Discover five easy and impactful ways to explore the world sustainably! This beginner’s guide to sustainable travel offers quick wins to decrease your carbon footprint as well as simple tips to support the green travel industry. Start your sustainable travel journey today!

Ever thought about making travel mindful? In fact, with just a few sustainable travel tips, you can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint. Travel and tourism account for about 8% of global carbon emissions, and more and more countries and organizations are now adopting an ongoing attitude to conscious efforts to lower their impact. As a result, it is now as easy as ever to find and book eco-friendly travel activities that do more good than harm. So, let’s dive in and discover tips to travel sustainably while enjoying your adventures!

1. Choose Eco-Friendly Transportation
   1. Train and Bus Booking Platforms
   2. Ridesharing and Carpooling Platforms
   3. E-Bike Rental Platforms
   4. More Transportation Platforms
2. Stay in Sustainable Accommodations
   1. Eco-Friendly Accommodation Platforms
3. Pack Light and Smart
   1. Tips for Packing Light
4. Book Eco-Friendly Activities
   1. Platforms for Eco-Friendly Dining and Activities
5. Support Green Projects
   1. Platforms for Eco-Conscious Activities
6. Conclusion

1. Choose Eco-Friendly Transportation

Transport accounts for about a quarter of CO2 emissions in the EU, so one of the most effective ways to minimize your carbon emissions is by choosing ground transportation. Opting for train travel, buses, or carpooling instead of air travel for short distances can significantly lower your environmental impact while traveling.

Train and Bus Booking Platforms

You can find and book your travel overland on one of the following platforms:

• Eurail (Europe): Offers train passes across most European countries, promoting meaningful tourism. Trains are more sustainable than airlines, allow you to enjoy a scenic view, and are one of the safest means of transport. 
• Trainline (Europe): A platform for booking train and bus tickets across Europe, making it easy to travel sustainably. You can search tickets for most European destinations and complete a booking in just a few clicks. 
• FlixBus (Europe and US): Provides affordable bus travel options, perfect for budget-conscious travelers. FlixBus offers extensive routes and modern buses with electric sockets, Wi-Fi onboard, and more, so even long-distance travel can be comfortable.
• Amtrak (US): The primary rail service provider in the US, offering a low-carbon travel alternative to flying. Amtrak’s routes cover major cities and scenic landscapes, providing a unique experience.
• Omio (Europe and US): Offers sustainable choices to travel by train, bus, or plane. It has a user-friendly interface, so you can easily compare different routes and make better decisions when you travel.

Ridesharing and Carpooling Platforms

• BlaBlaCar (Europe): A ridesharing platform that allows passengers to find drivers going to the same destination, promoting rideshare eco travel and reducing the number of cars on the road. Carpooling is an excellent way to travel cheaply by sharing the same car and reducing traffic congestion and travel fare.
• Zipcar (US and Europe): A car-sharing service where you can rent cars by the hour or day. For sustainable travellers, Zipcar’s fleet includes fuel-efficient and electric vehicles.
• Turo (US and Europe): A peer-to-peer car-sharing platform with electric car options. Rent vehicles directly from their owners, offering a wide range of choices. This platform is ideal for those looking to travel more sustainably without sacrificing driving comfort.
• Share Now (Europe): Offers electric car rentals in 16 European cities, such as Paris, Rome, Berlin, and more. You can easily find and rent electric cars on demand. Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a good for the planet choice.
• Enterprise CarShare (US and Europe): Offers hourly and daily electric car rentals for businesses and universities through its car-sharing service, promoting sustainable travel. By choosing electric vehicles, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

E-Bike Rental Platforms

• Lime (Europe and US): Offers e-bike and electric scooter rentals in numerous cities in Europe and the US, as well as in a few locations in Asia, Latin America, and Australia, encouraging eco-conscious travel. Lime’s e-bikes are a convenient and fun way to explore urban areas while reducing your carbon footprint.
• Jump by Uber (Europe and US): Provides easy e-bike rentals through the Uber app. E-bikes are an excellent option for those looking to travel while reducing or eliminating their reliance on fossil fuels.
• Donkey Republic (Europe): A bike-sharing platform with e-bike rentals, perfect for low-cost travel in many cities in Europe and some destinations in the US. Donkey Republic’s flexible rental options and easy-to-use app make it a popular choice for travelers. By choosing e-bikes, you can enjoy the positives of travel while reducing your environmental footprint.
• Nextbike (Europe and US): Operates a bike-sharing system with e-bike rental per minute as well as monthly and yearly subscriptions, promoting cost savings and sustainable tourism. Nextbike’s extensive network and affordable pricing make it accessible to both locals and tourists. Biking is a planet-friendly way to explore cities and connect with nature.
• Beryl (UK and select European cities): Offers e-bike rentals in several UK cities and select European locations. Beryl’s focus on safety and sustainability makes it a trusted choice for eco-conscious travelers.

