Packing light and green isn’t just good for the planet—it also makes your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s how to travel sustainably, starting with your suitcase.

1. Choose the Right Luggage

Opt for lightweight, durable luggage made from recycled or sustainable materials. The lighter your bag, the less fuel your transport requires—especially on planes. A carry-on or a well-packed backpack often encourages minimalist packing and may save you from airline baggage fees too.

Tip: Look for brands with eco-certifications or sustainability pledges.

2. Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Pick versatile, mix-and-match clothing that works in multiple settings. Think neutral colors, lightweight layers, and items you can dress up or down. A good rule of thumb? If it doesn’t pair with at least three other items, leave it behind.

Bonus: Washing clothes mid-trip lets you pack even less—just bring a travel-sized biodegradable detergent.  There are non-liquid detergents available, less packaging and less weight. Win-Win!

3. Pack Reusables

Avoid single-use plastics by bringing your own:

  • Reusable water bottle (collapsible ones save space!) Check out our recent blog on water bottles, https://www.ginandtonictravel.com/blog/sustainable-sips-the-ultimate-guide-to-water-bottles-while-travelling.
  • Travel mug for coffee on the go
  • Utensil set or spork
  • Cloth tote bag for groceries or souvenirs
  • Silicone zip bags for snacks

These small swaps add up—and help you reduce waste wherever you roam.

4. Minimize Toiletries

Solid toiletries like shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and toothpaste tablets are compact, TSA-friendly, and plastic-free. You can also reuse small containers to decant your favourite products instead of buying travel-size plastic bottles.

Pro tip: Check if your accommodations offer eco-friendly toiletries or bulk dispensers—no need to double up!

5. Be Digital-First

Trade paper for pixels. Download tickets, itineraries, maps, and books to your phone or e-reader. It cuts down on clutter and paper waste—and means you have fewer things to keep track of.  Do not forget your charger!

6. Support Local and Sustainable

While this isn’t about packing per se, what you pack affects how you interact with local communities. Bring gear that supports responsible tourism:

  • A foldable shopping bag to avoid plastic ones at markets
  • A journal or app to log eco-friendly finds and share with fellow travellers
  • Room in your bag to bring home meaningful, locally made souvenirs instead of mass-produced trinkets

Packing light and green isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about travelling with intention. When we pack mindfully, we move more freely, tread more lightly, and leave a positive impact wherever we go.

So next time you plan a trip, challenge yourself to pack less and pack better. The planet—and your back—will thank you.

If you learned something from this article and/or enjoyed it, please share it. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about sustainable travel, please contact us. Our beautiful planet is important to Gin & Tonic Travel, and we support sustainability in our business, by working with sustainable suppliers and how we operate our business.

You can read more about sustainability in travel in our weekly Sustainable Sips blog. If there is a topic you would like for us to write about, please send us your suggestion to explore@ginandtonictravel.com.

Article by Samantha Leeming, Travel Specialist at Gin & Tonic Travel

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