireland but takes intrepid souls all over the world, from Borneo to East Africa. This is the company for you if you’re interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or making the trek to Everest Base Camp. 

For slightly more laid-back trips, there are also wildlife tours and safaris. 

As well as hiking and trekking, Adventure Alternative is a member of Fair Trade Volunteering. 

The sustainable travel company runs volunteering trips through Moving Mountains in various countries across the globe, which makes sure each project is needed and useful.

They also invest heavily in their whole supply chain, from local guides to community projects, and they works to a framework set by sustainable travel principles.

6. Intrepid Travel

While Intrepid Travel has been around for years, the eco-tourism operator is no slow coach when it comes to slow and sustainable trips. 

They’re not just a Certified B Corp , but the largest travel company in the world to become one.

They pride themselves on incorporating the principles of sustainable development in the way they provide travelers with authentic and real-life experiences.

Simply put, these are small group trips all over the world, from Greenland to Oman that get you up close and personal with wildlife and cultural highlights with local guides and specialist experts.

You can book cycling, sailing or wildlife trips with them, too. There are family-friendly tours, expedition cruises, women’s expeditions, tailor-made itineraries, National Geographic expeditions and budget-conscious tours for those aged 18-29. 

Whatever your travel style, you’ll find your perfect eco travel experience. 

The Intrepid Foundation also supports 50 community and conservation projects all over the world. Plus, they cover all administration costs so 100% of your donation goes directly to the project of your choosing. 

7. Kind Traveler

Kind Traveler is a socially conscious ‘Give + Get’ hotel booking platform that empowers travellers to be a force for good.

$10 goes to a local community or charity close to where you’re staying, and you’ll unlock an exclusive rate at that hotel or destination across the US and beyond.

Kind Traveler is one of a growing number of eco travel companies that want to harness the power of routine bookings we already make and use them to benefit the planet. It’s a simple yet effective way to give back when booking your trip. 

An example of one of the best traveler companies that have implemented sustainable tourism policies, Kind Traveler’s goals are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): preventing poverty and hunger, protecting the planet, and promoting well-being for individuals and animals.

One of the top sustainable travel companies South America -bound travelers have, Aracari organizes eco-luxury holidays and boutique trips around Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador—including the Galapagos Islands.

In recognition of their ethical efforts, sustainable brand consultants Positive Luxury has awarded the tour operator the prestigious Butterfly Mark.

They’re also a favorite with Conde Nast Traveller, and their specialist guides are some of the best in the business.

They infuse all of their tours with environmental and social good, foster long-term relationships with local communities, help you reduce your environmental footprint, and ensure everyone gets paid a living wage.

Really experience Latin American culture with authentic homestays on Lake Titicaca or get access to exclusive local accommodation from Aracari’s black book of contacts that no one else has. 

For a more hands-on experience, spend time with community projects like Tierra de los Yachaqs, a philanthropic organization determined to preserve the history and traditions of local people in Peru’s Sacred Valley.

9. Rickshaw Travel

Rickshaw Travel has a whole host of independent and authentic trips that get under the skin of Southeast Asia.

Explore Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand with their ethical and impactful itineraries.

The global sustainable tour operator also offers trips to India, Japan, China, and Bhutan as well as destinations in Central and South America plus Europe and North America.

This company is all about meaningful travel experiences, meeting people and discovering unique local cultures and customs.

Choose to go trekking, discover landscapes by bike, tuck into amazing street food and meet the people that make an eco-travel trip an unforgettable experience.

Head out on a flight-free holiday with slow travel experts Byway .

This eco-friendly tour company arranges slow travel adventures across the UK and Europe by train, bike, ferry and foot – no planes in sight here. 

Their dynamic trip builder creates personal trips and tours based on your interests, while your virtual guide can assist with your journey via WhatsApp. 

Byway manages all your itinerary and bookings and comes up with the perfect sustainable tours for solo, couple, or family travelers.

We love their commitment to authentic travel without the carbon footprint of flying. 

All your accommodation is locally owned, too. Think: family-owned B&Bs and boutique hotels, all with the utmost comfort—and of course, fabulous breakfasts!

11. Earth Changers

Inspirational, transformative tourism is what’s on offer at Earth Changers , an online travel booking platform which features a list of environmental holidays whether it’s adventure, active breaks, or conservation trips. 

At the moment there are ten destinations which include the first-ever marine conservation reserve in Tanzania to Floreana, which is the smallest of the inhabited islands in the Galapagos archipelago.

You don’t have to book far-flung destinations either. Join an authentic mountain ranch in Croatia or do an adventure trip in Wales much closer to home. 

Earth Changers is a global eco-tourism project that truly has a positive impact, and you’ll get to meet world-changing pioneers along the way. 

How Did We Choose The Top Eco-Tourism Companies?

Eco-tourism and sustainable travel are often used interchangeably. 

So what is an eco-tourism company? And how does it differ from a sustainable travel company?

An eco-tourism operator tends to focus on low-impact, nature-based tours that conserve the environment through culture and education. 

Think gorilla trekking in Rwanda with Intrepid Travel, staying in an eco-lodge with Aracari or booking a conservation holiday with Earth Changers. 