More Transportation Platforms

• Rome2rio (Global): A search engine comparing various transportation options to find and book the best itinerary. Rome2rio provides detailed information on routes, travel times, and costs so you can start to make better decisions about your routes and modes of transportation.
• Moovit (Global): A public transit app with real-time updates to navigate public transportation. Moovit’s comprehensive coverage and user-friendly interface make it a valuable tool for navigating public transit systems. Public transit is a sustainable travel means that reduces traffic congestion and lowers emissions.
• Green City Ferries (Europe): Find and book ferry services in select European cities. Green City Ferries uses 100% electric vessels powered by green energy. Ferries are also a great way to enjoy scenic views over cityscapes while visiting popular destinations.

2. Stay in Sustainable Accommodations

Choosing sustainable accommodations is another way to make a difference for the places we visit. Look for eco-lodges, hotels, or hostels with certifications like Green Sign, GreenKey, etc. Such a badge means that the accommodation is adopting sustainable practices to reduce its impact on the environment. Besides, you could use platforms like Airbnb to find and book homestays with locals to support the community and immerse yourself deeper into the local culture. When in destination, remember to conserve water and energy and respect the host and the place.

Eco-Friendly Accommodation Platforms

• EcoHotels.com (Global): Specializes in eco-friendly hotels worldwide with a wide range of sustainable options. EcoHotels.com provides detailed information on each property’s green practices, helping you make informed choices. Hotel owners can also list their sustainable properties in just a few clicks.  
• Green Pearls (Global): Focuses on sustainable hotels, lodges, resorts, restaurants, and more. Green Pearls’ curated selection ensures that each property meets high standards and allows you to invest in sustainable tourism and support local areas. For example, you can also find some green projects listed on the website to invest in or participate in at your destination.
• Airbnb (Global): While not exclusively eco-focused, Airbnb still makes it easier to find carbon-neutral options or book homestays with locals. Airbnb’s listings include eco-lodges, treehouses, and more. By choosing to stay with Airbnb, you can support local businesses and experience the local culture.
• Hostelworld (Global): Offers a selection of hostels, with filters to find places that prioritize responsible stay. Explore user reviews and ratings to find a property that aligns best with your interests. The website is also available in different languages, making it easy to navigate for different users. 
• Glamping Hub (Global): Features unique planet-friendly stays such as treehouses, yurts, and huts, with a focus on nature-based experiences. If you want to stay close to nature with a little more comfort, Glamping Hub could be a great way to do so.
• Responsible Travel (Global): Provides a curated selection of responsible accommodations and activities. You can specify your destination, dates, and choose the type of activity or accommodation that you want to book. 
• EcoBnB (Europe): Focuses on sustainable accommodations in Europe, including hotels, B&Bs, and farm stays. EcoBnB features strict criteria for properties to be listed, such as the use of 100% renewable energy, local produce sourcing, and other standards. 
• Hipcamp (US): Offers camping and glamping options, including treehouses and huts, with a focus on environmental conservation. For example, you can find beach and lake tent and RV spots or explore pet-friendly destinations. 
• Sawday’s Canopy & Stars (Europe): Specializes in unique and sustainable accommodations like treehouses and eco-lodges. It also offers a podcast and blog to help readers learn more and practice sustainable travel.

3. Pack Light and Smart

Packing light is one of the game-changing sustainable travel habits, regardless of where you’re opting to travel. You will be able to take some weight off your shoulders and walk for longer to explore the destination, as well as save on baggage fees and minimize waste. 

