We live on a beautiful planet. Nothing makes that more clear than travel. Exploring, seeing beautiful places, and learning about different cultures all make travel such a valuable and enjoyable experience.
But unfortunately, in our desire to see the world, we sometimes harm it. We pollute the environment, destroy nature, displace and exploit local communities. As a traveler, I have seen first hand the damage that mass tourism can do. From gentrification and overcrowding in Venice to plastic pollution in Southeast Asia.
It’s heartbreaking, but it is also motivational. It inspired me to educate myself and others about sustainable tourism. Travel is a privilege, and it is one we need to exercise with caution and responsibility. Because it can be done!
We can enjoy all the great things that come from travel in a way that respects the planet and other people. These articles about green travel, sustainable tourism and responsible tourism will help you became a better traveler. They will help you lower your carbon footprint, be more mindful about your choices and more effective in supporting local communities. So that travel benefits us all, and we can continue to do it for a long time to come!
Top Posts about Sustainable Travel
Sustainable Travel Gifts for Backpackers
Are you struggling to find the perfect eco-friendly gift for the travel lover in your life? Sustainable gift giving sounds difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. I have collected the perfect goodies to help them become a more sustainable traveler. … More Sustainable Travel Gifts for Backpackers
Reusable Filter Water Bottles for Travel Review
As a sustainable traveler, I try to avoid single use plastic items as much as possible. That can be hard when you’re traveling somewhere without easy access to clean drinking water. But with a filter water bottle, you can use any water source to quench your thirst. I’ve reviewed my favorite brand to help you pick the perfect reusable water bottle for travel. … More Reusable Filter Water Bottles for Travel Review
My Favorite Destinations for Vegan Food
Traveling as a vegan can be challenging. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on delicious food and cultural experiences. Some places are more vegan and vegetarian friendly than others. These are my favorite destinations for vegan food and the dishes to try there. … More My Favorite Destinations for Vegan Food
Tips for the Best Staycation
A staycation is an easy, safe, budget-friendly, and socially distanced alternative to a traditional vacation. Travel isn’t about distance, it’s about opening yourself up to new experiences. So even if you wish you were sipping cocktails on a beach, you can bring some of that vacation magic to your home. It’s as simple as walking out the door or booking a night in a hotel. A staycation is a great option for those on a budget or with limited time. With my tips for the best staycation, you’ll be able to travel local. … More Tips for the Best Staycation
How to Find off the Beaten Path Travel Experiences
One of the best things about traveling is experiencing new things. The adventurous feeling you get when you step outside your comfort zone to learn about other cultures, meet new people, and see beautiful places. But finding those off the beaten path experiences and hidden gems can be a challenge. With these tips you’ll be able to find unique travel experiences and off the beaten path activities wherever you go. … More How to Find off the Beaten Path Travel Experiences
Eco-Friendly and Zero Waste Travel Gift Guide
How can I surprise my loved ones with thoughtful gifts without damaging the planet and people?This eco-friendly and zero waste travel gift guide is filled with fun ideas for sustainable gifts. Whether it is for the holidays, a birthday or “just because”. … More Eco-Friendly and Zero Waste Travel Gift Guide
Small Sustainable Travel Swaps That Make A Big Difference
The travel industry, and especially mass tourism, can be very unsustainable. Carbon emissions, endless consumption, pollution, economic and social exploitation, etc. Luckily, there are lots of little ways we can change our habits to be more eco-friendly. Every little big helps. These easy swaps for travelers make a big difference. So adjust to these sustainable travel habits to be a better traveler. … More Small Sustainable Travel Swaps That Make A Big Difference
How to Travel on a Plant Based Diet
It’s not always easy to maintain a vegan lifestyle while traveling. Depending on where you are, you may not always have access to plant-based meals or alternatives. But hard does not mean impossible. It is definitely doable to explore the world as a vegan. It just takes preparation! With these tips, you’ll be able to travel on a plant-based diet. … More How to Travel on a Plant Based Diet
Things to Know About Traveling by Long Distance Bus
I’ve been on many long distance buses and night buses in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America. During all those trips, I became somewhat of an expert on long-distance bus travel. I learned how to find the best transportation, be as comfortable as possible, how to stay safe and get the most optimal sleep. Let me share my experience in overnight bus travel with you. Here are the most important things to know about traveling by long distance bus. … More Things to Know About Traveling by Long Distance Bus
How to Practice Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable travel is about more than eco-friendly travel, it is also about responsible tourism and ethical travel. Traveling in ways that benefit local communities and support equality. And sustainable tourism isn’t hard! All it takes is a bit of education, mindfulness and making better choices. So, here are a few ways you can practice sustainable tourism: … More How to Practice Sustainable Tourism
Alternative ways to Travel Without Flying
In my efforts to be a more sustainable traveler, I made a resolution last year to fly less. It turned out to be a lot easier and a lot more fun than I had anticipated. Traveling over land allowed me to really enjoy the journey and see much more of the place I was visiting than just aerial views. For your next trip, instead of immediately booking a flight, why not consider one of these alternative ways to travel without flying? … More Alternative ways to Travel Without Flying
Tips for Green Travel
There are few things so buzz worthy in the travel industry right now as “sustainable travel”. The harsh truth is that we live on a gorgeous planet, but the way we’re traveling is destroying that. So, if you love this planet and want to see it in a way that benefits rather than harms the environment, there are lots of things you can do to travel sustainably. Join the green travel movement with these easy tips: … More Tips for Green Travel
What to Pack on a Night Bus
I love night buses, I think they are a great way to get around. They are cheap, convenient and you save money on accommodation. But surviving a night on a night bus seems daunting. With my tips and tricks, you’ll be just fine. … More What to Pack on a Night Bus
Traveling from Luang Prabang to Koh Lanta over Land
Because I am a crazy person and I wanted to save money as well as limit my carbon footprint: I decided to travel from Luang Prabang to Koh Lanta over land. This is how I did it: … More Traveling from Luang Prabang to Koh Lanta over Land
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