Sustainable tourism is the umbrella term for eco-friendly travel. It’s based on the three pillars of sustainability: economic impact, sociocultural impact and environmental impact.

The idea is that travelers have the option to choose sustainable practices in all aspects of their trip. Kind Traveler’s hotel booking platform and Kynder are perfect examples of this. 

Let’s explore some of our essential criteria for evaluating each sustainable travel company.

Carbon Goals & Achievements: 

A truly eco travel company should prioritize carbon footprint reduction by offering flight-free alternatives, promoting train, bike, and ferry travel over flights.

If flights are part of the experience,they should be utilizing some of the best carbon offset programs to counteract the carbon footprint of those flights.

Sustainable Accommodations:

We want to explore with sustainable travel companies that curate experiences with eco-friendly hotels and restaurants, guaranteeing that your stay supports businesses that are kind to the planet and their communities.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 

Respect for cultures being visited is an obvious essential, sustainable travel or not, but we also want companies that support local communities with meaningful cultural exchanges, fair employment of local guides, and additional investment in economic development in destination regions.

In other words, your money should be mostly staying in the community you’re visiting.

Pay It Forward:

We love to see charitable initiatives that give back to these communities in additional ways, such as supporting local conservation and social programs.

Closing Thoughts On Sustainable Tourism Companies

As you can see, eco-tourism and sustainable travel work towards creating an industry that gives back, uplifts local communities and protects fragile environments.

 They also provide you with much more authentic and rewarding travel experiences.

Have a green travel lover in your life?

Share this list of the top eco tour companies and spark their eco-friendly wanderlust.

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Passing Thru Travel

12 Best Practices for Sustainable Travel in 2024 – How to Travel with Minimal Environmental Impact

Posted: February 14, 2024 | Last updated: February 14, 2024

In an era where climate change and environmental conservation are paramount, sustainable travel has become more than a buzzword—it’s a necessary shift in how we explore the world. Sustainable travel means being mindful of our environmental impact while experiencing new cultures and destinations. This guide delves into the best practices for eco-friendly travel, ensuring your adventures contribute positively to the planet and local communities.

Choose Eco-Friendly Transportation

When planning your travels, opting for transportation methods that minimize carbon emissions is crucial in sustainable travel. For shorter distances, trains and buses are significantly more eco-friendly than airplanes, emitting far less carbon per passenger. This choice reduces your environmental impact and often provides a more scenic and immersive travel experience.

If air travel is unavoidable, particularly for longer distances, look for airlines that offer carbon offset programs. These programs allow you to compensate for the emissions from your flight by funding environmental projects such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives. By making these conscious choices in your mode of transportation, you play a direct role in reducing the carbon footprint of your travels, contributing to the broader effort of environmental conservation.

Insider’s Tip: Rent electric or hybrid vehicles for road trips to reduce your carbon footprint.

Support Local Businesses

Engaging with local economies is a key aspect of sustainable travel and a practice that directly benefits the communities you visit. By choosing locally-owned accommodations, dining at local restaurants, and selecting local tour operators, you’re not only immersing yourself in the authentic culture of the destination but also ensuring that your spending contributes directly to the local economy. This approach supports small businesses and helps to distribute tourism dollars more evenly, fostering community development.

Moreover, local establishments often have a smaller carbon footprint than larger international chains. They’re more likely to use local resources, employ residents, and preserve traditional practices. By making these choices, you help sustain the local culture and environment while reducing the overall emissions associated with your travel. This way, your journey becomes more meaningful, both for you and for the people whose home you’re visiting.

Insider’s Tip: Seek out accommodations that are known for their sustainable practices and community involvement.

Pack Light and Eco-Friendly

Packing light is an effective way to contribute to more sustainable travel. By reducing the weight of your luggage, you indirectly help lower the fuel consumption of flights, decreasing the carbon emissions associated with air travel. Lighter planes mean less fuel burned, making a small but meaningful environmental impact. Additionally, consider incorporating eco-friendly travel products into your packing list. Choose biodegradable toiletries that minimize your plastic waste and reduce the environmental impact of your personal care products. Carrying a reusable water bottle cuts down on single-use plastics and keeps you hydrated without adding to plastic pollution.

Furthermore, solar-powered chargers are a green alternative to traditional charging methods, harnessing renewable energy to keep your devices powered up. By making thoughtful choices in what and how you pack, you protect the environment while still enjoying the conveniences and necessities of modern travel.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a backpack or suitcase made from recycled materials for an extra sustainable choice.

Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats

In natural settings where wildlife is present, it’s crucial to maintain a respectful distance. This ensures not only your safety but also the well-being of the animals. Interfering with wildlife can disrupt their natural behaviors and habitats. Avoid attractions or activities that exploit animals for entertainment, as these often contribute to animal stress and harm. Instead, opt for wildlife viewing experiences that promote conservation and ethical practices.

Additionally, when exploring natural areas, stay on marked trails. Straying off the path can destroy habitat and negatively impact the local flora and fauna. By sticking to designated trails, you help preserve the natural environment and ensure it remains a wildlife sanctuary. Your mindful actions contribute to the conservation of these ecosystems, allowing future generations to enjoy and appreciate the natural world just as you do.

