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What is green travel and how can you travel sustainably?

As travel continues to grow, our awareness of what green travel is and how to travel in an environmentally friendly way also needs to increase. We need to change the way we travel NOW!

Kate Maskedtravelsx

Jul 27, 2023

As technology and infrastructure improve, the world seems to be getting smaller. The ability to travel the world is becoming accessible to more and more people as the cost of getting to another country is getting cheaper.

It’s no wonder that the travel industry is the second-fastest growing industry in the world . Looking at internet searches will give you a good idea of how much travel is growing. During the final quarter of 2022, 35% of all searches were for travel in 2023 . That’s a 55% increase from 2021 !

And I can only see it continuing to grow , as long as another pandemic doesn’t come our way!

Traveling is great, and the more people get to see different parts of the world, hopefully, the more tolerant and educated we become . But there are downsides to more travel, one of them being the impact that it has on the environment.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, 8-10% of global CO2 emissions are caused by the travel and tourism sector, with the majority of these emissions being created by the travel to the destination. And sadly, these numbers will only get bigger as more people begin to travel  unless we consciously do something about it .

That’s where green travel comes in.

What is green travel?

Green travel has many different names — sustainable travel, ecotourism, conscious travel — but all of them essentially mean the same thing or at least follow the same narrative.

Green travel focuses on minimizing the impact on the local environment and communities. It’s about choosing ways to travel that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Whether it’s reducing or offsetting your carbon emissions, reducing waste, staying in eco-friendly accommodations, or shopping locally and supporting communities.

There are plenty of ways to travel in a green way, and that’s what we’re going to be exploring in this article.

Watch out for greenwashing

This needs to be covered pretty early on as you don’t want to try your best to travel sustainably and then realize that you’ve actually been greenwashed.

What is greenwashing?

Greenwashing is when a company tries to appear to be environmentally friendly and claims that its practices are sustainable, when in fact this isn’t true. They may try to emphasize sustainable aspects of their company to overshadow their bad practices that are having a devastating effect on the environment.

Demand for environmentally friendly products and operations is growing as more people want to do their part in looking after our planet. A lot of companies have seen this as an opportunity to boost their profits and attract new customers by advertising that they’re operating in an environmentally friendly way.

Examples of greenwashing

A quick Google search will reveal plenty of examples of greenwashing from brands that we interact with on a daily basis. Here are two well-known companies that thought they’d give greenwashing a go:

In 2020, Ryanair announced that they were Europe’s ‘lowest emissions airline’. I’m not sure how they reached this conclusion, but the Advertising Standards Authority certainly didn’t agree with this claim and quickly banned all of the ads promoting this.

McDonald’s is guilty too. In 2019, they introduced paper straws. Round of applause for Mcdonald's, right? No. Although they were trying to address the problem of plastic pollution, they just shifted the problem instead. The paper straws weren’t recyclable, and more trees were having to be cut down to make them!

How to spot greenwashing?

In an ideal world, we shouldn’t have to keep an eye out for greenwashing. Companies would be honest and actually try to look after our planet. Unfortunately, that’s not the world that we live in.

And greenwashing isn’t always easy to see. You often have to go out of your way to do your own research to verify the company's claims. You’ll have to look at third-party research and reports, and check the fine print of the company.

All we can do is try our best, and hopefully, the huge corporations start to adopt this attitude too.

How to travel sustainably: eco-friendly vacations

At times, trying to save our planet can feel hopeless. We often hear people saying "But I’m only one person. My actions aren’t going to make a difference". If everyone adopts this way of thinking then of course nothing is going to change!

If everyone starts to act more sustainably, especially when it comes to travel, then as a collective it will make a difference.

And green travel is easier than you think . There are plenty of ways and changes that you can make to your travels that can make them more sustainable:

Slow travel

Traveling slowly has so many benefits , but is often tossed to the side as travelers want to tick off as many places as possible. Whilst this is tempting, you end up only touching the surface of that country, missing out on truly learning about the culture and people of that place. 

When I travel slowly, my connections with places and people are so much deeper and more memorable. Try it, and I’m sure you’ll prefer it to being in a new place every few days .

Taking your time will also save you money . You can often negotiate better deals on accommodation if you’re staying for longer. You’re not constantly splashing the cash on transportation and you’ll probably cook more rather than eat out.

It’s also better for the environment . Instead of hopping on a flight every two weeks, you’ll be in the same place for longer.

Stay close to home

This is potentially one of the harder changes to make as the urge to see the world is so strong within many of us.

But staying close to home isn’t as bad as it sounds. Every country has something spectacular to offer , we just often overlook them if they’re in our own country. New and foreign things always seem more exciting, but take some time to look at things to do in your own country.

As I mentioned before, most of the carbon emissions from travel come from getting to the destination itself . By staying in your own country you’re removing this negative impact on the environment. If you live in Europe, maybe you can visit some of your neighboring countries and get there by train.

As well as being a more sustainable way to travel, it can save you money too. Your transportation costs will be significantly lower. No visas to think about either.

Choose sustainable destinations

Some countries are doing more than others to make themselves a sustainable destination to visit.

For example, Bhutan is one of the best ecotourism destinations in the world . Since 1991, Bhutan has been charging visitors a daily Sustainable Development Fee. The money is used on projects such as offsetting Bhutan’s carbon footprint from tourism, supporting community education, organic farming, and upskilling workers in the tourism industry.

