Travelling offers discovery and connection, but it also carries a growing responsibility. Tourism contributes around 8% of global carbon emissions, and that’s without accounting for its impact on habitats, wildlife, and local communities. These golden rules of sustainable travel make it possible to explore deeply and leave a lighter footprint.
1. Choose eco-friendly transport and go land-first
Aviation accounted for 7% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, with projections suggesting this could rise to 9% by 2025 and 11% by 2030.
Switching just 10% of UK domestic flights to rail could cut carbon emissions by an estimated 410,000 tonnes annually. On a per passenger–kilometre basis, planes emit about 285g of CO₂, more than seven times the 41g produced by the average UK train.
So, when planning your next getaway – especially within the UK or across mainland Europe – it’s worth considering overland alternatives. Trains, coaches and even ferries aren’t just more climate-friendly; they also turn the journey into part of the adventure. You’ll see more of the landscape, avoid airport queues, and arrive feeling more relaxed.
Where flying is necessary, opt for direct flights. Takeoffs and landings are fuel-intensive, and connecting flights can double or even triple your emissions. Consider flying economy too – it’s the more efficient choice, with lower emissions per passenger than premium seating.
Top tip: For trips under 600km (roughly London to Paris), rail travel is often faster door-to-door than flying – and far greener too!
2. Pack light and travel smarter
It may not seem like much, but the weight of your luggage does make a difference. Aircraft fuel consumption increases with every kilo carried. According to a study based on short‑ to medium‑haul flights, removing just 1 kg of weight from the aircraft saves approximately 0.003 kg of fuel per passenger kilometre.
Here’s what that means in practice:
- On a 1,000 km trip, shedding 1 kg saves about 3 kg of fuel, which translates to roughly 9.5 kg of CO₂ prevented (since burning 1 kg of jet fuel emits around 3.16 kg of CO₂) .
- Over 10,000 km, that single kilo can save nearly 95 kg of CO₂, equivalent to a typical round‑trip flight from London to New York.
Stick to the essentials. Choose versatile clothing that mixes and matches, pack solid toiletries like shampoo bars and toothpaste tabs, and skip any single-use items. A refillable water bottle, reusable coffee cup, fabric tote bag, and bamboo cutlery can help you avoid plastic waste on the road.
Top tip: Fewer bags mean less time waiting at the carousel and lower baggage fees. It’s a win for you and the planet.
3. Stay somewhere sustainable
Not all accommodation is created equal. Look for hotels, guesthouses, or lodges with genuine sustainability credentials, such as Green Key, EarthCheck, or LEED certification.
Eco-conscious properties often:
- Use renewable energy
- Minimise water waste with low‑flow systems
- Recycle, compost, and reduce single-use items
- Support local communities and conservation projects
Here’s why it matters: Hotels that adopt sustainability initiatives reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 21%, and those implementing water-saving fixtures can cut water use by up to 40%, particularly in newer builds, making a real difference in resource conservation.
Avoid being swayed by vague terms like “eco-friendly” without evidence. A truly sustainable stay will usually highlight its efforts clearly, and many will be proud to answer your questions before booking.
4. Shop and eat locally
Supporting local businesses helps reduce carbon emissions from transported goods and gives you a more authentic travel experience. It’s also a powerful way to reinvest in the communities you visit.
By opting for regional products rather than heavily transported items, you can cut carbon emissions, as these reduce the need for refrigeration and long-distance transport by approximately 17%.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Eat at locally owned cafés and restaurants using seasonal ingredients
- Buy handmade souvenirs and crafts instead of mass-produced trinkets
- Visit farmers’ markets or food halls instead of supermarkets
Not only will you uncover unique flavours and experiences, but every euro or dollar spent stays within the community, supporting local livelihoods and reducing emissions. It’s a win for everyone.
5. Respect the natural environment
Whether you’re hiking through a forest or exploring a coastal village, the golden rule is simple: take only memories, leave only footprints.