Insider’s Tip: Choose wildlife tours led by reputable guides who prioritize animal welfare and conservation. Do not ride elephants!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Adhering to the three Rs of sustainability – reduce, reuse, and recycle – is fundamental in minimizing your environmental impact during travel. Reducing waste starts with making conscious decisions about what you consume and how. Opt for products with minimal packaging, and whenever possible, choose alternatives to single-use plastics, like carrying a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bags. Reusing items not only cuts down on waste but also saves resources. For instance, refill your water bottle, use the same shopping bag, and choose accommodations that offer bulk toiletry dispensers rather than single-use containers.

Recycling is the last step, but it’s equally important. Ensure you’re disposing of waste properly by separating recyclables from trash. Consider carrying recyclables in areas where recycling facilities might not be readily available until you find a proper disposal point. By following these practices, you help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or, worse, natural habitats and oceans, thereby playing a part in preserving the environment while traveling.

Insider’s Tip: Carry a ‘zero-waste kit’ with reusable cutlery, a shopping bag, and a coffee cup.

Conserve Water and Energy

Being conscious of water and energy usage is a crucial aspect of sustainable travel. Simple, everyday actions can collectively make a significant impact on conserving resources. Remember to turn off lights, air conditioning, and electronic devices when not in use or leaving your accommodation. This not only saves energy but also reduces unnecessary electricity consumption. Consider taking shorter showers, a practical way to reduce water usage, and reuse towels instead of requesting new ones daily.

Many hotels and accommodations now encourage this practice as part of their environmental policies. By being mindful of your water and energy consumption, you reduce your travels’ environmental footprint. These small but meaningful actions are steps towards more responsible and sustainable tourism, ensuring that the natural and cultural environments you visit can be preserved and enjoyed for years to come.

Insider’s Tip: Stay in accommodations that utilize renewable energy sources or have water-saving systems in place.

Educate Yourself and Others

As a responsible traveler, it’s important to educate yourself about the environmental challenges faced by the destinations you visit. This knowledge enhances your understanding of the local context. It enables you to make more informed decisions about how to travel responsibly. Awareness of these issues allows you to adjust your behavior accordingly, such as using water sparingly in drought-prone areas or avoiding products contributing to habitat loss, whether it’s water scarcity, pollution, or habitat destruction.

Furthermore, sharing your sustainable travel practices with fellow travelers is a powerful way to spread awareness and encourage others to adopt similar habits. Engaging in conversations about sustainability, sharing tips on eco-friendly practices, or even leading by example can inspire those around you to be more environmentally conscious. This collective effort can create a significant positive impact, helping to preserve the beauty and integrity of the places you visit.

Insider’s Tip: Participate in local environmental initiatives or workshops if available.

Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Considering the carbon emissions from your travel is an essential part of sustainable tourism. While traveling without leaving a carbon footprint is challenging, you can mitigate this impact by investing in carbon offsetting initiatives. These programs typically involve contributing to projects that reduce carbon emissions elsewhere, like renewable energy projects which replace fossil fuels, or reforestation efforts that naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

When you choose to offset your emissions, you’re taking responsibility for the environmental impact of your travel. Many airlines offer carbon offset programs at the point of purchase. However, you can also independently invest in verified projects around the world. By offsetting your carbon emissions, you’re contributing to global efforts against climate change, ensuring that your travel positively impacts the environment.

Insider’s Tip: Use online carbon calculators to estimate travel emissions and find suitable offsetting projects.

Embrace Slow Travel

Embracing slow travel is about prioritizing quality over quantity in your journeys. Rather than rushing to tick off a long list of destinations, this approach encourages you to spend more time in fewer places. Doing so allows you to delve deeper into the local culture, gaining a richer and more authentic understanding of the places you visit. This immersive experience often leads to more meaningful connections with local people, traditions, and customs.

Additionally, slow travel significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with frequent travel, such as lower carbon emissions from less frequent flights or drives. This more relaxed pace of travel benefits the environment. It enhances your overall experience, allowing for a more thoughtful and fulfilling exploration of each destination.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a single destination or region and explore it thoroughly, using local transportation and enjoying off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Participate in Sustainable Activities

Engaging in low-impact activities is a key aspect of sustainable travel. Opting for experiences like hiking, biking, or kayaking allows you to enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty of your destination without contributing to pollution or resource depletion. These activities minimize your environmental footprint and provide a more intimate connection with nature. When selecting these experiences, consider those that offer educational insights into the local ecosystem or culture.

For example, guided nature walks can teach you about native wildlife and plant species, while cultural tours led by local experts can deepen your understanding of the area’s history and traditions. By choosing environmentally friendly and informative activities, you enrich your travel experience and support sustainable tourism practices that prioritize the health of our planet and its diverse ecosystems.

Insider’s Tip: Join guided eco-tours that focus on environmental education and conservation efforts. These tours provide insights into local sustainability practices and often contribute directly to conservation efforts.

