How to Practice Sustainability While Travelling Abroad

Sustainable travel is no longer just a trend – it’s a necessity. As global tourism grows, so does its impact on the environment and local communities. Every flight we take, every meal we eat, and every accommodation we stay in contributes to our ecological footprint. But with conscious choices, travel can be a force for good.

At Far & Wild Travel, we are committed to making travel sustainable, ensuring that both nature and local communities benefit from tourism. In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways to travel sustainably so you can help to preserve cultural heritage, protect biodiversity, and support economies in ethical ways.

1. Choose Responsible Travel Companies

Before booking any trip, it’s essential to research travel providers to ensure they have a genuine commitment to sustainability. Many companies claim to be eco-friendly, but their efforts might be more about marketing than real impact.

Look for companies that:

• Measure and offset their carbon footprint – Far & Wild Travel offers the world’s first carbon scoring system for tailor-made travel, helping travellers understand the environmental impact of their trips. Responsible Travel is an example of a company that invests in reforestation projects and conservation efforts as part of its commitment to sustainable tourism.

• Support local communities – Check whether the company employs local guides, supports small businesses, and invests in the destinations they operate in. Sustainable tour operators partner with locally owned accommodations and restaurants to keep tourism revenue within the community. Far & Wild supports multiple community-forward efforts across Africa and South America, including Play it Forward, a charity and football club that uses football to inspire and empower children in Zambia. Additionally, our safari trips include local professional English-speaking guides because we believe in investing in the talent of the destinations we promote.

Run the Falls: A Charity Marathon Adventure | Far and Wild Travel

• Prioritise conservation – Travel companies should contribute towards wildlife conservation and habitat protection, ensuring tourism has a net positive effect on the environment. Our eco-lodges contribute a percentage of their profits to conservation initiatives.

• Are transparent about their sustainability goals – Look for companies with published impact reports, B Corp certification, or clear carbon reduction strategies. The best travel companies will be upfront about their efforts and continually work to improve them.

By supporting responsible travel providers, you ensure that your trip aligns with ethical and sustainable values, making your experience not just memorable but also meaningful.

2. Visit Destinations That Prioritise Conservation

Not all travel destinations treat sustainability equally. Some countries have taken bold steps to protect their environment and ensure tourism benefits local people. By visiting these places, you actively support conservation and ethical tourism.

• Namibia – The first country in the world to include environmental protection in its constitution, Namibia has a strong network of conservancies run by local communities. Visitors can experience safaris where conservation efforts directly benefit local people, helping protect endangered species like rhinos and cheetahs.

• Costa Rica – With over 25% of its land designated as protected areas, Costa Rica has successfully doubled its forest cover in recent decades. Eco-lodges like the Pacuare Lodge and responsible wildlife tours are the norm here, making it an ideal destination for sustainable travel. The country also runs successful community-led reforestation programmes that visitors can participate in.

• Bhutan – The world’s only carbon-negative country, Bhutan absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits. It has strict tourism policies, including a sustainable tourism fee, to protect its natural and cultural heritage. The revenue generated is reinvested in healthcare, education, and conservation efforts.
• Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands – Tourism is carefully regulated to protect the fragile ecosystem, with strict visitor limits and eco-friendly accommodations. Travelers can explore the islands with responsible guides who emphasise environmental education.

Choosing these destinations means your travel dollars contribute to conservation and sustainable development rather than harming the environment.

3. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint While Travelling

Air travel is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions. While avoiding flights entirely isn’t always practical, you can take steps to minimise your impact:

• Fly direct whenever possible – Take-offs and landings use the most fuel, so non-stop flights have a lower carbon footprint than those with multiple layovers.

• Choose airlines with carbon offset programmes – Some airlines invest in reforestation or renewable energy projects to counteract their emissions. Airlines like KLM and JetBlue have dedicated sustainability initiatives that promote eco-friendly travel.

