How to Travel Better for the Planet This Earth Day (And Every Day After)

Every year on April 22, the world comes together to celebrate Earth Day—a day to appreciate this beautiful planet and take action to protect it. But if you’re a traveller, Earth Day isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a reminder that every trip you take leaves a mark—so why not make that mark a positive one?

Every decision you make on the road has an impact, from flights to souvenirs. The good news? You don’t need to cancel your dream getaway or swap your suitcase for a compost bin. You just need to travel a little more thoughtfully. Here’s how to make your adventures Earth-friendly, without killing the vibe:

Don’t Just Travel—Travel Thoughtfully

Flying across the world sounds glamorous, but aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions globally. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), aviation accounts for around 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions. When you consider that just one transatlantic flight can emit as much carbon as several months of driving a car, it’s clear why frequent flying deserves a rethink.

Instead, embrace the art of slow travel. This means spending more time in fewer places, taking your time to explore a destination beyond the highlights. Opt for trains or buses when possible—they’re not only more scenic but significantly less polluting. For shorter trips, consider cycling, walking, or carpooling. Slow travel also offers deeper connections with local cultures and often turns out to be more fulfilling than ticking off cities in a rush.

Learn more about the environmental impact of flying here: Our World in Data – Aviation Emissions

Treat Hotels Like Home

Hotels use a huge amount of water and energy daily, especially when guests treat them like disposable experiences. A study from the International Tourism Partnership found that the average hotel guest can use up to 180 litres of water per night, most of it from long showers and daily linen changes.

Do your part by reusing towels, turning off lights and air conditioning when you’re not in the room, and opting out of daily housekeeping when it’s not necessary. Some accommodations even allow you to select “green stays”, where cleaning services are reduced in exchange for perks or donations to environmental causes.

Better yet, stay at eco-certified accommodations that prioritise sustainability. Look for certifications like Green Key, LEED, or EarthCheck, which ensure the hotel meets environmental standards. Explore green hotels at: Green Key Global

Skip the Souvenir Guilt

Souvenirs are a fun part of travel, but many of them come with hidden environmental and ethical costs. Mass-produced trinkets made from plastic, coral, shells, or even endangered animal parts not only hurt the planet but also often don’t support local communities at all. Instead, look for locally made, sustainable items. Think handmade pottery, textiles, or art from local artists. These support the local economy, preserve cultural heritage, and are far more meaningful.

Avoid anything that feels suspiciously cheap or is made from animal products unless you can trace its ethical sourcing. If in doubt, ask vendors about the origin of the item or stick to recognised artisan markets. Need guidance? Check out: World Wildlife Fund – Sustainable Travel Tips

Leave No Trace Behind

Nature spots are often hit hardest by careless tourism. Whether you’re trekking through forests, camping, or chilling on beaches, the golden rule is simple: leave no trace. Bring reusable water bottles, cutlery, and bags to avoid creating single-use waste. Don’t leave wrappers, tissues, or cigarette butts behind. Always dispose of trash properly—or better yet, bring a small trash bag with you in case bins are unavailable. A single plastic bottle may take over 450 years to decompose, and it could harm marine life or wildlife in the meantime. By leaving nature untouched, you help preserve it for everyone else.

Brush up on the Leave No Trace principles here: Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

Eat Local, Not Imported

Tourists often flock to familiar food chains, but this creates unnecessary demand for imported goods and contributes to higher emissions from long-distance transportation. On Earth Day—and every day—opt for locally sourced meals. Eating local isn’t just good for the environment. It supports regional farmers, introduces you to authentic cuisine, and is usually fresher and more flavorful. Bonus: it often costs less!

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, it’s even better—plant-based diets tend to have a much lower carbon footprint. But even reducing meat consumption while travelling can make a positive impact. Explore the benefits of eating local here: Sustainable Table – Eat Local

So, Why Does This Matter?

Because travel has power. The power to uplift communities, protect nature, and spark change. But it also has the power to exploit and deplete. Earth Day is a chance to reflect—and adjust. Small changes like using refillable bottles, supporting eco-certified stays, and saying no to plastic straws may seem minor, but multiplied by millions of travellers, they can make a huge difference. So go ahead, book that trip. But do it with care. Explore your world—but leave it better than you found it.

Happy Earth Day—and happy (sustainable) travels.