How to explore without wrecking what you came to see?
Travel’s great. But let’s be honest—it takes a toll. Planes, waste, overcrowded spots… not ideal.
Still, you don’t have to go full zero-waste to travel better. Just be a bit more mindful. That’s really it.
✈️ Flying? Okay, but maybe fly smarter
If there’s a train, take it. But if you have to fly:
- Go nonstop when you can
- Don’t pack your whole closet
- Economy seats do less harm than business class
Carbon offsets? Up to you. Some people do, while others don’t.
🏠 Stay somewhere that’s not wrecking the neighborhood
Big resorts look fancy, but they use way too much. Water, power, land—all gone in one swipe.
Instead, try:
- Small guesthouses
- Locally run homestays
- Anywhere that isn’t wasteful, just for show
- Change towels every day? No, thanks.
🧴 Bring a bottle, skip the trash
- One good bottle. One bag. Maybe a spoon if you’re the type.
- You’ll avoid a ton of plastic. Plus, it’s lighter on your wallet, too.
🥘 Eat what’s actually from there
- Skip the big chains. Grab street food. Visit small family-run places. Ask what’s fresh.
- Eating local isn’t just better for the planet—it usually tastes way better too.
- And go easy on the meat. Not saying stop, just… be chill with it.
🚶 Walk more, ride less
- Half the cool stuff you find while traveling? You find it on foot.
- Use the metro, grab a cycle, or take a local bus. You’ll save money and see more.
🛍 Don’t collect junk
- Tourist shops full of plastic? Yeah, skip those.
- Get something handmade. Or something useful. Or nothing at all.
- You’ll remember the place either way.
🚮 Clean up after yourself
Throw stuff in the bin. Don’t leave bottles on trails. Keep showers short, especially where water’s scarce. And for the love of travel—don’t scratch your name into a monument. Just don’t.
🙏 Be decent
It’s not just about the environment—it’s about people too.
- Say thank you
- Learn a couple of local words
- Tip: When someone helps
- Don’t treat locals like props
Respect goes further than any travel hack ever will.
🌿 Last bit
- Not every trip has to be 100% green. That’s not the point.
- Just try not to leave things worse than you found them. (That’s all.)