How to Travel Sustainably in 2026: A Practical Guide to Responsible Tourism

Here's an uncomfortable truth: tourism accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It litters the planet with plastic, threatens wildlife species, and can overwhelm the very communities and places we travel to see.

But here's the hopeful part: according to Booking.com's research, 76% of travelers want to travel more sustainably. They just don't know how.

This guide is the "how." Not preachy lectures about staying home, but practical, actionable strategies that let you see the world while treading more lightly on it.

The Big Picture: What Is Sustainable Travel?

Sustainable travel means exploring the world while minimizing negative impacts on the environment, local cultures, and communities. It's about achieving balance: enjoying incredible experiences while ensuring those experiences remain possible for future generations.

The good news? Sustainable travel often leads to better experiences. Slower travel, local connections, and off-the-beaten-path discoveries beat rushed, crowded tourist traps every time.

Transportation: Your Biggest Impact

Transportation, especially flying, represents the largest portion of most trips' carbon footprint. Here's how to minimize it:

Smart Flying

Choose direct flights whenever possible. Takeoff and landing account for a huge portion of fuel consumption. A single direct flight beats two shorter connecting flights, even if total distance is similar.

Use the NERD framework:

Consider carbon offsetting, but be skeptical. Not all offset programs are created equal. Look for programs verified by Gold Standard or Verra that fund measurable projects like forest preservation or renewable energy.

Ground Transportation Alternatives

When possible, skip the flight entirely:

Trains: Europe's rail network is extensive and often faster than flying when you account for airport time. The Eurostar from London to Paris takes 2 hours 15 minutes city center to city center. Night trains are having a renaissance: fall asleep in Vienna, wake up in Rome.

Buses: Modern bus services like FlixBus, Rede Expressos, and ALSA offer WiFi, power outlets, and comfortable seats at a fraction of plane prices and environmental costs.

Ferries: Island destinations often offer ferry alternatives to flights. The journey becomes part of the adventure, and the footprint is significantly smaller.

At Your Destination

Walk and bike first. Many cities are more walkable than you'd expect, and bike-share programs have exploded globally. You'll see more, save money, and get exercise.

Use public transit. Metros, buses, and trams exist in most destinations. Figure out the local transit app before you arrive. Google Maps transit directions work in most major cities.

If you must rent a car, choose a hybrid or electric if available. Many rental companies now offer EV options at competitive prices.

Accommodation: Where You Stay Matters

The average hotel guest uses over 300 liters of water per night. Hotels account for roughly 1% of global carbon emissions. Your choice of where to stay makes a real difference.

Finding Sustainable Accommodations

Look for certifications: The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) sets international standards. Properties certified by GSTC-accredited bodies meet verified sustainability criteria.

Other trusted certifications:

Read beyond the marketing. "Eco-friendly" and "green" are unregulated terms anyone can use. Look for specific actions: solar panels, water recycling systems, local sourcing policies, plastic elimination programs.

Simple Habits That Help

Reuse towels and skip daily housekeeping. Most hotels now offer this option. Use it. Fresh towels daily is a resource-intensive luxury we don't need.

Control your climate. Turn off AC/heating when you leave. Close curtains to maintain temperature. Many hotels now have key-card systems that do this automatically. Don't bypass them.

Take shorter showers. This sounds basic, but hotel showers often feel luxurious enough that we stay longer than at home. Be mindful.

Avoid single-use toiletries. Bring your own refillable containers or stay at hotels that provide bulk dispensers instead of mini bottles.

Reducing Waste While Traveling

The Essential Sustainable Packing List

Bring these items from home:

Remove packaging before leaving home. Don't take shopping bags, excessive boxes, or unnecessary plastic on your trip.

Dealing with Plastic Abroad

Avoid single-use plastics proactively:

Properly dispose of unavoidable waste. Learn local recycling rules. Some countries have different systems than you're used to.

Eating and Drinking Sustainably

Food is one of travel's great pleasures, and an opportunity to support local economies while reducing environmental impact.

Choose Local

Eat at locally-owned restaurants rather than international chains. Your money stays in the community, you experience authentic cuisine, and local businesses typically source ingredients more locally.