The tourism fee is pretty expensive, at $200/day, but there’s a price to pay if we want to protect our planet.

A more affordable ecotourism destination is Slovenia which has made it easier for you to choose sustainable options. If an accommodation or tourism service has a Slovenia Green Label, you know that you’re helping to preserve local traditions and protect the environment.

It’s important to research a destination beforehand to see what they're doing to be more sustainable and protect their environment.

Continue reading about ecotourism and the top 10 ecotourism destinations .

Choose a place that will benefit from your visit

Some countries really don’t need any more visitors. A growing number of countries are now struggling with overtourism — when too many people visit the same destination, often leaving a negative impact on the environment and local communities.

You can probably already name a few places off the top of your head after seeing pictures of huge crowds fighting to witness the same tourist attraction. Some well-known examples include Rome, Bali, Barcelona, and the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico.

Sure, there’s a reason why everyone wants to visit these places. They’re incredible and popular for a reason. But there are plenty of other lesser-known spots that you could visit instead.

Want to learn more about overtourism? Here’s what it is and how you can avoid it .

Think about what you pack

Green travel starts before you even pack your bags to leave . What you bring with you in your backpack will have an impact on the place that you’re visiting.

The first sustainable swap that everyone should be making is to reef-safe suncream . These suncreams don't contain chemicals that harm the coral and reef when you go swimming in the sea. Hawaiian tropics has a great reef-safe suncream that I highly recommend.

Another easy action is to travel with a reusable water bottle . In some countries you'll be able to drink tap water and can directly fill up your water bottle, avoiding having to buy bottles of water.

Bring a tote bag to take with you whenever you go shopping so that you don’t have to take a plastic bag. Or if you don’t have another bag, get a plastic bag one time and keep on reusing it.

Our coastlines are being ruined by plastic, so try to avoid using and buying it wherever you can.

This minimalist packing list should help you to pack sustainably the next time you travel.

Choose green accommodation

According to research carried out by Booking.com, 78% of travellers say they intend to stay in a more sustainable property in the coming ye a r – yet 29% don’t know how to find sustainable travel options.

With some accommodations, it’s clear to see that they’re operating in an eco-friendly way. They may have solar panels, reuse their water, employ local people and buy from the local community. With others, it may not be as obvious, or it could just be greenwashing.

Spend some time looking at the accommodation's website, and you could even message them if you have any questions about their sustainable practices.

Booking.com have also made it easier to find sustainable accommodation by introducing its ‘Travel Sustainable’ badge. It’s an independently validated recognition program that now appears as a small icon on sustainable places to stay. They do all the work for you so it’s easier to make green decisions.

Booking is offering 2% of Cashback to backpackers who create a profile on Worldpackers . Subscribing to Worldpackers is free, and you only need to subscribe to a plan when you decide to have your first experience through the platform. If you choose the Pack Plan, you will guarantee 4% of Cashback on Booking.com , in addition to other advantages.

*The Cashback benefit is limited to $200 per booking, and you must log in to your Booking.com account to gain access to Cashback.

Choose sustainable modes of transportation

This is often the first swap that people make to travel more sustainably. Instead of taking flights, which produce a lot of CO2, try to take public transport.

Sometimes taking a flight doesn’t even work out that much quicker, and it’s normally a lot more expensive. By the time you account for the time it takes to get to the airport and the wait time, it can sometimes take just as long as taking a bus or a train.

You can also decide to visit countries that are in the same area to avoid taking flights. For example, you could travel all the way from the USA to Argentina without having to take a flight. There are buses, boats and trains that can take you across the borders. Same with Europe and Southeast Asia. 

Again, this is also a much cheaper way to travel than flying to the other side of the world to visit your next country.

Eat, stay, and shop locally

Make the conscious decision to stay in local homestays, eat at local restaurants and buy from shops that are run by people in the community.

Sometimes it might be easier to eat at a chain restaurant or stay at a well-known hotel, but this often means that the local economy isn’t benefiting from your money as much. Instead, it’s making rich people richer.

It’s better for the local economy, but it is also likely to be better for you. If you’re visiting a foreign country, it’s likely that you want to immerse yourself in the local culture as much as possible. Staying, eating, and buying locally is often the best way to do this. Plus, the local restaurants are more often than not the best places to eat!

If you’re a solo traveler, check out these 12 tips for responsible travel .

Give back by volunteering

Green travel isn’t just about reducing things, it can also be about giving back and leaving a positive impact on the communities that you’re visiting.

One way to do this is by volunteering . You can contribute your skills and donate your time to people that will benefit from it. 

Volunteering also allows you to spend more time in a place, immersing yourself and really getting to know the culture. There are so many benefits of this, one of them being that you become a better-educated individual who will also be able to teach others about different cultures and ways of living.

Here’s how you can be an environmental volunteer .

How to find volunteering opportunities?

Worldpackers is a fantastic place to find volunteering opportunities that have a positive environmental and social impact. You can use their filters to find exactly what kind of sustainable volunteering you’re looking for .

You can filter by ‘eco programs’ which will show you places where you can learn permaculture, farming, or contribute to an ecovillage. 

If people are more your thing, use the 'social impact' filter. This will show you volunteer opportunities in NGOs, schools, and social projects.

