As passionate travelers, we have both the privilege and responsibility to explore our planet in ways that minimize harm and maximize positive impact. At Even Horizon, we're committed to promoting sustainable travel practices that allow our clients to enjoy transformative experiences while preserving destinations for future generations.

In this guide, we'll explore practical strategies for reducing your environmental footprint while traveling, without compromising on the quality of your experience.

Understanding the Travel Footprint

Before diving into solutions, it's important to understand the environmental impact of tourism:

  • Tourism accounts for approximately 8% of global carbon emissions
  • Air travel is typically the largest contributor to a trip's carbon footprint
  • Overtourism can deplete local resources and damage fragile ecosystems
  • Single-use plastics from tourism contribute significantly to ocean pollution
  • Poorly managed wildlife tourism can harm animals and disrupt natural behaviors

The good news is that being aware of these impacts is the first step toward making better choices. Let's explore how you can make a difference.

Sustainable Transportation Choices

Reducing Aviation Impact

While air travel is often unavoidable for international journeys, there are ways to minimize its impact:

  • Choose direct flights when possible (takeoffs and landings use the most fuel)
  • Consider carbon offset programs that fund verified environmental projects
  • Pack lighter to reduce the plane's fuel consumption
  • Stay longer at destinations to justify the emissions of getting there
  • Consider economy class, which has a lower carbon footprint per passenger than premium classes

Carbon Offsetting Explained

Carbon offsetting involves calculating your trip's carbon emissions and investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gases elsewhere. Look for certified programs that fund renewable energy, reforestation, or methane capture projects. While not a perfect solution, offsets can help mitigate unavoidable emissions while supporting environmental initiatives.

Ground Transportation

Once at your destination, make eco-friendly transportation choices:

  • Use public transportation systems where available
  • Consider trains over short-haul flights for multi-destination trips
  • Rent electric or hybrid vehicles if a car is necessary
  • Explore destinations by foot or bicycle when possible
  • Look for tour operators who use fuel-efficient vehicles or alternative energy
Train travel through scenic landscape

Train travel offers a lower-carbon alternative to flying while providing spectacular views and a relaxed journey.

Eco-Friendly Accommodation Choices

Where you stay significantly impacts your travel footprint. Look for these features when booking:

What Makes Accommodation Sustainable?

  • Energy efficiency measures (renewable energy, LED lighting, proper insulation)
  • Water conservation practices (low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting, linen reuse programs)
  • Waste reduction initiatives (composting, recycling, minimal single-use items)
  • Locally sourced food and materials
  • Employment of local staff with fair wages

Finding Green Accommodations

Research these certification programs and features when booking:

  • Look for credible eco-certifications (LEED, Green Key, EarthCheck)
  • Read sustainability policies on hotel websites
  • Consider locally owned guesthouses and eco-lodges
  • Use booking platforms that filter for sustainable options
  • Research a property's community engagement and conservation efforts

Reducing Waste While Traveling

Single-use plastics and excessive waste are particularly problematic in destinations with limited waste management infrastructure. Here's how to minimize your contribution:

Essential Eco-Friendly Travel Items

  • Reusable water bottle with filter (if tap water isn't potable)
  • Collapsible coffee cup for takeaway beverages
  • Reusable shopping bag that packs small
  • Bamboo or metal utensils for street food and takeout
  • Solid toiletries (shampoo bars, solid toothpaste) to reduce plastic packaging

Plastic-Free Travel Strategies

Beyond packing the right gear, adopt these habits:

  • Refuse single-use items proactively (straws, bags, bottles)
  • Learn to say "no plastic, please" in the local language
  • Choose accommodations and tours with plastic-free policies
  • Eat in rather than taking food to go when possible
  • Properly dispose of unavoidable waste according to local systems

Water Purification Options

Clean drinking water access varies globally. Consider a water bottle with built-in filtration, UV purification devices, or water purification tablets. These options help you avoid buying plastic water bottles while ensuring safe hydration.

Responsible Wildlife and Nature Encounters

Wildlife tourism can either support conservation or cause harm, depending on how it's conducted. Follow these guidelines for ethical animal encounters:

Evaluating Wildlife Experiences

  • Avoid attractions featuring captive wild animals performing unnatural behaviors
  • Never touch, feed, or disturb wild animals
  • Maintain appropriate distances when viewing wildlife
  • Research tour operators' animal welfare policies
  • Support sanctuaries and conservation programs with legitimate credentials

Protecting Natural Environments

When exploring natural areas:

  • Stay on designated trails to prevent erosion and habitat disruption
  • Follow "leave no trace" principles (pack out all trash, leave natural objects undisturbed)
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen in marine environments
  • Respect guidelines at protected areas and national parks
  • Consider contributing to conservation fees or donations
Ethical wildlife viewing safari

Responsible wildlife viewing maintains a respectful distance and prioritizes natural behaviors.

Supporting Local Communities

Sustainable travel isn't just about environmental impact—it also encompasses social and economic sustainability. Here's how to ensure your travel benefits local communities:

Economic Impact

  • Stay at locally owned accommodations
  • Eat at local restaurants rather than international chains
  • Purchase souvenirs directly from artisans
  • Use local guides who can provide authentic insights
  • Pay fair prices rather than aggressively bargaining

Cultural Respect

Sustainable travel also means respecting cultural heritage:

  • Research and observe local customs and etiquette
  • Ask permission before photographing people
  • Learn a few phrases in the local language
  • Dress appropriately, particularly at religious sites
  • Participate in community-based tourism initiatives

Making Sustainable Choices as a Tour Client

When booking with tour operators like us, consider these factors:

Questions to Ask Tour Providers

  • What sustainability certifications do they hold?
  • How do they minimize environmental impact?
  • What percentage of staff are local residents?
  • How do they contribute to conservation or community projects?
  • What steps do they take to respect wildlife and cultural heritage?

At Even Horizon, we're proud of our sustainability initiatives, including carbon offsetting all our tours, partnering with local providers, eliminating single-use plastics, and contributing to conservation projects at our destinations.

Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Impact

Sustainable travel doesn't mean sacrificing quality or memorable experiences. Often, the most environmentally friendly choices—taking the scenic train instead of flying, staying at a locally owned guesthouse, eating at neighborhood restaurants—create the most authentic and rewarding travel moments.

By making conscious choices about how we travel, we can reduce our impact while deepening our connection to the places we visit. Remember that perfect sustainability isn't the goal—progress is. Each trip is an opportunity to make better choices than the last.

What sustainable travel practices have you adopted? We'd love to hear your experiences and tips in the comments below.

Happy (and sustainable) travels!