15 tips for sustainable travel in 2023

Eighty-three percent of travelers consider sustainable travel important, but only one in three actually practices it. The German Federal Environment Agency confirms that 62% of travelers want environmentally and/or socially responsible vacations. To help you turn your good intentions into reality, we have partnered with travel industry experts.

 

In this article, you will find 15 proven tips for sustainable travel, collected by our travel-savvy editorial team and supplemented with insights from long-standing partner hoteliers who practice sustainability daily. Expect tried-and-true strategies and inspiration from real-life travel experiences. Make your next trip truly green!

Ready? Then let’s begin our sustainable journey!

 

If you are interested in the topic of traveling sustainability in general, we recommend this blog article. In here, we took a closer look at what sustainable travel is and why it’s so important.

 

 

Traveling sustainably from planning to returning home

Creating a sustainable trip is a big undertaking.  At first glance, it appears that way. Therefore, we have divided our tips into three major categories. This way, you can jump straight to the part that matters to you right now.

Are you in the middle of preparing for your next trip?? Do you know that sustainable travel starts at home when planning your trip and want to know what to look out for? The first part is perfect for you.

Are you sitting on your suitcase or already in the travel vehicle of your choice, and you would like to get in the mood for your sustainable stay on site? Would you like to take a moment to remind yourself of the most important things? To answer your question, we can go to the second part of the guide, where we help you make your trip more sustainable.

Are you returning home with a heavy heart and wondering how you can support sustainable accommodations, the people at your vacation destination, or a beloved organization back home? Or did you just return from a trip and find yourself thinking about how you can do better next time and apply the experiences you had? If so, take a look at the third part. Sustainable travel doesn’t end when we get back home.

Just here to gather inspiration? Take your time to look around, and feel free to leave a comment about what you liked.

 

Our 15 tops for sustainable travel (and a bonus tip at the end)

Sustainable travel planning

 

1.) Be honest about the purpose of your trip.

By this, we mean, before you even start planning, be aware of why you want to travel. Are you interested in learning about a particular country or culture? Are you interested in experiencing nature and wildlife, admiring special buildings or formations? Or is it mainly to get away from home or just to relax?

If you tend towards the latter, then maybe it doesn’t have to be a plane trip to the Canary Islands or Egypt, right? In that case, a nice and sustainable wellness hotel or vacation home in your region or country might even be a better choice.

 

Tip from Mara from the editorial team: Forget the bucket list

It is often hyped, especially in the social media, if you have an eternally long bucket list. I’m not a fan of that at all, because it tempts you to visit places just because you want to make a checkmark. So when planning a trip, you should always ask yourself: Do I want to go there because I want to see it? Or because others told to me that I have to go there?

 

2.) Pay attention to environmental seals and certificates during your research.

However, you should not trust them blindly because in principle, each company, each hotel or each provider can design its own eco-label and put it on its website. So, have a look around the site, too: Are the initiatives and sustainable measures clearly named and documented? Is the seal awarded? How transparent are the criteria?

Seals that are generally recognized in the tourism sector include TourCert, Viabono, GSTC, Swissstainable, and the Blue Flag for beaches and bodies of water.

There are additional certifications for accommodations: GreenSign, for example, as well as the EU Eco Label and various organic certifications. At Green Pearls®, you will also find sustainable accommodations that have been certified and must meet an extensive list of criteria to be accepted onto our information platform. Learn more about our criteria and what we look for in our partners on this page.

 

3.) Utilize expert knowledge

This tip seamlessly builds on the previous one, and you’re already implementing it. Finding out how to travel sustainably before your trip is the first step.

This includes researching how to travel sustainably at your destination. For example, what is the quality of the drinking water? What about public transportation?

If you feel overwhelmed, you can also turn to experts. Many travel providers are focusing more on sustainable travel, and social media is a good place to connect with other travelers and learn from their experiences.

 

4.) Get to know the culture and the language before

If you know where to go, you should also begin to engage with the country and local customs. This way you avoid (unintentional) disrespectful behavior and know in advance what you can and should be prepared for.

 

Tip from Nina from the editorial team: Hello, Please, Thank you.

