Eco-Conscious Travel Tips (The Cherish Way)

Why Sustainable Travel Matters - Sustainable Travel Tips for Women Travelers

Travel has the power to change lives—not just for the traveler, but for the communities they visit. It opens minds, fosters connection, and supports local economies. But with this privilege comes responsibility. The tourism industry significantly impacts the environment and local cultures, making it crucial to approach travel with sustainability in mind.

I've always believed in leaving places better than I found them. Whether it’s something as simple as picking up trash on a hiking trail or choosing where I spend my money while traveling, I know that even small actions can add up to meaningful change. This philosophy was a driving force behind Cherish Tours—creating opportunities for women to experience travel in a way that supports both local communities and the planet.

But sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are so many ways to make greener choices while traveling, and the best part? Many of them also enhance the travel experience. Whether you're considering joining a group trip or traveling on your own practical tips for traveing sustainably can be helpful for all women travelers.

This article will offer practical tips to help you incorporate greener travel into your adventures, making each trip as meaningful as it is memorable.

Tip No. 1: Consider Transportation

One of the biggest contributors to a traveler’s carbon footprint is transportation. When possible, choose destinations that don’t require long-haul flights. If flying is necessary, opt for direct flights, which consume less fuel than multi-leg journeys. Even your seat selection makes a difference—economy class has a lower carbon footprint than business or first class because more passengers share the same amount of fuel.

Once you arrive, explore alternative modes of transport. Trains and buses are often more eco-friendly than domestic flights. Walking or biking is an excellent way to explore a destination while reducing emissions and immersing yourself in local life. If you need to rent a car, look for hybrid or electric options.

Cherish Tours offers domestic options like the Utah Glamping experience, allowing travelers to explore breathtaking landscapes closer to home while reducing their environmental impact. By choosing a destination within a shorter flight radius (or even within driving distance), you’re taking a big step toward more sustainable travel.

Tip No. 2: Be Thoughtful About What You Pack

Every item in your suitcase has an environmental impact. Packing light isn’t just about convenience—it also reduces your carbon footprint. Less weight on an airplane means less fuel burned. Carry-on-only travelers, we see you!

Consider bringing eco-friendly essentials like a refillable water bottle, a reusable shopping bag, and biodegradable toiletries. These small swaps significantly cut down on single-use plastics, which are a major environmental hazard. On Cherish trips, we encourage travelers to embrace the ‘reuse over waste’ mindset, making sustainable packing an effortless part of the journey.

Another often-overlooked tip? Choose versatile clothing items that can be worn multiple ways instead of overpacking. A thoughtfully packed carry-on can help you travel more efficiently while reducing waste.

Tip No. 3: Smaller Groups, Bigger Impact

Overtourism can strain local resources and damage fragile environments. One way to combat this is by choosing small-group travel experiences. Smaller groups make less of an environmental impact, reduce disruption to local wildlife, and allow for more meaningful interactions with local communities.

Cherish Tours caps our groups at 12-15 travelers, ensuring we tread lightly in the places we visit. If you’re heading on a nature-based trip, look for tour operators that prioritize conservation and limit group sizes. A perfect example of this is our Tanzania Safari, exclusively for only 6 total travelers. Unlike large, crowded tours that can disturb animals and their natural behaviors, smaller safaris provide a more intimate and respectful wildlife experience. Our travelers leave not only with incredible memories but also with a deep appreciation for conservation efforts.

In other fragile ecosystems like coral reefs or rainforests, traveling in smaller numbers can help protect these delicate environments from degradation.

Tip No. 4: Choose Accommodations That Prioritize Earth-Friendly Initiatives

Where you stay matters. Eco-conscious accommodations implement practices like energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing to minimize their environmental impact. When booking accommodations, look for properties that are certified by organizations like Green Key, EarthCheck, or LEED.

Cherish Tours carefully selects accommodations that align with these values. Take our Panama trip, for example. In Bocas del Toro, we stay at a solar-powered eco-lodge committed to environmental preservation. We do the research so you can rest easy, knowing your stay supports sustainability efforts that make a real difference.

You can also take simple actions to reduce your environmental impact during your own vacations. Hang towels for reuse instead of having them washed daily, turn off lights and air conditioning when leaving your room, and bring your own toiletries to cut down on single-use plastic waste. Supporting hotels that source locally, employ community members, and invest in sustainable practices is a great way to make your stay more meaningful.

Tip No. 5: Seek Out Green Experiences

Immersive, community-led experiences are not only more sustainable than big commercial attractions, but they also offer a richer travel experience. Opt for tours, workshops, and shopping opportunities that support local artisans, farmers, and cooperatives.

One of my favorite examples is every year when Cherish groups visit a women-owned chocolate farm in Costa Rica. Many chocolate products aren’t ethically sourced, but this farm prioritizes fair wages, sustainability, and traditional farming methods. Whether it’s a farm visit, a weaving cooperative, or a cooking class with a local chef, these experiences help ensure your travel dollars are making a positive impact.

Your Travel Choices Matter

Every decision you make as a traveler has an impact. From the way you get there to what you pack, where you stay, and how you spend your money, you have the power to make choices that benefit people and the planet.

Sustainable travel isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making small, conscious decisions that add up over time. The more we approach travel with mindfulness and intention, the more we can create ripples of positive change. And the best part? These choices don’t just help the environment; they often lead to more rewarding, immersive, and unforgettable travel experiences.

Cherish Tours is proud to create journeys that align with these values, one thoughtful journey at a time. Want to join us for a meaningful vacation? Check out our upcoming trips!

You can also reach out to learn more about traveling with Cherish in the form below.