11 Ways to Travel Responsibly as A Solo Traveler
Historically, the tourism industry has contributed greatly to global warming and the steady decline of our planet’s natural resources. One study finds that the tourism industry makes up for 8% of ALL greenhouse gas emissions from 2009-2013, and that number is rising (with the exception of 2020 since COVID-19 has us all at home and in our pajamas).
So as ecotourists, what are we supposed to do? Since so many individuals and economies depend on income from the tourism industry, simply not traveling is not the answer. The only solution is to educate ourselves, change our harmful practices and TRAVEL GREEN!
How to Travel “Green” and Support Ecotourism
1. Fly “Green”
If you have the means to be picky with airfare, select an eco-friendly airline like KLM, United, or Qantas that uses sustainable aviation biofuel.
If an eco-fuel airline is not available, consider flying with one of the 30+ airlines that are a member of the IATA and “neutralize” their aircraft carbon emissions through carbon offsetting.
Besides the obvious convenience factor, there’s another reason to fly direct. A plane gives off the most carbon emissions during take-off and landing, so eliminate the layovers whenever possible.
2. Invest in a Reusable Water Bottle
Ecotourists carry a reusable water bottle! There’s no excuse for buying plastic water bottles in countries like Switzerland or Norway where the water is so clean you can drink it directly from the lake. (If you need another deterrent, I once paid a whopping $11 for two bottles of water in Interlaken).
Unfortunately, not every country’s tap water is so clean. Travel blogger, Shivya Nath, has some great insights about traveling plastic-free in countries where the tap water is undrinkable. She suggests asking for refills at restaurants with clean, filtered water and requesting a filtered water jug in your hotel room to fill up your own bottle every day.
If you plan on utilizing these plastic-free alternatives, I would suggest investing in a high-quality filtered water bottle, such as LifeStraw Go. In destinations where the water is safe to drink, I prefer my trusty old Hydroflask. Ditching plastic is one of the most important steps when learning how to travel “green” and support ecotourism.
3. Say “No” to Plastic Bags
The best ecotourists will bring a pocket-sized reusable bag with them on the road! For me, hitting the local grocery store is always the first stop in a new destination (especially if we’re staying in an Airbnb or somewhere with a kitchen). And, if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with a handful of plastic bags as souvenirs.
I purchased my collapsible shopping bags from the local Conad in Florence. But if you’re shopping for one in the States, Amazon offers lots of great options like this foldable 6-pack of reusable bags.
If you’re looking for a cuter, Insta-worthy alternative, check out one of my favorite shops, DKnitsetc, and grab one of Delaney’s handmade Farmers Market Bags!
4. Leave Each Destination Better Than You Found It
The best way you can respect and honor the countries and cities you’re visiting is to do adequate research on popular tourist activities before you arrive. Travel green, travel responsibly, and do 👏🏻 your 👏🏻 research.
Before we arrived in Thailand, I spent hours online researching the harms vs. the benefits of elephant sanctuaries, how to spot a true sanctuary vs. a tourist trap, and the best sanctuaries to support and donate to—before we settled on Maerim Sanctuary in Chiang Mai.
Without research, it’s very likely that your money will go towards supporting an industry that abuses, tortures, and exploits millions of exotic animals every year for tourist entertainment. For more information, check out this article by Green Global Travel: 15 Harmful Traditions & Cultural Practices Tourists Should Never Support.
In addition to doing your research, being an ecotourist means respecting every country like you would your own. This means cleaning up after yourself, learning and respecting the customs of the people who live there, and not contributing to harmful over-tourism.
Do your best to support locally-run restaurants. Focus your money and attention on sustainable activities and locally-made souvenirs that support and give back to the country’s economy.
5. Book Tours and Activities Through Small Group Agencies
Smaller tour operators tend to have less of a harmful environmental impact. Before booking a day-trip or tour, check to see if the company is registered with The International Ecotourism Society.
The TIES global network includes members from over 190 countries around the world and sets the standard for sustainable travel & tourism. Members adhere to guidelines and undergo training to turn tourism into a viable tool for conservation all over the world.
6. Invest in a Reusable Straw
Owning a reusable straw is the first step to becoming a responsible ecotourist. A staggering 500 million plastic straws, and are used and disposed of in the United States EVERY DAY. They aren’t recyclable and many end up as litter or find their way into our oceans where they can choke or harm marine life.
