Sustainable Travel: How to Choose Accomodations
One of the first things people do when planning a trip is figure out where to stay. No matter where you’re going, you’re likely to find a wide range of accommodation options….from hostels to luxury resorts and everything in between. There really is something for everyone and every budget level.
It’s common to search for hotels based on certain predilections - like having a pool or being beach front….or maybe just eyeballing the hotel with the highest reviews. But next time you travel, I urge you to consider another type of metric—sustainability.
There’s a large movement to develop more sustainable habits in our lives. And while most people are happy & eager adopt such practices for the greater good, many don’t where to start when it comes to travel….or what that really means for their trip.
First off, let’s define what sustainable travel really means. And to be honest, there are a lot of different definitions floating out there. But at it’s core, sustainable travel refers to tourism that minimizes the negative effects of travel - both natural & cultural - and is beneficial to the area in which it takes place. It is the balance between environment, economy & ethics, supporting the present needs of the tourists and the future of the region.
For most people, this is new territory and it’s totally understandable to not get it right every time (sometimes you can’t avoid using a plastic bag so don’t beat yourself up). But the important thing is that you are curious and willing to make changes to minimize your footprint as much as possible while traveling!
Thinking thru how you choose your accommodations is a great place to start if you are just embarking on your sustainable travel journey. So that’s why I wanted to do a deeper dive into how you can find the perfect accommodation option for your trip that has a sustainable mission at it’s core.
Let’s start with some basics….
What is an eco-hotel?
An eco hotel (or green hotel) is an environmentally sustainable accommodation option that is committed to incorporating environmental improvements to it’s structure in order to minimize it’s impact on the natural environment. It is an environmentally responsible lodging that follows the practices of green living.
These hotels existed first mainly in jungles (where there were more limited resources in general) but have become more widespread as the desire for more eco-friendly lodgings has grown.
An eco hotel will usually meet the following criteria:
Dependence on the natural environment
Ecological sustainability
Dedicated to conservation
Has environmental training programs
Cultural considerations are at it’s core
Benefits the local community
So at it’s core, an eco hotel is integrated into & contributes to the local community, while being non-damaging to the environment.
Hotels with the “Eco” label have been certified green by their state or a third party. And will always be a great bet when it comes to choosing sustainable accommodations. But they aren’t your only options. There are many hotels that practice environmentally-friendly habits that aren’t certified - but still well worth your consideration.
Common SUSTAINABLE & GREEN Practices to Look For:
Housekeeping uses non-toxic cleaning agents & laundry detergent
100% organic cotton sheets, towels and mattresses
Non-smoking environment
Renewable energy sources like solar or wind energy
Bulk organic soap and amenities instead of individual packaging (which contributes to waste)
Guest room and hotel lobby recycling bins & compost programs
Towel and sheet re-use (guests need to specifically request clean items from housekeeping….which cuts down on water consumption when not necessary)
Energy-efficient lighting (turns off automatically, need to use keycard to turn on lights/electricity/etc)
Organic food, sourced locally, is served in restaurants
Filtered water available for guests (no plastic water bottles)
On-site transportation with green vehicles
Non-disposable dishes and cutlery
Greywater recycling (meaning the reuse of kitchen, bath & laundry water for garden & landscaping)
Newspaper recycling programs
Organic soaps & toiletries
How do you tell if a hotel is sustainable?
First off, you always want to go for smaller, locally-run accommodations vs big hotel chains.
Then I also recommend going thru their website and the reviews to see which eco-friendly habits they have adopted. On TripAdvisor, you can easily do a keyword search in the reviews section to see if anything pops up (for example, do a search for filtered water, recyling, etc - and see what pops up).
And when in doubt, don’t be afraid to call or send an email!
Here is some additional guidance by accommodation type to help you choose your sustainable lodging….
Hotels
Obviously one of the first places people start when looking for accommodations are hotels. There are many big brands out there, but I think most of us know that these aren’t really a good way to invest your money in if you truly care about the local community or the environment (in most cases).
