Sustainable Travel: Educating Students on Eco-Friendly Practices Abroad
Travel is powerful—but it also leaves a footprint. As educators guiding the next generation of global citizens, you’re in a unique position to make sure those footprints tread lightly.
Sustainable tourism isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about doing something—and showing students how small, conscious choices can make a big difference. Here's how to turn your next trip into a real-world lesson in environmental responsibility.
🌍 1. Start the Conversation Early
Before takeoff, get students thinking. Discuss:
What is sustainable travel?
Why does it matter?
What kind of impact can a tourist have?
Introduce them to the idea of being “respectful visitors,” not just tourists. Tie it into classroom conversations on environmental science, ethics, or global studies—whatever fits your curriculum.
✈️ 2. Travel Smart (Even Before You Land)
Eco-consciousness starts long before you arrive. Here are a few ways to reduce your group’s carbon footprint from the start:
Fly direct when possible (fewer takeoffs = fewer emissions)
Encourage packing light—lighter luggage means more efficient flights
Use digital documents (tickets, itineraries, etc.) to reduce paper waste
Bonus idea: Have students calculate the carbon emissions from the flight and discuss offset options like tree planting or community donations.
🥤 3. Bring Reusables = Reduce Waste
This one’s easy, visual, and super effective. Ask students to bring:
A reusable water bottle
Reusable utensils and straws
A foldable shopping bag for snacks or souvenirs
Make it a daily challenge—who avoided the most single-use plastics that day?
🚍 4. Choose Eco-Friendly Ground Transportation
Whenever possible, opt for:
Walking tours over bus rides
Trains over short-haul flights
Public transit or bike rentals over taxis
If you’re working with a tour operator, ask about fuel-efficient buses or companies with sustainability certifications. It shows students that these questions matter.
🍽️ 5. Eat Like a Local (and Low Impact)
Encourage your group to:
Try local, seasonal foods
Support small, locally owned restaurants
Avoid chains or overly packaged meals
Bonus activity: Have students research how local food traditions reflect environmental conditions or history.
🏨 6. Be Conscious Guests
Where you stay—and how you behave—matters:
Turn off lights and AC when leaving rooms
Bring your own toiletries instead of using the mini plastic bottles
Respect local customs and waste-sorting rules
Reuse towels and linens rather than having them replaced daily
💬 7. Reflect and Share
After the trip, help students reflect on their impact. Ask:
What sustainable choices did we make?
What would we do differently next time?
How can we apply what we learned to life back home?
You can even encourage students to create a “Green Guide” to their destination, sharing sustainable spots, tips, and learnings with future travelers.
