A few years ago, I was on a pristine beach in Bali, watching the sunset paint the sky with shades of orange and pink. The beauty was breathtaking—until I looked down and saw plastic bottles, food wrappers, and straws scattered across the sand. My heart sank. This wasn’t the untouched paradise I had imagined. It was a stark reminder that my love for travel came with an unintended consequence: my footprint was contributing to the very problem I was witnessing.
That moment sparked a change in me. I realized that if I wanted to continue exploring the world, I had to do it in a way that respected and protected the places I visited. I set out on a journey to learn about sustainable travel—and, more importantly, to put it into practice. What I discovered is that traveling sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing adventure or comfort. In fact, it led to richer, more meaningful experiences and a deeper connection with the world.
Here’s my story of traveling sustainably and practical tips you can use to make your adventures kinder to the planet.
What Is Sustainable Travel, Anyway?
Before we dive into my journey, let’s define sustainable travel. Simply put, it’s about traveling in ways that minimize negative impacts on the environment, culture, and local communities. It involves being mindful of your choices—where you stay, how you get around, what you eat, and how you interact with the people and places you visit.
Sustainable travel isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making conscious decisions that add up to a positive difference.
My First Step: Reducing Plastic Waste
After that eye-opening moment in Bali, I decided to tackle one of the biggest culprits of environmental damage: single-use plastics. I had always used plastic water bottles, straws, and bags without a second thought. But seeing those same items washed up on a beautiful beach made me realize I needed to change.
On my next trip to Thailand, I armed myself with a few essentials:
- Reusable Water Bottle: I invested in a stainless steel bottle with a built-in filter. This allowed me to fill up from taps or filtered stations without worrying about water quality.
- Reusable Shopping Bag: A lightweight, foldable bag that fit easily into my backpack.
- Metal Straw and Utensil Kit: A set of bamboo cutlery and a metal straw to avoid using plastic ones.
I was surprised by how easy it was to reduce my plastic waste with just a little preparation. In Chiang Mai, many cafés even offered discounts for bringing your own cup or bottle. It felt good knowing I was helping reduce the mountains of plastic waste that harm the environment.
Choosing Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Next, I focused on where I stayed. Instead of defaulting to big chain hotels, I started looking for eco-friendly accommodations—places that prioritize sustainability, support local communities, and minimize their environmental impact.
In Costa Rica, I stayed at a jungle lodge that was entirely solar-powered and built with locally sourced materials. The lodge employed people from the nearby village and supported wildlife conservation efforts. My mornings began with the sounds of tropical birds, and the fresh meals were made from ingredients grown in their organic garden.
In Portugal, I found a charming hostel in Lisbon that had implemented a zero-waste policy. They composted food scraps, eliminated single-use plastics, and even used reclaimed wood for their furniture. Knowing that my stay was contributing to a positive cause made the experience all the more fulfilling.
How to Find Sustainable Stays
- Look for Certifications: Labels like Green Key, EarthCheck, or LEED indicate that a property meets sustainability standards.
- Read Reviews: Travelers often mention eco-friendly practices in their reviews on sites like Booking.com or Hostelworld.
- Ask Questions: Contact the property and ask about their sustainability initiatives, like energy use, waste management, and community involvement.
Exploring Local, Not Just Tourist Traps
Sustainable travel is also about supporting local economies and cultures. Instead of sticking to tourist hotspots, I sought out local markets, family-owned restaurants, and community-run tours.
In Vietnam, I skipped the big tourist buses and joined a tour led by a local family in Hoi An. They took us on a bicycle ride through rice paddies, taught us to make traditional banh xeo (crispy pancakes), and shared stories about their way of life. My money went directly to the family, and the experience felt far more authentic than any cookie-cutter tour could offer.
In Morocco, I stayed in a family-run riad in Marrakech’s medina. The hosts, Fatima and Youssef, shared homemade meals and gave me tips on how to explore the city respectfully. It felt like being welcomed into their home rather than just a place to sleep.
Tips for Supporting Local Communities
- Eat Local: Dine at family-owned eateries rather than international chains.
- Shop Local: Buy souvenirs from local artisans, not mass-produced trinkets.
- Hire Local Guides: Choose tours led by locals who can offer deeper insights into the culture and history.
Sustainable Transportation Choices
Transportation can have a huge environmental impact, so I started making more conscious choices. When possible, I opted for public transportation, walking, or cycling instead of taxis or rental cars.
In Amsterdam, I rented a bike and explored the city like a local. In Japan, I took the efficient train system, which not only reduced my carbon footprint but also let me enjoy stunning views of the countryside.
For longer distances, I began looking into trains and buses instead of short-haul flights. Traveling by overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai was not only more sustainable but also an adventure in itself—I met fellow travelers, watched the scenery roll by, and arrived well-rested.
Sustainable Transport Tips
- Use Apps: Apps like Rome2Rio help you find the most eco-friendly ways to travel between destinations.
- Offset Your Flights: If you must fly, consider buying carbon offsets to balance out your emissions.
- Walk or Bike: It’s good for the planet, your health, and your wallet.
Traveling Sustainably Is a Mindset
Traveling sustainably isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making small, thoughtful choices that add up to a positive impact. Through these changes, I found that my travel experiences became richer, more rewarding, and more connected. I wasn’t just a visitor passing through; I was a participant in something bigger, a guardian of the beautiful places I love to explore.
If you’re passionate about travel and want to see the world thrive for generations to come, start with small steps. Pack a reusable water bottle, choose an eco-friendly stay, and remember that every choice matters. Sustainable travel isn’t just better for the planet—it’s better for you, too.
