Sustainable travel isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. How we explore the world impacts the planet, communities, and wildlife. With climate change and pollution on the rise, even small shifts in how we travel can make a big difference. You don’t need to go off-grid to reduce your carbon footprint. I’m not perfect, I worked in aviation, drive a car, and yes, sometimes buy plastic-wrapped goods. But I’ve learned to make more mindful choices, both at home and on the road. This post shares practical ways to make your travel more sustainable, whether you’re jetting off internationally or staying local. Start small, and remember we don’t need a few people doing it perfectly. We need millions doing it imperfectly.
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Flying Responsibly: Sustainable Travel Tips For Air Travel
There’s no denying that aviation contributes significantly to global carbon emissions. While flying is often the fastest and most practical option especially for international travel – there are ways to reduce your impact:
- Avoid premium cabins. Business and first-class seats take up more space and resources per passenger, economy is more efficient.
- Choose direct flights when possible. Takeoffs and landings burn the most fuel, so fewer connections mean fewer emissions.
- Fly with airlines investing in sustainability. Many are upgrading fleets, reducing onboard waste, and improving fuel efficiency.
- Pack light. The heavier the aircraft, the more fuel it burns. Plan outfits ahead and leave non-essentials at home.
- Travel less often, but stay longer. If you can, opt for fewer trips with longer stays to reduce your overall flight carbon emissions.
Carbon offsetting isn’t perfect, but it’s a simple way to support climate-positive projects. Many airlines now offer offset options at checkout, just a few extra quid can help fund reforestation, renewable energy, or community-based sustainability efforts.
If you prefer to offset independently, then here are a few organisations that let you calculate your emissions and contribute to various projects:
There are plenty of other options out there, just search carbon calculator to find one that suits your values and travel style. I tend to donate to JustOneTree which plants trees to help offset my carbon footprint.
Sustainable Travel Accommodation: How To Find & Choose Greener Stays
Finding eco-friendly places to stay isn’t always straightforward, most booking platforms still lack a proper eco filter. Try searching eco accommodation + [your destination] or use tree-planting search engines like Ecosia. You can also explore platforms like:
- Canopy & Stars
- Cool Stays
- Eco BnB
- Fair BnB
- Green Pearls
- Hayes & Jarvis
- Responsible Travel
- Stay Beyond Green
There’s no single global standard for eco-certification, but trusted accreditors include Earth Check, Green Globe, and Green Key. Keep in mind that smaller, locally-owned stays may be just as sustainable without formal certification, check their website for details on energy use, waste management, and community involvement.
Even if you’re not in an eco-hotel, you can still reduce your impact:
- Ask about recycling options at reception
- Avoid buffets with excessive food waste, opt for plated meals when possible
- Bring your own toiletries to avoid single-use minis
- Choose places that source local produce or support nearby businesses
- Reuse towels and skip daily linen changes
- Support locally-owned accommodations to keep tourism income in the community
- Switch off lights, air conditioning, and appliances when not in use
- Take short showers and avoid leaving taps running
Overtourism: What Is It & What Can We Do To Help
Overtourism happens when a place receives more visitors than it can comfortably handle – crowded streets, stretched local resources, and communities feeling pushed out. It’s not about shaming travellers, it’s about being aware of our impact and making choices that help protect the places we love.
One of the easiest ways to reduce your footprint is to rethink where you go. Choosing lesser‑known or like‑for‑like destinations spreads tourism more evenly and gives smaller communities a chance to benefit. Think swapping the busiest capital for a nearby regional city, or visiting a quieter island instead of the one everyone’s posting on Instagram.
Pair that with travelling outside peak season, exploring beyond the main hotspots, and supporting locally owned businesses, and your trip becomes far more sustainable. Small shifts in how and where we travel add up and can help preserve destinations for future generations.
Local Customs & Conscious Travel
Travel isn’t just about seeing new places, it’s about showing respect for the people who call these places home. Supporting local businesses helps strengthen communities and keeps your travel spending where it matters most, rather than supporting global chains.
Before you go, take time to learn about the local customs, traditions, and cultural norms. A little research goes a long way in helping you show up with awareness and respect. Tourism can be a powerful force for good – creating jobs, preserving heritage, and boosting local economies, but it can also unintentionally dilute cultural identity if travellers aren’t mindful.
A few ways to be culturally considerate:
- Be aware of how your presence affects the community
- Choose locally owned accommodations, tours, and eateries
- Dress appropriately for the region and setting
- Observe and respect local etiquette and traditions
In some regions, especially in developing countries, children may be sent out to beg due to economic hardship. As heartbreaking as it is, giving money can unintentionally reinforce this cycle and discourage school attendance. Instead, consider carrying small items like pencils, notebooks, or art supplies. These can offer a more meaningful and lasting impact. If you’d like to support children more sustainably, look into vetted local organisations that focus on education and family support.
If you’re passionate about making a difference, explore opportunities to volunteer or collaborate with NGOs (non-governmental organisations). From conservation projects to community development, there are so many ways to contribute, just be sure to choose programs that prioritise ethical engagement and long-term impact.
Nature & Wildlife: Travel With Respect
Every destination holds its own natural wonders, and it’s our responsibility as travellers to protect them. Whether you’re hiking through forests, chilling on beaches, or swimming around coral reefs, always treat nature with care and respect.
