Sustainable travel in 2026: The 10 best tips for responsible travel

Travelling is much more than just ticking off sights on a bucket list. It is a longing for freedom, for the unknown and for moments that will remain in our memories for a long time to come. But as we discover the world, we leave traces behind – not only in the sand, but also in the ecological and social fabric of our travel destinations. In 2026, we are at a turning point: we know that we must change the way we explore the world in order to preserve the beauty of our planet for future generations.

Sustainable travel does not mean sacrifice or boredom. On the contrary: it is an invitation to greater quality, deeper encounters and genuine adventures off the beaten track. In this article, we dispel the preconception that sustainability has to be complicated. We show you how you can leave a positive footprint by making conscious decisions – from planning to returning home – and gain a much more authentic travel experience in the process.

What does sustainable travel actually mean?

Before we talk about what it means to travel sustainably, we should first take a look at the term ‘sustainability’ itself. Sustainability is a term that is used in many different ways. In recent years, this has led to the actual meaning of the term being increasingly forgotten. In short, sustainability means using our resources consciously so that future generations also have a good basis for life. 1

To make it more concrete, people often talk about the three pillars of sustainability: environment, economy and society. The pillar ‘environment’ or ecological sustainability is the perspective that is often used as a synonym for sustainability. However, it is important that all three pillars play an equal role. 2

If we now apply these three pillars to the topic of tourism or travel, we arrive at the following answer to the question of what it means to travel sustainably:

• Ecological perspective: Protecting nature and minimising our ecological footprint through resource-efficient travel and the preservation of biodiversity.
• Economic perspective: Ensuring that added value remains directly in the region to enable fair wages and strengthen local economic cycles.
• Social perspective: Promotion of cultural respect, social justice and active participation of local people in tourism development.

It’s not about perfection, but about making conscious decisions and initiating small changes. In this blog article, you will find 10 specific tips that you can take with you on your next trip.

Why sustainable travel will be more important than ever in 2026

In a study conducted by the German Federal Environment Agency in 2024, 48 percent of respondents said they wanted environmentally friendly travel. Nearly 62 percent even wanted socially responsible holidays. These results show that there is a fundamental desire to travel in a more sustainable way. 3

However, the data also shows that this often remains just a wish. This is clearly illustrated by the figures from the Federal Statistical Office for the 2025 summer flight season. Between April and October 2025, around 68.5 million passengers travelled abroad. That is 4.6 per cent or 3 million more travellers than in 2024. 4

In order to close this ‘attitude-behaviour gap’ or intention-behaviour gap, it is essential to look at the reasons why sustainable travel is perhaps more important now than ever before. Here, too, we are guided by the three pillars of sustainability.

Ecological perspective: From ‘conservation’ to ‘regeneration’ 

• Urgency of the climate crisis: By 2026, the effects of climate change will be evident in many destinations (e.g. coral bleaching). 5 , water shortage 6 7 ) more visible than ever. We must drastically reduce our ecological footprint in order to preserve these places for the future.
• Preserving biodiversity: Tourism is often the last line of defence against poaching or deforestation. When we travel sustainably (such as in the mangroves of Muungoni), we give nature an economic value that justifies its protection.
• Resource scarcity: In a world with dwindling resources, responsible use of water and energy at local level is not a luxury but a necessity for the survival of the local population.

Economic perspective: resilience instead of dependency

• Stop economic leakage: in many regions, up to 80% of revenue flows to international corporations. 8 9 In 2026, it will be crucial that we use concepts such as CBT to ensure that the money goes directly to the village and strengthens local economic cycles there.
• Creating crisis-proof jobs: Sustainable tourism diversifies income. It promotes local crafts and agriculture instead of just creating cheap service jobs in large resorts.
• Inflation and fair wages: Through direct contact (e.g. in homestays), we ensure that hosts can charge fair prices that keep pace with rising living costs.

