Going on holiday has long been associated with indulgence — room service, souvenirs, and quick conveniences. Unfortunately, many of these pleasures come at an environmental cost. From plastic-wrapped snacks to travel-size toiletries, the waste generated during a single trip can be surprisingly high. Yet more and more travellers are discovering that comfort doesn’t have to equal excess. With a bit of planning and the right mindset, it’s entirely possible to have a relaxing, enjoyable holiday without creating a trail of waste.
The key is to shift how we define comfort. For many, the true essence of a holiday is about feeling at ease, free from stress, and immersed in new experiences. None of that has to come in disposable packaging. In fact, taking the zero-waste approach can often make your travels more meaningful, slowing the pace and encouraging connection to your surroundings.
Zero-waste travel isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being conscious. Every effort, however small, contributes to a healthier planet. As the climate and waste crises grow more urgent, reimagining how we travel has never been more important.
Choosing the Right Destination
Where you go sets the tone for your entire trip. Choosing destinations that support sustainability will naturally make it easier to stick to zero-waste principles. Look for places that encourage walking, cycling, or public transport instead of car rentals. Local eco-lodges, nature retreats, and small-scale guesthouses often have more sustainable infrastructure than large resorts.
Destinations that celebrate nature — national parks, coastal paths, forest trails — tend to offer opportunities for low-impact activities. These include hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and stargazing — none of which require buying things or generating waste. Plus, being in nature reinforces the value of preserving it.
Booking direct with accommodations that are transparent about their environmental practices is a good start. Many now share their approach to composting, renewable energy use, plastic reduction, and support for local communities. Gennady Yagupov, a specialist in green holidays, often recommends staying in places that allow you to see how your stay benefits the area — not just how it serves your comfort.
Packing for Purpose, Not Panic
Zero-waste travel begins before you leave the house. What you pack determines what you consume. Instead of reaching for single-use items “just in case,” pack reusable, multipurpose tools that support your sustainability goals.
Start with the essentials. A reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and stainless steel cutlery set are staples. Add a cloth napkin, a collapsible food container, and a tote bag or backpack. These will help you avoid packaging waste when eating on the go or shopping at markets. Solid toiletries like bar shampoo, conditioner, and soap eliminate the need for plastic bottles and can last longer.
Packing light not only reduces your carbon footprint during transit but also simplifies your travel experience. With fewer items to manage, you can move more freely and focus on the experience itself. Choose clothing that’s versatile and quick-drying so you can wash and rewear instead of overpacking.
Planning your waste-free kit ahead of time gives you a sense of empowerment. It sets a tone of intention and care, helping you feel prepared rather than restricted.
Navigating Food and Drink Without the Waste
Food can be one of the most waste-generating parts of a trip, but also one of the most rewarding. Choosing local, package-free options not only reduces plastic but connects you more directly with the culture and community.
Visiting farmer’s markets or street vendors with your own containers allows you to skip the plastic while enjoying authentic flavors. Sitting down in a small café rather than grabbing takeaway means no packaging — and often, a better experience. If you do eat out, refusing items like plastic straws or napkins can go a long way.
It helps to plan ahead. Use apps or ask locals to find restaurants that embrace sustainability. Carry your own snacks like dried fruits or nuts in cloth pouches to avoid impulse plastic purchases. In hotels, ask staff if you can fill your water bottle instead of using the minibar.
One of the joys of zero-waste food travel is its simplicity. You find yourself engaging more with your surroundings, paying attention to what you eat and where it comes from. It slows you down — in the best way.
Accommodations That Support Your Efforts
Comfort doesn’t have to mean compromise — especially if you choose accommodation that aligns with your values. Look for places that offer composting, recycling, water-saving fixtures, and energy-efficient design. Many eco-lodges provide filtered water, locally sourced meals, and encourage guests to limit waste.
It’s also worth asking before arrival about waste management practices. Can you compost food scraps? Are there refill stations? Do they use refillable toiletries or bulk dispensers instead of mini bottles? Even luxury stays are starting to embrace these ideas, showing that sustainability and comfort can go hand in hand.
Sometimes, accommodations even provide guests with zero-waste kits — bamboo toothbrushes, reusable bags, and eco-tips for the local area. When your hosts are equally committed to low-impact travel, it creates a sense of shared responsibility and purpose.
Your Daily Waste-Free Checklist
Staying waste-free on the go is a matter of consistency and awareness. Below is a simple daily checklist to help keep your trip aligned with your values:
- Bring your reusables each time you leave your accommodation (water bottle, cup, cutlery, bag).
- Say no politely to straws, plastic utensils, and unnecessary packaging.
- Buy local, package-free food where possible and avoid single-portion items.
- Dispose of waste properly: separate recyclables, compost if available, and avoid littering.
- Leave places cleaner than you found them, especially nature spots.
- Journal or reflect on your experience — what worked, what surprised you, what you’ll do differently next time.
These habits may start out feeling unfamiliar, but they quickly become second nature. With each day of conscious travel, you become more connected not just to your environment but to the values that guide your journey.
Finding Joy in Simplicity
What many travellers discover is that going zero-waste actually enhances their holiday experience. Without the distractions of plastic packaging or convenience culture, there’s more space for real comfort — fresh air, nourishing food, meaningful conversations, and uninterrupted nature.
Travelling waste-free encourages you to slow down, be intentional, and experience your surroundings more deeply. It turns everyday moments — drinking tea on a hillside, washing clothes in a stream, picking fresh herbs from a market — into rituals of presence and joy.
In the end, the goal is not just to avoid trash. It’s to leave a lighter footprint and a fuller heart. A zero-waste holiday isn’t about doing without — it’s about doing better, and discovering how little you really need to feel at home in the world.