Eat Locally Sourced Food

Eating locally sourced food while traveling is an opportunity to enjoy authentic flavors and dishes and an effective way to reduce your environmental impact. Food that is locally sourced hasn’t undergone long-distance transportation, which is a major contributor to carbon emissions. By opting for meals made with local ingredients, you reduce the demand for transported goods and your carbon footprint.

Furthermore, eating locally supports farmers and producers, contributing to the local economy and community. This approach allows you to experience the region’s culinary culture more intimately while supporting sustainable practices that benefit the environment and local livelihoods. It’s a simple yet impactful way to make your travel more environmentally friendly and culturally enriching.

Insider’s Tip: Visit local markets or farm-to-table restaurants to enjoy fresh, regional produce. This helps reduce transportation emissions associated with food and offers the chance to experience the region’s culinary culture more authentically.

Stay in Sustainable Accommodation

Choosing accommodations committed to sustainability is a significant step in responsible travel. Nowadays, many hotels and hostels are adopting eco-friendly practices, and by selecting these establishments, you’re actively supporting and encouraging the growth of green tourism. Look for places that utilize solar energy, which reduces reliance on fossil fuels, or those with effective water conservation measures, essential in areas facing water scarcity.

Recycling programs, use of eco-friendly materials, and efforts to reduce food waste are other green initiatives to consider. By opting to stay in such accommodations, you not only lessen your environmental impact but also help to drive demand for sustainable practices on the broader tourism industry. This consumer choice sends a strong message to the market about the importance of environmental responsibility, influencing more establishments to adopt similar practices.

Insider’s Tip: Look for eco-certifications or awards when booking accommodations, which often indicate a genuine commitment to environmental responsibility.

The Bottom Line

Sustainable travel is more than just being a responsible tourist; it’s about being a conscious global citizen and making choices that reduce our environmental impact while enhancing the well-being of local communities. By adopting these best practices, you become part of a growing movement that values environmental preservation, cultural respect, and the vitality of the communities and environments you visit.

This thoughtful approach to travel ensures that your experiences are enriching for you and beneficial for the planet. Choosing eco-friendly transportation, supporting local businesses, respecting natural habitats, and making mindful food and accommodation choices contribute to a healthier planet. Sustainable travel isn’t just about reducing harm; it’s about actively contributing to positive change, creating a ripple effect beyond your individual journey. 

As you explore the world, remember that every small action counts towards preserving the world’s beauty and diversity for future generations to explore and enjoy. Your choices can lead to meaningful experiences that align with sustainability principles, ensuring that the wonders remain for future generations to appreciate.

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The post 12 Best Practices for Sustainable Travel in 2024 – How to Travel with Minimal Environmental Impact republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Day2505.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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This Earth Day, Stop Shopping Fast Fashion — and Switch to Our Favorite Sustainable Brands’ Long-lasting Pieces

Shop top picks from Everlane, Cariuma, Patagonia, and more.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

Earth Day has arrived, and with it comes an opportunity to reflect on your buying habits so that you can begin to consume more consciously. If you have any trips on the horizon, you may still have some shopping to do in preparation, so we decided to make it a little bit easier to build out your dream travel wardrobe while being kinder to the planet. 

In honor of the annual event, keep reading to find the 10 eco-friendly brands we love to shop at for comfy travel clothing and gear — as well as our top pick from each. From the perfect flowy pants to wear during a long-haul flight (which you can find at Everlane ), to the most supportive walking shoes made with recycled materials at Cariuma , these products prove that you can invest in your closet while minimizing your footprint on Mother Earth.

Our Pick: The Easy Pant

Everlane has long prioritized using recycled and organic materials to create their high-quality, made-to-last clothing, securing them as a go-to source for sustainably made apparel that’s also travel-friendly. These lightweight and breathable pants are made from a cotton and elastane blend and feature a stretchy elastic waistband that ensures they’ll remain comfortable during even the longest flights. And while you can never go wrong with a good pair of black pants, they’re also available in six other neutral shades that you won’t want to miss out on for spring.

Our Pick: Oca Low Black Canvas

One of the primary pillars of the Cariuma brand is sustainability , and in fact, with every purchase of a pair of sneakers, the brand has vowed to plant two trees in Brazil as part of their reforestation initiative — so far, they’ve already planted more than 2 billion trees. It’s this attention and care for the planet that should convince you to pick up a pair of the organic cotton Oca Low canvas sneakers that thousands of shoppers ( and celebs ) swear by. They’re effortlessly comfortable, easy to style, and even come in 24 bold colors and patterns.

Our Pick: Rib-Knit Hoodie

This Oprah-loved brand creates all of its products — from sheets to lounge sets — with responsibly sourced material that’s ethically made, all while designing pieces that are built to last. So, if you’re looking to add a cozy layer to your travel wardrobe that’s sustainably made and unbelievably soft, their Rib-Knit Hoodie is our top choice, and it’s even on sale for $117 right now thanks to the brand’s annual Mother’s Day Sale . The material on this cooling sweatshirt is viscose made from bamboo which provides an effortless drapey fit, and it’s available in four sleek shades, with sizes ranging from XS to 3XL.