Visit farmers markets and local food halls. You'll find fresher food, less packaging, and direct support for local producers.

Try local specialties. Importing foods travelers expect (like steak in Southeast Asia or tropical fruits in Scandinavia) has a significant carbon footprint. Eating what's locally abundant is both more sustainable and more interesting.

Reduce Food Waste

Order thoughtfully. Travel often involves eyes bigger than stomachs. Start with less than you think you need. You can always order more.

Take leftovers. In many cultures, asking for leftovers to take away is perfectly acceptable. Don't let good food go to waste.

Choose buffets strategically. Buffets generate enormous waste. If staying at a buffet-style hotel, take only what you'll eat. Multiple small trips beat one overloaded plate.

Water and Drinks

Know the local water situation. In many destinations (most of Europe, Japan, Australia, US, Canada), tap water is perfectly safe. Don't buy bottled water out of unfounded fear.

Where tap water isn't safe, use a filter bottle rather than buying endless plastic bottles. Some hotels and hostels have filtered water refill stations.

Wildlife and Nature

Travel increasingly brings us into contact with wildlife and natural environments. How we behave in these spaces matters enormously.

Wildlife Tourism: Know the Signs

Avoid these red flags:

Support these instead:

In Natural Spaces

Follow Leave No Trace principles:

1. Plan ahead and prepare

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces

3. Dispose of waste properly (pack it out)

4. Leave what you find

5. Minimize campfire impact

6. Respect wildlife (observe from distance, never feed)

7. Be considerate of other visitors

Specific tips:

Supporting Local Communities

The World Wildlife Fund emphasizes that sustainable travel isn't just environmental. It's social and economic too.

Spend Money Where It Matters

Choose locally-owned businesses over multinational chains. This keeps tourism dollars in the community.

Buy locally made products. That mass-produced souvenir from a tourist shop probably came from a factory overseas. Locally crafted items support local artisans, and make better souvenirs.

Hire local guides. They know the place better than any guidebook, and your payment directly supports the local economy.

Be a Respectful Guest

Learn basic local phrases. "Hello," "thank you," and "please" in the local language show respect and often transform interactions.

Understand local customs. Dress codes at religious sites, tipping expectations, greeting etiquette. Research before you go.

Ask before photographing people. Especially in less-touristed areas, photographing locals without permission is disrespectful. Would you want tourists photographing you without asking?

Don't give money or gifts to children. It often fosters a begging economy and can discourage school attendance. If you want to help, donate to established local schools or organizations through your guide or hotel.

Destinations Leading the Way

Some destinations are setting the standard for sustainable tourism:

Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky has rapidly gained attention for environmental stewardship, integrating eco-friendly resorts with local agriculture while preserving stunning natural landscapes. The region proves that tourism growth and conservation can coexist.

Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa promotes preservation of traditional crafts and cultural heritage while fostering sustainable tourism practices. The islands' Blue Zone status (with the world's longest-lived population) reflects a culture that respects both environment and community.

Savoie, France

This Alpine region blends outdoor adventure with environmental care, supporting local agriculture and sustainable winter sports. Ski resorts here are investing in renewable energy and water conservation.

Helsinki, Finland

Finland's capital leads in sustainable urban design, serving as a model green travel city with excellent public transit, cycling infrastructure, and ambitious carbon neutrality goals.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is becoming a benchmark for responsible island tourism, with eco-hotels, expanding cycling infrastructure, and a growing "slow travel" philosophy that encourages deeper exploration over quick visits.

Making It Practical: Your Sustainable Travel Checklist

Before You Book

Packing

At Your Destination

Coming Home

The Bigger Picture

Sustainable travel isn't about perfection. It's not about giving up travel or feeling guilty every time you board a plane. It's about making better choices where you can, being mindful of your impact, and recognizing that how we travel shapes the future of the places we visit.

The destinations we love exist because someone (often many generations of someones) took care of them. Sustainable travel is simply extending that care forward.

Planning Sustainable Adventures with Dream Trip

Dream Trip helps you build trips that align with your values:

Ready to plan your next adventure sustainably? Start saving destinations and let Dream Trip help you design a trip that's good for you and good for the places you visit.