The Easy Way To Travel Sustainably

Is there really an easy way to travel sustainably?

If you’re looking for an easy way to travel sustainably just remember – travelling sustainably isn’t an all or nothing scenario. It is OK to take small steps! So many times I see talk about sustainability basically just an excuse to call people out for not being a plastic-free, ethically-sourced, saint. Well, this is not that kind of post. I’m anti-excess and pro-moderation. I’m not anti-living.

Life is meant to be lived and it just isn’t realistic to be that perfect all the time in this day and age. What we need is a few go-to sustainable travel tips that we can have in our toolbox and utiltise when we can.

So what is “being sustainable”?

Sustainability is all about living and operating in a way that keeps our planet happy and healthy for the long haul. It’s basically being mindful of how we use resources, so we don’t run out or harm the environment too much. It’s finding a balance where we can meet our needs today without wrecking things for future generations.

But why should I care about travelling sustainably?

Well, you should care about everything you do. When you are self-aware, you can recognise your strengths and weaknesses, identify patterns in your behaviour, and understand how you impact others. This knowledge allows you to make informed decisions, improve your relationships, and work on personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling and authentic life. Without self-awareness, it’s challenging to navigate through life effectively and make positive changes that align with your true self.

Travelling sustainably allows you to explore the world (which we love!) while minimising your negative impact on the environment and local communities. Contributing to preserving natural landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage for future generations to enjoy. It also helps promote a more balanced and respectful approach to travel, ensuring that the destinations you visit can continue to thrive economically and ecologically in the long run.

What you will find here

Here you will find a list of some easy ways you can start travelling sustainably now as well as some don’ts. You don’t have to do them all, and you don’t have to do them all the time (but I do recommend adhering to the “dont’s as they’re major faux pas) . There will be scenarios where some work for you and some don’t.

There are so many things you can personally do to help the world and these are the ones that I find work for me because they’re easy to implement and don’t take away from my travelling experience. In fact, I would argue that a lot of these actually help me really see and experience the place I have travelled to. Onto the sustainable travel tips!

Travel slowly

Travelling slowly is actually my preferred method of trip. Travelling slowly offers a unique and enriching experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the destinations you visit because. It gives you the time and space to appreciate the local culture, interact with the community, and build meaningful connections with people along the way.

Additionally, travelling slowly reduces your carbon footprint because you aren’t rushing to and from locations. You are also spending more money in the local community if you are staying in longer term accommodation as opposed if you were staying at a chain resort for 3 nights. So, take it easy, savour the moments, and embrace the beauty of slow travel for a more fulfilling adventure. If this is something that you’re interested in, check out my Slow Travel Guide for more slow travel sustainable travel tips.

Rent a bike and see the city

“It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.” – Ernest Hemingway

Ernest had no idea that we would have the marvellous option of renting an electric bike to explore. But, that doesn’t make his quote any less true as cycling (manual or e-bike) is still an easy way to travel sustainably and improve your travel experience. Cycling allows you to stay active, reduce your carbon footprint, and connect more intimately with your surroundings. Whether you’re cycling through the city streets or exploring scenic countryside paths, biking provides a sense of freedom and a closer connection to the environment.

Travel by train when you can

Not only are trains generally more environmentally friendly than cars or planes but they also allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving or customs. Yeah, I know it is more expensive to travel sustainably. One of my sustainable travel tips is to view it as a cost you have write into your savings plan because it will make your trip far more enjoyable than having to go through the ordeal of jumping on a plane or sitting in traffic for an hour.

Keywords here are when you can *screams in Australian*. Europe and Japan are some examples of countries that have amazing infrastructure and I wholeheartedly believe that exploring these two places by train is the best! A substantial portion of an aircraft’s fuel consumption occurs during take-off and landing which makes short haul flights less environmentally friendly – they also have less time to reach optimal cruising altitudes, where fuel efficiency is higher.

Choose eco-friendly accommodation (or “eco” your accommodation)

This one is probably the hardest one but if you can’t find eco-friendly accommodation an easy way to travel sustainably is what I call eco-ing your accommodation. That means instead of using their individually wrapped combs, soaps, and toothbrushes, make sure you bring these with you and use their refillable body wash instead. Hotels will not replace them if they have been unopened so just leave the ones you don’t need to use. If I’m just staying a couple of nights I’ll also keep my towel etc to save on washing. A lot of chain hotels offer this water-saving option.

Bring a water bottle to refill when you can

This is such an easy way to travel sustainably, as you probably have a water bottle at home already! You will have to empty it when going through customs but there are usually drinking water taps after customs when you are waiting for the gates. It says on having to buy expensive water or getting bottles on the plane. This also works if you are travelling to a country that has safe drinking water, as you can fill up your drink bottle before leaving home to wander around.

If you’re in a country that doesn’t have tap water that is safe to drink, I usually buy a large bottle of water and fill my drink bottle with that. That way I don’t use as much plastic (and it is cheaper).

Opt for direct flights

Direct flights are more sustainable because they skip the extra takeoffs and landings that burn more fuel and emit greenhouse gases. By flying non-stop, there’s less energy wasted and fewer emissions per passenger, making it a greener choice for air travel. Plus, it often means shorter travel times, which is not only convenient but also reduces overall energy consumption, giving the environment a little breather.

Eat local vegan food 

Many places have traditional vegan foods that you can try and it supports the local economy and people! Plus, you are limiting your chances of food poisoning so it is a win-win in terms of travelling sustainably and helping your tummy.

Don’t take cruises if you want to travel sustainably

Not only do cruises release grey matter into the ocean but they also have a significantly higher footprint than cars, trains, or planes. Plus, people go missing all the time on cruises, and cruises don’t have to do anything about it. No thanks. 

Don’t support tourism attractions that are evil af

Stay away from places that support the damnation of our planet. Things that come to mind are getting your photos taken with tigers, watching animals do tricks for your entertainment (yuck), and locations that are dealing with over tourism that is destroying the natural environment. No instagram photo is worth jumping on a crammed boat with other tourists to go throw food and rubbish at monkeys hoping to get pictures of them up close on the beach (I’m talking about you, Railay beach).