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Sustainable travel: 5 tips for an eco-friendly vacation

Tourism is a huge economic and employment engine, but it is also responsible for a lot of environmental damage - from greenhouse gas emissions to large-scale water and energy consumption, and major disruption to the local population. Such major issues can leave you feeling overwhelmed, but we can make a difference. Here are 5 small choices that can make a big difference while holidaying abroad / By Inbal Cabiri

01 Choosing your hotel. People often choose their hotel according to what kind of pool it has or the breakfast buffet, but have you ever asked yourself what impact the hotel you choose to stay at has on responsible for what is known as “tourism leakage”, which means the money you spend in the hotel doesn’t benefit the local economy, but rather simply expands the chain’s profit. Staying in a locally-owned hotel reduces tourism leakage and contributes to the local economy. Also, staying at a hotel that has easy access to public transport will not only help you spend less, but also allow you to use less taxis and therefore contribute less to greenhouse gas emissions. 02 Disposing of trash. Reusable water bottles and eating utensils, as well as canvas shopping bags are crucial items to significantly reduce the amount of waste you generate. All you have to do is remember to put them in your suitcase, and by doing so, you’ll have saved both money, and waste. Recycling is common practice in many countries around the world. Make sure you pay attention to the color-codes of each type of bin (paper, plastic, glass, etc.) when you the local community? Many international hotel chains are

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dispose of waste. Walking over to the correct bin may take an extra few minutes, but it makes a huge difference to the environment. 03 Public transport. Using public transport to get around will not only save you a lot of money, it also gives you the opportunity to experience your destination in a much more authentic way. Also, many cities offer the possibility to easily rent bikes, another great way of discovering a new city. 04 Food. Use apps like Too Good To Go or Karma, which allow you to purchase unsold food from local businesses at reduced prices at the end of the day.

Not only does it rescue great food, it’s also a great way of spending less. Go to local markets and local businesses – it contributes to the local economy and unlocks greener supply chains. 05 Social sustainability. Sustainable travel isn’t only about plastic usage and waste management. It’s about considering the social impact of your holiday on local communities. The idea behind it is to try and leave the place you’re visiting in a better state than how you found it. Be mindful of where you’re making purchases and try to support local cultural life by visiting little galleries or going on guided tours led by locals.

10 ATMOSPHERE OCTOBER 2025