• Opt for alternative transport – Trains, buses, and even cycling are often more sustainable than flying. In destinations like South Africa, the intercity Shosholoza Meyl trains and long-distance bus networks like Intercape provide eco-friendlier travel options. Similarly, in Colombia, the country's TransMilenio bus rapid transit system in Bogotá and expanding cycling infrastructure make sustainable travel more accessible.

• Slow travel – Instead of rushing between multiple destinations, spend more time in fewer places. This approach reduces transport emissions and allows for deeper cultural experiences.

For example, in Peru, instead of flying between cities, travellers can take long-distance buses or hike lesser-known trekking routes beyond the famous Inca Trail, such as the Salcantay or Choquequirao treks. This allows for a slower, more eco-conscious exploration of the country's rich history and natural beauty while reducing their overall carbon footprint.

By choosing slow travel, visitors can build stronger connections with locals, discover hidden gems, and reduce their environmental impact—all while gaining a richer, more authentic experience of the destination.

4. Stay in Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Where you stay matters. Many hotels claim to be “green”, but true eco-lodges and sustainable hotels go beyond just reusing towels. Look for properties that:

• Use renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.

• Implement waste management programmes to recycle, compost, and reduce single-use plastics.

• Support local communities by hiring locally, sourcing food from nearby farms, and funding conservation projects.

• Have minimal impact on the environment, such as Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador, which was built with sustainability in mind and supports cloud forest conservation.

• Utilise eco-friendly water management systems, like House in the Wild in Kenya, which recycles water through an eco-wetland system.

By choosing accommodations with a strong sustainability focus, your stay directly contributes to environmental conservation and local economic development.

Visit our dedicated page on sustainable lodges and hotels that we offer: Sustainable Lodges and Hotels | Far and Wild Travel

5. Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats

Many travellers seek out wildlife encounters, but not all experiences are ethical. Some attractions exploit animals, causing long-term harm to their welfare and natural behaviours. When visiting a new destination, it’s crucial to ensure that your presence supports conservation rather than contributing to the exploitation of wildlife. Here’s how you can travel responsibly and protect the natural world:

Avoid Exploitative Animal Interactions

While getting close to wild animals may seem exciting, many wildlife attractions exist solely for profit and mistreat animals for the sake of tourism.

• Elephant rides often involve cruel training methods, including physical punishment, to make elephants submissive. Instead, opt for ethical sanctuaries like those in South Africa or Kenya, where elephants roam freely without forced interactions.

• Tiger cub petting may seem harmless, but these animals are often taken from their mothers at birth and kept in poor conditions. Many of these facilities engage in unethical breeding or drugging practices to keep animals docile.

• Swimming with captive dolphins contributes to the exploitation of marine life. Dolphins in captivity often experience extreme stress, shorter lifespans, and unnatural living conditions. Instead, choose wildlife-friendly experiences, such as observing dolphins in their natural habitat in Mozambique or Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands.

Support Responsible Safaris and Ecotourism

If you’re planning a safari, choose destinations that emphasise conservation and community involvement.

• Countries like Botswana are leaders in eco-conscious tourism, with policies that limit the number of visitors in national parks to reduce human impact.
• Opt for safari lodges that run on solar energy, employ local guides, and reinvest profits into wildlife conservation. Some of the best examples include Namibia’s communal conservancies, where local communities play a direct role in protecting wildlife.
• In Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands, visitors can take part in jaguar conservation projects, ensuring that tourism directly funds anti-poaching efforts and habitat protection.

Visit Rehabilitation and Rewilding Projects

Responsible tourism can play a key role in reintroducing endangered species to the wild.

• Argentina’s Iberá Wetlands is a prime example, where conservationists are reintroducing species such as jaguars, anteaters, and giant otters. Tourism revenue supports these efforts, creating a sustainable model where local communities benefit from wildlife conservation.
• In Rwanda and Uganda, trekking to see mountain gorillas funds conservation projects that protect their habitat and prevent poaching. Only small groups are allowed at a time, minimising stress on the animals.
• In Madagascar, visiting reserves that focus on reforestation and habitat restoration helps protect endangered species like lemurs, whose populations are threatened by deforestation.