Here are some examples of sustainable volunteering opportunities to spark your imagination:

• Teach languages in Uganda
• Work with kids to help them understand animal care in Cape Verde
• Lend a helping hand on a farm in Brazil
• Contribute your handyman skills in the US
• Help this animal shelter in Tenerife

Check out plenty more environmental volunteer opportunities on Worldpackers.

The first step of green travel is being aware of what it is and why we should be trying to travel more sustainably . The second step is changing our mindsets and consciously making decisions that have less of an impact on the environment.

Traveling isn’t going to slow down anytime soon, so we need to make sure we find a way to do it in a way that isn’t going to destroy our planet . And that needs to start right now!

Want to learn more about planning your trip? By subscribing to the WP pack pla n you have unlimited access to +120 courses at Worldpackers Academy, the travel school made by travelers!

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Kate Woodley

Maskedtravelsx

Kate is a Management Consultant (and now writer) who decided to take a 2 year career break and travel the world. She shares her travels around the world and shows people the fun of solo travelling!

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Apr 20, 2023

May 04, 2023

We all need to think twice about how we live and how we survive and how we travel, we are all responsible during our vacations in any country, therefore we support every sustainable travel available. Travel green in Morocco with https://moroccogreentours.com/

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What is a conscious traveler and how can you become one?

Carbon neutral travel: how to reduce your carbon footprint.

How ecotourism benefits the environment and local communities

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Green Global Travel

World's largest independently owned Ecotourism / Green Travel / Sustainable Travel / Animal & Wildlife Conservation site. We share transformative Responsible Travel, Sustainable Living & Going Green Tips that make a positive impact.

40 Green Travel Tips (The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Travel)

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial policies .

[Updated 12/16/2019]   If you took a poll asking people whether they’d prefer to be responsible or irresponsible travelers, most would likely choose the former over the latter.

But what does “Green Travel”   even mean? How do you do it? Do you have to sleep in a tent and cook on a solar-powered camp stove in order to be considered eco-friendly?

And how do you recognize it when a company that offers “Green Travel” experiences is, in fact, just greenwashing? 

The truth is that sustainable travel (a.k.a. ecotourism) is all about making simple choices in order to lessen your negative impact on a given destination.

Individually, each one of these choices makes only a small difference in the big picture. But collectively, becoming more conscious about these little things can have a huge cumulative impact.

So here’s an in-depth look at what Green Travel is, why it matters, and an extensive array of easy tips designed to help you travel more responsibly and sustainably.

READ MORE: What Is Ecotourism? (History & Principles of Responsible Travel)

WHAT IS GREEN TRAVEL?

When we started Green Global Travel back in 2010, the field of ecotourism was largely unknown to average travelers. It had not yet become the buzzword it is today, and was primarily a term used by insiders in the fields of responsible travel and conservation.

But green energy – renewable energy harnessed from sustainable natural sources such as sun, wind, tides, and geothermal heat– was gaining steam as a movement thanks to thought leaders such as Al Gore . Green living– the lifestyle that aspires to conserve and protect the Earth’s natural resources, habitats, and biodiversity– was beginning to grow in popularity.

“Green” became synonymous with “eco-friendly” or “environmentally conscious.” So green travel came into vogue as a broad term used to encompass ecotourism and responsible travel practices, which generally strive to benefit the environment and the social and economic well-being of the local people.

When done well, green travel is the antithesis of mass tourism. It’s all about trying to make smarter choices that help to mitigate the negative impacts we create when we travel.

We cannot control the carbon emissions of the planes we fly in, the chemicals used by the hotels in which we stay, or the plastics used in the souvenirs sold in the destinations we visit. But we can choose more eco-friendly transportation, hotels, tour operators, and shopping tactics that do less damage to the environment, and create more benefits for local people.

According to a recent TripAdvisor survey, nearly two-thirds of all travelers are increasingly inclined to make more environmentally sound choices and travel green. The problem is, how do we tell the difference between green travel and greenwashing?

READ MORE: How Mass Tourism is Destroying Destinations Travelers Love

GREEN TRAVEL VS. GREENWASHING

A play on the term “whitewashing,” greenwashing is defined as “disinformation disseminated by an organization so as to present an environmentally responsible public image.” In other words, greenwashing is about using marketing strategies in an effort to deceive customers into believing that a company’s products, activities, or policies are genuinely eco-friendly when they really aren’t.

As the green movement gradually began to enter the mainstream, countless companies proved willing to greenwash if it brought them the green they wanted most: Money. Adjectives such as “all natural,” “organic,” and “post-consumer recycled content” were rendered meaningless, as claims were rarely substantiated or verified by impartial third parties.

The travel industry was no different. Tour operators who promoted themselves as being eco-friendly still offered irresponsible activities such as walking with lions tours, elephant rides, and visits to Thailand’s Tiger Temple. So how are travelers to know whether a company is truly green, or just greenwashing?

• Truly responsible travel businesses will put the needs of the local people and environment before the needs of travelers, always striving to make a positive impact.

• If there is a voluntourism element involved, truly responsible travel businesses will work directly with local NGOs to ensure the program meets the needs of the community and are not just “feel good” experiences for travelers. Again, the primary goal should be long-term positive impact.