Our Pick: Woven Twill Utility Joggers

Pact prioritizes using eco-friendly textiles in their comfy pieces that are practically designed for long travel days, and they’re even Fair Trade Certified, meaning that their factories are guaranteed to offer safe working conditions for those making your clothing. If you’ve been on the hunt for pants that you can wear from sightseeing excursions to running errands (and everything in between), these utility joggers are the perfect choice, and right now they’re on major sale, bringing the price down to just $54. Plus, if you want a closer look at the sustainability stats, the site even outlines that the organic cotton these pants are made of saves 62 gallons of water, and boasts nearly 20 pounds of carbon emission offset.

Our Pick: Horizontal Duck Bag

Sustainability is at the forefront of Baggu’s brand ethos , as they strive to reduce fabric waste while utilizing recycled materials to create the everyday bags that we know and love. The brand’s Horizontal Duck Bag is one of our top picks as it’s made from recycled cotton canvas that creates a durable feel, while the spacious yet foldable design is easy to pack into your carry-on for an extra bag to use during your travels. Adjustable straps mean it can be worn as a crossbody or a shoulder bag, while a zipper secures your belongings within to ward off potential theft.

Our Pick: Volley Canvas White Black

Clothing and other textile waste is a major issue in the age of overconsumption, and Veja proposes one solution to this concern by making their comfy and supportive sneakers out of recycled plastic bottles and other materials, resulting in a sustainable and reliable product. The brand’s Volley Canvas sneaker is a top choice to shop this spring as the upper is made from 100 percent organic cotton, while supportive (and sustainably made) insoles provide comfort for all-day wear. Plus, they’re a nice twist on the classic white sneaker that will still match nearly everything you have in your suitcase. 

Our Pick: Moda 20L Backpack

From partnering with reliable and ethical factories to working with sustainable, recycled fabrics, Cotopaxi is a leader in environmentally friendly outdoor gear , so you can snag a backpack, duffel, or even apparel that works for you and the earth. The 20L Moda Backpack is currently on sale for just $69 and is made from a mix of recycled nylon and polyester to secure its title as eco-conscious. Plus, a large primary compartment, breathable mesh back paneling, and a variety of other easy-access pockets all make packing for your travels a breeze.

Our Pick: Mongolian Cashmere Batwing Sweater

Quince aims to reduce the use of unnecessary plastic in their shipping methods while also creating long-lasting pieces made from environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton in order to lessen their carbon footprint . Those factors in combination with competitive prices that are a fraction of traditional retailers mean you can’t go wrong with anything you choose from the site. The brand’s Mongolian Cashmere Batwing Sweater is at the top of our shopping list for spring as the flowy design will make for the most gorgeous layering piece to tuck into your carry-on during a long-haul flight, and with seven jewel-toned and neutral shades to choose from, we can’t blame you if you pick up more than one. Best of all, it’s lightweight, breathable, and ethically produced.

Girlfriend Collective

Our Pick: Monaco Float Ultralight Leggings

Girlfriend Collective strives to do everything it can to build a sustainable and eco-friendly business , starting with 100 percent recycled and recyclable packaging and extending to the recycled materials from which they make their clothing. In fact, in an effort to reuse plastics, the brand even makes a large portion of its apparel from old water bottles to keep that material out of landfills. If you’re making your first purchase from Girlfriend Collective, you can’t go wrong with these lightweight leggings that boast sizes ranging from 2XS to 6XL in four gorgeous colors. They’re sweat-wicking and quick-drying, making them ideal for tough workout days and walking tours alike.

Our Pick: Women’s R1 CrossStrata Jacket

It’s no secret that Patagonia is one of the most beloved (and sustainable) outdoor gear brands, from its use of recycled materials to its animal welfare policies , and the creation of high-quality products that won’t soon need to be replaced or otherwise end up in a landfill. In fact, the brand is even focusing on utilizing regenerative practices starting with soil in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while formulating top-notch gear. Right now, the Women’s R1 CrossStrata Jacket has caught our eye while it’s on sale for an impressive 50 percent off, as it’s made with a breathable yet cozy fleece to provide insulation during your spring hiking and camping endeavors. Not to mention that it’s even made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, so you don’t have to worry about contributing to inhumane working conditions with your shopping habits.

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The Chernetsky Spark Device

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In a simpler test he also showed that with the right spark and less “expensive setup” could show a decrease in draw current with an increase in the load.

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A trip to Moscow

I'm going to organize a trip this summer. I want to plan everything. I’ll fly from London to Moscow, and I also want to visit St. Petersburg. Could you, please, advise me what places I should visit? I’ll stay in Moscow for about 10 days before going to St. Petersburg. Thank you!

Not a country I’d be spending my money in at the moment.

Ditto. Ditto!

I don't really see the point of shunning a country because you don't agree with its leader and/or its government. Would you go to Italy? China? Tourist dollars are more likely to get into the hands of the people rather than any corrupt bureaucracy and meeting friendly tourists might just change the locals opinions of foreigners and even give them some information they don't get from local news media.

