8 Sustainable Travel Mistakes To Avoid (and What To Do Instead)

If you’re among those who care about sustainable travel, you’re probably wondering how to go beyond the hype and really do the work of reducing your carbon footprint while on the road.

We take a closer look at the common misconceptions and mistakes travelers make (unwittingly, in most cases) and how a few extra minutes of planning, or even the way we’re packing, can help reduce your carbon footprint while traveling. Here are six things you can do to travel sustainably.

Choose direct flights

Yes, direct flights can be pricier, but the goal here is to spend as little time in the air as possible. Also, the rate of fuel usage is higher during takeoff and landing. According to Brian Mullis, founder of Sustainable Travel International, one of the most common errors travelers make is not considering how cost-cutting with indirect or multiple flight impacts the environment.

Indirect flights often are cheaper, but their carbon emissions cost is higher. If it’s not possible to fly directly, look into the type of aircraft you’re flying; more modern planes are a better choice for sustainable travel.

Pack light

When you overpack, you contribute to the overall weight and fuel consumption of the aircraft. Be mindful of what you’re stuffing into your bag. Make a pack list, plan your outfits, and bring only what's necessary. Also, choose clothing you can hand-wash (or staple items you can wear multiple times without washing) to minimize the pieces you pack.

Consider using only carry-on luggage to reduce your carbon footprint. Transporting, loading, and unloading checked bags requires more energy.

Eat locally sourced foods

Think slow and low when it comes to eating in your destination. According to Kelly Bricker, director of Arizona State University's Center for Sustainable Tourism, you're reducing your footprint when you eat further down the food chain and focus on locally sourced foods. The ideal scenario is farm-to-table dining, where the food hasn’t traveled far; you have the added benefit of enjoying more traditional dishes. Plus, it's always a good move to support the local economy.

You also might consider eating more plant-based options. The meat industry accounts for a considerable portion of global greenhouse gas emissions.

As sustainable travel gains a foothold in the industry, more hotels are embracing eco-friendly practices. Look for hotels that mention LEED certification, use high-efficiency lighting and appliances, offer locally sourced toiletries and minibar items, and prioritize renewable energy sources, water conservation, and waste reduction practices.

Feel free to ask questions before booking to learn more about a hotel’s green and sustainable initiatives: Do they avoid single-use plastics? Prioritize local suppliers? Get inquisitive so you can make an informed decision.

If the hotel allows you to opt out of daily room cleanings and linen changes, take them up on it. That daily service adds to your carbon footprint. Hang your “do not disturb” sign and pat yourself on the back for being a good steward of planet Earth.

Adjust the thermostat when you're away from your room

It’s tempting to leave your air-conditioning or heater blasting all day to keep things comfortable, but instead try adjusting the thermostat a few degrees or turning it off altogether. Pull the curtains closed to help maintain the interior temperature. Turn off all lights and the TV. Essentially, power down your room when you’re out. If you're in a warm climate and there’s a ceiling fan in your room, choose that first instead of the air conditioner.

Book with an eco-friendly tour operator

Taking direct flights and staying at eco-friendly hotels are great for sustainable travel, but what about the other businesses you'll encounter while traveling? Tour operators and transportation providers contribute to the travel industry's carbon footprint as well, so do your research beforehand.

Seek out activities and businesses that support local communities, respect nature, and participate in preservation efforts. Focus on things like hiking, walking, biking, and swimming instead of trophy hunting or motorized water sports. Consider how you can give back to your destination through a beach or park cleanup, or by visiting a permaculture farm.

Pack reusable water bottles and grocery bags

When at home, many people carry reusable water bottles and keep grocery totes in the car. Continue these habits on the road. According to the World Economic Forum, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans each year. Unfortunately, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many hotels and tour operators reintroduced disposable plastics for added hygiene protection.

Take matters into your own hands, even if your travel providers don’t, by packing reusable water bottles and eco-friendly tote bags. Pack a water bottle with a built-in purifier if traveling to a destination with questionable water quality. Pack your toiletries in refillable travel-size bottles, too.

Educate yourself on ethical wildlife tourism

Swimming with dolphins, riding elephants, whale watching, and visiting unregulated wildlife sanctuaries — these common activity options sound fun, but can be unethical if not done mindfully. Again, research and ask tour operators the hard questions to ensure that you support ethical wildlife experiences (it’s best to observe animals in their natural habitat).

Specifically, spend time on the tour operator’s website and social media. Does it appear that the animals are “performing” for visitors? Are people posting photos in which they are touching or feeding animals? Ask the operator how you will interact with wildlife, what kind of training the guides receive, their long-term conservation plans, and about animal welfare policies.

Don’t always seek out the popular destinations that tout higher concentrations of wildlife. You’ll have a more authentic experience, while minimizing impact, if you focus on smaller, less-visited regions.