landscape photography of trees on shoreline
Eco Living,  Travel

Top 5 Tips For Sustainable Travel

There is no getting around the fact that travelling has an impact on the planet. In fact the tourism industry accounts for roughly 5 percent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions. The good news, however, is there are certain things you can do to reduce your travelling impact. Below we’ve covered 5 top tips for sustainable travel.

Use sustainable modes of transport

Flying, by far, has the biggest impact on our planet and increases your carbon footprint. The emissions from planes are one of the main contributors to climate change. Planes burn fossil fuels which release CO2 into the atmosphere. Flying accounts for 75% of the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions whereas travelling by coach or train accounts for 13%. If your only option is to fly to your destination then look into carbon offsetting. There are lots of options to choose from but make sure you do your research first as not all carbon offsetting initiatives are created equal.

If you can look into more sustainable modes of transportation such as trains, buses or boats.

train by trees against blue sky
Photo by RAJAT JAIN on Pexels.com

Avoid single-use plastic items

Before you go away, remember to pack your reusable and zero waste items. This can help you avoid buying products made from single-use plastic. Some reusable items you might want to consider include: 

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Reusable coffee cup 
  • Reusable straws
  • Reusable cutlery 
  • Reusable makeup wipes 
  • Reusable safety razor 
  • Reusable tote bags
  • Reusable sanitary products  

Some zero waste items that are great for travelling include: 

  • Shampoo and conditioner bars 
  • Zero waste tooth tabs
  • Alum stone for deodorant 
  • Bamboo toothbrush 

You may also like: Hair Care With Zero Waste: Benefits Of Eco-Friendly Hair Products

Switch to a reef-safe, eco-friendly sunscreen

It’s important to be safe in the sun but did you know that most store bought sunscreens contain harsh chemicals including parabens, Benzophenones and Oxybenzone, which are not only harmful to you but also the environment. 


By switching to a reef-safe, eco-friendly sunscreen you can help to protect the local environment as well as your own health. Reef-safe sunscreens are free from harmful chemicals and small particles which cause damage to our coral reefs. The most harmful chemicals for coral reefs include oxybenzone, octocrylene and octinoxate.

underwater photography of fish
Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Pexels.com

Choose to stay in sustainable hotels

Before you book your holiday do your research to find sustainable hotels and accommodation to stay in. Look on the company’s website to find their sustainability initiatives and objectives. Things to look out for include:

  • How do they generate their energy? 
  • What do they do to minimise food waste?
  • How do they minimise their waste in general?  
  • Is their bed linen eco-friendly?  
  • Do they promote biodiversity on their land?  
  • Do they have any eco-friendly or sustainable certifications?

Walk or cycle to tourist attractions

When you’re at your main destination try to walk or cycle to tourist attractions rather than hiring a car, getting a taxi or bus. Not only is it a much healthier way to travel, you’ll also get to see more of the local area. If you opt to travel by bike, hire one with a basket to store your bag and any other items you pick up along the way. Research guided walking tours in the area to really get to know the place.

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