Hopefully , I won't be starting a war here , but I must say I agree with Chani's comments . Having taken three year visas in 2015 , we have been to Moscow and St; Petersburg ( once to Moscow , and twice to St Petersburg ) . The History , Art , Music ( I am a classically trained musician ) and Culture , fascinate us . Much to experience there and advance preparation is essential , To get a good grounding for your visit , read this lavish and detailed book by Suzanne Massie , it's one of the best ways to immerse yourself in what you will experience - https://www.amazon.com/Land-Firebird-Beauty-Old-Russia/dp/096441841X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521652009&sr=8-1&keywords=land+of+the+firebird+massie&dpID=51CPK13XKGL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

And while leaders of such countries can point to foreign visitor numbers as a sign of support ? I also believe that personal safety for certain travellers, especially obvious minorities, cannot be guaranteed, as fervent nationalism increases, and tolerance levels evaporate. Just as I may decide against a purchase at the supermarket because of a company’s behaviour, ethics will always be a consideration.

Well, I'd argue supermarket ethics does not readily translate to travel ethics - the latter is far more complex. Personally, I see the whole "vote with my hard-earned travel dollar" approach as overly simplistic, but if it's your position - I totally respect it.

What I don't understand is members volunteering ethical guidance in response to what seems an innocuous request for travel-related information.

Note a discussion on ethics hosted a year ago by the Webmaster of this very forum.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/travel-ethics-612334a0-0ca1-4128-b088-c13d1d8a91c3

I appreciate Rick Steves' point of view in his "Travel As A Political Act". That said, Putin's Russia is not a place I would support. But, to each his or her own....

From a practical point of view, travel between the two countries can be difficult. I understand the Russians who traveled in the US this past winter had to go to the US Embassy in the country of Georgia to get visas because the Russians expelled American embassy personnel. If you do travel to Russia, you may be on your own. See the American travel advisory: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/russia-travel-advisory.html

Travel Advisory January 10, 2018 Russia – Level 3: Reconsider travel Reconsider travel to Russia due to terrorism and harassment. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory U.S. citizens are often victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by law-enforcement and other officials. U.S. consular assistance to detained individuals is often unreasonably delayed by Russian officials. Russia also enforces special restrictions on dual U.S.-Russian nationals. Due to the Russian government-imposed reduction on U.S. diplomatic personnel in Russia, the U.S. government has reduced ability to provide services to U.S. citizens.

We have traveled to Moscow and St. Petersburg over the past few years. As in the US, most of the people we encountered helpful and not particularly political. In Moscow, we stayed at The Garden Ring Hotel which was a close walk to the metro. The hotel was very comfortable and quiet for being in the city. We loved the art museums and the Georgian restaurants. In St. Petersburg, we stayed at both The 3Mosta hotel near the Hermitage and the Art Hotel Demetra.. In St. Petersburg, we especially liked the Hermitage and Russian museum. Learning the Cyrillic alphabet and having a good map is a must.

As I think the point about ethical considerations has been made, please keep future replies more specific to the question at hand. Thanks.

Either read a good travel book or book a guide who can personally take you to the best places that interest you and tell about the sights you're seeing. We used Dan Petrov on 2 different trips to Moscow and found him to be wonderfully friendly and witty not to mention super knowledgeable.

Latest advice, Australian Governmemt, 1 April 2018. “Due to heightened political tensions, you should be aware of the possibility of anti-Western sentiment or harassment. While the Australian Government is not aware of any increased difficulties for Australians travelling in Russia at this time, you should follow the security and political situation closely and keep up to date with this travel advice. Remain vigilant, avoid any protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.”

We very much enjoyed our group trip to Moscow and St Petersburg last year. excellent guides and accommodations. While Steven who has replied here has excellent advice, ( and we took advantage of it), we felt an organized tour really facilitated our enjoyment of the country. You may want to consider a combination of an organized tour and than adding independent days . Some of the Australians on the tour had arrived a couple of days earlier than the tour stated and then some stayed later. If we were to go again (which I would), that"s how I would do it. And I must say , it was enlightening to have conversations with the Russian tour guides and the non Americans about the current world situation. Not that we went into any great depth, but I think we all went away with a little more understanding. Top places: allow lots of time in St Petersburg at the Hermitage- take a separate day for the Impressionist building. In Moscow, the Russian Art Museum was amazing.

Solid advice from Australian government quoted above, especially the keeping up to date part.

I checked the current version (Sep 18) of that advisory - and it hasn't been updated much. In fact, some sections don't seem to have changed since 2005 - their recommendations for importing/exporting currency and financial instruments, for example, are at least five years behind.

I do like reading governmental travel advisories for entertainment purposes - for instance, up until very recently the US one sternly advised potential travelers that Moscow was largely a cash-based economy (couldn't be further from the truth) and warned about intrinsic dangers of gypsy cabs (which had all but disappeared by 2015).

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The 13 Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products for a Sparkling Home

These sustainable finds make doing chores feel like a breeze.

