10 Sustainable Activities You Can Do on Any Trip

Imagine leaving only footprints and taking only memories, all while contributing positively to our planet even while you travel. Being a sustainable traveler does not mean that you can’t travel or can’t fly, but rather make smart decisions when you do travel. Travel can impact the world significantly. Yet, it doesn’t have to be this way if we choose our activities wisely.

Sustainable travel is more than a trend; it’s a responsibility. From selecting eco-friendly accommodations and transport to engaging with the local economy and culture respectfully, every choice matters. This guide is designed to merge the joy of discovery with the pride of preserving the world for future explorers.

While there are some sustainable travel destinations that you can visit, sometimes we want to visit other places that aren’t as eco-friendly. That’s okay – we can still be green travelers! Don’t feel limited by sustainable activities thinking that there aren’t activities wherever you’re traveling to, which is why I wrote this post! Here are ten sustainable activities you can do on any trip – no matter where you go!

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1. Book your trip with a sustainable tour operator

When planning your next getaway, consider booking your trip with a sustainable tour operator to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable tourism. These operators have established eco-friendly travel practices that not only help conserve the environment but also ensure that their operations have a positive impact on the local communities. Rather than booking with a large operator like GAdventures for our trip to Uganda, I booked with Africa Adventure Vacations which is based in Uganda, and they give money to schools with every tour booked.

Sustainable tour operators can also engage in eco-friendly practices such as electric vehicles, using bikes as a means of transport, hosting walking tours and more. Just do your research before booking!

Engaging with local guides affords an unforgettable experience while nurturing delicate ecosystems and the natural habitat.

2. Opt For a Cycling Holiday

Choosing a cycling holiday is an increasingly popular sustainable travel activity, perfect for minimizing your carbon footprint while maximizing your vacation enjoyment. With the power to cover an impressive 40-50 miles per day, you can embrace unparalleled freedom and sustainable practices, diving into the scenic embrace of nature. These eco-friendly adventures keep carbon emissions low, encourage physical health, and forge a deep connection with the environment. This is a goal for me now that I’ve figured out (most) of my knee issues! It’s a great way to get an in-depth look at a place and learn about slow travel.

By opting for a bicycle over a car, travelers lessen their environmental impact and actively participate in responsible tourism. Without the constraints of paved roads, you can meander along off-road tracks and mountain trails, places where traditional vehicles dare not tread. Regions like Stavanger in Norway and Yorkshire in England offer breathtaking routes that are as challenging as they are fulfilling, while the sun-soaked paths of Calpe/Denia in Spain invite leisurely rides with a Mediterranean flair.

Not only are you getting a great workout (and creating your own renewable energy), you are lowering your travel’s carbon dioxide output, reducing reliance on single-use items, accessing delicate ecosystems where larger vehicles can’t go, and supporting conservation efforts! What’s not to love?

Cycling holidays are not just a journey; they are a statement of eco-consciousness and a stride towards carbon-neutral travel.

3. See the Sights on Foot

Embarking on a vacation, there are many ways to reduce your environmental footprint and engage in sustainable travel activities. One of the rewarding and eco-friendly options is to simply see the sights on foot.

Walking through pedestrian-friendly areas, particularly in historical districts, not only allows you to fully absorb the cultural ambiance but also significantly lowers your carbon footprint as opposed to motorized transportation. I find that doing a walking tour is a great way to get familiarized with the city (and any insider tips from the guide about where to go), so I tend to do them at the beginning of my trip.

Hiking is another means to treasure the natural settings of your travel destination. Whether you take a hike up a hill like Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh for a view of the city, or a multi-day hike around a nature reserve, hiking a great outdoor activity!

You can find beautiful hikes all over the world, whether you want a day hike in Scotland or a coast-to-coast hike in New Zealand.

4. Visit Historical Landmarks for Environmental and Cultural Awareness

Visiting historical landmarks during vacation can greatly enhance your environmental and cultural awareness. These attractions serve as a vivid chronicle of the local history, offering a profound understanding of the people and their narratives. As a sustainable travel activity, it helps to appreciate and preserve heritage while minimizing your carbon footprint.

Historical landmarks are venues for educational ecotourism, often overlooked for “green” eco-tourism. They provide invaluable insights into local marine and coastal ecosystems or heritage sites, crucial for conservation efforts. You can learn about the indigenous communities of the area, important historical events, and how both have impacted the area you’re visiting. You can also learn about the daily life of the people who lived there previously and how they continue to influence the destination today.

Remember that traveling is more than just checking off a list of places to see, but rather understanding that places are different than our own.

5. Eat Fresh, Locally Sourced Meals

One of the fundamental (and honestly, the most delicious) activities you can partake in to be an eco-conscious traveler is to eat fresh, locally sourced meals. Doing so not only supports the livelihoods of local farmers, thus positively impacting the community, but it also dramatically reduces the carbon emissions typically associated with transporting food products over long distances. This sustainable option guarantees you the pleasure of meals packed with peak freshness and nutritional benefits.

As you indulge in the freshest produce, local game, or ocean-to-table seafood, you’re rewarded with unforgettable taste experiences. Additionally, you’re making a choice that aligns with sustainable tourism principles by curtailing the environmental footprint of your dining habits. The short farm-to-plate distance means less carbon dioxide released into our atmosphere, favoring renewable energy and conservation practices.

