Traveling is one of the most exciting, rewarding experiences you can have. You get to see new places, learn about cultures and meet new people. However, traveling is not as easy on the planet as it could be.
This can be especially true if you are trying to save money while traveling because travel tends to cost more than other activities like sports or hobbies.
Luckily, there are many ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying yourself!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Sustainable travel can be affordable and convenient with the right tips and strategies. |
| Consider choosing eco-friendly accommodations, packing light, and using public transportation or biking to reduce your carbon footprint. |
| Supporting local businesses and minimizing waste through the use of reusable items can also contribute to sustainable travel practices. |
| There are many resources available to help travelers make sustainable choices, including blog posts, articles, and comprehensive guides. |
| By practicing sustainable travel, you can help protect the environment, support local communities, and preserve cultural heritage. |
Here are 15 budget-friendly tips for ecologically sustainable travel:
Look For A Local Owner Of A Room Or Home To Rent
If you’re looking to save money and get the most out of your trip, consider staying in a room or home that is owned by a local.
They can be much cheaper than hotels, and they often offer better food options as well. Local owners can also help you learn about the best places to see and things to do in your area and if you’re lucky, they might even show off their favorite eateries, shopping spots and secret hiking trails!
Plus, when it comes down to it: renting from local hosts is better for the environment than staying at a hotel chain because it promotes sustainability through shared resources (like parking lots) rather than creating new ones from scratch.
Traveling sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive or inconvenient. Check out our 15 budget-friendly sustainable travel tips for easy and affordable ways to reduce your carbon footprint while exploring the world.
Check Out Hostels
Hostels are a great way to meet people from around the world. A lot of hostels have shared rooms, so you can meet people with similar interests.
Hostels are also a great place to swap travel stories and tips.
| Hostel | Location | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hostelling International | Multiple Locations | $10-$40 per night |
| Generator Hostels | Multiple Locations | $20-$80 per night |
| YHA | Multiple Locations | $10-$50 per night |
| MEININGER Hotels | Multiple Locations | $20-$70 per night |
Rent An Airbnb
You save money. You can find a place to stay for less than $50 a night in most cities around the world, and you won’t necessarily have to deal with having other people in your room (if you’re traveling solo).
Plus, many Airbnb properties are located in interesting neighborhoods that aren’t touristy but are still easily accessible by public transit.
You meet people and learn about local culture. If you’re traveling by yourself or as part of a couple, staying in an Airbnb will give you access to your host’s community—and if they have recommendations for where to eat and drink, so much the better!
It’s easy to book through their app. Once you’ve found a place that looks good on Airbnb’s website, click on “Book Now.” From there, it’ll take less than 30 seconds before they’ve sent you an email confirmation with all the details of your reservation
If you’re looking to make a positive impact while traveling, there are many destinations around the world that prioritize sustainability. Discover 10 sustainable travel destinations that will blow your mind and inspire you to travel responsibly.
Go Camping
Camping is a great way to get close to nature, spend time with your family, meet new people and save money on accommodation. Here are five reasons why camping is a sustainable travel option you should consider:
Camping is cheap. A tent or campervan plus food and gear will cost much less than staying in hotels or resorts. Even if you stay in hostels or rent out cabins at campsites, it’s still cheaper than paying for full-board accommodation elsewhere.
Camping helps you connect with others who share your interests in the outdoors! You don’t have to camp alone either; there are lots of people out there who love exploring nature just as much as you do!
Take The Bus Instead Of Flying
One of the easiest ways to save money while traveling is by taking long-distance bus instead of flying.
This way, you can save a ton on airfare and get to see a lot more of the country or region in which you’re traveling. Plus, buses are far more sustainable than airplanes, especially if they run on biodiesel or natural gas!
Another major benefit? Bus travel gives you a chance to meet local people and learn about their culture in person not just through your smartphone camera lens.
Plus, since buses tend to be slower than planes (not everyone has the luxury of being able to fly at 6 miles per hour), it gives travelers ample time for reflection and meditation without feeling rushed or stressed out by fast-paced life back home (and all its constant demands).
| Bus Company | Route | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | Various US and Canadian routes | $20-$200 one way |
| Megabus | Various US and European routes | $1-$50 one way |
| Flixbus | Various European and US routes | $5-$50 one way |
| National Express | Various UK routes | $5-$50 one way |
Cook Food Yourself
Cooking food yourself is a simple way to save money while also being more sustainable. Cooking your own food gives you the opportunity to buy local ingredients, which are often cheaper than imported foods.
If you have a portable stove, like a camping stove or something similar, you can cook easily anywhere in the world.
Universal metrics exist for measuring ingredients and cooking times—you just need a basic understanding of how long it takes for certain foods to boil or simmer (for example: potatoes take about 15 minutes). You can even find recipes online!
