Let’s be honest : planning a “sustainable trip” can feel a bit overwhelming the first time. You want to travel better, lighter, greener… but where do you even start ? I remember prepping a weekend in Edinburgh and realising I’d packed half my flat “just in case”. Not very eco-friendly. So here’s a simple, human, no-nonsense checklist to help you organise a truly sustainable journey-without the guilt trips or the endless spreadsheets.
If you want to dive deeper into specific eco-friendly practices, I often hop onto https://www.tourisme-eco-responsable.fr for inspiration-it’s packed with practical ideas that actually make sense on the road.
1. Choose your destination wisely (yes, it matters)
Some places are already saturated with visitors, and honestly, arriving as traveller number 2,584 of the day doesn’t feel great. Look for lesser-known alternatives : instead of Venice, maybe Trieste ; instead of the Isle of Skye in high season, try Mull or Jura. You’ll often get the same “wow” feeling with fewer crowds and a smaller footprint.
Ask yourself : Is my presence here helping or hurting ? It’s a tough question, but a powerful one.
2. Plan your transport early (the biggest win for the planet)
Transport is where most emissions happen, no surprise there. If you can swap one flight for a train, do it. The Eurostar to London ? Amazingly smooth. The Caledonian Sleeper up to Scotland ? Iconic-and you wake up basically inside a postcard.
If flying is unavoidable, choose direct routes (fewer takeoffs = fewer emissions) and travel light. Really light. Every extra kilo counts, and your back will thank you too.
3. Pack smarter, not heavier
I used to pack three pairs of shoes for a four-day trip. Why ? No clue. Now I stick to a simple rule : wear the bulkiest items, pack the rest. Bring a reusable bottle, a small tote bag, and a tiny container for snacks-these three alone cut down so much pointless waste.
And don’t forget solid toiletries. They last longer, don’t leak (hallelujah), and cut down on plastic.
4. Book accommodations that genuinely care
Not every place advertising “eco rooms” is actually doing anything meaningful. Look for clear actions : energy-saving systems, local sourcing, water-saving policies, and transparent sustainability commitments. When I stayed in a small guesthouse in Oban, the owner explained how they heat water with recovered energy-super interesting and not at all boring as it sounds.
If the hosts seem proud of what they’re doing, that’s usually a good sign.
5. Eat local (it’s tastier anyway)
One of the easiest-and frankly most enjoyable-ways to travel sustainably is to eat local. Farmers’ markets, small cafés, bakeries tucked in a side street… you’ll get better flavours and support real people rather than big chains.
Try asking locals for their favourites. You’ll get honest tips like, “Avoid that place, it’s only tourists,” which I swear is the most precious travel advice on Earth.
6. Respect the environment like you’re borrowing it (because you are)
Stay on marked trails, don’t feed wildlife, avoid picking plants even if they smell amazing (I made that mistake once in Skye-felt guilty all day). These gestures seem tiny, but multiply them by millions of travellers and… well, you get why it matters.
7. Keep your digital waste down too
This one surprised me : all those extra photos, forgotten emails and cloud backups actually consume energy. I mean, not massive amounts per person, but still. Maybe do a small clean-up before and after the trip. It feels oddly satisfying, like tidying your digital backpack.
8. Support local initiatives on the ground
Whether it’s a community-led tour, a conservation project or a small social enterprise, these experiences usually teach you more about a place than any guidebook ever will. Plus, your money goes straight into meaningful work instead of disappearing into some giant corporate void.
9. Leave space for the unexpected
Sustainable travel isn’t just about reducing impact-it’s also about slowing down. Walking instead of rushing. Observing instead of ticking boxes. Some of my best travel memories happened when I stopped planning every minute and let the journey do its thing.
What if your most sustainable choice… also becomes your best story ? Happens more often than you think.
The quick checklist to screenshot
✔ Choose off-season or lesser-known destinations
✔ Prioritise trains and direct routes
✔ Pack light + reusable essentials
✔ Verify the real eco-actions of accommodations
✔ Eat local and avoid chains
✔ Respect nature and local communities
✔ Reduce digital clutter
✔ Support local initiatives
✔ Slow down and stay flexible
Final thought
Travelling sustainably isn’t about being perfect-it’s about being aware. Making small choices, one after another, until they become habits. And honestly ? It feels pretty good to know your trip leaves more positive than negative behind. So, ready to plan your next adventure differently ?