How to travel responsibly and be a more mindful traveler

Few things beat the thrill of jetting away, but more and more, the environmental and social cost of traveling is on our minds. Whether it’s one of the world’s best city break destinations or a top honeymoon location, these tips for responsible travel will help you make easy changes to your trips that reduce your impact without impacting the fun. From eco-friendly travel strategies to reduce your carbon and plastic footprint to ethical conservation experiences, responsible tourism practices, and ways to support local people and businesses off the main tourist path, these ideas will lead you on a more mindful journey. Grab your passport and your KeepCup, and let’s go.

1. Eat local, it’s all part of the experience

You’ve come all this way to experience something different and new, right? Walk right past the golden arches, avoid the tourist traps, and seek out the local favorites. In cities like Barcelona, dive into the vibrant tapas bars, or in Bangkok, explore bustling street food markets. It’s easy to find new, cool spots on TikTok and Instagram, showcasing eco-friendly travel options. Your hotel concierge is a great source of knowledge, and they can probably get you a table too.

But a great way to get the real scoop is by booking a tour with a local food lover. In Rome, for instance, they’ll whisk you around town for a sample of the best gelato and pasta spots, so you can make a hitlist of the best places to go for a full meal later. It’s worth asking at the end of the tour where they would take their best friend or partner for a meal. Choose independent restaurants over big chains, and you’ll support local businesses too — winner, winner, chicken dinner!

2. Take it slow

Slow travel not only slims down your environmental impact, it allows you to really immerse yourself in the culture and atmosphere of your destination and explore beyond the big sights. Think about swapping your weekend getaway for a month-long one. If you can work remotely and rent out your home while you’re away — or use a home swap app like Kindred or HomeExchange — all the better. Take the train to your destination, or use them to hop between places over a longer period, and see how different it feels when you practically live there, albeit for just a few weeks. You can get to know neighbors, bartenders, and other remote workers. You can discover parts of cities untouched by tourists, or head off on little trips to the beach or countryside at the drop of a hat. Plus, fewer closely scheduled flights, fewer hotel sheet changes, and actually being able to finish those travel toiletries means less damage to the planet.

3. Pass on plastic

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already cutting out and recycling as much plastic as you can. But those unavoidable airport liquid bags, travel-size toiletries, non-drinkable tap water, and varying local regulations can push us further out of our comfort zone when it comes to single-use plastic. There are a few things you can do to be prepared, like keeping a canvas tote (or a few if you’re a shopaholic) and buying reusable silverware to keep in your bag — including a straw, because those paper ones are useless, let’s face it. Always have a refillable water bottle, filling it before a flight so you can refuse those little bottles on the airplane. Reuse existing containers under 100ml for your products instead of buying little ones. And say no to plastic when you can; some great destinations still haven’t got the memo when it comes to plastic bags, but others like Kenya, Bali, and Sri Lanka have banned the use of either all single-use plastics or plastic bags.

4. Support the communities that welcome you

Giving something back to the community you visit on vacation is a staple of the mindful traveler. It could be as simple as supporting local businesses by tapping your credit card, especially when buying locally made goods, or it could be volunteering with a local charity, children’s center, or nature preserve. Think about supporting a school in Kenya in the kitchen or classroom, caring for pandas in China, helping out at a homeless shelter in LA, or aiding the rehabilitation of fragile ecosystems in Costa Rica. There are plenty of large and local enterprises that run volunteering programs. If you have certain skills that might be scarce in the region you’re visiting, you can always make your volunteering extra official by registering with the UN Volunteers program.

5. Get off the beaten track

It’s easy to Google when the busiest time to visit anywhere is, but there are many ways to ditch the hordes and discover your destination’s true heart and soul if that’s the time you go. Of course, we’re not knocking the hop-on, hop-off bus for your first day in a new city, but if it feels full to the gunnels, get out. Choose a long stay in a countryside villa, head to picturesque smaller towns in Europe, or check out some alternatives to the most popular destinations. But the best advice? Go when it’s cheap. It usually means off-season, which means quieter streets, a higher proportion of locals, and your pick of hotels at a fraction of their peak cost. Maybe not great advice for a beach vacation, but places like Venice, from experience, can be even better in winter.

6. Cut your carbon

The best way to get anywhere is over land, but when flights are necessary, choose the most direct route and consider the carbon-offsetting option an eco-tax, or choose airlines that cover it for you, like EasyJet. Skyscanner now highlights CO2 emissions, so you can find the most eco-friendly route and know how much to offset. While the system is imperfect, contributing to respectable tree-planting programs is never a bad idea. When you arrive, choose EV tours and use public transportation, bikes, or walking instead of taking cabs. Cut down on hotel laundry, switch off the lights and AC when you leave the room, pack light, go digital with downloaded maps and tickets, and always choose local products first.

FAQs

What are some eco-friendly ways to travel?

Consider bringing reusable items to reduce waste and choose destinations known for their sustainability efforts. Opt for amazing train journeys or buses over flying, if possible. When flying is necessary, select direct flights to minimize emissions. Support local businesses by eating and drinking locally. Stick to established paths to protect natural habitats and choose tours that contribute positively to the community.

What are some eco-friendly activities to do at my destination?

Look for activities that have a low environmental impact, such as hiking, cycling, or kayaking. Participate in local conservation projects or guided eco-tours that educate on the natural surroundings. Visiting botanical gardens, underrated natural parks, or sustainable farms can also provide enriching experiences while supporting eco-friendly initiatives.

What should I look for in eco-friendly accommodations?

[Choose accommodations that have sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation systems, and waste reduction programs. Look for certifications like LEED or Green Key, which indicate a commitment to environmental responsibility. Staying at eco-lodges or hotels that use renewable energy and support local conservation efforts can enhance your eco-friendly travel experience.

Why is being a responsible tourist important?

Being a responsible tourist helps protect cultural and environmental heritage, ensuring destinations remain vibrant for future generations. It also enhances travel experiences by fostering respectful and meaningful interactions with local communities.

What does eco-friendly travel mean?

Eco-friendly travel involves minimizing your environmental impact while exploring new places. In Japan, this can be achieved by visiting national parks, which offer over 30 options across the islands. These parks, like Hakusan National Park, provide opportunities to appreciate nature responsibly, such as hiking and other low-impact activities.