Six Tips For Planning Sustainable Vacations: The Ultimate Guide

Sustainability in travel is no longer a niche concern—it is a necessity as a 2024 Sustainable Travel Report indicated that in its recent research, 83% of travels confirmed that sustainable travel is important to them, struggle to find eco-friendly options. The tourism industry contributes nearly 8% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions according to Sustainable Travel International, with aviation alone accounting for 2-3% of global CO₂ emissions, as noted by the World Economic Forum.

With summer around the corner, March is an ideal time to start planning a vacation. According to McKinsey, demand for leisure travel is increasing as their research indicated that the leisure industry was expected to make a full recovery at the end of 2024, following its 75% decline in value during the 2020 pandemic. This upward trend makes early booking crucial for securing better prices and availability while ensuring more sustainable choices. A 2024 Vacasa report found that booking summer trips by early April secures the best deals, as search volume rises soon after. With March nearly over, there's still time to plan strategically. This article will show you how to reduce your environmental footprint while enhancing your travel experience.

1. Choose Low-Carbon Vacation Transportation

Air travel remains one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions. According to the International Air Transport Association, sustainable aviation fuel could reduce aviation emissions by up to 80%, yet the December 2024 IATA report indicated that it currently accounts for less than 0.3% of global jet fuel production. As a result, even if you want to fly using SAF, it would be limited, so to offset your impact, consider the following where possible:

• Choose non-stop flights whenever possible, as they consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions than connecting flights. This is because the most fuel-intensive phases of a flight are takeoff and landing. When planning a sustainable trip, prioritize flights with fewer connections to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Where feasible, consider rail travel which is significantly more greenhouse gas efficient than road transport and aviation. According to the European Environment Agency, rail travel emits just 35g of CO₂ per kilometer, compared to 246g per kilometer for a domestic flight and 154g per kilometer for a short-haul flight, as reported by Our World in Data.

2. Stay in an Eco-Certified Vacation Hotel

Just like your home, hotels and vacation rentals generate emissions from energy use, with heating, air conditioning, water heating, and electricity consumption being major contributors. Larger resorts and hotels typically have higher emissions due to their extensive amenities, whereas smaller lodgings, such as homestays and guesthouses, tend to have a lower environmental impact. By conducting energy audits, these accommodations can assess their energy demand and implement efficiency measures, leading to both environmental and financial benefits. Accommodation accounts for nearly 2-5% of global CO₂ emitted by the tourism sector according to UN Tourism. Here’s how you can select sustainable accommodations or be sustainable if the accommodation is not:

• Look for certifications like LEED, EarthCheck, or Green Key, which ensure sustainability standards.
• Choose accommodations that use renewable energy, waste reduction programs, and water conservation initiatives.
• Opt for locally owned eco-lodges and resorts instead of large international chains that contribute to over-tourism.
• Choose temperature settings that are comfortable and avoid over cooling and overheating the rooms.
• Turn off heaters, or air conditioners when not in the rooms.

3. Eat Sustainably on Vacation

Food accounts for a significant portion of a vacation’s carbon footprint. A 2024 United Nations Climate Change article estimates that food waste accounts for nearly 8-10% of global emissions and costs UDS 1 trillion annually. Here is how you can eat sustainably while on vacation.

• Support farm-to-table restaurants that source local, organic ingredients.
• Choose plant-based meals where possible, as they tend to have a lower carbon footprint than meat-based dishes.
• Reduce waste by ordering only what you can eat, especially when staying in all inclusive resorts.

4. Engage in Responsible Vacation Activities

Mass tourism often damages local ecosystems and cultures. Over tourism happens when a destination receives more visitors than it can handle sustainably, resulting in issues like overcrowding, environmental harm, infrastructure strain, and a lower quality of life for locals. Essentially, it is what happens when a place becomes a victim of its own popularity. Here are tips to engage in responsible vacation activities:

• Choose ethical wildlife experiences (e.g., sanctuaries over zoos or animal rides).
• Support local businesses and vetted local tour guides to boost the tourism industry’s contribution to local economies.
• Avoid activities that contribute to over-tourism in fragile ecosystems like coral reefs.

5. Pack and Travel Responsibly for Your Vacation

Sustainable packing and mindful habits during vacations play a crucial role in reducing environmental impact. According to the EPA, plastic pollution accounts for 60-80% of marine debris, posing a severe threat to marine ecosystems. Making eco-conscious choices helps travelers significantly minimize waste.

• To reduce waste while traveling, consider packing reusable essentials. Bring a durable, refillable water bottle and fabric shopping bags to minimize single-use plastics.
• Opting for reef-safe sunscreens is another important step. Traditional sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which harm coral reefs. Choosing mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide helps protect marine life.
• Using solid toiletries can also make a difference. Replacing mini plastic bottles of liquid shampoos, conditioners, and body washes with solid bars reduces plastic waste and makes packing more convenient.

6. Shop Sustainably for Vacation Clothes

Instead of buying new clothes for your vacation, check your closet first to see if you already own suitable outfits. This helps reduce textile waste and overconsumption. If you need new pieces, consider shopping sustainably by thrifting or choosing ethically made clothing. The fashion industry contributes approximately 10% of global carbon emissions, so opting for second-hand or sustainably produced items helps lower your environmental impact.

Sustainable travel revolves around making mindful decisions that lessen your environmental impact while enhancing the travel experience. Opt for eco-friendly transportation, stay in energy-efficient accommodations, choose sustainable dining options, participate in responsible tourism, pack consciously, and shop for clothes and gear sustainably. Every small action adds up as demand for travel rises, helping secure a greener future. Planning ahead and adopting these sustainable habits ensures a fulfilling vacation without compromising the planet’s well-being.