Global tourism picks up pace in 2025, and the need to travel more sustainably has never been more urgent. With a growing number of travellers keen to make responsible choices, the challenge lies in translating that intent into meaningful action. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, here are eight practical ways to reduce your travel footprint without compromising on enjoyment.
1. Choose Travel Experiences That Give Back
Make a conscious shift from passive tourism to active participation in positive change. Consider trips that contribute to the preservation of local environments or the revitalisation of cultural traditions. Look for travel opportunities that integrate volunteer work, such as habitat restoration or community projects. From cultural exchanges in Colombia to conservation efforts in Fiji and Australia, there’s a growing wave of travel options that allow you to leave a lasting, positive impact.
2. Expand Your View of Sustainability
Sustainable travel goes beyond protecting nature—it also includes respect for local people and cultures. Travelling during off-peak seasons, supporting Indigenous-run tours, and choosing locally owned businesses can ease the strain on high-traffic destinations. Think about how your presence might affect housing affordability or strain public services. By adjusting how, when, and where you travel, you help preserve both ecosystems and communities.
3. Demand More from Accommodations
Accommodation plays a major role in tourism’s carbon footprint. Thankfully, innovative options are emerging. From carbon-positive hotels in the US to zero-waste lodges in South Africa, new models are leading the way. But even on a budget, you can make mindful choices—whether it’s a certified eco-hostel or a guesthouse with a solid sustainability policy.
Check for credible certifications such as B Corp, EarthCheck, or Green Key. If none are listed, investigate the accommodation’s environmental efforts on their website or ask directly. Look for signs of commitment to waste reduction, energy efficiency, fair employment, and community support.
4. Travel Smarter, Not Just Greener
Getting to your destination often has the biggest environmental cost—especially if flying. Consider alternative travel options like trains, which are becoming more accessible with new high-speed and scenic routes launching across Europe and Australia in 2025. If you must fly, choose economy seats, book direct flights, and use tools like Google Flights to compare emissions across airlines. Some carriers have also begun eliminating single-use plastics, reducing their onboard environmental impact.
5. Connect on a Deeper Level
Meaningful engagement with a destination enriches your experience and supports sustainable practices. Opt for Indigenous-led tours or citizen science programs that promote cultural exchange and environmental education. Experiences like guided walks with First Nations storytellers in Australia or conservation safaris in Kenya let you immerse deeply in the places you visit while contributing to their preservation.
6. Use Technology to Make Better Choices
Apps are powerful tools for eco-conscious travellers. Use AllTrails to find nature-based hikes, Happy Cow to discover plant-based dining options, and Droply to locate free drinking water sources and avoid buying plastic bottles. You can even estimate your trip’s carbon footprint using the CoolClimate Calculator. Plus, sharing your responsible travel experiences on social media can help normalise and encourage sustainable travel behaviors.
7. Stay Alert to Greenwashing
Some businesses exaggerate their eco-credentials. Learn to identify misleading claims by checking for third-party certifications or reviewing a company’s specific sustainability practices. Be skeptical of vague promises and look for transparency. Review platforms and watchdog resources like Sustainable Travel International can offer insights into whether businesses actually walk the talk.
8. Use Your Privilege Wisely
Travel is a privilege many in the world cannot access. With that privilege comes the power to influence. Choose to spend your travel dollars on businesses that respect people, animals, and the environment. Avoid exploitative tourism practices and support ethical experiences that align with values of fairness and cultural integrity. Thus, assist in shaping a tourism industry that benefits both the planet and its people.
Also read: How Extreme Heat Harms the Human Body: A Deadly Internal Struggle
Final Thoughts
Sustainable travel is an evolving practice shaped by conscious choices. Whether it’s your first step or your hundredth, each decision you make can drive the industry toward a more responsible future.
