Sustainable Tourism in a Nutshell

When we think about travel, we usually picture excitement, relaxation, and discovering new cultures—not carbon footprints or waste. But here’s the truth: tourism has a huge impact on the planet and the people who call those destinations home.  According to a recent study performed by Booking.com, 76% of respondents want to make sustainable travel a reality, but don’t know where to look for sustainable options, think it would be too expensive, or think that it would limit the type of vacations that would be available to them.  The good news?  Sustainable tourism is easier than people think and there are many small (and large) things that people can do to make a difference. 

So, What Exactly Is Sustainable Tourism?

Think of sustainable tourism as traveling in a way that’s kind—to the environment, to the people who live there, and even to your future self (because don’t we want these amazing places to still exist when we go back?). It’s about making sure your adventures don’t come at the expense of local communities or ecosystems. It covers everything from how you get around, to where you stay, to how you spend your money.

How You Can Be a Sustainable Traveler

Beach vacations, cruises, multi-city European trips, and even luxury travel can be a part of sustainable tourism.  You don’t need to completely overhaul your travel style to make a difference. Small, everyday choices add up. Here are some easy ways to start:

• 🌍 Stay somewhere that cares about the planet. To determine whether or not accommodations subscribe to sustainable practices, look to see if they have any third-party certifications from organizations like Green Key, Green Globe, EarthCheck, and LEED.  Sites like Booking.com and Google will display a leaf icon or specific labels next to hotels that hold these certifications and make it easy to filter for them.  Sustainable accommodations and suppliers often have a section on their website talking about their renewable energy use, water conservation systems, waste reduction, and local sourcing for food and staff.
  

• 🍴 Eat local. Swap the international chain for that family-owned café on the corner. It supports the community and usually tastes better.  Not only are you helping the locals, you are getting a much more authentic and meaningful experience.  How do you find these places? Look for places where their menus are in the native language.  Do not go to places where they have Barkers stationed outside. And whenever possible, go where the locals go. 

• 🚆 Travel light and low-impact. Walk, cycle, or take public transport where possible. And if you’re flying, consider offsetting your emissions—it’s not perfect, but it helps.  Consider using the One Bag approach as less weight in the airplane equals less emissions.  Taking alternative methods of transportation can be part of the adventure.  Try ferries and trains, they’re fun!

• 🙏 Respect local culture. Learn a few phrases, follow dress codes, and always ask before snapping photos of people. It shows respect and opens doors to richer experiences.  Remember that you are a visitor in someone else’s home and act accordingly.  It is easy to forget that there are people trying to go about their daily lives while we are having fun on vacation. 

• ♻️ Ditch the disposables. Bring your own water bottle, tote bag, and reusable cutlery. Less plastic waste = cleaner beaches and cities for everyone. 

• 🐾 Be kind to nature. Stick to marked trails, don’t disturb wildlife, and leave natural spaces exactly as you found them. 

Final Thoughts: Traveling With Heart

Sustainable tourism isn’t about being perfect or giving up the fun parts of travel. It’s about being mindful—choosing options that make your trip meaningful for you and beneficial for the places you visit. So next time you plan a getaway, think about how you can make it a win-win: unforgettable memories for you, and a positive impact for the destination. That’s the kind of travel story worth telling. And if you are still overwhelmed with where to get started, then know that we are here to help.  We have selected our partners due to their commitment and dedication to protecting the places that we have loved and the places that we will love in the future.