Social perspective: equality instead of exploitation

• Protection from overtourism: Following the travel boom of recent years, locals’ acceptance of tourists has declined in many places. Sustainable travel means respecting the social boundaries of communities so that we remain welcome as guests.
• Preserving cultural identity: In 2026, we will long for authenticity. Sustainability here means that cultures are not ‘staged’ for show, but can continue to exist in their true form (as you may have heard about from Bali or even experienced yourself).
• Empowerment & co-determination: It’s about who makes the rules. Sustainable travel in 2026 gives the community back the power to decide for itself how much tourism it wants – this creates pride and social harmony.

Planning & travel: The foundation for your mindful holiday 

Even before you go on holiday, you can have a big impact on how sustainable your trip will be by making conscious decisions when planning. Many travellers are already aware that flying to their destination leaves a significant footprint in the form of CO2 emissions. 10

On a typical holiday trip including return flights, around 70 per cent of total CO2 emissions are generated during arrival and departure. 11 Conversely, this means that by choosing an alternative to flying, you already have a great deal of leverage to pay more attention to environmental sustainability.

Tip 1: Choose rail as your first option – the journey is the destination 

Travelling to your destination by train is a good alternative to flying or driving. Travelling 100 kilometres by high-speed train (e.g. ICE/TGV) generates only around 3.6 kg of CO2 emissions per person. By comparison, flying the same distance generates an average of 21.1 kg of CO2.

Of course, this depends greatly on the choice of destination. In general, however, many European destinations are easily accessible by train. Night trains are a good option for longer journeys. Not only do you save time, but also the cost of a hotel night, while the train takes you to your destination in a relaxed manner.

For example, you can travel directly from Munich to Rome overnight, with stops in Bologna and Florence. With just one change, you can also travel by train from Cologne to Barcelona. In summer, there are often additional connections to popular destinations. For example, from Frankfurt am Main to Bordeaux in southern France.

The beauty of travelling by train is that you gain time for yourself. Whether you read, play a round of Uno with your fellow passengers or simply admire the passing landscape – as soon as you see the journey as part of your holiday, your relaxation begins on the platform.

Tip 2: Slow travel instead of short trips – why staying longer is better

Those who board a plane several times a year for a few days not only increase their carbon footprint, but often miss out on the essentials. Such “hectic trips” rarely allow us to find the peace and quiet we need to truly switch off – yet according to the 2024 Travel Analysis, relaxation is one of our most important holiday goals. 12 

The solution for 2026 is: stay longer. Slow travel means taking the time to truly understand the soul of a place. Staying longer in one place allows you to escape the stress of the crowds, immerse yourself in authentic encounters and give nature and your own regeneration the space they need.

Tip 3: Borrow instead of buying – sustainable equipment for 2026

High-quality outdoor equipment such as trekking backpacks, tents and functional clothing is often expensive to buy and is usually only used for a few weeks a year. The rest of the time, it gathers dust in the cupboard. In 2026, the principle of ‘use instead of own’ is the smart solution. You save resources and protect your travel budget at the same time.

To put it into practice, you generally have two options:

Option 1 – Use your social network: Before you click on the ‘Buy’ button, ask your friends, family or colleagues at work. Often, they have professional backpacks or camping stoves that they are happy to lend out. Not only does this strengthen the community, but it usually only costs you a small thank you.

Option 2 – Use professional rental services: If you can’t find anything suitable among your friends and acquaintances, there are now some excellent official providers where you can easily rent top-quality equipment:

• • Globetrotter (GlobeRent): Here you can hire everything from tents to GPS devices and child carriers in many branches. Ideal for testing expensive equipment first.
  • Decathlon: The sports giant has massively expanded its rental service. In many cities, you can rent tents, bicycles or SUP boards on a daily basis.
  • DeinGipfel: A specialist professional rental service for high-quality outdoor equipment. The great thing about it is that you can have tents, rucksacks or sleeping bags conveniently delivered to your home by post and simply return them after your holiday. Ideal for anyone who values top brands without having to own them.
  • Local “libraries of things”: In many large cities (e.g. Berlin, Hamburg, Munich), there are libraries that lend out tools and travel equipment instead of books.