• Truly responsible travel businesses may be affiliated with international organizations such as World Wildlife Fund, the  Nature Conservancy , Rainforest Alliance, etc. They may also have certification from organizations such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council or the Center for Responsible Travel, which prove that they have met certain recognized standards for sustainability.

• Truly responsible travel businesses pride themselves on openness and transparency. Most will have details on their sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives clearly placed on their website. And any “green” company should be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about these initiatives.

READ MORE: Why Responsible Travel Matters (and Why It Doesn’t)

40 GREEN TRAVEL TIPS

What we’ve assembled below are 40 tips that EVERY traveler can use to make their adventures more friendly to the environment and the people and animals who inhabit it.

Most of them are ridiculously simple, such as using a refillable water bottle, putting a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your hotel room door, and buying locally made products rather than imports.

But if every one of our 90,000+ unique monthly visitors gradually began incorporating these Green Travel tips into their trips , our collective impact could be amazing!

GREEN TRANSPORTATION TIPS

1.  Try to book non-stop flights whenever you can: It’s the takeoffs and landings that create most of an airplane’s carbon emissions.

2. If you’re traveling with family or friends and the destination is within driving distance, perhaps you should consider taking a road trip . But if you’re traveling by yourself, it’s actually much more eco-friendly to fly!

3. If you do fly, consider doing so with one of the 30+ IATA (International Air Transport Association) member airlines who offer carbon offset programs to neutralize the aircraft’s carbon emissions by investing in carbon reduction projects.

4. If you decide to drive to your destination and your car isn’t eco-friendly, consider renting a hybrid or electric vehicle, which use less fuel and produce less carbon emissions than gas-guzzlers.

5. If you have the time, traveling via bus, train, or ship generally has less negative environmental impact than traveling by plane.

READ MORE: List of National Parks By State (Epic Guide to “America’s Best Idea”)

  TIPS FOR CHOOSING GREEN HOTELS

6. When traveling in the U.S., check to see if the hotel has LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.  The program judges hotels on sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, material selection, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design.

7.  When traveling overseas, look for seals of approval from other certification programs, such as EarthCheck (Australia), Green Globe , Rainforest Alliance (Latin America, Caribbean), and Green Tourism Business Scheme (UK). Some countries, including Costa Rica, have their own certification programs to rate sustainability initiatives.

8. Ask if the hotel has a recycling program. If not, encourage them to start one when you leave suggestions on comments cards at check-out.

9. Ask questions about the hotel’s sustainability initiatives, such as solar power, wind turbines, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, and low-flow toilets.

10. Find out what percentage of the hotel’s resources are local. Do they hire mostly local staff? Do they get most of their foods locally, or even grow them on the property? Do they use locally sourced materials in the décor? Companies that utilize indigenous resources tend to be more sustainable, as they’re investing in the local economy.

READ MORE: What is an Eco Lodge? (The Top 10 Eco Lodges in the World)

  WATER-SAVING TRAVEL TIPS

11. Take a BPA-free water bottle you can refill over and over again. Many international airports have free water dispensers, which saves you money and wasting plastic bottles.

12. Take showers, not baths. Showers use just 10-25 gallons of water, while baths use up to 70 gallons. Feeling frisky? Shower with a friend and save even more water!

13. Try to take shorter showers, turning the water off while you lather up, shampoo, shave, and/or brush your teeth.

14. Never use the hotel laundry, as they typically wash every guest’s clothes separately (even when there are only a few items). We usually wash our clothes as we shower, then hang them up overnight so they’re dry the next day.

15. Hang up your towels after each use, which is the universal sign that you’d like to use them again. You don’t wash your towels every day at home, so why do it when you travel?

READ MORE: How To Save Water (15 Conservation Tips)

ENERGY-SAVING TRAVEL TIPS

16. When you leave your room, always turn off all lights, heat/AC, and television. Closing the curtains and blinds can help keep out the heat of the sun in summer .

17. Leave the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door of your room for the duration of your stay. This cuts down on chemical cleansing agents, electricity used in vacuuming, and the washing of bed linens.

18. Walk, bike, or use public transportation to get around whenever possible, which cuts down on gas usage and saves you money.

19. Return maps, brochures, and other tourist info once you’re finished with them so that they may be reused by future travelers.

20. Take any leftover soap, shampoo, or toothpaste with you. Unused portions are often thrown away, and you can reuse the plastic bottles in the future.

READ MORE:   Ted Turner on Saving the World With Alternative Energy

  GREEN HIKING TIPS  

21. Marked hiking trails are there for a reason. Stick to the path to avoid harming native flora and avoid any creepy-crawlies that may be lurking in the underbrush.

22. Bring along a small bag and pick up any trash you spot along your hike. Have a friendly competition to see who can clean up the most unsightly waste!

23. Never feed or touch wildlife, for any reason. Feeding animals makes them habituated to and reliant on humans, and often leads to attacks. If you get bit, the animal will most likely be killed.

24. Research weather conditions and terrain before you go hiking. You don’t want to be that guy (or girl) who got lost and required a ranger rescue, which drains public resources.

25. Keep a respectful distance from wildlife. Yes, we understand that you want to Instagram your encounter with a grizzly bear. But if you’re close enough to attract an animal’s attention, you’re too damn close!

READ MORE: 10 Best Hikes in the World (World Travel Bucket List)

  GREEN SHOPPING TIPS

26. Buy locally made (preferably handmade) products, rather than those that have been imported. Items that are flown or shipped in have a much larger carbon footprint, and who wants a cheap, cookie-cutter souvenir made on an Asian assembly line?

