The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Holiday Travel: Eco-Friendly Tips for Every Type of Getaway

As the festive season approaches, it’s time to pack our bags, map our routes, and get excited about those well-deserved escapes.

It is also a great opportunity to be mindful of our environmental impact. So, before we jet off, let’s add a sprinkle of eco-consciousness to our travel plans! Travel, especially during peak seasons, can come with a heavy carbon footprint.

Here’s how to keep it light on the planet and just as joyful. From transportation choices to thoughtful souvenirs, this is your guide to making every trip a little greener! With tailored sustainability tips on five different popular holiday travels, we are here to help you reduce your environmental impact, no matter where you’re headed.

1. Visiting Relatives: Greener Ways to Get Home for festivities

Traveling to spend time with family is a cherished tradition for many. But this type of travel, often involving long car rides or flights, can contribute to significant carbon emissions. Here are some eco-friendly travel tips to make your journey to family gatherings more sustainable.

• Consider Public Transportation First: If you’re traveling within the same region, trains and buses are often greener options compared to flying or driving alone. Rail travel, in particular, is known for being one of the most eco-friendly transportation choices, as it emits much lower CO₂ per passenger mile compared to flying or solo driving. Plus, a train ride doubles as the perfect chance to catch up on that series you're waiting to binge, movies or dive into a good book!

• Carpool When You Can: If public transport isn’t an option, see if you can carpool with family members or friends who are heading to the same place. Filling up one car instead of taking multiple vehicles can greatly reduce emissions per person and turns your road trip into extra bonding time.
• Pack Light for Flights: If flying is necessary, pack smart and light. Plan your outfits carefully and bring only the essentials to minimise your bag’s weight. Every kilogram added increases the plane’s fuel consumption, so lightening your load makes a difference in reducing your travel carbon footprint.
• Prepare for Sustainable Celebrations: If you’re staying over, bring along reusable items like water bottles, coffee cups, and travel utensils to cut down on single-use plastic. Bring along any sustainable gifts, such as handmade items or local products, which often have a smaller environmental footprint. Opting for zero-waste items for the trip can help you avoid disposable items during the party season.

2. Beach Getaway: Keeping Oceans Clean and Beaches Pristine

A warm, sunny beach is a dream destination for many during the winter months. But beach resorts and tropical destinations are sensitive ecosystems, so it’s essential to keep our eco-travel as ocean-friendly and low impact as possible.

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen is a Must: Conventional sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can harm coral reefs and marine life. Choose mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), reef-safe sunscreens that protect both your skin and the underwater ecosystems. Look for sunscreens that are labelled as “reef-safe” (note: not “reef friendly” because they still contain harmful chemicals) or check the ingredients list. This small change helps preserve marine biodiversity.
• Eco-Friendly Beachwear: Many swimwear brands now offer eco-friendly options made from recycled plastic or discarded fishing nets. By supporting these companies, you’re helping to reduce plastic waste in our oceans. Plus, your beach photos will look even better knowing you’re wearing eco-conscious gear!
• Respect Local Wildlife and Ecosystems: Avoid touching coral, collecting seashells, or interacting with marine creatures. These interactions can harm local biodiversity so it’s best to observe from a distance. Stick to designated swimming and snorkelling areas and observe wildlife from a distance. When you leave, take all your waste with you – that includes small items like straws, bottle caps, and wrappers that are particularly harmful to marine animals. And if you’re anything like me and enjoy a nice stroll on the beach, look for rubbish while you walk and dispose of it properly – a little cleanup goes a long way!
• Support Local and Sustainable Businesses: Choose local eateries and artisans over large chains. Supporting local, sustainable businesses not only boosts the economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods and food from afar. Plus this is where you’ll find all the best souvenirs.

3. Skiing and Snowboarding Adventure: Keeping It Green on the White Slopes

Winter sports are exhilarating, but they’re also often linked to high energy consumption and waste production, not to mention the ecological disruptions from land clearing. Here’s how to enjoy the snow responsibly.

• Stay at Eco-Friendly Resorts: Some ski resorts are leading the way in sustainable tourism, using renewable energy, minimising waste, and rehabilitating local ecosystems. Look for a resort with a strong commitment to sustainability, as it will often offer greener options for lodging, dining, and activities.
• Rent or Borrow Equipment: Buying skiing or snowboarding gear for a single trip is both costly and resource-intensive. Unless you’re an avid skier, consider renting equipment from the resort or a local shop. Many places also offer upcycled or eco-conscious gear options.
• Pack Eco-Friendly Supplies: Bring a reusable water bottle, thermos, and containers for snacks to avoid single-use plastic at the resort. Many resorts are shifting towards more sustainable practices, so by bringing your own supplies, you’ll be prepared to minimise waste.
• Choose Eco-Friendly Transportation: If you’re heading to a ski resort by car, try carpooling with friends or family to reduce carbon emissions. Alternatively, look into shuttle services that take guests directly to the resort from nearby towns or airports. This can reduce the number of cars on the road, easing the environmental strain on local areas, meaning cleaner mountain air for everyone!