When you stay at a big chain, most of the money goes into the pockets of the rich company owners, not the local community. They typically also produce a huge amount of waste and are not very sustainable.
In contrast, hotels that are marked Eco Hotels or smaller locally owned hotels can be a great place to stay! They often focus on water consumption, using eco-friendly cleaning products, waste disposal, using locally sourced goods (instead of flying them in from western countries), avoiding food waste, using green energy, etc (see above for more environmentally friendly habits!).
These hotels are often a bit more on the expensive side (especially as the desire for sustainable travel grows), but if you’re planning to stay in a hotel anyways, chances are you can afford a bit more luxury anyways. These types of lodges are great for tourists who want to embrace and support the local community!
Guesthouses & BnB
In more rural and remote areas, the chances of running into a big chain hotel diminish considerably. But in these areas, you are likely to find guesthouses and Bed & Breakfasts. There is a wide spectrum here - from professionally run places with 10+ rooms to family-run guesthouse with only a few rooms. But they are generally always locally run and may or may not have a restaurant on site (most still serve breakfast!).
Traditionally, a guesthouse or bed & breakfast is a more sustainable option (over a hotel) as you support the people who run it directly. Often times, the owners don’t even have staff employed, so you can really see where your money is going. Not to mention their practices often focus on programs and habits that support the local community and don’t cast a large footprint on the area.
Guesthouses often have a more intimate feel and their own history & soul—allowing you to be enveloped in the local culture. There is a more personal touch (and connection) to these experiences than staying in a big hotel.
Homestay
The most local option (and one that I would highly recommend you try at least once in your life) is a homestay.
This is basically a room in the house of a family that they rent out— they typically prepare meals for you or you eat family style together. By choosing a homestay, you are directly helping a local family, plus you’ll likely receive a unique experience (at a very affordable price!) And who knows, maybe you will even end up with some new local friends!
When it comes to environmental-friendliness, there is a wide range here as it really depends on where you are and what options or knowledge the locals have.
Hostel
Whether you love them or hate them, hostels are undeniably more of the most sustainable options when it comes to travel lodgings.
They are able to host a large number of people, in a smaller space — which saves on resources across the board. Hostels often provide a kitchen where market bought food can be cooked, practice communal sharing to avoid food & product waste, and support the local community.
I know staying in a dorm isn’t for everyone, but most hostels these days also have private rooms if you need more privacy. And not all hostels are party hostels…you will find a wide variety of vibes….from those that cater to young partying gap year kids, coworking focused, etc.
So don’t be afraid to give it a try! After all, it’s a great option from a sustainability standpoint.
Camping
Another sustainable option that isn’t for everyone, but is worth exploring, is camping! You can camp in a tent, in a motorhome, a caravan or a van, on campgrounds or wild.
Camping has a very small environmental footprint. Just make sure you are always using reusable camping gear, taking your trash with you when you leave, and always respecting nature.
You can choose to go with an established camp site - which will come with certain amenities like bathrooms, showers, fire pits, etc. Or you can go really wild. Just make sure to always check the local rules, don't damage the fauna and only stay where you won’t do any harm to the surrounding.
Most importantly, ALWAYS leave the environment like you originally found it. Don’t leave anything behind (bury organic waste & take trash with you to dispose of). Also check to make sure that it’s safe to make a fire if you choose to do so, as a bushfire would have a terrible effect on the local environment.
As always, when it comes to sustainability, be mindful and conscious about your environment. Remember that staying in sustainably friendly hotels or situations may not be what you’re used to. But by letting go of some of these standards, know that you’re actually helping the environment in a large way. Seems like a fair trade off when you think of it that way! And make sure to leave reviews for places that really leave an impression on you for their great hospitality and sustainable practices — this will make it easier for others to find great eco-friendly options future!
If you have any other suggestions on how to identify sustainable accommodations, please feel free to share in the comments below. As always if you found this article helpful, please consider sharing with your friends and followers! xo