I think you should at least try to know and use “Hello / Please / Thank you” in the local language. This shows respect for the people and you are more likely to get into contact.

 

 

Preparation is everything: packing, documents, arrival

 

5.) Plan your journey and avoid flights whenever possible.

By now, we are all probably aware of how harmful flying is to the environment. That’s why avoiding flying is often recommended in tips for sustainable travel.

 

Top tip from Hotel Klosterbräu, Tyrol: Green travel pays off

Some sustainable hotels offer special rewards to guests who travel by public transportation. At Hotel Klosterbräu, for instance, guests who travel by train can use e-scooters and e-bikes free of charge for the duration of their stay. Additionally, you will be picked up from the station for free by an e-shuttle. Incidentally, Seefeld station is the highest ICE station in the world, only three minutes away.

 

Think outside the box and see if there are other ways to get there. For example, how about taking the night train or a long-distance bus?

 

Here’s a tip from Mara in the editorial department: Find European train connections easily

Rather than searching for connections with individual providers in each country, you can quickly and easily search for and book train connections throughout Europe via The Trainline.

 

If you can’t do it without a flight, follow a simple rule of thumb: the longer the flight, the longer you should stay on site. That way, you also support the local population and economy in a more sustainable way.

Keen to explore Europe by train? Then take a look here!

 

6.) Less is more: about packing lists and zero waste

Yes, indeed: It makes a difference how much your luggage weighs! The less weight, the less fuel you use, no matter if you travel by car or plane. And your nerves are spared, too.

 

Tip from Katharina from the editorial team: Capsule Wardrobe

I actually go with a “Capsule Wardrobe” when packing – few pieces, all can be combined well with each other in terms of color and style. Depending on the length of the trip, I intend to wash out certain pieces. Find one-piece suits so practical and space-saving when packing (jumpsuits or dresses). I also like to hang up worn clothes and air them out—that works amazingly well, and the things then sometimes smell almost “fresh” again

 

And speaking of saving on luggage: Gone are the days of binders and folders full of notes and tickets. In most cases, tickets only need to be available digitally, itineraries can be saved on a cell phone, and important documents can be photographed or scanned and are always available via a cloud.

 

Tip from Stefany from the editorial team: Zero Waste Travel

Always on hand: a plastic bottle, a reusable coffee mug, a basket, and a jute bag. For car trips, we prepare food so that we don’t have to resort to packaged sandwiches or similar items.

 

Sustainable Travel: Tips for on the road

 

7.) Book sustainable accommodation

Apart from the journey itself, one of the most important aspects of sustainable travel is choosing your accommodation. Opting for sustainable accommodations can have a significant environmental and social impact. This is because sustainable hotels pay attention to renewable energies and water-saving measures. They also support the region, employ local staff, and are committed to environmental and social projects.

 

Top tip from Naturresort Gerbehof: Do without room cleaning and do good

Sustainable hotels are increasingly foregoing daily room cleaning and frequent towel and bed linen changes. Find out why this is important here. At the Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance, however, foregoing room cleaning has another effect. For each cleaning that guests choose to skip, the hotel donates four euros to the children’s project Kinderdorf der Liebe – Sternenland (Children’s Village of Love – Land of Stars). The Klosterhof — Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Berchtesgadener Land — also generates many donations this way. For every room cleaning not requested, five euros go to the regional mountain rescue service.

 

8.) Use public transportation, ride a bike or walk.

 

Not only does your journey to your destination play a role in your ecological footprint, but so does your mode of transportation there. Try to use public transportation whenever possible. You could also rent a bike and explore the region on two wheels. As an added benefit, you’ll experience your destination in a completely different and more immersive way than if you were driving through it. You’ll also get to talk to the locals and experience their everyday life instead of staying in your tourist bubble.

 

Tip from Nina from the editorial team: Explore cities by foot

I walk a lot in cities. Depending on how long I stay, I can even start to feel “at home” because I get to know the area around my accommodations.

When taking city tours, you can ensure that they are led by locals or that the proceeds benefit the local community.

 

9.) Support the local population

When it comes to the local population, sustainable travel isn’t just about minimizing environmental impact; it’s also about social sustainability and supporting the people who live there. They don’t benefit at all if you only go on guided tours with foreign guides, eat in hotels or chain restaurants, and buy imported souvenirs.

