Sustainable travel means exploring the world in a way that respects the climate and nature crises while making sure the places we visit actually benefit from our presence in the long run. It’s all about finding the right balance—getting the most out of travel while cutting down, or even wiping out, the downsides.
What’s going on and why?
Right now, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is over 400 parts per million—higher than it’s been in at least 800,000 years—and it’s still climbing, pushing global temperatures up. Scientists agree that even a 1.5°C rise could dangerously heat up the planet, something we saw in 2024, the first year we crossed that line. Keeping this temperature rise in check is crucial for our climate’s stability, and honestly, we’re running out of time. This decade? It’s make or break.
How does this affect nature?
Alongside the climate crisis, there’s a nature emergency: around the world, 1 million animal and plant species are at risk of extinction thanks to farming, logging, hunting, invasive species, urban sprawl, pollution, and climate change. And it’s not just about far-off rainforests or polar bears—habitat loss and shrinking biodiversity are happening right here in the UK, in our hedgerows, forests, garden birds, and marine life.
What can you do?
Being a sustainable traveler isn’t about big, one-time moves—it’s a mindset. It’s about making thoughtful choices that shape every part of your trip, from what you pack to how you get there, where you stay, and what you do once you arrive.
Where do I even start?
First, pack lighter. Traveling with less means you’re less likely to throw things away, it’s easier to get around (especially on foot, by bike, or using public transport), and it’s better for fuel efficiency—especially in an electric car.
A handy trick? Think of the three Rs:
- Reduce: What can you leave behind? Are there items that can do double-duty?
- Reuse: What can you bring that you’ll use over and over?
- Recycle: What can you take that’s recyclable once you’re done with it?
Skip single-use plastics like bottles, bags, and straws—they break down into microplastics that end up in the food chain, harming marine life and eventually us. Instead, pack a refillable water bottle, coffee cup, Tupperware for food and toiletries, and a shopping bag (super handy for markets and avoiding plastic bags).
What’s the biggest change I can make?
The most impactful way to cut travel emissions is to rethink transport, which often makes up 70%+ of a trip’s carbon footprint. The best fixes? Travel shorter distances, use low- or zero-emission transport (like trains, buses, or bikes), or skip vehicles altogether and walk, cycle, or sail.
Planes emit way more CO₂ than land transport. While there’s work being done to make flying greener (with alternative fuels and electric/hydrogen tech), even the rosiest predictions say it’ll take at least a decade for most airlines. For now, one long-haul flight can emit more than a year’s worth of driving a petrol car. In the UK, trains emit 6x less than flying, and buses 9x less. In Europe, where many trains (like Eurostar) are electric, rail travel can be 10x cleaner than flying.
What if I have to fly?
If you fly, remember: not all flights or airlines pollute equally. Use tools like Skyscanner or Opodo’s “lower CO₂e” filter to find flights with below-average emissions.
Since flying’s still a major polluter, try a “flexitarian” approach: mostly travel overland, fly less often, stay longer when you do, and pick trips that help nature or local communities.
What about my carbon footprint at the destination?
Your hotel and food choices matter too. An average UK hotel stay emits 31.1kg CO₂ per night (per the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative), so picking a low-emission hotel can make a big difference. Luckily, eco-friendly stays are easier to find—look for green filters on sites like Airbnb (“off-the-grid”), Sawday’s (“Sustainable Stars”), or i-escape (“Eco Rating”). Even big platforms like Booking.com and TripAdvisor now highlight eco-certified hotels. Many go beyond cutting emissions—they also reduce waste, water use, and chemicals.
Eating local, seasonal food (with a side of regional drinks) captures the spirit of a place better than any guidebook—and it’s way greener. “Food miles” add up, so choosing fresh bread from a bakery, market salads, or the day’s catch at a nearby restaurant isn’t just planet-friendly, it’s healthier and supports locals.
Where to go?
Some of Europe’s most vibrant cities are also great for green getaways—think Bristol, Angers, Nantes, Zurich, Ljubljana, and Copenhagen. These spots are pushing circular economies, sustainable transport, and eco-friendly policies that speed up their net-zero goals—and make travel better for visitors. Urban wetlands, green spaces, and parks boost biodiversity while giving travelers peaceful retreats.
Getting around
Countries with modern rail networks make low-carbon travel easy. Switzerland’s public transport (including trains, buses, boats, and city transit) is unmatched, and its Travel Pass covers 500 museums too. France, Spain, Italy, and Germany also have fantastic high-speed rail, especially between major cities.
What about long-haul trips?
Some countries build sustainability into tourism. After decades of deforestation, Costa Rica reversed the trend—now over half its land is forest (up from 26% in 1983). Its eco-lodges help protect rainforests while offering unforgettable stays. Guyana is also embracing community-based ecotourism, with lodges like Iwokrama River Lodge, Rewa Eco-Lodge, and Surama Eco-Lodge letting visitors experience incredible wildlife while supporting conservation and local livelihoods.