Traveling is an incredible way to explore the world and make lifelong memories. But it can also have a significant impact on the environment, especially the oceans, which cover more than 70% of our planet. Sustainable travel is all about reducing that impact while still enjoying your travels.

Sustainable travel doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or adventure—it means making thoughtful choices that protect the planet while creating meaningful experiences. Whether it’s diving responsibly, choosing Eco-conscious accommodations, or simply saying no to single-use plastics, every small step counts.

Here’s how you can embrace sustainability during your travels and make a difference that lasts.

Why Does Sustainable Travel Matter?

When we travel, our choices can contribute to pollution, over-tourism, and harm to natural habitats, including marine ecosystems. For instance, plastic waste from tourism often ends up in the ocean, threatening marine life. By making mindful decisions, you can help protect these precious environments while enjoying your journey. After all, traveling sustainably not only benefits the planet but also ensures that future generations can experience the same incredible destinations.

Top 10 Tips for Sustainable Travel

1. Choose Eco-Friendly Transport

Air travel is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions. While it’s not always avoidable, you can make greener choices, such as flying direct whenever possible to reduce emissions. Opt for trains or buses for shorter distances and walk or bike to explore your destination. For road trips, consider carpooling or renting hybrid or electric vehicles to minimize your environmental footprint.

2. Stay in Sustainable Accommodation

Many hotels and resorts now prioritize sustainability by reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local communities. When booking accommodation, look for certifications like Green Key, EarthCheck, or LEED. Alternatively, consider staying in Eco-lodges or with hosts who implement sustainable practices, such as recycling, using renewable energy, or supporting marine conservation efforts.

3. Reduce Plastic Waste

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to the ocean. Studies have indicated that by 2050, the oceans may contain more plastic by weight than fish, highlighting the severe impact of pollution on marine ecosystems.

That said, it is easy for us to reduce the impact of plastic pollution with simple lifestyle changes:

• Packing a reusable water bottle and avoiding single-use plastic bottles.
• Carrying reusable utensils, straws, and shopping bags.
• Refusing unnecessary packaging or opting for Eco-friendly alternatives.

Supporting destinations that have bans on single-use plastics is another way to encourage sustainable tourism.

4. Support Local Economies

When you spend money at locally-owned businesses, such as restaurants, shops, and tour companies, you help support the community and reduce the environmental costs of imported goods.

Look for local guides and chat with the staff at local dive centers. They often prioritize sustainable practices and are knowledgeable about protecting the local environment. They can also let you know where the best dive and snorkeling spots are!

5. Make Sustainable Food Choices

Seafood is a key part of many travel experiences, but overfishing is a significant problem for marine ecosystems. A 2006 study published in Science warned that if overfishing and pollution continue at current rates, global seafood populations could collapse by 2050, with a 90% loss of species.

To ensure your fish and seafood meals are sustainable:

• Avoid overfished or endangered species like sharks or unsustainably farmed shrimp.
• Choose restaurants that source locally and support sustainable fishing practices.

Not sure how to identify if your seafood is sustainable? Look for credible Eco-labels like the Marine Conservation Society Blue Tick or check the WWF sustainable seafood guides. The guides are really easy to use and the WWF seafood app now has AI-powered camera fish identification.

6. Be a Responsible Ocean Lover

If you plan on spending time in the ocean on your travels, make sure you follow Eco-friendly practices:

• Avoid touching or stepping on coral reefs and don’t disturb marine life.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to prevent harmful chemicals from polluting the water.
• Dive with responsible operators that focus on ocean conservation and education.

Top reef-safe sunscreens include Raw Elements USA, Badger Mineral Sunscreens, and many divers’ favorite, Stream 2 Sea.

7. Travel Light

Packing light doesn’t just save you from lugging around heavy bags—it also reduces the weight on transportation, helping to cut down on fuel consumption. Stick to versatile clothing and only bring what you truly need. Need some inspiration to help you pack light? Check out @the5kilotraveller, she has some great tips and tricks from her world travels.

8. Respect Wildlife and Nature

Interacting with nature is one of the joys of traveling, but it’s important to do so responsibly. Avoid feeding or approaching wildlife, stick to designated trails, and avoid damaging natural habitats. As always, leave no trace by picking up after yourself and disposing of waste properly.

9. Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Some emissions are unavoidable, but you can offset them easily these days. Many airlines allow you to offset your carbon when you book your flights. You can also offset carbon easily by planting trees with One Tree Planted – it’s easy, online, and effective.

10. Educate Yourself and Others

The more you learn about sustainability, the easier it gets to make Eco-friendly choices. Share what you learn with fellow travelers and encourage them to adopt sustainable habits too. Small changes add up when many people take action.

Why Does Protecting the Ocean Matter?

Oceans are vital to life on Earth. They produce around 50% of the oxygen we breathe, regulate the climate, and support diverse ecosystems. However, human activities, including tourism, have put immense pressure on marine environments. Plastic pollution, coral bleaching, and over fishing are just a few of the threats oceans face.

By traveling sustainably, you contribute to protecting these vital ecosystems. You also inspire others and help ensure the destinations you love remain beautiful for generations to come. So, where will your next adventure take you?

This article was written by Kathryn Curzon, a shark conservationist and dive travel writer for SSI.