Sustainable travel means exploring the world while keeping your impact on the climate, nature and local communities as small as you can – and it often costs less, not more. This guide covers the choices that make the biggest difference: how you get there, where you stay, what you eat and how long you stay.
Why sustainable travel matters
A study published in Nature Climate Change (Lenzen et al., 2018) estimated that tourism accounted for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions between 2009 and 2013, counting not only transport but also shopping, food and accommodation.
Travelling more sustainably is also a better way to travel: spending your money with local businesses, moving more slowly and treating natural places with care lead to more authentic experiences than mass tourism usually offers.
Eco-friendly accommodation without the greenwashing
Look for credible certification. A hotel calling itself “eco-friendly” proves nothing. Third-party labels are more reliable – for example Green Key and EarthCheck, both of which are on the list of standards recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The GSTC does not certify hotels itself; it sets criteria and recognises certification programmes that meet them.
Choose small and local. Family-run guesthouses and small hotels keep more of your money in the local economy and are often more likely to buy locally.
Ask questions. How does the property handle energy, water and waste? Does it employ local staff? A genuinely sustainable place is usually happy to explain.
When you compare stays – for example hotels on Trip.com – check the property’s own description and website for any certification it holds.
Greener ways to get around
Take the train where you can. On many routes, especially in Europe and East Asia, rail is a practical alternative to short flights, and city-centre stations save the trip to and from the airport. You can compare train tickets on Trip.com.
Fly less, but better. When flying is the only realistic option, a direct flight avoids the extra take-off and landing of a connection, and packing light means less weight on board.
Walk, cycle and use public transport. Many cities have bike-sharing schemes and good public transport. Planning your days so that nearby sights are grouped together cuts unnecessary trips.
Eating sustainably on the road
Eat local and seasonal. Markets and small restaurants that cook with regional produce support local farmers and are usually where the best food is anyway.
Try the plant-based classics. Many cuisines have traditional dishes built on vegetables, beans and grains. Exploring them is a delicious way to lower the footprint of your meals.
Cut waste. Carry a reusable water bottle and bag. In countries where it operates, the Too Good To Go app lets you buy surplus food from bakeries, shops and restaurants at a discount instead of it being thrown away.
How to travel sustainably on a budget
Many green choices save money too:
- Travel off-peak. Shoulder seasons ease pressure on crowded destinations and often bring lower prices.
- Travel slowly. Staying longer in fewer places means fewer journeys, and many places to stay offer lower rates for longer stays.
- Choose community-run experiences. Homestays and tours run by local communities put money directly into local hands.
- Refill instead of buying bottled water where tap water is safe. The Refill app by the non-profit City to Sea maps places where you can fill your bottle for free.
Looking for good-value destinations? See our guide to budget-friendly European cities – most of them have compact centres that are easy to explore on foot.
Pack light and plan smart
A lighter bag is easier on you and on the vehicle carrying it, and a good plan avoids zig-zagging across town. In the ToTourist app you can build day plans with walking times between stops, reorder them by dragging so nearby places come together, keep a packing list for the trip, and download an offline map of your destination. It is free on Android, with no sign-up.
Learning from cities that adapt
Travel can also show how cities are adapting to a changing climate. Venice’s MOSE flood barriers were raised against a high tide for the first time in October 2020, and Rotterdam’s Benthemplein, opened in 2013, was the first full-scale “water square” – a public square designed to store rainwater during heavy storms.
Small choices add up. Pick one or two of these ideas for your next trip, and you will lighten your footprint while getting closer to the places you visit.
Some links in this article are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.