Extra tip: When borrowing items, please take good care of them so that they can survive many more trips. This way, we can extend the life cycle of our equipment and conserve valuable resources.

On site: Where your actions make a difference

Even though a large proportion of CO2 emissions are determined by the mode of transport used to get to and from your destination, your actions while you are there also have a major impact on the overall impact of your stay.

This applies to the local people, but also to the environment and animals. In the next section, we will therefore present five very different ideas for making your trip more sustainable.

Tip 4: Community-Based Tourism (CBT) – The key to fair travel 

Unlike traditional (mass) tourism, community-based tourism (CBT) puts the local people in control. The community independently decides on guest numbers, prices and which projects are supported with the income – be it school supplies or local infrastructure. This ensures that the added value does not end up with international hotel chains, but directly with the families who host, cook for or guide you. In this way, your stay becomes a direct form of support for the entire region.

Image on the left: © Private Isabel Gruß | Image on the right: © Private Isabel Gruß

For you as a traveller, CBT means a deep immersion into authentic everyday life, far away from the usual tourist trails. Whether cooking together in a family kitchen or exploring hidden gems with local guides, encounters take place on an equal footing and are based on mutual respect. For your trip in 2026, keep an eye out for homestays or local cooperatives – they are the gateway to experiences that will truly remain in your memory.

Tip 5: Feast on regional delicacies – specifically strengthen the local economy 

Travelled far and wide, only to end up at Starbucks or McDonald’s? We often go for chains because the familiar gives us a sense of security. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. However, you’ll usually discover the true soul of a destination away from standardised menus – where recipes have often been passed down through generations and regional ingredients end up on your plate.

Eating locally means keeping the value chain short and directly supporting family businesses. But how do you find these authentic gems? Rely on local knowledge: ask at your accommodation for the best ‘village dish’ or let your guide show you where the locals themselves have lunch. A few words in the local language and a smile usually open more doors (and pots) than perfect English.

Extra tip – Vegetarian & vegan on the go: In 2026, eating sustainably also means choosing plant-based options more often. This can sometimes be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to make new discoveries.

• Traditionally plant-based: Many authentic dishes are inherently vegetarian or vegan (think Italian pasta e ceci, Greek fava or Middle Eastern mezze). Ask specifically for ‘fasting dishes’ or traditional vegetable dishes.
• Digital helpers: Use apps such as HappyCow or abillion to find meat-free options even in smaller towns.
• Market freshness: Local weekly markets offer the best seasonal fruit and vegetables from the region – perfect for a healthy picnic without long delivery routes.

Images: © Private Alice Gossrau

Tip 6: Cultural etiquette – respect as the basis for genuine encounters

Sustainability does not end with CO2 emissions; it begins with the way we treat our fellow human beings. Being a responsible guest means familiarising yourself with the values of the destination country in advance. This opens doors to genuine, respectful conversations.

Here are the most important basics for your trip in 2026:

• Preparation shows respect: take a moment to learn about the most important local customs. In Japan, for example, it is a sign of respect not to listen to loud music or talk on the phone in the underground. In many cultures, it is also mandatory to take off your shoes before entering a private home.
• The ethics of the lens: People – and especially children – are not photo subjects. Always ask for permission before taking out your camera. A “no” must be respected at all times. Think about it: would you want strangers taking photos of you or your children in your everyday life without asking?
• Attitude – Listen instead of lecturing: We often tend to apply our own standards to other countries. Instead, be an active listener. Ask questions, try to understand different ways of life, and avoid coming across as patronising.

Small words, big impact: ‘Please,’ ‘thank you,’ and a greeting in the local language immediately signal that you are not just here to consume, but that you appreciate the locals and their culture.

Tip 7: Ethical wildlife experiences – animal welfare without compromise 

Swimming with dolphins or experiencing an elephant up close once in a lifetime – this desire is understandable, but the reality behind the scenes is often cruel. Where demand is high, offers arise that ignore the welfare of animals: dolphins sometimes have their teeth filed down to reduce the risk of injury to tourists, and elephants are made docile through torture in order to carry people.

