The Ultimate List of Sustainable Travel Practices for 2025

At a time when sustainability becomes more of a conscious decision rather than a passing trend, adopting sustainable travel practices is no longer optional. It’s necessary. 

The world may have had a long-overdue break when the pandemic struck, but years have passed, and now, the travel industry is back on track. According to UN Tourism, approximately 790 million have traveled internationally during the first half of 2024. This is 11% more than the numbers in 2023. With this, 67 out of 120 destinations have recovered their arrival numbers in 2019.

While these numbers show the resilience of the travel industry and our collective desire to explore the world, they also come with a dreadful reminder: the more people travel, the greater the strain on our planet. Fragile ecosystems are being damaged, cultural landmarks are eroding, and once-pristine destinations are now once again overrun with litter and pollution.

Without a shift toward sustainable tourism, we risk losing the beauty and diversity that make these destinations worth visiting.

What is Sustainable Tourism?

Sustainable tourism means traveling in a way that protects the environment, respects local cultures and supports the communities you visit. It goes beyond just reducing waste or conserving resources, it’s also about making choices that keep destinations healthy and beautiful for future visitors.

By taking care of nature, helping local economies, and preserving traditions, sustainable tourism ensures that we can enjoy the amazing places we visit without causing harm. 

13 Ways How to Be Sustainable in Travel

Sustainable travel is all about being mindful of your choices, but putting these ideas into practice can sometimes feel overwhelming. Luckily, there are plenty of simple steps you can take to travel more responsibly without sacrificing fun or comfort. 

To help you get started, here are 13 practical and easy-to-follow sustainable travel practices you can keep in mind:

1. Explore Less-Traveled Destinations

Popular tourist spots can become overcrowded, causing damage to the environment and local infrastructure. Choosing less-visited places not only helps reduce this pressure but also gives you a more peaceful and unique experience. 

And here's the good news: while there has been a rapid increase in the number of tourists, more and more people have shown interest in upholding sustainable travel. According to a report by Booking.com, 64% of travelers prefer to stay away from busy tourist sites to avoid overcrowding.

2. Travel at a Slower Pace

Staying longer in one place and traveling less often reduces emissions and gives you a chance to connect deeply with the local culture. This has also been a prominent topic with the rise of remote work, as this lifestyle allows people to live and work in one destination for extended periods. 

3. Prioritize Eco-Friendly Transport

Walking, biking, or using public transportation significantly reduces your carbon emissions. Trains are also a much greener option, as using them instead of domestic flights reduces emissions by an impressive 86%.

4. Offset Your Carbon Emissions

If you have to fly, consider offsetting your emissions by contributing to projects like tree planting or renewable energy. Many airlines offer carbon offset programs, and platforms like Gold Standard help calculate and balance your environmental impact. It’s a simple way to travel responsibly.

5. Support Local Economies

Spending money on local businesses ensures that the community benefits from tourism. For example, dining at family-owned restaurants or buying handmade souvenirs is a way to create jobs and preserve cultures and traditions. This then simultaneously promotes economic growth in the community.

6. Stay at Green Accommodations

Look for hotels or lodges with eco-certifications like Green Key or EarthCheck. These places prioritize energy-saving technologies, recycling, and water conservation. Staying at eco-friendly accommodations means you can enjoy your trip while supporting sustainable practices.

7. Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats

Avoid activities that exploit animals, like elephant rides or shows involving captive animals. Instead, choose ethical wildlife tours where animals are observed in their natural habitats. Preserving wildlife ensures their survival and protects biodiversity, which is vital for healthy ecosystems.

8. Minimize Single-Use Plastics

Plastic pollution is a huge problem, with millions of tons ending up in oceans each year. Carry reusable items like water bottles, straws, and shopping bags to cut down on waste. In 2024, an alarming 31.5% of all plastic produced is poorly managed as waste, often finding its way into the Earth's air, water, or soil. This amounts to a staggering 69,528,927 tons of additional plastic waste polluting nature. Do your part by switching to reusable containers while transferring between places.

9. Practice "Leave No Trace" Principles

When hiking or exploring nature, take everything you brought with you, including trash. Stick to marked trails to avoid damaging vegetation and ecosystems. Leaving no trace ensures that these places stay beautiful and accessible for everyone.

10. Save Water and Energy

Simple actions like reusing towels, taking shorter showers, and turning off lights and electronics can save significant resources. According to the EPA, using energy-efficient practices in hotels can reduce energy use by 25% to 30%. Remember, every small effort adds up to a big impact.

11. Choose Direct Flights

Flying non-stop reduces emissions because takeoffs and landings are the most fuel-intensive parts of a flight. For example, direct flights can save up to 40% more time savings compared to multi-leg trips. It’s also more convenient and time-efficient for travelers.

12. Research Before You Go

Learn about the culture, customs, and environmental challenges of your destination. This helps you make informed choices about what to support and avoid while traveling. 

13. Visit Protected Parks and Reserves

National parks and reserves protect biodiversity and allow for sustainable tourism. By visiting these areas, you help fund conservation efforts and raise awareness about the importance of protecting nature. Many parks rely on tourism revenue to continue their work, so this is a great way to help them preserve nature.

The Takeaway

Adopting sustainable travel practices doesn't have to be hard, it's just something that we should do by default. 

Small actions, like carrying a reusable water bottle, choosing eco-friendly accommodations, and sticking to marked trails, can make a big difference. These practices not only help preserve the environment but also support the people and cultures that make each destination unique.

When we choose to travel responsibly, we become part of the solution rather than the problem. Sustainable travel practices ensure that the places we visit remain beautiful and thriving for years to come. It’s about protecting what we love while still enjoying the adventure. 

By making mindful choices, we can leave every destination better than we found it and inspire others to do the same.

Explore Sustainably with Hele Wai Eco Tours

Ready to embrace sustainable travel practices? Hele Wai Eco Tours offers guided adventures into Maui’s Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve, the island’s largest conservation area. Discover Maui’s lush forests, unique wildlife, and cultural heritage while learning about efforts to protect this incredible environment.

Our tours are designed to minimize impact and create meaningful connections, letting you experience Maui responsibly. Start your eco-friendly adventure today and visit Hele Wai Eco Tours to plan your unforgettable journey!