How to Be a Sustainable Traveler (It's Not Just About Plastic Straws)
When we hear the phrase “sustainable travel,” a few images probably pop into our heads: recycling plastic bottles, bringing a reusable straw, or making sure we “leave no trace” on a hiking trail. And while those things are important—don't get me wrong—they barely scratch the surface of what it means to be a truly sustainable traveler.
The reality is, sustainability isn't just about the environment. It's about sustaining cultures, local economies, and the human side of the places we visit. It’s about making a series of small, conscious choices that, when added up, have a huge impact.
Moving Beyond the Mainstream Cliches
Most of us have a checklist for being a “good” traveler that includes things like:
Using a reusable water bottle.
Reusing towels at a hotel.
Picking up trash or leaving a campsite spotless.
Avoiding shops that sell items made from protected wildlife.
These are all good habits, but they're the low-hanging fruit. A traveler who diligently reuses their towel but stays in a huge international chain hotel, or whose vacation rental is owned by someone in a different country, isn't truly supporting the community they're visiting. Their money isn’t staying where it needs to go.
Redefining Sustainable Travel: Practical Tips for a Deeper Impact
So, how do we go beyond the obvious? True sustainable travel is about being a temporary guest in someone's home, not just a tourist. It's a deeper commitment, and it's easier than you might think. Here are a few ways to start.
1. Support the Local Economy
This is about making sure your hard-earned money stays in the community.
Eat and Drink Local: Skip the chain restaurants you can find at home. Instead, seek out local pubs, family-run cafes, and small-town bakeries. Ask the bartender what local brew or regional drink they recommend. You’ll get a taste of the culture and ensure your money directly supports a local family, not a corporate CEO.
Shop Smart: Look for products that are locally made. In places like Alaska, for example, things made by Alaska Natives have a specific label. Don’t be afraid to ask a shop owner if they’re locally owned. A lot of tourist shops will have a sign out front, but if not, just ask.
Hire Local Guides: Instead of booking a large bus tour, hire a private guide. With a little digging, you can find a local who can give you a more authentic, personal experience. A food tour, for example, is a fantastic way to get a history lesson and see how the community’s food scene developed, just as you and I did in Seattle.
Be Smart About Accommodations: When you stay at a VRBO or an Airbnb, you can’t always be sure the money is staying in the community. Outsiders buying up homes for rentals can drive up prices for locals. Instead, look for a locally owned boutique hotel or a guesthouse. Even big franchise hotels are often run and staffed by locals, so your money still goes back into the community in a meaningful way.
2. Respect and Engage with the Culture
Sustainable travel means interacting with people on a human level.
Get Off the Beaten Path: Find a local pub, Eagles Club, or VFW to sit at the bar. Order a local drink, talk to the people around you, and ask questions. Putting yourself out there and having a conversation can lead to a much richer and more authentic experience than just checking off tourist sites.
Be a Conscious Consumer: Be aware of how your actions impact the local environment and its inhabitants. We hear a lot about certain ports closing down to cruise ships because they’re being overrun with tourists. But other ports have been managing tourism for over 100 years and depend on it. That’s why it’s important to find a balance. When you go on a whale-watching tour, for example, the best thing to do is your research beforehand. We recently went on a whale watching excursion with a small, reputable company. Our captain and whale specialist explained the ethics of whale watching and how we would proceed to lessen our impact on the whales’ home turf. But when we arrived on the scene, we weren’t alone. There were about 20 other boats—most much larger than our own—all zipping around and vying for a spot in the bay in search of the elusive humpback whale. It made me think, 'What the hell are we doing here?'
It's a perfect example of why doing the right thing isn't always easy. This is where your homework comes in. Look for companies that have a specific Eco-certification, and if possible, communities that limit the number of boats and passengers they send out at one time.
3. Rethink Transportation and Timing
Your choices about when and how you travel have a big impact.
Choose Sustainable Transit: If you can, consider taking a train or bus instead of flying, as they have a significantly lower carbon footprint per passenger. Once you're at your destination, walk, bike, or use public transport instead of a rental car.
Travel in the Off-Season: Overtourism is a growing problem. Traveling in the off-season not only reduces the pressure on local infrastructure, it often gives you a more relaxed and authentic experience, and it can be more affordable for you.
4. Beyond Tourism: Giving Back to the Places We Visit
True sustainable travel is a two-way street. It’s not just about what a place gives to you, but what you can offer in return. This isn’t about being a volunteer for a week; it’s about participating in experiences that actively support and build up the community.
Participate in Community Projects: After the devastating fires on Maui, for example, there are excursions where you can help replant trees in burned-out areas. It’s a powerful way to make a tangible difference.
Engage in Cultural Preservation Workshops: Instead of just buying a souvenir, spend an afternoon with a local artisan learning their traditional craft. Whether it’s a cooking class in Italy, a weaving workshop in Peru, or a pottery lesson in Mexico, your money directly supports a craft that may have been passed down for generations.
Choose Community-Led Eco-Tours: Some small villages have created and manage their own sustainable tourism operations. Their tours provide a source of income that keeps the community thriving and provides an economic alternative to logging or other practices that might harm the local environment.
The Big Picture
Sustainable travel isn't a rigid checklist; it's a mindset. It’s about making choices that minimize harm and maximize positive impacts on the environment, local cultures, and economies. It's about being more intentional with every dollar and every day you spend. This is a perfect conversation to have with your travel advisor. Don’t just ask for a hotel recommendation; let them know that you are looking for ways to lessen your impact or, even better, to give back. When you travel this way, you not only preserve destinations for future generations, you also create deeper, more meaningful connections with the world around you. And that is a legacy we can all live with.
For more tips on sustainable travel, check out 20 Sustainable Travel Tips.
Randi is a writer, travel advisor, and former teacher helping you find courage, connection, and adventure through travel. For more inspiration and stories, follow R.Wing Travel on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, or visit www.rwingtravel.com.
