10 easy ways to make your vacation more sustainable

Travel opens our eyes, fills our hearts, and brings us closer to the beauty of the world—but with that privilege comes responsibility. Fortunately, traveling more sustainably doesn’t mean giving up comfort, style, or fun. With just a few intentional choices, you can reduce your impact and help preserve the places you love to explore. 

Here are 10 easy ways to lighten your footprint while still making the most of every moment on your journey. 

1. Stay green: Choose eco-certified accommodations

Where you stay plays a big role in how sustainable your trip is. Eco-certified properties—like those accredited by EarthCheck, Green Globe, or LEED—go beyond fluffy towels and fancy breakfasts. They invest in renewable energy, water conservation, local employment, and waste reduction. Choosing these accommodations means your stay supports the planet as much as it pampers you. Ask your advisor about booking at eco-certified accommodation.  

Hot Tip: Look for hotels with environmental practices displayed on their website—think solar panels, farm-to-table dining, or onsite composting. 

2. Pack with purpose

Your packing choices can have a huge impact. Ditch the disposables and fill your suitcase with reusables: a sturdy water bottle, bamboo cutlery, and eco-friendly toiletries. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential if you’re headed anywhere near the ocean—it protects marine ecosystems without harming coral reefs. Choosing luggage made from recycled or sustainable materials is another great way to vote with your wallet. 

Hot Tip: Invest in a good set of travel-size, refillable containers. They’ll save you money (and waste) in the long run. 

3. Go local or go home

Want an authentic experience and a chance to do good? Support local businesses by eating in family-owned restaurants, buying from artisans, and joining community-run tours. Not only will your dollars go directly to the people who live there, but you’ll also gain richer, more meaningful connections with the culture. 

Hot Tip: Skip the mass-produced souvenirs and opt for handmade goods like textiles, ceramics, or spices—they’re unique, sustainable, and support the local economy. 

4. Fly smarter

Flying may be the fastest way to travel, but it’s also one of the biggest contributors to tourism-related emissions. Reduce your footprint by booking nonstop flights, which use less fuel than those with multiple layovers. Consider flying with airlines that offer carbon offset programs or use newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft. Every decision makes a difference. 

Hot Tip: Your travel advisor has tools to compare CO2 emissions between flights. Choose the greenest option available—even if it’s just a little change, it adds up. 

5. Explore on foot (or two wheels)

Some of the best travel moments happen when you slow down. Walking or biking through a new destination not only cuts down on emissions but also lets you soak in the sights, sounds, and surprises that you’d miss from a car. Public transportation is another great option—many cities have modern, efficient, and eco-friendly transit systems. 

Hot Tip: Download a local transit app or rent an e-bike to make sustainable transportation easy and fun. 

6. Pack light, travel light

Packing light isn’t just good for your back—it’s good for the planet. The heavier the plane, train, or car, the more fuel it requires. Bringing only what you need helps lower your trip’s carbon footprint. Plus, it makes moving around easier, faster, and less stressful. 

Hot Tip: Stick to versatile pieces that can be worn multiple ways and pack neutral colors that mix and match effortlessly. 

 

7. Choose ethical wildlife encounters

Seeing wildlife up close can be magical, but it’s essential to do it responsibly. Avoid attractions where animals are kept in captivity or used for entertainment, like elephant rides or tiger selfies. Instead, look for conservation centers, wildlife reserves, or eco-tours that prioritize animal welfare and education. 

Hot Tip: A quick online search can reveal whether an experience is ethical. Look for reviews that mention conservation, not just photo ops. 

8. Refuse, reuse, recycle

Many destinations still rely on single-use plastics, so it helps to come prepared. Bring your own toiletries, say no to straws and plastic bags, and sort your waste when you can. Even small choices—like carrying a reusable coffee cup—can add up over the course of a trip. 

Hot Tip: A compact “zero-waste kit” can fit in your day bag. Include a tote, a container for snacks, and a reusable fork or straw. 

 

9. Travel in the off-season

Visiting destinations outside of their peak months not only helps reduce the impact of over-tourism—it also rewards you with quieter experiences, better prices, and more meaningful interactions. You’ll still enjoy incredible sights, but with fewer crowds and less strain on local resources. 

Hot Tip: Ask your travel advisor about shoulder season options—you might be surprised how dreamy (and affordable) they can be.

 

10. Offset your journey

Carbon offsetting allows you to balance the environmental cost of your travel by investing in programs that reduce emissions elsewhere—like forest preservation, clean energy, or carbon capture. It’s an easy, affordable way to make your trip a little greener, especially if flying is unavoidable. 

Hot Tip: Use trusted platforms like MyClimate, CarbonFund.org, or Sustainable Travel International to purchase offsets with real impact. 

Some destinations are going above and beyond to protect their environment while welcoming travelers. These are our top picks for eco-friendly escapes that don’t compromise on beauty or adventure. 

1. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a pioneer in eco-tourism, with lush rainforests, abundant wildlife, and a national commitment to sustainability. Over 25% of its land is protected, and nearly all its electricity comes from renewable sources. 

Don’t Miss: A visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or an eco-lodge near Arenal Volcano. 

2. New Zealand

New Zealand blends breathtaking natural beauty with a strong conservation ethic. From geothermal parks to glacier-fed lakes, it’s a paradise for travelers who love the outdoors and want to protect it too. 

Don’t Miss: A M?ori-led cultural experience or a scenic rail journey across the South Island. 

3. Bhutan

Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country and limits tourism to reduce environmental impact. This Himalayan kingdom focuses on Gross National Happiness, not GDP, and ensures every visitor contributes to its preservation. 

Don’t Miss: The sacred Tiger’s Nest Monastery and the chance to hike through pristine, untouched landscapes. 

4. Slovenia

Slovenia is Europe’s quiet green star. With abundant forests, crystal-clear rivers, and a capital city (Ljubljana) that’s been named one of the greenest in Europe, it’s perfect for eco-conscious adventurers. 

Don’t Miss: Exploring Lake Bled by rowboat or hiking the Julian Alps. 

5. Palau

This small island nation takes sustainability seriously—it even requires all visitors to sign an environmental pledge upon entry. Palau’s coral reefs are among the best protected in the world, making it a dream for divers and marine lovers. 

Don’t Miss: Snorkeling in Jellyfish Lake or supporting community-based marine conservation projects. 

Ready to travel lighter?

We’re here to help you explore the world in a way that’s kinder to the planet—and more fulfilling for you. From choosing green hotels to crafting eco-adventures in the world’s most sustainable destinations, we’ll plan every detail with purpose.