To ensure that you are not supporting animal cruelty in 2026, you can recognise ethical wildlife experiences by these three points:

• No direct contact: Reputable providers do not allow riding, petting or feeding of the animals. A respectful encounter always takes place at a sufficient distance.
• Natural behaviour instead of showmanship: the animals do not have to perform tricks. The focus is on observing them in their natural habitat (or near-natural enclosures) as they behave normally.
• Transparency and education: Good projects invest in species conservation and educate visitors about the threats to animals, rather than simply staging them as photo opportunities.

Meaningful alternatives: Visit local, certified animal sanctuaries. If you are staying for a longer period of time, you can often even volunteer there and make a direct contribution to animal welfare.

Image: © Privatee Janine Kohls

Tip 8: Zero waste when travelling – plastic-free from arrival to departure

There it is, the famous bamboo straw! It has long since become a symbol of plastic-free travel – but in 2026, it’s all about the big picture. Especially in countries where waste disposal is still in its infancy (such as Indonesia or many islands in the Caribbean), the enormous plastic consumption of tourism leads to massive pollution of waterways and the environment. 13

Your zero-waste kit for your rucksack:

• Refillable water bottle & water filter: In countries without drinking water quality, you can save hundreds of plastic bottles by using a water filter.
• Cloth bags & fruit nets: Perfect for visiting the local weekly market or quick shopping trips to the supermarket.
• Solid cosmetics: Shampoo bars and solid soaps not only save on plastic packaging, but also weight and space in your hand luggage.
• Lunch box & travel cutlery: Ideal for snacks on hikes or street food in the evening – this way you can avoid disposable boxes and plastic forks.

Extra tip: Have you heard of ‘Take 3 For the Sea’? The idea is simple: every time you’re at the beach or out in nature, just pick up three pieces of (plastic) rubbish that don’t belong there. If we all do this, it will have a big impact. A short walk on the beach becomes an active way to protect the environment.

Back home: How your impact continues

The suitcase is unpacked, but your impact continues. Even back in everyday life, you can make a lasting difference and ensure that your adventure has a long-term positive effect – for the climate and for the local people.

Tip 9: Create visibility – reviews as guidance for other travellers

Small, sustainable projects and local family businesses often don’t have the budget for expensive advertising campaigns. Leave detailed reviews on Google Maps or specialised platforms such as HappyCow (for vegetarian/vegan spots). This in turn helps other travellers make decisions that strengthen the local economy.

When sharing pictures or reports, avoid the ‘perfect’ staging. Authentic insights are much more valuable than polished holiday photos. Sustainable travel also means looking at where it hurts. Was there a rubbish problem on site despite the beauty? Was travelling there by local bus challenging? By addressing these issues, you raise awareness and help other travellers to be better prepared.

Tip 10: Offset emissions from your flights

Sustainable travel in 2026 means one thing above all else: realism instead of perfectionism. Of course, avoiding emissions is a top priority, but for dream destinations such as Costa Rica or Japan, there are simply no rail connections – and hardly anyone has the time or opportunity to spend weeks on a sailing ship. In these cases, flying is often a conscious decision to enable cultural exchange and the protection of remote ecosystems in the first place.

Targeted compensation is an important tool for offsetting the unavoidable impact on the climate. This is less about a ‘modern indulgence trade’ and more about making a financial contribution to global climate justice. By supporting certified projects, CO2 is saved or bound elsewhere.

Conclusion: Your travel decisions will make all the difference in 2026

Sustainability is not a goal that can be achieved perfectly overnight, but rather an ongoing journey. Even small steps count: whether it’s choosing to take the night train, dining at a small family-run restaurant, or treating nature and local people with respect. In 2026, we have the opportunity to reshape tourism together. Away from pure consumerism and towards a form of travel that gives rather than just takes. Perhaps you can now even guess where our name ‘Give & Grow’ comes from.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide where your travel budget and attention can really make a difference. This will not only make your travel experiences more sustainable, but above all more authentic. After all, the most beautiful stories always arise when we have genuine experiences and really get to know a place and its people.