Making sustainable choices is something we should strive for on the regular. And when we travel, we can take that mindset with us. In fact, it’s probably even more important to do so when you are visitor, and away from home, to be respectful of the location and culture. My family and I love to travel and explore old and new destinations. We have a lot planned for the next twelve months and here are some of my suggestions for how we can all be sustainable and continue to make eco-friendly choices when traveling.
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Quick Guide for this post:
- Use a Reusable Water Bottle
- Bring A Reusable Bag
- Conserve Resources
- Pack Light
- Explore
- Making Sustainable Travel Part of Every Trip
1. Use a Reusable Water Bottle
This is one of the easiest and most impactful swaps you can make. I recommend something lightweight but not too small so it fits easily in your bag. I personally use a Swell bottle that slips into my sling purse, is leakproof, and doesn’t add much weight.
My husband prefers his RTIC and Hydroflask, but the truth is whichever bottle you already own will work just fine. If you’re traveling somewhere where tap water isn’t safe to drink, look into options with built-in filters. LifeStraw and Grayl are excellent choices. For our trip to Mexico last year, I picked up Grayl bottles because the spout makes it easy to pour water into other containers.
When traveling with kids, we always bring their reusable bottles into restaurants. Many places automatically bring plastic cups and straws for children, which is kind but creates unnecessary waste. Having our own bottles helps avoid that.
Favorites: Swell, RTIC, Hydroflask, Grayl, LifeStraw
2. Bring A Reusable Bag
I always pack a foldable reusable bag. It takes up virtually no space, but it comes in handy for so many things — carrying souvenirs, groceries, or even snacks for the trip home. Two of my favorites are Baggu and simple cotton mesh grocery bags. I also like to throw in one or two Stasher bags, especially when traveling with kids. They’re perfect for storing leftovers, snacks, or random small items that need organizing.
Saying no to plastic bags can be just the beginning. When it makes sense, you can also say no to disposable straws and cutlery. It’s one small way to lighten your footprint.
Favorites: Baggu, Cotton Mesh Grocery Bags, stasher
3. Conserve Resources
Just like at home, little choices make a difference:
- Turn off lights when you leave your hotel room.
- Reuse towels before housekeeping replaces them.
- Be mindful of water use — turn off the tap when brushing your teeth and keep showers reasonable.
Not glamorous, but these small habits add up to big change.
4. Pack Light
Packing light is not only easier on you, it’s easier on the planet. Fewer bags mean less weight on planes, trains, and cars, which reduces overall fuel use. Plus, it keeps you from overbuying and overpacking. Here are a few things I try to stick to:
- Be creative with your closet and wear what you already own. My personal goal is to shop less for every trip. Borrow from a friend or family member before buying new.
- Pack natural toiletries like biodegradable soap, shampoo, or toothpaste when possible. Instead of buying new travel-sized products, use refillable bottles for shampoo, conditioner, and lotions. This reduces plastic waste and saves space.
- Plan Outfits Ahead
- Stick to a color palette so everything mixes and matches. This way, you can create more outfits with fewer pieces.
- Roll Instead of Fold
- Rolling clothes saves space, reduces wrinkles, and keeps your suitcase more organized.
- Limit Shoes
- Shoes take up the most space. Bring versatile pairs that work for multiple occasions, like sneakers, a pair of flats, and one dressier option.
- Use Packing Cubes
- These help compress clothing and make it easier to see what you packed without digging through everything.
- Choose Multi-Use Items
- A scarf can be a blanket, a beach cover-up, or an accessory. A jacket can be rainproof and warm. Items that serve multiple purposes cut down on extra packing.
- Layer, Don’t Bulk
- Bring layers instead of bulky sweaters. Lightweight layers keep you warm without taking up half your suitcase.
- Limit Tech and Gadgets
- Do you really need that extra tablet, hairdryer, or three different chargers? Keep tech minimal and multipurpose where possible.
- Pack for the Destination, Not What-Ifs
- Avoid overpacking “just in case” items. Plan for the weather and activities you know you’ll do.
- Wear Your Bulkiest Items
- Travel in your heaviest coat, boots, or layers to save suitcase space. This is definitely not my favorite tip to implement, but when you’re tight on space, this can be super helpful.
5. Explore
Connecting with the natural world is one of the best ways to remind yourself why sustainability matters in the first place. Visit a local park, try a hiking trail, or stop by a farmer’s market to see how locals live. If you need inspiration, check out the Travel Channel’s 10 Activities to Get You Outdoors While Traveling that’s worth checking out.
Consider your transportation, too:
Skip the rental car when possible — walk, bike, or use public transportation. It’s cheaper, greener, and often more memorable. Some of my favorite travel moments have been wandering on foot or renting a bike and getting to see more of the city.
Making Sustainable Travel Part of Every Trip ✈️
Sustainable travel doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few thoughtful swaps like a reusable bottle, lighter packing, and mindful resource use, can go a long way in preserving the places we love to visit. The world is big, beautiful, and worth protecting, one trip at a time.