How to Travel More Sustainably Without Compromising on Comfort

Whether you're jetting off for a much-needed week away from work or you're heading overseas for a longer backpacking trip, being more conscious of how you travel and what you get up to during your holiday can help to reduce your impact on the environment and the local people of the places you visit.

The good news is that going green doesn't mean going without. You can still enjoy that dreamy getaway while making choices that benefit the planet and local communities. Not sure where to start? We'll walk you through everything you need to know, from sustainable travel examples to helpful tips and practices for becoming more self-aware while on holiday.

What is sustainable travel?

Sustainable travel is about making mindful choices that support local economies, protect natural habitats, and preserve cultural traditions for future generations. For example, staying in locally-owned accommodation, choosing transport options that help  lower carbon footprints, and being respectful of local customs. But why is this important?

Overtourism (high levels of tourism that swamp a destination's resources) is causing travel hotspots around the world to see an increase in pollution, environmental damage, and even the loss of cultural practices. Tourism accounts for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, meaning there's already pressure to find more environmentally friendly ways to travel from country to country.

But here's another mind-boggling fact you might not know: 95% of the world's tourists visit just 5% of its landmass. This has led to a massive strain on natural resources while also pricing residents out of their homes and businesses as rent skyrockets in popular destinations. In recent years, house prices have risen by 6-11% annually in big tourist hotspots such as Croatia, Greece, and Spain, with renters paying $384 more per year on average due to higher demand for private accommodation such as Airbnb.

In response, sustainable travel prioritises finding ways to maintain tourism long-term. The goal is to make tourism a beneficial part of a country's economy and infrastructure whilst boosting cultural etiquette and respect for local communities, alongside native wildlife and plant life.

Why comfort doesn't have to be compromised

Becoming a more sustainable tourist doesn't mean you have to give up on having a comfortable, relaxing holiday. You can still have that spa day, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and sleep soundly in comfortable accommodations while making choices that benefit the planet.

The thing to remember is that sustainability isn't about having one holiday where you rough it out to keep your impact to a minimum. Instead, it's about shifting your mindset to change how you think about travelling, from planning your itinerary to choosing your airline.

Some sustainable travel examples include choosing slow travel, such as opting for a scenic train ride over a speedy domestic flight, and reducing waste with reusable items – like our Trtl Flask – meaning there's less need for single-use plastic bottles.

There's a wide range of holiday providers who prioritise sustainability, making it easy to plan a holiday with minimal impact. Or, if you're looking to build your holiday experience from the ground up, there are plenty of small changes you can make to guarantee you're helping native communities.

What are some sustainable practices that ensure comfort?

There are plenty of simple ways to help reduce your impact on the places you visit without sacrificing an ounce of comfort during your trip. Here are some of our favourite sustainable travel practices that can actually improve your holiday experience:

• Opt for eco-friendly transport – Choose trains and other forms of public transport over short-haul flights where possible. Not only are these options better for the environment, but train journeys offer stunning scenery and more legroom than cramped plane seats.
  
  
• Pack light, but smart – Travelling with less luggage reduces fuel usage and makes your journey more comfortable. Our Packing Pods are the perfect way to make the most of just your hand luggage while keeping your belongings organised, so you can pack efficiently without leaving any essentials behind.
  
  
• Stay in eco-conscious accommodation – Look for hotels and B&Bs with sustainability certifications, solar panels, or water-saving initiatives. These places usually provide a more authentic, locally sourced experience with top-tier amenities that rival any luxury resort.
  
  
• Choose sustainable airlines for comfortable flights – Many airlines now offer carbon offset programmes and have invested in newer, more fuel-efficient aircrafts. These modern planes often come with better entertainment systems, more comfortable seating, and improved air quality.

What are some sustainable travel tips for comfort seekers?

The thought of trying to travel sustainably doesn't have to send you into a tailspin. There are plenty of simple ways to make a difference without leaving yourself cut short on your holiday experiences.

Here are some of the easiest sustainable travel tips to stay comfortable while travelling more mindfully:

• Research local cultural traditions – One of the first steps to being a more sustainable traveller is being more aware and respectful of the cultures around you during your trip. Take some time to familiarise yourself before you set off, which will lead to fewer unwanted surprises and a more genuine experience while you’re there.
  
  
• Bring a reusable travel blanket – Our Mini Wrap Blanket opens you up to more accommodation options and helps reduce the amount of laundry that your chosen hotel or B&B needs to do. Plus, you'll always have a cosy, familiar blanket that's actually clean – no more wondering when those hotel blankets were last washed!
  
  
• Use reusable sleep aids – Pack your sleep mask and travel pillow to reduce the amount of single-use itemsyou need when travelling. You'll get better quality sleep with accessories designed for your comfort, rather than relying on whatever's provided.
  
  
• Bring a portable water filter – This reduces the amount of bottled water you'll need to buy in countries where the tap water isn't drinkable. Not only does this cut down on plastic waste, but you'll save money and always have fresh, clean water on hand wherever you go.
  
  
• Choose slow travel for a more relaxed journey – Experience scenic railway routes like the Bergen Line in Norway, the Glacier Express in the Swiss Alps, or the Douro Line in Portugal. These journeys offer stunning views along the way, becoming part of the adventure rather than rushing from A to B.
  