Never Feed or Touch Wild Animals

While it may be tempting to interact with wildlife, doing so can have harmful consequences.

• Feeding animals, such as monkeys or birds, alters their natural foraging behaviours, making them reliant on humans and increasing conflicts with local communities.
• Touching animals like sea turtles or reef fish can transfer bacteria from human skin, potentially harming their health. In places like the Galápagos Islands or the Seychelles, strict guidelines help ensure minimal human interference with marine life.
• Some areas, like the Serengeti in Tanzania, enforce no-interaction policies to prevent stress and keep wildlife behaviours as natural as possible.

By choosing ethical wildlife experiences, you can help protect vulnerable species, support conservation efforts, and ensure that future generations can continue to experience the beauty of the natural world.

6. Buy and Eat Local

Your purchasing decisions while travelling have a significant impact on the local economy and environment. By choosing to eat and shop locally, you not only contribute to the livelihoods of small businesses and artisans but also reduce the environmental impact of imported goods.

To be a more responsible traveller:

Support Locally Owned Restaurants and Sustainable Ingredients

Dining at locally owned restaurants ensures that your money supports small businesses rather than multinational chains. Additionally, eating food made with locally sourced ingredients reduces carbon emissions associated with imported goods.

• In Ethiopia, traditional eateries serve injera with a variety of plant-based stews, a sustainable and nutrient-rich option. The country’s cuisine heavily relies on lentils, chickpeas, and indigenous grains like teff, making it naturally low-impact.
• In São Tomé and Príncipe, cocoa plantations produce some of the finest organic chocolate in the world. Supporting local chocolatiers rather than imported brands helps sustain traditional farming.
• In Zanzibar, the Spice Farm Tours promote sustainable farming by educating visitors on locally grown cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which are used in traditional Swahili cuisine.

By dining at locally owned establishments, you help sustain food cultures, promote small-scale farmers, and reduce reliance on imported goods.

Avoid Mass-Produced Souvenirs – Buy Handmade Crafts

Many tourist destinations sell mass-produced souvenirs that provide little to no economic benefit to local communities. Instead, look for authentic, handmade crafts that support local artisans and preserve traditional skills.

• In Botswana, you can purchase handwoven baskets from the Bayei and Hambukushu communities in Ngamiland, known for their intricate patterns and cultural significance.
• In Egypt, authentic handmade alabaster carvings from Luxor, rather than factory-made versions, provide income to local artisans who have perfected their craft over generations.
• In Malawi, the wood-carved chief’s chairs and figurines sold in craft markets are handcrafted by local woodworkers, keeping the tradition alive.
• In Madagascar, Zafimaniry woodcarvings, recognised by UNESCO, are a unique souvenir that supports Indigenous craftsmanship while promoting sustainable forestry.
• In South Africa, markets like Victoria Yards in Johannesburg showcase locally made ceramics, textiles, and beadwork, ensuring artisans earn a fair wage.

When buying souvenirs, consider visiting artisan cooperatives or fair-trade markets where profits go directly to the makers rather than middlemen.

Choose Locally Owned Accommodations Over International Chains

Staying in locally owned guesthouses, eco-lodges, or family-run hotels keeps money circulating within the community and provides a more authentic experience. Large hotel chains often take revenue out of the local economy, whereas independent businesses reinvest in the area.

• In Rwanda, Bisate Lodge near Volcanoes National Park invests in local reforestation and employs Rwandan staff, ensuring tourism benefits conservation and communities alike.
• In Mozambique, Nuarro Lodge is a community-driven eco-lodge that hires local residents and sources food from nearby villages, promoting sustainable tourism.
• In Zambia, Tongabezi Lodge along the Zambezi River supports local schools and craftspeople, reinvesting in community development.

Where possible, seek out accommodations that promote sustainability, hire local employees, and contribute to community development.

