Sustainability
6 Ways To Travel Sustainably This Earth Day
Erin P. | April 15, 2025
)
)
If you’re like us, you love to explore the world, and you want to travel in a way that respects and preserves the places you visit. Travel has the power to broaden horizons, connect cultures, and create unforgettable experiences—but it also comes with an environmental impact. Climate change, ecosystem disruption, and overtourism are growing challenges, making sustainable travel more important than ever.
Why sustainable travel matters
Sustainable travel (or responsible tourism) is about minimizing your footprint while maximizing the positive impact on local communities and the environment. Simple choices can make a big difference. Whether you’re embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or a weekend getaway, small actions can help protect the beauty and diversity of our world for future generations.
)
)
6 tips for sustainable travel
In honour of Earth Day (April 22), let’s start the discussion on how to make travel experiences not only memorable, but sustainable. Whether you’re heading on an EF tour or travelling on your own, here’s how to make it a responsible journey.
1. Pack light and smart
Travelling with less luggage reduces fuel consumption, so make sure to pack efficiently. Choose versatile, reusable garments and multi-purpose toiletries to minimize waste. Try to avoid shopping for new items before your trip, unless they’re made to last for years to come.
)
2. Choose efficient transportation and accommodations
Transport and accommodation choices can make a big difference in our travels. Choose to travel by trains, buses, or other public transit options over flying when possible. If you need to fly, select airlines that prioritize fuel efficiency and choose direct flights when possible.
When staying abroad or away from home, look for hotels and lodgings that have sustainable practices, like energy efficiency, recycling programs, and waste reduction initiatives.
3. Learn about carbon offsetting
Carbon offsetting is a way to compensate for your carbon footprint by funding environmental projects that reduce or capture emissions elsewhere (like reforestation, renewable energy, methane capture). It doesn’t eliminate your emissions but helps balance them out.
Offsetting alone won’t solve climate change, but responsible travel choices can make a difference. Learn about how much carbon your flight will emit by plugging it into Google Explore. From there, decide if you want to buy certified offsets for your flight, or consider direct impact alternatives, like donating to local conservation groups or supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.
It also means travelling with companies who embed sustainability into their operations (which is something EF does). Learn more about how EF works with myclimate to understand our carbon footprint and combat climate change.
)
)
)
)
)
)
4. Support local economies
When you travel, your choices can directly impact local communities. Dine and shop for crafts at small businesses—and remember to learn a few phrases in the local language, because it can go a long way in fostering respect and understanding.
Eating plant-based meals when possible and choosing sustainable, locally sourced foods can further reduce your environmental impact—especially if the restaurants and cafes are family-owned.
5. Minimize single-use plastics
Bring a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics (like individually wrapped items) to reduce waste. It’s also a great idea to pack cloth shopping bags. Don’t forget to pack eco-friendly toiletries to avoid polluting local water sources, and turn off lights and air conditioning when leaving hotel rooms.
If you’re swimming in the ocean, choose reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems. (For sunscreens sold in Canada, visit Sephora or your local pharmacy or health store, to find the right type for you).
)
6. Respect animals, and natural and cultural sites
Follow guidelines to protect ecosystems and heritage sites, like staying on marked trails. Practices like “Leave No Trace” help preserve the beauty and integrity of the places you visit. When you visit animals, observe them in their natural habitat instead of in captivity.
EF tours avoid attractions that involve performances, elephant rides, or photo ops with exotic animals, as these usually involve unethical treatment. Instead, it’s recommended to visit reputable sanctuaries or conservation centres that prioritize animal well-being and rehabilitation.
Making a difference, one trip at a time
When you travel sustainably, you’re not just seeing the world—you’re helping to protect it. This Earth Day, explore our world and leave a positive impact on the places you visit—while preserving them for generations to come.
It’s a journey, not a destination
Learn more about our commitment to responsible travel and download a checklist for your next tour.