One of my favorite things to do when traveling somewhere new is to take a cooking class. I try to get one that includes a trip to a farmer’s market for the ingredients. This way, I get to see a local farmer’s market with a guide, learn the local foods, buy them directly, and then learn how to cook them from a local. It’s such a fun, eco-friendly activity and I get to learn a new skill and eat delicious food! We got to explore Nishiki Market in Japan, try new food, and then learned how to cook it.

6. Pack a Picnic

Speaking of food, packing a picnic is always a great idea. One way to save money while traveling is to go to a local grocery store. You can buy locally sourced foods for cheap, pack a lunch, and eat while you’re exploring. This simple, yet sustainable activity allows you to savor a meal amidst natural beauty, utilizing reusable containers to ensure a zero-waste adventure.

Here’s how you can make your picnic sustainable:

• Use reusable water bottles and containers.
• Opt for local, organic produce and avoid over-packaged items.
• Bring a trash bag to leave the area as untouched as when you arrived.

Packing a picnic is a great way to slow down your exploring and embrace a place for more time. You’ll get to enjoy locally sourced food, use your reusable items, and engage in outdoor adventures. Be on the lookout for parks with a view!

7. Go on a Scenic Hike

Show your passion for nature and commitment to the planet by going on a scenic hike during your vacation. This low-carbon footprint activity is a cornerstone of sustainable travel, enabling you to immerse yourself in magnificent views and delicate ecosystems without the negative impacts of high carbon emissions.

When you set out on your trek, remember to embody responsible tourism—bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and take snacks in containers that won’t harm the environment. Leave no trace of your journey; ensure that no single-use plastics litter the pristine trails.

Embrace the sustainable options of eco-friendly travel and support renewable energy, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices. Hiking not only nurtures your love for the outdoors but also makes a positive impact on protecting our planet’s natural habitats. Outdoor recreation like hiking is often free for travelers (meaning you save money) or there is a small fee to help protect fragile ecosystems. One example of this is hiking Mauna Kea in Hawaii. It’s a free hike where you can learn about the unique flora and fauna that high, but also learn about the importance of Mauna Kea to the Hawaiian people (and respect it but by not going to the full summit).

• Carry a reusable water bottle
• Pack eco-friendly snacks
• Do not dispose of waste on trails
• Enjoy bird watching
• Follow advice from local guides
• Practice responsible tourism

Taking these steps contributes to sustainable tourism and the well-being of the places we cherish.

8. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding

Embarking on a kayaking or paddleboarding adventure is a perfect example of sustainable travel activities that align with eco-friendly practices. Both activities are powered by human effort, thus eliminating the need for fossil fuels, and as a result, do not generate carbon emissions. This means that adventurers can explore tranquil waterways, serene coastlines, and delicate ecosystems without the environmental footprint associated with gas or oil.

Kayaking, one of my favorite activities, offers you the unique opportunity to glide through environments like mangrove forests, such as those in Costa Rica, without disturbing the natural habitat. It’s a silent mode of transportation that allows you to sneak a peek at marine life and nature reserves undisturbed.

Paddleboarding, too, invites you to stand atop the water, giving you a vantage point to appreciate the surroundings while engaging in a physical workout. Since both activities are non-invasive, they are commendable sustainable tourism practices that help protect our natural world for future generations. (Though paddle boarding requires a lot more balance – which some of us do not have, so be careful!)

9. Chase Waterfalls

Despite what TLC said, chasing waterfalls is a fun adventure and can be done almost anywhere (ok, maybe not Egypt, but a LOT of places). Chasing waterfalls not only steers you into the embrace of nature’s purest scenes but also promises an eco-friendly approach to vacationing, as it minimizes your carbon footprint and environmental impact.

When exploring for waterfalls, you’re likely to uncover secluded spots that remain untouched by the heavy foot traffic of popular destinations. The joy of discovering these hidden gems not only enriches your travel experience but also supports conservation efforts by highlighting the importance of preserving such delicate ecosystems.

Whether you’re trying to find waterfalls in Iceland and hike behind them, or go off the beaten path for waterfalls in Colombia – you’ll find plenty of natural wonders around the world.

10. Visit Certified Wildlife Sanctuaries

As travelers increasingly seek to minimize their environmental footprint and have a positive impact on the destinations they visit, supporting certified wildlife sanctuaries offers a sustainable travel activity that genuinely contributes to conservation efforts and animal welfare. These sanctuaries are important havens for animals affected by the likes of deforestation, climate change, and encroachment of human activities.

To ensure an ethical animal tourism experience, it is crucial to conduct research before visiting a sanctuary. Validate that they are actually committed to high standards, offering a natural habitat for animals and engaging in significant conservation efforts without exploitation. A prime example is the Save Elephant Foundation in Thailand, renowned for its steadfast dedication to the well-being of elephants.

Here is a list to guide you through choosing a wildlife sanctuary:

• Certification: Ensure the sanctuary has legitimate affiliations and certifications.
• Ethical Practices: Research if they prioritize the animals’ natural behaviors and needs.
• Conservation Work: Look into their contributions to conservation and local communities.
• Visitor Guidelines: Check if they promote educational and respectful visitor interaction.

You can also read my guide on how to tell if an animal encounter is ethical so you’ll be confident in your decision.

Final Thoughts

Sustainable travel activities are not only beneficial for the environment but also for our own personal growth and connection to the world around us. By engaging in these activities, we can support local communities, preserve natural habitats, and leave a positive impact on the destinations we visit. So, the next time you plan your vacation, consider incorporating these activities into your itinerary and make a difference while enjoying your trip. If you have any favorite sustainable travel activities that didn’t make the list, let me know in the comments & I’ll add it as a reader favorite.

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