To make the most of your eco-friendly travel, it’s important to understand the impact your choices have on the environment. Check out our ultimate guide to sustainable travel for tips on how to reduce your environmental impact and travel responsibly.
Buy Local Food And Drinks
Buying local food and drinks is one of the best ways to support your host community. By doing so, you’re contributing to their economy, helping to protect the environment, and supporting the local people.
Additionally, you will have a better experience as you get a sense of what it’s like to live in that area.
When traveling abroad, try buying bottled water instead of using plastic bottles or tap water (where possible).
The same goes for other drinks such as tea or coffee allowing locals to make money from tourists who want these beverages instead of importing them from elsewhere will mean less plastic pollution in their communities!
Take Trains Instead Of Buses Or Rental Cars
Trains are a great way to get around, especially when you’re traveling on a budget. They’re cheaper than buses and allow you to enjoy the scenery while you travel.
In addition, trains are better for the environment because they don’t emit carbon dioxide into the air as much as cars do (and certainly not as much as airplanes).
If you want to meet other travelers who are on their own journeys, taking a train is one of the best ways to do so!
Pack Light Because Most Flights Charge Per Bag
If you’re on a budget, one of the best ways to save money is by packing light. Most airlines charge passengers for checked bags and sometimes even carry-on luggage.
If you’re going to be traveling long distances, it’s definitely worth it to invest in a backpack that can fit everything you need and keep it organized as well.
You’ll also save money by packing light because most hotels have their own laundry service where they’ll clean your clothes for a small fee.
If not, there are plenty of laundromats throughout most travel destinations which will allow you to do your own washing at a fraction of what hotels charge (and they’re often open 24/7).
If you’re interested in staying in eco-friendly accommodations on your next trip, check out our list of top eco-friendly hotels and resorts around the world. These properties offer sustainable amenities and practices that will help you reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying a comfortable stay.
Re-Wear Your Clothes To Keep Them Out Of The Landfills
If you’re traveling somewhere cold, bring an extra pair of shoes. If it’s hot, bring a jacket or sweatshirt. If it’s wet, bring a swimsuit.
Do this for all the other clothing items in your suitcase—you can always find a way to use them again! A bathing suit is basically what you wear when going swimming on vacation: the same goes for towels and hats, scarves and belts (as belts), socks (as socks).
Avoid Using Plastic Bags And Straws While You’re Traveling
Traveling often means bringing a lot of stuff with you, and that can lead to a lot of waste. One way to help reduce the amount of plastic pollution you’re contributing is by using your own reusable bags and containers instead of single-use disposable ones. Some examples include:
- Reusable shopping bags
- Water bottle
- Coffee cup or travel mug
- Utensils (if not provided) – forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks etc.
Traveling can be a significant source of carbon emissions, but there are many ways to reduce your impact. Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint on your next vacation with our easy-to-follow tips for sustainable travel.
Conclusion
Making choices that are good for the environment is a necessity in today’s world. It doesn’t have to be difficult, though there are plenty of ways to make your travel experience more sustainable and less expensive at the same time.
When you take these simple steps into account when planning your next trip, you can look forward to having a positive impact on both yourself and those around you!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you travel sustainably:
Green Travel Made Quick, Easy and Affordable: 30 Tips for Sustainable Travel: This blog post provides 30 quick and affordable tips for making your travels more sustainable.
Sustainable Travel on a Budget: How to Be Eco-Friendly and Save Money: This article offers practical advice for travelers who want to reduce their environmental impact without breaking the bank.
Sustainable Travel Tips: This comprehensive guide covers everything from packing sustainably to choosing eco-friendly accommodations and transportation.
FAQs
What is sustainable travel?
Sustainable travel refers to a style of travel that prioritizes environmental, social, and economic sustainability. It involves reducing your carbon footprint, supporting local communities, and minimizing negative impacts on the environment and culture of your destination.
Why is sustainable travel important?
Sustainable travel is important because it helps to protect the environment, support local communities, and preserve cultural heritage. It also helps to minimize negative impacts on the destinations we visit and promote responsible tourism practices.
What are some ways to travel sustainably?
There are many ways to travel sustainably, such as choosing eco-friendly accommodations, packing lightly, using public transportation or biking, supporting local businesses, and minimizing waste by using reusable items.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint while traveling?
You can reduce your carbon footprint while traveling by choosing eco-friendly transportation, packing lightly, using reusable items, staying in eco-friendly accommodations, and supporting local businesses.
Can sustainable travel be affordable?
Yes, sustainable travel can be affordable. By making conscious choices about transportation, accommodations, and activities, you can reduce your travel expenses while also minimizing your impact on the environment and supporting local communities.
I am Hellen, I’ve been passionate about sustainability for as long as I can remember. It’s something that my mom taught me from a young age, and it’s something that has shaped my life in so many ways.