27. Don’t buy anything made from endangered plants/animals, unsustainable hardwoods, or ancient artifacts. Not only is it wrong, but you probably won’t be able to get them back through customs.

28. Take your own reusable bag when you go shopping. Plastic bags are SO 20 th century…

29 . Seek out indigenous artisans when you can. When you buy directly from an artist, you’re not only helping them feed their family, but in many cases you’re helping to preserve their culture. We’ve also heard some pretty amazing stories by chatting these artisans up.

30. Do not buy souvenir photos from anyone exploiting wildlife, such as the famous performing elephants of Thailand .

READ MORE: 50 Fascinating Facts About Elephants (For World Elephant Day)

ECO-FRIENDLY TOUR TIPS

31. Travel with small group tour operators, which tend to have less of an environmental impact. Membership in an organization like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council  is a good sign that the tour operator tries to conduct itself in a responsible, sustainable manner.

32. When snorkeling or Scuba diving , don’t touch/step on the coral or stir up sediment, as it can damage the reef’s fragile ecosystem.

33. Ask your snorkel or scuba diving tour operators if they chum the water to attract marine life. Doing so can change the behavior of marine species, or possibly make them sick.

34. Find out how the tour operator gives back to the local community. Do they lease the land from locals? Do they hire local guides? Do they take a leading role in preserving the area’s natural resources? Community-based tourism   is the most sustainable.

35. Don’t take any tour that promises hands-on encounters with wild animals, such as riding elephants or walking with lions . If you do, you’re supporting an industry that illegally captures, transports, and abuses millions of animals each year.

  READ MORE: 7 Harmful Traditional Practices that Tourists Should Never Support

  TIPS FOR BEING A GREEN TRAVELER

36. Honor local customs. Do a little research before you travel to learn about the destination’s local cultural traditions, so that you can speak and behave appropriately.

37. Ask for permission before taking a photo of someone. In some cultures, taking a person’s picture is like stealing their soul. and in general it’s just common courtesy.

38. Learn the language, or at least a few important words. You don’t have to do a full Rosetta Stone course. But you’d be amazed by how knowing simple phrases such as “Thank you,” “My name is,” and “Please help me” will impact the way locals will treat you.

39. Give back. Whether you sign up for a full-on voluntourism vacation or work with a non-profit like Pack For A Purpose to provide much-needed supplies to local schools, it doesn’t take a lot of extra effort to make a huge difference in the local community when you travel.

40. Immerse yourself in the local culture. Be a participant, not just an observer. Half the fun of traveling is getting an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and try different foods, listen to different music, and explore different cultures. So, seriously, don’t be that guy who goes to India and insists on ordering a hamburger!   – Bret Love; photos by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

If you enjoyed our epic list of Green Travel Tips, you might also like:

GO GREEN TIP #82: The Green Way to Organize Your Home

GO GREEN TIP #66: Spring Green Your Home

The Benefits of Ecotourism: 20 Travel Bloggers on the Importance of Nature Travel

The Beauty of Nature Travel

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The Ultimate Guide to Green Travel — Includes 50 Green Travel Tips

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

777 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3130 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

What is Green Travel?

When you get there, staying there, get packing, save energy while you are there, back at home, explore sustainably, top 10 eco-friendly tour operators, top 10 best eco-friendly hotels in the u.s., top 10 best eco-friendly hotels abroad, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Becoming a green traveler can make a massive difference to the way you see the world, and the impact you have when traveling through it. Even small and subtle adjustments can reduce your footprint and help protect the environments we travel to.

There are many definitions of green travel that also overlap with sustainable travel, responsible travel, and eco-tourism. Whatever you want to call it, it is essentially traveling responsibly while taking into consideration your environmental, social, and economic impact. It is also the art of traveling sustainability every time you embark on a new adventure.

Hot Tip: The simplest way for travelers to remember to travel green is through the mantra “reduce, reuse, and recycle.”

50 Green Travel Tips

There are many small changes that you can make to your travel plans that can make a big difference overall. Here are 50 of them, just to get you going.

As obvious as this may seem, swapping air travel for more carbon-neutral transportation such as the train is the single easiest way to go green if you can. While this may not be feasible for trips abroad, this may well be an option for domestic travel.

Fly From Green Airports

If you have to fly, try and make your flight plans based on where you fly from and through. If you can choose more eco-conscious airports along the way, then so much the better. Denver and Boston are 2 of the most environmentally friendly airports in the U.S .

Don’t Drive to the Airport

Where possible, always make public transport your first choice when getting to and from the airport. Choose buses, metros, subways, or even car-sharing if you can. These are cheaper, easier, and much greener.

Choose a Fuel-Efficient Airline

Not all airlines are as fuel-efficient as they could be. Frontier, Spirit, and Southwest are the 3 most fuel-efficient airlines in the U.S. , and American, Hawaiian, and JetBlue are the least efficient. For transatlantic flights, Norwegian is ranked the best, and British Airways is the worst.

Choose a Fuel-Efficient Aircraft

Although not always possible, see if you can find an airline that will take you where you want to go on either an Airbus A350-900 or a Boeing 787-9 — 2 of the most fuel-efficient planes available .