 

Our money supports our values.

 

That means that every cent you spend is a choice for sustainable travel or against it. For environmental protection and local culture or foreign corporations. You have to be aware of that.

 

How you can sustainably support local people:

• Go to local restaurants and restaurants run by locals.
• Buy your food at markets, street stalls or directly from farmers.
• Sleep in family-run accommodations instead of big chain hotels.
• Move away from the popular tourist attractions. Not only will you experience new things there, you’ll also spread the benefits and positive effects further afield.
• Book tours with local guides. They know better and can tell you one or two insider tips 😉
• Tip.

 

Tip from Stefany from the editorial team: Do like the Romans

This means seeking out restaurants outside of tourist hotspots and enjoying local, fresh cuisine and traditional dishes. It’s also a great way to strike up conversations with locals.

 

10.) Conscious use of resources

The things that have become second nature to us at home (turning off the lights, turning off the water, etc.) are all too easily forgotten on vacation. But depending on the region or destination, it is particularly important to save water and energy. So: Turn off the light, shut off the tap, and switch on the air conditioning only when you really need it.

 

11.) Respectful treatment of people and nature

Part of sustainable travel is also respecting nature and the people whose home country you are visiting. This mean respecting the culture and following the rules of conduct. Here, for example, we’ve looked at how you can travel respectfully and appropriately in Thailand.

 

A tip from Hotel Luise in Erlangen: Zero Waste at the Hotel

Sustainable accommodations can help make your trip as environmentally friendly and respectful as possible. They may even inspire you to make improvements at home. The Hotel Luise in Erlangen, Bavaria, for example, has built rooms using completely renewable and recyclable materials. The hotel also offers “astronaut showers,” where the water is filtered and immediately reused. You can eat at tables made from recycled refrigerators, and the breakfast buffet is optimized for zero waste. Only a few grams of food waste per guest are produced.

 

Just like at home, you should also be mindful of nature and not leave any trash (no, not even banana peels!) behind when you go hiking. Even better, leave places cleaner than you found them!

 

Tip from Mara from the editorial team: Learn to say “no”

In some of the countries I’ve traveled to, it was nearly impossible to live a zero-waste lifestyle. Every purchase was wrapped in plastic bags. Sometimes, only one or two items were placed in a bag before the next one was pulled out. Learn to say “no” here. You’ll get the hang of it quickly. The same goes for straws, plastic cutlery, etc. If you’re friendly and do it with a smile, no one will hold it against you! If you’re too slow, just use the bag a second or third time!

 

12.) Get involved!

There are many ways to get involved during a sustainable trip, such as participating in beach clean-ups, visiting an animal sanctuary, or lending a hand with environmental projects. Ask your accommodations if they know of any initiatives or organizations you can participate in. Exercise caution when visiting animal sanctuaries. Our article on animal welfare while traveling covers what you should look out for.

However, you don’t need an organization to get involved. All you need is a trash bag and a little motivation. Simply pick up any trash you see while walking or hiking. If you don’t have a large trash bag, take the bag from your last shopping trip or at least one piece of trash with you and dispose of it. Small steps also lead to achieving your goal.

 

And then? What you can do from home

 

13.) Spread the Word!

A sustainable trip doesn’t stop when you leave your vacation spot. When you travel sustainably, the experiences are more intense, so you may need more time to process them.

You can use the awareness and energy you brought back from your trip right after you return. Often we have little time during the trip to truly recommend organizations and accommodations in detail. Now you can do that from home and reminisce all over again automatically.

 

Ways to endorse sustainable organizations,  vendors, and accommodations from home:

• Write Google and TripAdvisor reviews
• Tell family and friends about your trip
• Support the provider on Instagram, TikTok, and Co.
• Hotels usually have their review platforms: Take the time to leave a positive review there, too, if you were satisfied.
• Make recommendations among postings and blogs

 

14.) Compensate your emissions.