Simple ways to be eco-conscious in nature:
- Avoid touching or standing on coral reefs, they’re fragile and easily damaged
- Find out recycling options, some hotels offer facilities
- Minimise waste by bringing reusable cutlery, water bottles, and bags
- Pick up litter when you see it, especially on beaches
- Refuse single-use plastics like straws and carrier bags
- Take all rubbish with you and dispose of it properly
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to avoid chemicals that harm marine ecosystems
It’s easy to be misled by marketing, especially when places use words like sanctuary to imply ethical care. I’ve made that mistake myself in the past. But hands-on wildlife experiences like elephant rides, tiger selfies, or dolphin shows often prioritise profit over animal welfare.
Before booking any wildlife experience:
- Ask why animals are in captivity – is it for rehabilitation or lifelong care?
- Check TripAdvisor; paw print = meets animal welfare; crossed-out = doesn’t
- Look for operators who reinvest profits into conservation
- Research thoroughly, don’t rely on labels alone
- Use trusted resources like Responsible Travel Guides to verify ethical practices
Wildlife tourism can be powerful and educational, but only when it’s rooted in respect, transparency, and genuine care for the animals involved.
Sustainable Eating On The Go
One of the easiest ways to travel more sustainably is through the food you eat. Choosing local, seasonal, and low-impact meals not only reduces your environmental impact, but it is also a great way to experience local flavours.
Skip the chains and go to local markets, street food vendors, and independent restaurants. Imported ingredients often come with a high carbon footprint, while locally sourced meals support small businesses and give you a more authentic taste of the region. You’ll also get the chance to interact with locals and discover dishes you might not get back home.
Meat production uses significantly more energy, water, and land than plant-based foods. You don’t have to give up meat entirely, just consider swapping in the occasional vegetarian or vegan meal. Reducing red meat and choosing lighter alternatives like poultry or fish can benefit both your health and the planet. Download the Happy Cow app, it’s a great resource for locating vegetarian and vegan restaurants worldwide.
Whether dining in or grabbing a takeaway, small changes make a big impact:
- Bring your own reusable travel cutlery, straw, and napkin
- Carry a lunch box or wax wrap and ask restaurants to serve your takeaway in your container
- Eat in when possible to avoid excess packaging
- Refuse plastic straws and disposable cutlery
- Say no to unnecessary extras like plastic bags or condiment sachets
If available, opt for seasonal produce and organic options. These tend to be grown with fewer chemicals and less energy, and they’re often sourced closer to where you’re eating.
Find planning tools, digital guides, and travel must‑haves in the Pretty Planet Shop. Browse my Amazon Storefront for the best reusable travel gadgets and accessories for your next trip.
Sustainable Choices On The Road: Shopping, Touring & Getting Around
Sustainable shopping while travelling
Souvenirs can be meaningful, but not if they come at the expense of wildlife. Avoid items made from coral, fur, feathers, reptile skin, turtle shells, ivory, or any animal-derived materials. Many are illegal, and all contribute to cruelty and biodiversity loss. No keepsake is worth the suffering or extinction of a species. Instead, choose mindfully. Handmade, locally crafted items often carry more meaning and help support artisans and families. They preserve traditions and strengthen local economies. Remember to pack a reusable shopping bag or use your backpack to avoid single-use plastic bags.
Choosing eco-friendly tours
Before booking a tour or activity, take a moment to check its environmental impact. Some operators give back – donating a portion of each booking to local charities or conservation efforts. When we visited the Cook Islands, we chose a lagoon boat tour that supported marine protection over one that didn’t. That small decision felt good and did good. Look for companies that prioritise sustainability, community engagement, and transparency. Seek Sophie is a great platform for finding ethical, locally-run experiences across Asia and beyond. You can also explore TripAdvisor’s Eco-Tourism Forum or browse Responsible Travel for inspiration. If in doubt, search eco tours + [your destination] and read reviews.
Greener ways to get around
If time allows, opt for slower, more sustainable travel. Eurostar and ferries from the UK to mainland Europe offer lower-impact alternatives to flying, while trains, buses, and boats provide scenic, budget-friendly ways to explore within countries or across continents. The Rome2Rio app is great for planning routes and connections. Before crossing borders, always check visa requirements and entry rules. Once you arrive, walk, cycle, or use public transport whenever possible, it’s better for the planet and often the most authentic way to experience a place.
Eco-Friendly Travel Accessories & Products
Travelling sustainably starts with what you pack. A few easy swaps can reduce waste and make your journey more environmentally-friendly:
- Daily basics: A reusable shopping bag, bamboo toothbrush, a reusable earbud, reef-safe sunscreen, and reusable makeup remover pads.
- Food & drink: Reusable water bottle, cutlery set or spork, food container, wax wraps, a collapsible coffee cup and water purification straw/tablets for safe drinking water abroad.
- Personal care: Solid shampoo bars, travel tins, menstrual cup or reusable sanitary pads, and a safety razor.
Even small changes, like skipping single-use minis or choosing plastic-free toiletries can make a big impact and make your travels more sustainable.
Join the Pretty Planet beach clean-up challenge. Pick up at least 5 pieces of litter or plastic from the beach, tag Pretty Planet or send me a photo, and I’ll thank you with a £5 Pretty Planet voucher.
You may also find these other blog posts helpful:
- A Quick Guide To The Best Travel Apps
- Packing Made Easy: Tips, Lists & Must-Haves
- Why Travel Insurance Is So Important For Every Trip
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, feel free to comment, subscribe, or follow along on socials for more travel inspo. Some links may be affiliate at no extra cost to you, helping support Pretty Planet and keep the free advice flowing. If you found this helpful, and would like to support this little corner of the internet you can do so here. Your support means the world. Happy travelling!
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