If 25% of a flight’s total emissions happen during takeoff and landing, the less often you have to take to the skies and land back on earth, the better. Flying direct is more time-efficient, too!

Fly Coach Sometimes

Coach class offers a more sustainable way to fly for a number of reasons. First-class seats take up a ton of space and add more weight, and their passengers require more staff than those sitting in economy.

Travel Lightly

The more weight there is on a plane, the more fuel consumption that is required. Pack like a minimalist pro, and help to reduce your carbon footprint.

Offset Your Carbon

You can donate money to carbon offsetting programs that fund environmental projects that work towards absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, such as planting trees. Some airlines already offer programs you can donate to, or you can choose your own. 3 options are:

• Climate Action Reserve
• Gold Standard

Getting Around on the Ground

When you reach your destination, switch renting a car and taxis for public transportation or car-sharing, and if you are staying somewhere central, get ready to walk or cycle instead.

Take the Train

If you are in Europe, America, Australia, India, China, Southeast Asia, or any other large landmass, chances are the rail services will be excellent. Train travel offers low emissions, affordable fares, and a great way to see the country as you jump on the “slow travel” trend bandwagon.

Book an Eco-Tour

Eco-tourism in on the rise and if you want to visit some of the remote, protected places in the world, an eco-tour is a great alternative to commercial mass tourism and offers far more socially responsible travel options.

Use an Eco-Friendly Car

If you really do need to rent a car when you get there, look for an eco-friendly alternative to a gas-guzzling SUV or RV. Avoid renting a car that is bigger than what you need to help reduce your carbon footprint.

Choose a Carbon-Neutral Hotel

When booking your stay, look for a hotel that follows the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) guidelines and focuses on cutting down emissions by using low energy light bulbs and linen reuse programs, among other initiatives.

Look for Global Certification, Too

If you are traveling outside of the U.S., look for local eco-friendly initiatives such as EarthCheck (Australia), Green Globe, Rainforest Alliance (Latin America, Caribbean), and the Green Tourism Business Scheme (U.K.).

Ask About Recycling

Your hotel should be happy to tell you what, if any, programs they have in place to handle their recycling needs. If you think they are lacking, let them know via the guestbook or suggestion box.

Go Car-Free

Many eco-friendly hotels will provide their guests with free use of bicycles to get around or will offer car-sharing or shuttle services to negate the need for you to use your car at all.

Check out the Menu

Locally-sourced, freshly-produced organic fare is not only better for the world around you, but it also tastes better, too. Win, win!

Hire an Adventure Concierge

If you want to experience a really out-there adventure, do it responsibly by booking the services of an adventure concierge to show you how to reconnect with the great outdoors as consciously as possible.

Work With the Community

While you may not want to roll your sleeves up on vacation, make sure that the place you stay and the services you use do. Always look for hotels that utilize local resources to ensure their investment in the local economy. You might even consider volunteering abroad, too.

Use Soap Instead of Shower Gels

Soap bars may seem a little old fashioned, but they are more compact to carry with you, are not wrapped in plastic, and last a lot longer than your average bottle of shower gel.

Use a Shampoo Bar

Again, not being squeezed out of a plastic bottle makes shampoo bars an instantly better choice. Plus, they take up very little room in your toiletry bag and are often made from entirely natural ingredients.

Go for Bamboo Dental Products

Plastic toothbrushes, picks, and sticks are a no-no! Switch to full compostable bamboo brushes and toothpicks instead.

Buy Organic Towels

An organic cotton or bamboo towel is a must-have for any serious adventurer. Not only are these natural materials better for the environment, but they are also lightweight to carry, dry quickly, and can be used as a blanket, too.

Take a Marine-Safe Sunscreen

Sunscreen is important, but try to purchase a product that is formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, as these 2 chemicals are toxic to coral reefs and other marine life.

Pack a Cloth Bag

Never leave home without one. These cloth bags are easy to fold away in your luggage and can be used on the beach, at the store, or even to carry your picnic in. Choose 1 made from sustainable organic cotton or hemp where possible.

Take Reusable Straws

If you must use straws when drinking, make sure you are not using plastic ones. Paper straws are quick and easy or invest in your own set of stainless steel ones to take with you.

Pack a Zero-Waste Picnic Set

If you are likely to be taking your own food with you often, pack a reusable lunch bag and bamboo cutlery. This will help you to stay away from the dreaded single-use plastics.

Take a Reusable Water Bottle

You will probably want this for the journey anyway, but always be sure to take your own BPA-free water bottle that you can refill.

Save Water While You Are There

Always opt for showers over baths, as the humble shower uses only a fraction of the amount of water that a soak in the tub does. Don’t spend too long in there, either.

Switch off the Water When Not Using It

Lather up in the shower, shave, or shampoo your hair with the water turned off, and always turn off the faucet while you are brushing your teeth.

Wash Your Own Clothes

If you need to, wash your clothes in your hotel room and hang them up to dry. You can take laundry soap bars with you to ensure that they are truly clean.

Hang Your Towels

If you leave wet towels on the floor, the maid will take them away for washing, whether they are dirty or not. Hang them up and reuse them for a few days to save water and energy.

Use a Menstrual Cup

These innovative cups offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional sanitary solutions. Easy to use, compact, and incredibly clever, you will want to use this back at home, too.

