In 2026, Embrace Sustainable Travel and Tourism with These Helpful Steps
Credit: Ketut Subiyanto
Flying to Tokyo. Sailing down the Rhine. Trekking through the Amazon Rainforest. There is so much of this remarkable planet to see, but unfortunately, travel also damages the planet in many ways, from carbon emissions to single-use plastic waste. That’s why it’s time to make sustainable travel and tourism the new way of traveling.
What Is Sustainable Travel and Tourism?
Just like any other aspect of sustainability, ethical travel mandates awareness, consideration, and intention. Sustainable travel is, at its core, about protecting destinations near and far from your home.
Tourism is the fifth most polluting industry globally, according to the nonprofit Seaside Sustainability. It accounts for 8% of all carbon emissions and can become a massive strain on natural resources, housing, and more.
Sustainable travel businesses are looking to change all this, including some Green Business Network members.
Winkaffe Global Travel specializes in custom travel that is new, educational, and pushes you out of your comfort zone. Any recommended hotel, guide, or experience is thoroughly vetted to consider things like “labor practices, supply chains, conservation efforts, and cultural integrity.”
The three main practices of this include: properties committed to low-impact, environmentally conscious operations, like avoiding resorts on ecologically sensitive land that displaced local communities or wildlife; genuine and respectful engagement with culture; and investing in the local economy by avoiding corporate chains and vetting vendors.
AltruVistas is a travel company with a simple philosophy: “In order for travel to be truly ethical, it needs to incorporate the best practices of both ecological and social responsibility.”
With AltruVistas, travelers can work to create their own custom sustainable and ethical trip or partake in the company’s hosted journeys. With each journey, AltruVistas ensures that 50% of every dollar spent on the trip remains in the local economy. The trips are educational and fulfilling, with several themes like art and culture, architecture, or advocacy.
Ready to travel? Then check out Montfair Resort Farm, an eco-friendly lakeside destination located across 129 acres at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
Everything about Montfair is intentional and respectful. The cedar cabins have been renovated with green building materials and supplies, contain organic mattresses, low flow faucets and toilets, and more. For energy, the business prioritizes Energy Star Appliances and purchases energy through the Dominion Energy Green Power Program. Even the smallest things are intentional, like recycled paper for brochures and office documents.
Now, you have your destination or people to help you get there, but what can you do as an individual on your journey?
How to Travel Sustainably
If you’re a hiker or camper, you know the principles of Leave No Trace, and ensuring people respect nature, wildlife, and culture. You can apply the Leave No Trace principles to all travel, not just trips to the National Parks or a backpacking adventure.
These are the seven guidelines of Leave No Trace and how you can apply them to any trip:
Plan Ahead and Prepare: Work with a sustainable tourism agency like one of our Green Business Network members, search for flights with lower emissions and consider purchasing carbon offsets, research customs of your destination, and more.
Credit: Frederic C Madan
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: This principle is all about keeping nature as untouched as possible. No matter where you’re traveling to, stay on designated trails and pathways, respect landmarks both natural and man-made, and don’t wander where you’re not supposed to.
Dispose of Waste Properly: This should be a number one rule of life, not just travel. You don’t litter at home, so don’t litter anywhere else. A good way to go about this as a traveler is to prioritize reusable items like water bottles and avoid plastic waste.
Leave What You Find: There are gift shops and local businesses everywhere you go if you want to take something from your travels back home with you.
Minimize Campfire Impacts: Not planning to have a campfire on your trip? That’s okay; this principle can still apply to you. Be aware of a destination’s climate and ecosystems and know the types of materials or items that could cause damage.
Respect Wildlife: That lion sure is majestic on an African safari, but it is just as much a part of this planet as any other living thing. Do not engage, harass, or harm wildlife wherever you go. If you’re an animal lover, try specific animal experiences like Nara Park in Japan where you can meet, feed, and pet sika deer, or visiting the Galápagos Islands with a certified guide.
Be Considerate of Others: A principle that applies to all facets of life. When you’re traveling, be aware of your fellow travelers and locals. Most importantly, however, respect the culture of your destination, support it by shopping and eating locally, and embracing the people wherever you are.
Ready for your next adventure? Be sure to check out the Green Business Network directory to find sustainable travel materials like plant-based toothbrushes or drinking straws from Brush with Bamboo and natural fiber outdoor gear from Lucky Sheep.
Bon voyage!