Tips for Packing Light

• Reduce luggage weight: Opt for lightweight clothing and pack only essential travel gear. Consider versatile clothing that you can wear for different weather conditions and easily combine.
• Use packing cubes: Packing cubes help keep your items neat and make it easier to find what you need. This practical tip can help you stay organized and reduce stress as you will be able to easily find the right item. In addition to packing cubes, consider taking a shopping bag to avoid single-use plastic bags on your trip.
• Bring a reusable water bottle: Having some water with you on the road allows you to stay hydrated at any time. Look for reusable items with built-in filters to ensure high-quality and the safety of what you drink. A reusable water bottle is an essential item for any sustainable traveler looking to reduce plastic waste.
• Pack solid toiletries: Use solid shampoo bars, bamboo toothbrushes, and refillable containers to minimize waste. These items are not only better for the planet but also save space in your luggage. You can also reuse towels to avoid paper napkins. Thus, you can avoid single-use plastics that you’d simply dispose of after one trip.

4. Book Eco-Friendly Activities

There are many ways you can explore destinations and support local economies at the same time. For example, eating at farm-to-table restaurants, buying local produce, visiting events in the area, etc., can be a great way to create sustainable experiences.  Below, you will find some popular platforms to explore eco-friendly activities.

Platforms for Eco-Friendly Dining and Activities

• HappyCow (Global): A comprehensive guide to vegetarian and vegan restaurants worldwide, with detailed user reviews and ratings.
• Eatwith (Global): Offers unique dining experiences hosted by locals, often featuring sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. You can find and book dinners, cooking classes, guided tours, and more in popular destinations around the world, such as Athens, London, Los Angeles, etc. Eatwith’s focus on cultural exchange and sustainability makes it a great way to connect with local communities. 
• OpenTable (Global): Search for restaurants with sustainable practices and farm-to-table offerings in many destinations around the world. There are numerous user reviews to help you find the right restaurant. OpenTable’s reservation system makes it easy to secure a table at popular places without having to make a call. 
• Viator (Global): It is one of the most popular platforms to book tours and activities around the world. Viator’s user reviews and ratings help you choose the best experiences for your interests and values. 
• GetYourGuide (Global): It is another very popular platform to book a variety of tours and activities, with filters to find sustainable options. For more convenience, make sure to download their app and access your mobile tickets at any time. 
• ToursByLocals (Global): Connects travelers with local guides for personalized and authentic tours. There are hundreds of tours available in many popular destinations, such as Paris or London, often focusing on sustainable and culturally immersive experiences.
• Context Travel (Global): Provides small-group and private tours led by local experts, with a focus on sustainable and educational travel experiences. Context Travel’s emphasis on learning and cultural exchange makes it a valuable resource for responsible travelers. You can find and book tours related to arts, architecture, gastronomy, or history in many popular destinations.
• Withlocals (Global): Offers personalized tours and activities hosted by locals, with a lot of sustainable options. There are dozens of experiences available in popular destinations around the world, such as Amsterdam, Bangkok, etc. 

5. Support Green Projects

Engaging in eco-conscious activities allows you to increase your positive impact on the planet. There are tons of projects to support, from educating others on how to travel responsibly to planting trees to saving marine ecosystems, and so much more.

Platforms for Eco-Conscious Activities

• Cultural Survival (Global): Offers resources and information on indigenous cultures and traditions, promoting respectful and informed travel experiences. It can be a great project to participate in if you want to learn more about local cultures and support indigenous people.
• Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (Global): Provides guidelines and resources for minimizing impact while enjoying natural sites.
• WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) (Global): Offers opportunities to work on organic farms, promoting sustainable agriculture and conservation.
• Workaway (Global): Connects travelers with volunteer and house sitting opportunities in community projects around the world. You can also connect with other sustainable travellers on the platform. 
• GoEco (Global): Offers volunteer programs around the world focused on conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable development of communities.
• Earthwatch Institute (Global): Provides opportunities to participate in scientific research and conservation projects, promoting education and awareness. Earthwatch’s focus on citizen science and conservation makes it a valuable resource for travelers seeking to make a positive impact. 

Conclusion

Sustainable travel is one of the ways to support our planet that anyone can do. By implementing these five quick wins, you can enjoy your travels while reducing your environmental impact. Remember, every small step counts! Ready to embark on your sustainable travel journey? Start today and make a positive impact with every trip you take!