4. City Breaks and Christmas Markets: Savour the Spirit Sustainably

City getaways during the merry season are filled with magic, from twinkling lights to festive markets. But urban tourism can also lead to overcrowding and strain on local resources. Here’s how to keep your footprint light while soaking in the holiday cheer:

• Use Public Transport, Bike, or Walk: Most cities have excellent public transport systems, and walking is often the best way to explore. Walking and public transit both reduce emissions and help ease traffic congestion, making your city break more eco-friendly. If you’re in a bike-friendly city, consider renting a bike – it’s eco-friendly and allows you to cover more ground without contributing to traffic.
• Support Local Artisans at Christmas Markets: Christmas markets are filled with tempting souvenirs, but prioritize locally-made, sustainable products. These support the local economy and often have a smaller carbon footprint compared to mass-produced goods. Plus they tend to make more meaningful gifts!
• Carry Reusable Bags and Containers: Many markets and cities are moving toward eco-friendly practices, but it’s still a good idea to pack reusable bags and containers for any treats you pick up along the way (extra-large travel mug for mulled wine? Yes please!). This will help you avoid single-use plastics and keep your waste footprint low while shopping and dining.
• Stay in Green Hotels: Many hotels and Airbnb hosts now offer eco-friendly accommodations, from energy-efficient lighting to waste reduction programs. Look for hotels with green certifications to ensure you’re staying somewhere that’s committed to sustainable tourism.

5. Staycation or Local Retreat: Rediscovering Home Sustainably

Sometimes, the best vacations don’t require going anywhere at all. A staycation or nearby retreat offers the ultimate low-carbon holiday option, allowing you to unwind without the travel-related emissions. Here’s how to make the most of it.

• Explore Local Nature Spots: Chances are there are parks, trails, or nature reserves close to home that you’ve never fully explored. Connecting with local nature is a low-impact way to recharge and can help foster an appreciation for local ecosystems and wildlife.
• Indulge in Eco-Friendly Experiences: Consider activities with minimal environmental impact, like hiking, biking, or visiting a local farm. Some areas even have eco-tourism programs that promote sustainability while highlighting local culture and conservation.
• Lower Your Energy Use at Home: Even if you’re not traveling, you can still make a positive impact by being mindful of your energy consumption at home. Turn off or unplug non-essential appliances, and adjust your thermostat to conserve energy. These small actions contribute to sustainable living, even during a staycation.
• Prioritise Experiences Over Gifts: Look for unique, experience-based gifts like cooking classes, art workshops, or guided hikes instead of material gifts. Experiences support the local economy and create lasting memories without the environmental impact of manufactured products.

Wrapping Up: Making Sustainable Travel Choices, One Trip at a Time

The festive season is a time for joy, celebration, and creating memories with loved ones. By making thoughtful, sustainable choices, you can still have a fulfilling holiday experience while reducing your environmental impact. Whether it’s choosing reef-safe sunscreen for your beach getaway, packing reusable bottles for the slopes, or supporting local artisans at a Christmas market, every small step counts.

Sustainable travel doesn’t mean giving up comfort or enjoyment – it’s about making mindful choices that help protect our planet for future holiday seasons. Embrace the season of giving by giving back to the environment with these eco-friendly holiday travel tips. For those passionate about making a bigger impact, our ESG Leadership Programme offers the tools to integrate sustainability into every journey—and inspire others to do the same. The next two cohorts start on January 30^th and April 2^nd. Let’s make this season one of happy, green travels and carry sustainability with us into the New Year!

About the Author

Kiri Spanowicz is the Communications Officer at Fifty Shades Greener, bringing a blend of sustainability knowledge and a spirited approach to her content. With a background in marine biology and years as a scuba diving instructor, Kiri leverages her deep appreciation for the natural world to advocate for environmental education. She is dedicated to crafting content that is not only fun and cheeky but also richly informative—believing that learning about sustainability should be as entertaining as it is enlightening. Her work, aimed at making environmental awareness engaging and accessible, has been recognized across various platforms. Follow Kiri's journey on LinkedIn or through the Fifty Shades Greener blog for a lively take on transforming both business practices and personal habits for a greener future.