Today’s April 22, and that means it’s Earth Day – aka, our annual reminder that we should all be taking better care of this planet we call home. And for our fellow travelers, it’s also a good reminder to try to travel more sustainably.
But what is sustainable travel, exactly, and how do you do it? Can you be a green traveler if you can’t afford a $300/night eco-lodge? Can traveling responsibly be, um, fun? (Yes and yes.)
To celebrate Earth Day 2017, I put together some favorite articles on the what, why, where, and how of sustainability and eco-friendly travel . If you want to learn more about taking care of planet earth while on the road, these links are for you!
Some of the best reads on sustainable travel, with tips for making your next trip more green. Click To TweetIntroducing Sustainable Travel
Where Sustainable Travel Is Headed in 2017 | Shivani Vora, New York Times
Let’s Discuss Sustainable Travel | Laura-Celine Haughey, Birdgehls
Planning an Eco-Friendly Trip
Finding Sustainable Places to Stay | Ellie Cleary, Soul Travel Blog
A Guide to Ethical Eating While You Travel | Jonathon Engels, Green Global Travel
Can air travel ever be sustainable? | Charlie Marchant, Charlie on Travel
7 Things to Pack for Eco-Friendly Travel | Me!
Top (and Worst!) Eco-Friendly Destinations
5 of the Best Places to Stay for Eco-Friendly Vacations | Nomadic Boys
10 Ecotourism Destinations to Turn Your Travel Green | Amanda Williams, Amanda’s Wanderlust
The Worst Destinations for Sustainable Travel | Misty Foster, Travel+SocialGood
Things to Think Twice About
How environmentally friendly is your cruise holiday? | Alison Moodie, The Guardian
All-Inclusive Holidays: Sinner or Saint? | Olly Wheatcroft & Justin Francis, Responsible Travel
Let’s Talk: The Ethics of Zoo and Aquariums | Alexandra Baackes, Alex in Wanderland
Why We Choose Not to Swim with Whale Sharks | Julian Hatfield, Don’t Forget to Move
Please Don’t Ride the Elephants | Amanda Williams, A Dangerous Business
Animal Selfies: The Problem with Putting Ego over Responsibility | Green Global Travel
What happens when travel isn’t sustainable?
As the Maldives Gains Tourists, It’s Losing Its Beaches | Kai Schultz, New York Times
Environmental Impacts of Tourism | Green Tumble
More Tips for Green Travel
How can you travel greener? | Naomi Figueroa, Roaming the Americas
13 Sustainable Travel Hacks For a Greener World | Allison Green, Eternal Arrival
Go Green: Your Guide to Sustainable Travel | Amanda Kohr, Wanderlust
What do you do to travel sustainably?
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What a great collection! Sharing this 🙂
Thanks Sibylle, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the share! There are some fantastic resources here.
You’re very welcome! We loved your article – glad you liked the others too. 🙂
Hi Jen,
Travelling is definitely a gift and we are lucky to be able to do it. Of course being part of the culture and experimenting new things are also part of the experience, but doing it responsibly is the the most important aspect of travelling. It was great reading your post and becoming aware about other travellers who are writing about it too.
P.S – We love hiking! Where was your best hike so far? Ours was Everest Base Camp.
Telma @ Blank Canvas Voyage
Thanks so much for your comment, Telma! This is a topic that’s really important to me, and I’m so glad to see people enjoying the post. As for hikes… we did a two-day trek in the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania that is definitely up there 🙂 EBC has always been on my bucket list, but I’m terrified of that little airport!