- Stick to marked trails to avoid damaging ecosystems
- Never pick plants or disturb wildlife
- Carry your rubbish out with you, or better yet, avoid generating any at all
This isn’t just etiquette – it really matters. A study of alpine parks found that off-trail trampling damaged vegetation across 90% of the area surveyed, with informal paths causing far more harm than official trails. In fragile environments, like coral reefs, rainforests, or desert landscapes, even small disruptions can cause lasting damage.
Show nature the same care and respect you’d want visitors to show your home. Choose the path and leave the planet better for the next traveller.
6. Choose ethical wildlife experiences
Wild animals don’t belong in selfies or stage shows. Unfortunately, tourist demand has fuelled practices that exploit animals under the guise of entertainment. But ethical alternatives – ones that genuinely support animal welfare – are within reach.
The scale of the problem is staggering: research by Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) found that 75% of wildlife tourist attractions involve animal welfare or conservation concerns, affecting an estimated 550,000 wild animals worldwide.
Say yes to:
- Wildlife sanctuaries focused on rehabilitation, rather than profit
- Guided observation of animals in their natural habitat, maintaining respectful distances
- Conservation projects that actively support biodiversity
Say no to:
- Elephant rides, dolphin swimming, or “tiger temples”
- Venues where wild animals are caged, chained, or forced to perform
- Interactions involving petting, holding, or posing for selfies with wild animals
Choosing ethical wildlife encounters means you’re not just avoiding harm – you’re committing to conservation and respect for the animals and ecosystems we cherish.
7. Offset your emissions (but reduce them first!)
Offsetting is a handy way to balance the environmental impact of your travels, but it’s not a get-out-of-jail-free card. The best approach? Cut what you can, then offset the rest.
Start by making low-carbon choices where it counts:
- Choose trains or coaches instead of short-haul flights
- Pack light (your bag and the planet will thank you)
- Travel slower and stay longer in each location
Once you’ve done that, offsetting helps to tip the scales in your favour. You’ll be supporting projects such as tree planting, clean cookstove schemes, or renewable energy initiatives.
Despite growing interest in greener travel, only around 2% of passengers buy carbon offsets when booking flights, according to IATA (International Air Transport Association)
So if you do it, you’re already ahead of the game.
Look for certified programmes like Gold Standard or VCS (Verified Carbon Standard). They’re independently verified and do what they promise. Some airlines let you add offsetting at checkout.
8. Save water and energy
Water scarcity affects over 2 billion people worldwide, and tourism can put extra stress on limited local resources, especially in dry or remote destinations. Laundry alone makes up about 16% of a hotel’s water use, with every 10kg of towels washed consuming at least 50 litres of water.
Be water-wise:
- Take shorter showers
- Turn off the taps while brushing your teeth
- Hang towels and reuse linens instead of asking for daily changes
Save energy too:
- Switch off lights, TV, and air conditioning when you leave the room
- Unplug devices once charged
- Skip the lift and take the stairs when you can
With millions of hotel stays happening every day, these small habits add up to big wins.
9. Travel in the shoulder season
Overtourism puts stress on local infrastructure, increases pollution, and can wear down cultural and natural sites. But travelling outside peak times helps ease these pressures – and it comes with perks for you, too.
In 2024, 31% of all nights spent in EU tourist accommodation fell in July and August alone. That’s nearly one-third of annual usage packed into just two months, leaving the rest of the year far quieter and less congested.
Benefits of travelling off‑peak include:
- Fewer crowds at popular attractions
- Lower prices for flights and accommodation
- Higher availability of eco-tourism activities
- More meaningful interactions with locals
- Helps communities thrive year‑round, not just in peak season
Travelling in the shoulder season helps destinations breathe easier, and you treat yourself to a more relaxed, authentic holiday experience.
Small changes add up
Travelling greener isn’t about being perfect – it’s about making better choices, one trip at a time. From packing light to choosing ethical experiences, every small action adds up. By following these golden rules, you’ll reduce your impact, support local communities, and protect the places you love to visit.
And with InsureandGo’s flexible travel insurance by your side, you can explore confidently, wherever, whenever you go. So take us with you, and go without the doubt.