Today's eco-friendly cleaning products cut through grime and the toughest stains while prioritizing ingredients sourced from plants and minerals. These products don't rely on harsh chemicals or have migraine-inducing artificial scents, so they're safer to use around your family and pets. Plus, many brands offer refillable and sustainable packaging, ensuring you are producing less waste as you clean. Here, we highlight our favorite eco-friendly cleaning products from all-purpose cleaners to floor cleaners . You'll find each selection makes cleaning a breeze and leaves your home sparkling and smelling great.

Cleancult Wild Lavender Liquid Hand Soap

This gentle foaming soap cleanses hands effectively without any dryness or stickiness. Each foaming soap refill comes in recyclable packaging that you can then use to fill your Cleancult refillable aluminum bottles. Bonus: The scents actually smell good.

Natural Disinfecting Surface Cleaner

Puracy's alcohol-free disinfectant kills 99.9% of germs while leaving your surfaces sparkling clean. You can also spray this directly on raw or fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, sprouts, or spices and associated food contact surfaces.

Friendsheep Wool Dryer Balls

Made of premium New Zealand wool, these eco-friendly dryer balls naturally soften your laundry and significantly reduce the drying time of each load. Friendsheep also plants one tree with the purchase of every product—a double win in the sustainability category.

Mrs. Meyer's Liquid Dish Soap

Mrs. Meyer's has been a trusted name in the eco-friendly market for its gentle yet effective cleaners and soaps. The brand's liquid dish soap effortlessly cuts through food grime without leaving any sort of film on the dishes. Bonus: Mrs. Meyer's is always releasing seasonal scents, so you're bound to find the perfect one for your home.

LUUM All Purpose Cleaning Spray Starter Kit

Luum's 'For Everything' cleaner blends together reliable vinegar and baking soda in this powerhouse formula that cuts through grease and grime. The starter kit includes concentrated cleaning tablets, a refillable glass spray bottle, and essential oil that allows you to customize the fragrance level.

Better Life Simply Floored! Natural Floor Cleaner Citrus Mint

Made of plant-based and biodegradable ingredients, Better Life's floor cleaner easily tackles dirt on a variety of floor types from hardwood to marble. Just squirt a little bit of the solution directly from the bottle onto the floor and watch it gleam after mopping.

ECOS Laundry Detergent Sheets

These concentrated laundry sheets from ECOS remove harsh stains just as well as the traditional liquid detergents—if not better. Powered by enzymes, just drop one dissolvable sheet into a load of laundry and let the magic happen.

L'Avant Multipurpose Surface Cleaner Starter Bundle

Daily chores feel like a luxurious task with the help of L'Avant's refillable cleaner. The plant-based formula easily removes dirt and grime from hard surfaces while leaving behind a subtle fresh scent. Plus, the bottle's sleek design is so chic that you'll never be embarrassed to leave it out on the countertop.

Dropps Dishwasher Detergent Pods

Dropps' dishwasher pods whisk away stuck-on grease and leave glasses sparkling, thanks to its innovative oxygen-based cleaning agents. The powerful formula completely eliminates the need to prewash those dishes before loading.

Blueland Clean Suite Kit

Blueland focuses on creating low-waste cleaning tablets with refillable packaging. The starter kit from the non-toxic household brand has everything you'd need to transition your cleaning supplies, such as glass cleaner, dish soap, and laundry tablets. Make sure to combine the cleaning tablets with warm water in the brand's recyclable bottles to ensure the tablet is dissolved at least 2 hours before you plan to clean.

Grove Collaborative Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate

Grove offers a spectacular range of cleaning concentrates at an attractive price point. The household brand's cleaners are made with 92 percent plant-based ingredients and natural origin fragrances.

Branch Basics Laundry Kit

Branch Basic's versatile cleaning concentrate, which is fragrance-free and biodegradable, can be used to clean a plethora of surfaces, but we found it surprisingly effective as a laundry detergent. Be sure to also pick up the brand's oxygen boost, which can be used to pre-treat stains and brighten whites (we especially love it for white towels and bedding).

Formulary 55 Natural Cleaning Concentrate

While we love plant-based cleaners, they don't always have the most welcoming scent. Enter Formulary 55's cleaning concentrate, which leaves your house sparkling and smelling great thanks to its all-natural formula. The French lavender concentrate is perfect for those drawn to classic soothing scents, whereas the ginger blossom offers a citrusy treat for those looking for a bolder scent.

Sarah DiMarco (she/her) is the associate editor at VERANDA, covering all things design, architecture, art, gardens, jewelry, travel, wine and spirits. She also manages social media for the brand.

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The Best Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin & the Environment

Enjoy the sun and the water this earth day with these sunscreens that are good for you (and the ocean)..

We independently selected these deals and products because we love them, and we think you might like them at these prices. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.

• Overall Best: Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen , $17.99 $15.29
• Best Budget-Friendly: BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen , $18.99 $14.42
• Best for Kids & Babies: Thinkbaby SPF 30 Sunscreen Stick , $11.49 $9.38
• Best for Sensitive Skin: California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion , $18.99
• Best Non-Greasy: Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion , $17.58

If you're planning a trip to a place with water and sun, of course you want to pack sunblock to protect your skin . But, some sunscreens contain chemicals that can be harmful to the delicate ecosystem of the ocean. So, if you want to protect your skin, and the environment, it's important to look for products that contain certain ingredients. That's why we've rounded up a list of the best reef-safe and reef-friendly sunscreens that you can feel confident wearing on your next vacation. Let's break down what you should look for and get shopping

What does "Reef-safe" or "Reef-friendly" Sunscreen Mean?