Your trip will not be completely emission-free. Sometimes, it is difficult or impossible to avoid CO2 emissions. However, you can offset these emissions through providers such as Atmosfair. This means you pay a certain amount, which these initiatives then pass on to sustainable projects that save or bind CO2. Pay close attention to how transparent the compensation company is. Caution is advised, especially with tree-planting offers. Other areas, such as renewable energy and switching to CO2-saving technologies, are often more effective contributions to climate protection.

However, “offset” does not mean that your emissions and resource consumption are actually reversed. Therefore, it is best to cause as few emissions as possible, or ideally, none at all. Only emissions that are truly unavoidable should be offset by you or the organization of your choice.

 

15.) Keep a lasting record of your travel experiences.

 

At the end of a trip, you too probably have tons of photos sitting on your memory card. What used to be photo albums are now professionally printed photo books for most people. Here, too, you can look for a sustainable production method, after all, keeping the memories is also part of a sustainable trip. The paper, for example, should be FSC-certified or even recycled. There are now also more environmentally friendly alternatives to the classic, mineral oil-based inks. By the way: If you already keep a travel journal during your sustainable trip, it will be easier for you to sort it later 😉

 

Tip from Katharina from the editorial team: Digital photo albums

I save my travel photos in a separate album and share them with my travel companions and family. This allows me to easily display my travel memories on my friends’ smart TVs or on my phone in a café.

 

Why you don’t have to be perfect—A final word

After hearing all these tips, you may feel like sustainable travel is an insurmountable challenge. Maybe you think that with everything you have to consider, traveling won’t be fun anymore. Maybe you’re thinking about all the mistakes you’ve made while traveling.

These thoughts have one thing in common: they slow us down. Instead of getting started, we do nothing. But small steps are enough. For example, you could refuse a plastic bag here or book a tour with a local company there. These actions add up to make your trip more sustainable and improve the world.

 

Our bonus tip for sustainable travel: You don’t have to be perfect.

 

Your next vacation doesn’t have to be the epitome of sustainable travel. Neither are ours! We want to inspire you to get started with our sustainable travel tips. Depending on where you are in your travel life right now, we want to help you either get started or keep going. If we all travel sustainably, even imperfectly, it’s better than if nothing changes.

 

So, what will you do first? Right now, choose one thing that you will do on your next trip. Don’t click away until you’ve decided! No cheating! If you’d like, share your choice with us in the comments or on Instagram!

 

FAQ: Nachhaltig reisen

“What does sustainable travel mean?”

Sustainable travel means minimizing your environmental impact by choosing eco-friendly transportation and accommodations, for example. In doing so, you demonstrate respect for nature, local cultures, and the people you encounter. The goal is for your trip to have a positive ecological, economic, and social impact on the region.

 

“Does sustainable travel mean giving up luxury?”

Contrary to popular belief, sustainable travel does not mean sacrificing comfort and luxury. Fine dining can include regional ingredients and vegan options. Spas can use green electricity, and luxurious suites can be made with eco-friendly materials. Natural cosmetics can replace conventional treatments without compromising effectiveness, and they often create an additional connection to the region when local products are used. Almost every travel experience has a sustainable alternative – without having to make any sacrifices.

 

“How can I reduce my carbon footprint while traveling?”

Choose the most climate-friendly means of transportation possible, such as trains instead of planes. Avoid domestic flights, and plan your itinerary carefully to save on travel. Stay in sustainably managed accommodations. Some Green PearlsⓇ accommodations generate all their own electricity using geothermal probes and solar panels, such as the Eco-Aparthotel OLM Nature Escape in South Tyrol and the Hotel Milano Scala in Milan. Other partners use 100% green electricity, which significantly reduces their carbon footprint even when saunas and luxury amenities are included. When eating out, look for restaurants with short supply chains. CO₂ offsetting can also be a useful final step.

 

“What modes of transportation are the most environmentally friendly?”

Excluding hiking and cycling, current calculations show that traveling by train or long-distance bus is the most climate-friendly option, as these modes of transportation have the lowest CO₂ emissions per person. Electric and conventional cars follow, but only if several people are traveling together. Air travel performs significantly worse, especially for short-haul flights. Cruise ships are the worst for the climate, causing the highest emissions per capita.

 

This article is an update to the original published on November 25, 2022.

 

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