All of this harm because we don’t want to simply pick up and sip our drinks?
When dining out, make it a habit to remind your server to leave out the straw. Or, if you are a drink-picker-upper-hater, invest in a reusable version! These reusable straws by ECO/EGO come with a few straw cleaners and a reusable pouch. They’re also a steal at only $10!
7. Take Public Transportation When Possible
Be an ecotourist and opt for public transportation or bike rentals instead of renting a car or calling an Uber. Many European cities have bike share services such as Pony Bike. These services allow you to download an app and pick up a bicycle to ride anywhere you need to go!
If you’re traveling a further distance around a region or country, taking trains is a much more eco-friendly option than a domestic flight. In certain countries, like Italy, the view from the train is almost as stunning as the destination itself.
8. Choose a “Green” Hotel
Choosing to stay in a “green” hotel is a great way to travel sustainably! When traveling in the United States, do your best to choose hotels that have a LEED Certification. This means the hotel uses less energy and water, avoids waste, and lessens its environmental impact on the community.
When traveling internationally, trust certifications from organizations such as Green Globe, Trip Advisor’s Green Leaders, and EarthCheck. These hotels are certified sustainable and environmentally friendly. They implement practices such as recycling, towel/linen reuse, energy efficient lighting, waste minimization and educating both employees and guests on “green” practices.
More “green” tips for hotels:
- Avoid using the hotel laundry service whenever possible. They tend to wash each guest’s clothes separately, even if there are only a few items.
- Always hang up your towels! This signifies to the cleaning staff that you’ll be using them again and they don’t need to be washed.
- Take unused shampoos, conditioners, soaps and lotions with you when you leave. They’re often thrown away if not used by guests.
- Every time you leave the hotel, don’t forget to turn off lights, A/C and unplug any chargers or devices.
I just stayed in a fantastic eco-lodge in Roatan called Tranquilseas Eco Lodge and Dive Center. It was such a rewarding experience to be relaxing in paradise…all the while knowing that I was supporting a business that prioritizes giving back to the island and protecting its natural resources.
9. Switch to Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Non-reef-safe sunscreens can wreak havoc on marine ecosystems by damaging coral DNA, disrupting reproductive systems in fish, and contributing to coral bleaching—even in tiny amounts. That’s why it’s so important to lather yourself up consciously before a beach vacation.
My favorite reef-safe sunscreen is made by a small, family-run business in Hawaii called Kōkua Sun Care. The sunscreen is SPF 50, non-greasy, long-lasting, made with all-natural, Hawaii-grown ingredients, and smells like vanilla almond milk!
Some other great options include All Good Sport Sunscreen SPF 30, Stream2Sea Mineral Sunscreen (a favorite of dive shops in Roatan), or Badger Mineral Daily Sunscreen SPF 30.
At the end of the day, just make sure your sunscreen is free of these ingredients:
- Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, BP-3)
- Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)
- Octocrylene
- Octisalate
- Homosalate
- Avobenzone
10. Support Local Conservation Efforts
One of the most impactful ways to travel sustainably is by supporting local conservation initiatives.
Whether it’s volunteering for a beach cleanup (like I did on my solo trip to Gili T), supporting local businesses with eco-initiatives, or signing up for an ecotourism activity that contributes directly to preservation efforts, your tourism dollars can help protect the environment rather than harm it.
For example, take my last trip to Roatan in January of 2025. I took part in the Coral Ambassador course offered by Sun Divers, and it was easily one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve ever had on the island.
The 2-day course teaches divers how to assist in coral reef restoration and includes hands-on work cleaning coral nurseries and outplanting coral fragments onto the reef. It was the perfect blend of education, conservation, and adventure—and such a special way to give back to a destination I love so much.
11. Be Green While You’re Gone
Before leaving home, make it a habit to unplug any unnecessary appliances like your microwave, toaster, television, and any chargers, and turn off all lights and air conditioning/heating units.
Have any tips of your own on how to travel as an ecotourist? Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram and I’ll share your tips on my story!
If you enjoyed this post about how to travel “green” and support ecotourism, check out my other travel tips from my posts…
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