As my travel plans start to take shape for 2026, I’ve found myself thinking a little more about how I travel, not just where I’m going. Not in an all-or-nothing way, more in small, realistic choices that feel manageable and, hopefully, meaningful.

Sustainable travel doesn’t have to be perfect or restrictive. For me, it’s about paying attention, travelling a little more slowly when possible, and being mindful of the places that give us so much joy. These are some of the eco-friendly travel habits I’m carrying into 2026, practical, imperfect, and easy to build into real trips. Books like this one I’ve found inspiring Eco-Friendly Travel Guide 2025.

1. Choosing Eco-Conscious Places to Stay

Where you stay can make a bigger difference than you might expect, and it’s often the easiest place to start.

I tend to look for smaller, locally run accommodation first, guesthouses, eco-lodges, family-owned hotels, places where sustainability is part of how they operate, not just something added to the website. Certifications like Green Key or EarthCheck can be useful indicators, but I also read reviews carefully to see how things work in practice. Like the farmhouse we stayed at in Portugal. 

Once I’m there, it’s the small habits that add up: reusing towels, turning off lights and air-conditioning when I head out, and skipping daily housekeeping if it’s offered. None of it feels like a sacrifice, just a quieter way of travelling.

2. Thinking a Bit More Carefully About Transport

Transport is one of the trickier parts of sustainable travel, especially when flights are involved, but it’s also where small mindset shifts help.

Whenever it works, I’m leaning more towards fewer trips, stayed longer, rather than lots of short breaks. Trains, ferries and buses can be part of the journey rather than just a way to get from A to B, and once I arrive. I love relying walking, or cycling to explore.

It’s slower, yes, but it often feels more connected, too. You notice more, and the place tends to reveal itself gradually rather than all at once.

3. Packing a Little Lighter

Packing has become one of my quiet sustainability wins.

Taking less not only makes travel easier, it also reduces weight, which matters more than we often realise, especially when flying. I try to pack clothes I’ll actually wear, pieces that mix and match, and shoes that work for more than one situation. I love my salt water sandals especially. 

Reusable items have also become travel staples: a refillable water bottle, a tote bag, and reef-safe sunscreen. They don’t take up much space, but they cut down on single-use plastics wherever I go. See my packing tips here>>

4. Supporting Local, Wherever Possible

One of the things I love most about travel is the food, the people, and the small moments that don’t make it into guidebooks.

Eating locally, choosing seasonal dishes, shopping from independent makers, and booking local guides all help keep money within the community, and usually lead to far more memorable experiences anyway. I’m also increasingly drawn to less obvious destinations, especially in peak seasons, where tourism feels more balanced and less overwhelming.

5. Everyday Mindfulness While Travelling

Some of the most important habits are also the simplest: respecting wildlife, sticking to marked paths, taking rubbish with you if bins aren’t available, and being aware that you’re a guest in someone else’s home.

Learning a few local words, understanding customs, and travelling with curiosity rather than expectation all feel like part of travelling responsibly, not rules, just good manners.

A Final Thought

I don’t think sustainable travel is about doing everything “right”. For me, it’s about noticing, adjusting, and making small changes that feel doable, and continuing to travel with care for the places that inspire us to explore in the first place. I read somewhere that the more people that do this imperfectly rather than a few doing it perfectly will have a greater impact. 

If you have your own ways of travelling more thoughtfully, I’d love to hear them.