Sunscreens that are called "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly" typically do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two common UV-blocking chemicals which have been shown to cause damage to coral reefs, and the state of Hawaii has even banned the sale of sunscreens containing these ingredients. 

However, these terms are not regulated or managed by any organizations, so you can't always trust products that say they're "safe." Reports have shown that additional chemicals, like octocrylene , homosalate, avobenzone and oxybenzone , may also contain damaging effects, so read your labels. None of the picks below contain any of these ingredients.

What Else to Consider When Choosing a Sunscreen

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, according to the American Association of Dermatology, so it's important to reduce your risks and look for sunscreen with an SPF 15 (at least). Additionally, consider the water-resistance of your sunblock. A sunscreen  that stays on your skin longer is less likely to wash off when you're swimming.

So, keep on scrolling for the best reef-safe and reef-friendly sunscreens that will have a positive impact this Earth Day and beyond. Protect your skin (and the ocean, too), and enjoy your time in the water.

The Overall Best Reef-Friendly & Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Badger reef safe sunscreen.

According to the brand, Badger's reef-safe sunscreen is made with just 4 ingredients: zinc oxide, sunflower oil, beeswax, and vitamin E. It's easy to apply, will moisturize your skin while it's protecting it from harmful UVA and UVB rays, and it doesn't contain any synthetic ingredients.

• Size: 2.9 ounces
• SPF Level: SPF 40
• Water Resistance: 80 minutes

The Best Budget-Friendly Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Blue lizard sensitive mineral sunscreen.

A whole 5-ounce tube of Blue Lizard mineral sunscreen costs just $14, making it the best budget-friendly pick on our list. It's also free of active chemical ingredients, protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, and it's fragrance-free.

• Size:  5 ounces
• SPF Level:  SPF 50
• Water Resistance:  80 minutes

The Best Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen for Kids & Babies

Thinkbaby spf 30 sunscreen stick.

It's not easy applying sunscreen to kids and babies, which is why I love using this Thinkbaby sunscreen stick . Not only does it make application less challenging, it also offers UVA and UVB protection without harmful chemicals and ingredients, and glides on easily.

• Size:  0.64 ounces
• SPF Level:  SPF 30

The Best Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

California baby super sensitive sunscreen lotion.

Designed for sensitive skin and those with allergies,  California Baby sunscreen  is free of irritating chemicals and fragrances. It'll protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays and reviewers report that it goes on thick, but it's effective in preventing sunburns.

• Size:  1.8 ounces

The Best Non-Greasy Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Babo botanicals sheer mineral sunscreen lotion.

Formulated with 24 plant-based ingredients, including soothing and moisturizing shea butter, Babo Botanical's sunscreen is non-greasy for your face and body. One reviewer broke it down: "applies easily, doesn't irritate my skin, isn't greasy, doesn't transfer to clothes, and doesn't have a noticeable cast. This sunscreen checks all those boxes."

• Size:  3 ounces

The Best Moisturizing Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Raw elements face and body all-natural mineral sunscreen.

Containing hemp seed oil, beeswax, sunflower oil, and more, Raw Elements is a solid pick if you want your sunscreen to give you a little moisture. It even comes packaged in a bio-resin tube that's made from sugarcane waste, so it cuts down on plastic use.

The Best Smelling Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Suntegrity mineral sunscreen for body.

Not only does Suntegrity apply easily to your skin and keep it moisturized, it also smells like fresh oranges. Plus, it's free of UV blocking chemicals and packed with certified organic ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, green tea extract, and more. 

• Water Resistance:  Recommended to reapply every 2 hours

The Best Hawaiian-Made Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Maui surfer honey all natural sunscreen lotion.

Initiatives for reef-safe and reef-friendly sunscreens originated in Hawaii, so having a sunscreen that's made there and formulated with Maui grown essential oils, is a plus.  Maui Surfer  protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, smells like fragrant rosemary and lemongrass, and includes natural oils that moisturize your skin at the same time.

The Best Lightweight Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen

Coral safe reef safe sunscreen travel lotion.

According to Coral Safe , its sunscreen is approved by Hawaii and Mexico for eco-friendly sun protection. The lightweight formula is free of harsh chemicals, packed with organic ingredients, and reviewers report that it leaves your skin feeling silky smooth and moisturized.

• Size: 3 ounces

The Best Reef-Safe & Reef-Friendly Sunscreen That Comes in a Travel-Friendly 2-Pack

Reef repair reef safe sunscreen, 2-pack.

If you're planning a trip, you'll want to pack these travel-friendly sunscreens . They won't leave a white cast, will protect your skin from UV rays, and having a 2-pack means you'll always have an extra on hand.

• Size:  1.7 ounces
• Water Resistance:  40 minutes

Looking for sunscreen that you can wear over your makeup? Check out these picks .