  
• Offset your carbon footprint – Use trains and buses rather than flights as much as possible, especially when travelling between neighbouring countries on multi-destination trips. When you can, try walking to your destination instead of using cars or other fuel-consuming vehicles – you'll get to discover hidden gems while also getting some exercise.
  
  
• Learn how to spot ‘greenwashing’ – Some travel companies have started capitalising on the demand for sustainable tourism by making false or misleading claims about their own practices. This is known as ‘greenwashing’. Searching for guest reviews at hotels and looking at airline ratings will give you some idea of how sustainable they actually are, meaning you’re not wasting money and supporting the wrong initiatives.

Sustainable travel trends for 2025

Sustainable travel has been steadily growing in popularity over the years, as more and more tourists are trying to reduce their carbon footprint and lessen their impact on the countries they holiday in. Over half of global travellers are now aware of the effect their travels have on the environment, which is leading to a wide range of exciting sustainable trends.

Here are some of the main trends taking off in 2025:

• Wellness tourism – This emphasises the importance of personal wellbeing. Think yoga retreats in eco-lodges, forest bathing experiences, and spa treatments using locally sourced, organic products. It's sustainable because it supports rural communities and encourages the conservation of natural environments.
  
  
• Agritourism – Staying on working farms lets you experience authentic local life while supporting small-scale farmers. You'll enjoy fresh, seasonal meals and learn traditional farming practices, all while contributing directly to local food systems rather than industrial tourism.
  
  
• Slow tourism – This trend is all about taking the time to really immerse yourself in a destination rather than rushing through an itinerary as quickly as possible. Longer stays mean fewer flights, building deeper connections, and spending more money in local communities. Plus, you'll return home feeling genuinely refreshed rather than needing another holiday to recover!
  
  
• Urban ecotourism – Cities are creating green spaces, sustainable transport networks, and eco-friendly attractions that let you explore urban environments more responsibly. Think bike tours through Copenhagen, exploring Singapore's vertical gardens, or discovering London's rewilding projects.
  
  
• Astrotourism – Dark-sky destinations are booming as people seek stargazing opportunities without the usual light pollution that comes from larger cities. These are typically rural locations, meaning you'll be investing directly in smaller communities.

We’re also noticing more dedicated carbon-zero hotels starting to appear, focusing on keeping their emissions as low as possible by only washing bedding and towels at the start and end of your stay to save water, etc. There are also guided tours and even entire holiday packages designed to help support and rebuild local communities impacted by overtourism or natural disasters.

Why is sustainable travel good for us and the planet?

Sustainable tourism isn't just good for the environment – it also helps you create more meaningful connections with the places you visit. Here's how sustainable travel benefits you and the planet:

1. Reduces carbon footprint – By choosing greener transport options, staying longer in fewer destinations, and supporting eco-conscious businesses, you're directly helping to combat climate change.
   
   
2. Supports local communities – When you eat at family-run restaurants, stay in locally-owned accommodation, and buy souvenirs from resident artisans, your money goes directly into the pockets of the people who call your destination home. This helps to create more jobs and give back to the local community.
   
   
3. Preserves natural resources – Sustainable travel helps protect the same landscapes and ecosystems that make your chosen destination special in the first place. By choosing eco-friendly options, you're making sure that everything from pristine beaches to lush forests and crystal-clear lakes stays unspoiled for years to come.
   
   
4. Reduces overcrowding and overtourism – Travelling during off-peak times, exploring lesser-known destinations, and choosing sustainable tour operators help distribute tourism more evenly. This means shorter queues and more authentic experiences for you, as well as destinations that aren't overwhelmed by large visitor numbers.
   
   
5. Leaves a positive legacy – Perhaps most importantly, sustainable travel means you can explore the world knowing that your adventures are making places better, not worse.

How can you offset your carbon footprint?

Your carbon footprint is essentially the total amount of greenhouse gases produced by your activities – and when it comes to travel, this can add up quickly. The brilliant news is that there are loads of practical ways to reduce your carbon footprint when travelling. 

We've already covered lots of them above, but a few others you can keep in mind for your next trip include:

• Choosing direct flights when you do fly – Takeoffs and landings use the most fuel, so fewer connections mean lower emissions overall. Plus, you'll spend less time in airports and reduce the risk of delays or lost luggage.
  
  
• Picking accommodation wisely – Look for hotels with green certifications, renewable energy, and water-saving programmes. Many eco-conscious places offer unique experiences like farm-to-table dining or nature conservation activities.
  
  
• Supporting carbon offset programmes – Many airlines and travel companies now offer verified carbon offset schemes. While this shouldn't be your only strategy, it's a great way to balance out unavoidable emissions from long-haul flights.

Travel in comfort with Trtl Travel

Now that we've proven being more eco-conscious doesn't mean giving up the comforts you expect while on holiday, it's time to think ahead to your next adventure. With a bit of careful planning, you can enjoy incredible experiences while making a positive impact on the places you visit.

Staying comfortable throughout your journey is just as important as when you arrive, and that's where our Trtl Pillow comes in – designed to leave you feeling refreshed at your destination, whether it's a scenic train ride through Europe or a long-haul flight to somewhere further afield

For more tips and travel inspiration, take a look at the Trtl Blog.