Rather than showering off every time you are hot, take a dip in the pool or ocean instead. It will cool you down, and you can shower it all off later.

Report Leaks

If your hotel shower is leaking, or the taps don’t turn off, tell the front desk. They could be wasting water without even knowing it.

Turn off When You Leave

Every time you leave your room, be sure to turn off any air conditioning or heating units, all the lights, and the television.

Close the Curtains

Drawing the curtains or pulling down the blinds can help to keep out the heat of the sun, and keep the room warm in winter.

Leave the “Do Not Disturb” Sign-On

Your room doesn’t need cleaning every day, and by leaving the sign up, the staff won’t even try. This means less use of chemical cleaning agents and unnecessary energy.

Ditch the Car

Walk, ride a bike, or take public transport to cut down on gas usage.

Unplug Appliances at Home

Every type of appliance consumes energy even when it’s not switched on or on standby. Turn off all of your energy-draining appliances before you leave.

Turn Down Your Water Heater

Turn your water heater to its lowest or “vacation” setting to keep it saving energy while you are away. Modern fridges and freezers sometimes have eco settings, too.

Use a Timer

Make your house look occupied without wasting energy by plugging your lights into a timer. If you don’t have any smart home technology, a mechanical plug timer will do just fine.

Stick to the Trails

Stay on marked paths and trails when out adventuring to avoid harming native flora and fauna, or worrying wildlife that you may be unfamiliar with.

Avoid Wildlife Encounters

Elephant rides, tiger encounters, and other wild animal attractions are often unregulated and could lead to you accidentally supporting the mistreatment of animals. Only ever book encounters that are ethical and support wildlife conservation.

Respect Animals in the Wild

Never get too close to wild animals who could feel threatened or scared. They may attack you out of fear, which is not a good situation for either you or them.

Never Stand on Coral

Coral is very delicate — touching it or standing on it can cause irreparable damage. If you do any diving or snorkeling tours where guides are damaging the coral, leave reviews online so that others know to avoid them.

Do Your Research

Examine your route, check the weather forecast, and have a plan in place. If you get lost or put yourself in unnecessary danger, you may need a ranger rescue, which is a drain of public resources.

Know Where It Is You Are Going

Learn a bit about local customs, or a phrase or 2 in the local language, and always remain courteous at all times. When you are a guest in another town, city, or country, you will enjoy the experience so much more if you are able to really immerse yourself in the local culture.

See How You Can Help

From picking up litter while out hiking to taking on a volunteer project, there are always ways to show your concern for the world around you. Research before you leave or ask what you can do when you get there.

If you would like to have a professional tour operator plan your perfect trip, or are interested in getting more involved with local communities, there are many specialist companies out there that will help you do that.

Eco-friendly tour operators will help you to broaden your horizons while at the same time reducing your footprint. Here are 10 of the very best.

G Adventures

Founded in 1990, G Adventures was set up to offer authentic, sustainable travel experiences, the likes of which had never been seen before. Offering inventive alternatives to cruises and resort hotels, G Adventures can help travelers to find tailor-made and authentic life-changing adventures to perfectly suit their needs.

Intrepid Travel

Since 1988, the team at Intrepid Travel has been offering small group adventures all around the world and is now one of the biggest and most trusted tour operators in its field. Committed to making a real difference by investing in local communities, wildlife conservation, and the environment, travelers get to see the world and make new friends, while at the same time making a real difference.

Blue Ventures

Operating for over a decade now, Blue Ventures is a science-led social enterprise that helps to nurture and sustain locally-led marine conservation projects. Rebuilding fishing communities in places where the ocean is vital to the culture and economy, travelers can volunteer to join Blue Ventures’ responsible initiatives across the world.

Offering small group adventure holidays since 1981, Explore! is committed to offering authentic, localized experiences while leaving as light a footprint on the world as possible. From stopping elephant rides to offsetting CO 2 emissions, the travel operator works with both local and global initiatives to help make the world a better place for everyone.

Mosaic Adventure

Since 2009 Mosaic Adventures has been offering fully specialized trekking itineraries, adventures, and cultural trips in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. Its eco-conscious, small group tours tread lightly while taking a lucky few travelers into some of the most remote areas of the Himalayan peaks and beyond.

Since its first trip in 1979, Backroads has been doing everything it can to make its 2-wheel trips as positively impactful as possible.

It is involved in community projects, buys locally grown products, and practices the principles of Leave No Trace (pack it in, pack it out). It does this for all of its bike tours, walking tours, safaris, cruises, and yoga breaks that demonstrate its commitment to providing responsible travel opportunities.

Covering 80 destinations worldwide, Peregrine supports local economies by working with tour leaders from the regions it visits, sourcing local produce, and carbon offsetting every trip. Travelers can enjoy small group tours in some of the most remote corners of the world while knowing that the travel company they have chosen offers responsible travel solutions. Peregrine also advocates for child protection and animal rights in the tourism industry.

Wildland Adventures

Wildland Adventures was founded on the principle that environmentally responsible travel can be a powerful force for change, and its ethos remains the same to this day. Offering small luxury tours to a wide range of remote destinations, the tour operator supports the affiliate program The Travelers Conservation Trust (TCT) that allows travelers to support local initiatives and small-scale community development projects.

