There’s something about spring and summer that makes us want to pack a bag, hit the road, and explore. Whether you’re jetting off to a faraway destination or road-tripping to a hidden local gem, one thing is certain: the way we travel matters. Our vacations shouldn't cost the Earth.
Sustainable travel doesn’t mean giving up comfort or convenience—it means being a little more thoughtful with what you pack and how you move through the world. In this guide, we’ll show you how to travel lighter on the planet without sacrificing the joy of adventure.
Why Sustainable Travel Matters
Let’s start with a few eye-opening facts:
- According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, Travel & Tourism accounted for 6.5% of all emissions globally in 2023.
- A typical hotel stay uses nearly 300-400 gallons of water per day, per room, according to the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
- Single-use plastic waste often spikes during travel, especially on planes, where plastic cups, cutlery, and toiletry kits are common.
Luckily, sustainable swaps and smart planning can significantly reduce your impact.
The Essentials: What to Pack for Planet-Friendly Travel
Here’s your checklist of sustainable travel must-haves, curated with both practicality and eco-impact in mind.
1. Solid Toiletries: Shampoo, Conditioner, and Soap Bars
Skip the travel-sized plastic bottles and pack solid alternatives that last longer and don’t leak in your luggage. Look for bars made with natural ingredients and compostable or plastic-free packaging.
Try This: HiBAR’s Shampoo + Conditioner Bars.
Fun Fact: One shampoo bar can replace up to three 8 oz bottles of liquid shampoo.
Quick Tip: Store bars in tins or reusable cloth pouches to keep them dry between uses.
2. Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is essential while traveling, and a reusable bottle helps you avoid buying plastic bottles at every stop. Choose one with a filter if you're unsure about local tap water.
Quick Tip: Most airports now have hydration stations. Fill up after security to avoid overpriced water on flights.
3. Travel Utensil Set and Reusable Straw
Single-use cutlery and straws are often hard to recycle and can end up in oceans or landfills. A compact bamboo or stainless steel utensil set is lightweight, easy to clean, and super convenient.
Try This: Bamboo Travel Cutlery Set which includes a bamboo fork, spoon, knife, straw, straw cleaner, and chopsticks.
Fun Fact: Americans use an estimated 500 million straws per day (Eco-Cycle).
Try It: Next time you're offered plastic utensils, politely say, “No thanks, I brought my own!”
4. Compact Cloth Towel
Hotels often replace towels daily, even when they’re barely used. Having your own quick-dry travel towel helps you minimize laundry loads and stay ready for beach or park days.
Quick Tip: Hang towels outside in the sun to dry quickly and kill bacteria naturally.
5. Plastic-Free Oral Care
Dental hygiene doesn’t need to come with disposable waste. Toothpaste tablets, bamboo toothbrushes, and biodegradable floss are easy upgrades.
Try This: A sustainable oral care routine including compostable toothbrushes and floss, as well as mouthwash and toothpaste tablets.
Fun Fact: Over 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away each year in the U.S. alone, enough to circle the Earth four times (National Geographic).
6. Reusable Shopping or Tote Bag
Lightweight and foldable, a reusable bag can serve many purposes—grocery runs, beach outings, laundry day, or extra souvenir space.
Try This: A mesh bag, a tote bag, or an upcycled sari tote bag—each one is unique and handmade.
Quick Tip: Keep one tucked in your daypack so you’re always prepared.
7. Sustainable Sunscreen
Many conventional sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone that harm coral reefs and aquatic life. Choose mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead.
Did You Know? Hawaii has banned the sale of reef-harming sunscreens to protect marine ecosystems (Hawaii State Law SB132 SD2 HD1).
8. Zero-Waste Laundry Options
For longer trips, laundry is inevitable. Skip hotel services and plastic jugs by using biodegradable laundry sheets or strips.
Try This: Eco-clean laundry detergent sheets.
Quick Tip: Bring a clothespin and a few feet of cord to air-dry your clothes anywhere.
Extra Credit: Sustainable Travel Habits
Sustainable travel isn’t just about what’s in your bag—it’s also about how you move and behave during your trip.
Choose Direct Flights
If flying is necessary, book non-stop flights when possible. Takeoff and landing are the most fuel-intensive parts of flying, so fewer connections mean less carbon.
Use Public Transit or Walk
Exploring cities on foot or using local buses, trains, or bikes not only reduces emissions but also immerses you in the local culture. Apps like Rome2Rio make route planning easy.
Support Local and Eco-Friendly Businesses
Look for accommodations certified by sustainability standards like Green Key or EarthCheck. Eat at local restaurants and buy souvenirs made by local artisans.
Quick Tip: Bring your own containers for takeout food or snacks—it helps reduce packaging waste and saves money.
Planning Ahead: A Greener Itinerary
Offset Your Carbon Footprint
If you fly, consider purchasing carbon offsets to balance your emissions. Websites like Gold Standard or Sustainable Travel International make this easy.
Caveat: Offsetting isn’t a free pass to pollute—it should supplement, not replace, efforts to reduce emissions.
Travel in the Off-Season
Visiting destinations during the shoulder or off-seasons helps reduce overcrowding, supports local economies year-round, and can lead to a more relaxed, authentic experience.
Easy Calls to Action
Ready to green your next getaway? Here’s what you can do this week:
-
Swap one travel-size product for a plastic-free alternative
(Need help choosing? Check out Ciclado’s on-the-go, travel-ready essentials) -
Pack your reusable water bottle and straw in your day bag
Even if you’re just heading out locally, this builds the habit. -
Take inventory of what you already own
Chances are you already have some reusable items that just need a designated travel spot.
Final Thoughts
Traveling is one of the most enriching things we can do. It opens our minds, refreshes our spirits, and connects us to new people and places. But it’s also an opportunity to reflect on our values and leave a lighter footprint.
Sustainable travel isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making mindful choices, one step (or one trip) at a time. So the next time you’re packing for a spring or summer adventure, remember: you don’t have to choose between seeing the world and saving it.
All it takes is a few smart swaps, a curious spirit, and maybe that extra reusable bag tucked into your suitcase.
Photo by veerasak Piyawatanakul on Pexels.