Whether you’re buying handcrafted souvenirs in Zimbabwe, eating organic produce in São Tomé, or staying in an eco-lodge in Namibia, every small decision you make supports local economies, preserves cultural traditions, and minimises your environmental footprint.

7. Minimise Waste and Plastic Use

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges globally, with single-use plastics harming marine life, polluting landscapes, and taking centuries to break down. Many destinations, especially those with fragile ecosystems, struggle with inadequate waste management systems, making it even more crucial for travellers to minimise their plastic footprint.

Bring Reusable Essentials

A simple way to reduce waste is by carrying reusable travel items, which help cut down on single-use plastics:

• Water Bottles – Many African countries, such as Rwanda and Kenya, have made efforts to reduce plastic waste. Rwanda has banned plastic bags, and Kenya has taken strong action against plastic pollution. In these countries, refilling a reusable water bottle at filtered water stations or using a portable water filter (like a LifeStraw) is a great way to stay hydrated without buying plastic bottles.
• Coffee Cups – If you enjoy coffee on the go, bring a collapsible or reusable coffee cup to avoid disposable takeaway cups. In South Africa, eco-conscious cafés in Cape Town often offer discounts for bringing your own cup.
• Shopping Bags – Many countries, including Tanzania, Malawi, and Zanzibar, have banned plastic bags. Carrying a reusable fabric tote means you can shop for groceries and souvenirs without using plastic bags.

Pack Solid Toiletries to Avoid Plastic Waste

Toiletries are one of the biggest contributors to plastic waste in travel. Instead of carrying plastic bottles, opt for solid alternatives, which are lighter, last longer, and don’t leak in your luggage.

• Shampoo and Conditioner Bars – These are easy to pack and eliminate the need for plastic bottles. Brands like Lush offer biodegradable options, or you can buy locally made alternatives at eco-friendly markets in places like Nairobi (Kenya) and Cape Town (South Africa).
• Soap Bars Over Body Wash – Many hotels in Uganda and Zambia now provide locally made natural soap bars rather than plastic-bottled body wash. Bringing your own ensures you avoid unnecessary packaging.
• Beeswax Wraps Instead of Plastic Wrap – If you carry snacks while travelling, replace plastic bags with beeswax wraps, which are reusable and biodegradable.

Say No to Single-Use Plastics

Being mindful of everyday plastic use can make a huge difference:

• Straws and Cutlery – Many restaurants in Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania are switching to bamboo or metal straws, but it’s always helpful to carry your own bamboo cutlery or a reusable straw.
• Mini Hotel Toiletries – Instead of using hotel-provided mini shampoo bottles, bring your own toiletries or refill reusable travel-size containers. Many eco-conscious lodges in Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe now use refillable dispensers instead of single-use plastic bottles.
• Takeaway Containers – If you order food to go, try to bring a reusable food container, especially in areas where waste disposal is a challenge. This is particularly useful in destinations like Zanzibar and São Tomé and Príncipe, where plastic pollution threatens coastal ecosystems.

Choose Accommodations and Businesses That Prioritise Sustainability

Supporting hotels, lodges, and tour companies that are actively reducing plastic waste can amplify your impact.

• In Rwanda, many hotels and lodges, such as Singita Kwitonda Lodge, have eliminated single-use plastics and use refillable glass water bottles for guests.

By bringing reusable essentials, packing solid toiletries, refusing single-use plastics, and supporting sustainable businesses, you can significantly reduce your plastic waste while travelling. These small actions help protect the environment and ensure that future travellers can enjoy these incredible destinations too.

Conclusion

Sustainable travel is about making mindful choices that minimise harm and maximise positive impact. Whether it’s staying at an eco-friendly lodge, supporting local businesses and artisans, or reducing plastic waste, every decision you make contributes to a healthier planet and a more enriching travel experience.

At Far & Wild Travel, we believe that travel should benefit both the traveller and the world by preserving cultures, protecting ecosystems, and supporting communities.

Are you ready to explore the world more sustainably? Discover our range of eco-conscious destinations and let us craft your perfect, responsible adventure at Far & Wild Travel.