Lindbald Expeditions

The historical legacy of Lindblad Expeditions was to bring travelers to some of the most exotic parts of the world, including Antarctica, Galápagos , Easter Island, and the Amazon, while allowing travelers to experience authentic local cultures. The founders also continue to look for ways for the company to help preserve natural resources as well as getting involved in conservation efforts.

Elevate Destinations

As a provider of custom-designed, eco-luxury adventures and safaris, Elevate Destinations  combine upscale tourism with support for local communities and conservation. Offering travelers the chance to embark on their very own ecologically sound adventures, Elevate trips allow explorers to experience and fully understand remote and protected areas.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly hotel for some domestic travel, look no further than these great hotels.

Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito, California

This beautiful hotel housed in a historic building focuses not just on sustainability but also on restoration and preservation as well. With a LEED Gold certification, this stunning traditional home-style hotel works with local suppliers to recycle materials and provide sustainable solutions in a stunning location overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.

Guests will love the well-appointed bedrooms that offer sensors and timers for energy-efficient fixtures and fittings, as well as natural cooling systems and in-room recycling. There is also a choice of 2 on-site restaurants at Cavallo Point Lodge that serve up delicious local dishes, and the Healing Arts Center for Wellbeing has a host of treatments, classes, and wellness experiences for you to enjoy during your stay.

Proximity Hotel, Greensboro, North Carolina

Sophisticated, stylish, and perfectly sustainable, the Proximity Hotel has been designed with environmentally-friendly amenities in mind.

As the first hotel in the U.S. to receive the LEED Platinum certification from the Green Building Council, this hotel features 100 solar panels on the roof, a bistro bar made of salvaged walnut trees, an elevator that captures the energy and feeds it back into the electrical grid, and interiors made from ultra-efficient materials.

Guests can rest easy in the luxurious guest rooms knowing that the bathroom fittings reduce water usage by over a third. Air quality is provided by circulating large amounts of outside air into guest rooms, and eco-friendly amenities are provided throughout the Proximity Hotel , including bicycle hire to discover the Greensboro area.

H2hotel, Healdsburg, California

Located on the site of a former gas station, this LEED Silver-certified establishment is a real testament to transforming previously wasted spaces into sustainable solutions. Offering a wide range of luxurious yet earth-conscious amenities and set in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, this is the perfect hotel for those who want to enjoy excellent wine without making a dent on the environment.

The H2hotel utilizes solar panels to heat the pool and hot water, smart sensors for fans, lights, and air conditioners, and an amazing green roof that filters water with its very own bio-diverse environment. The on-site Spoon bar also specializes in locally-produced food and is a delightful spot to relax after a day exploring the Healdsburg area.

Element New York Times Square West, New York

Situated in the heart of the Big Apple, this stylish Manhattan hotel offers authentic city living with additional eco-friendly benefits thrown in. Designed to incorporate as many sustainable features as possible, this is a downtown hotel with a difference.

Bedrooms feature carpets made from recycled materials, low-flow faucets, and earth-friendly paints and interiors, as well as kitchenettes with Energy Star appliances. In the communal areas, guests can admire artworks mounted on bases made from recycled tires or enjoy a drink on the natural rooftop terrace with outstanding views of the city.

Reducing your carbon footprint in a big city environment can be difficult, but Element New York Times Square is certainly committed to changing that.

Hotel Felix, Chicago, Illinois

This chic, urban hotel offers a taste of the luxe-life thoughtfully combined with earth-friendly initiatives and amenities. As the first hotel in the Windy City to earn Silver LEED certification, this hotel is dedicated to recycling in a big way.

The Felix is packed full of organic materials and renewable resources, and the interiors have been created to capture the elements of earth, wind, water, and fire to create a cozy retreat from the urban streets. Carpets made from recycled materials, low-energy lighting, and organic beauty products in the spa are just a few of the eco-friendly touches that set The Felix apart from the competition.

Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle, Washington

As the first hotel in Seattle to be granted with the LEED-certification, this Hyatt hotel offers much more than just the usual familiar, chain-hotel comforts. On the top of the building sits a green roof that provides the perfect urban habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies, and an in-house water conservation program helps to reduce water wastage throughout every area of the hotel.

Beautifully appointed bedrooms continue the earth-conscious theme with in-room recycling and energy-efficient lighting, while suites and upgrades even have their very own water bars. The on-site restaurant at the Hyatt prides itself on offering farm-to-table offerings from local suppliers, and there is also a spa with organic treatments and beauty products.

Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga, California

Nestled into a canyon in the Upper Napa Valley , the Calistoga Ranch offers luxury lodge accommodation with a ton of eco-friendly amenities woven into the fabric of the establishment. With over 150 acres to explore, guests can stay in any of the freestanding lodges scattered around this car-free estate.

Dine on organic, locally-produced dishes at the on-site eatery, and sleep soundly knowing that your lodge is not only made from natural, sustainably-sourced materials but also that it features energy-saving light bulbs. It also has water flow reducers and ecologically friendly toiletries and cleaning products.

The Calistoga Ranch also offers its very own vineyard, an indoor and outdoor fitness center and acres of picturesque hiking trails within easy reach of your own front door.

Hotel Terra, Teton Village, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Designed to let you enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of indoors, this stunning resort hotel features a lot of huge glass windows to make you feel at one with your snowy surroundings. With natural air being circulated around the hotel, you will feel like you are sleeping on a mountain top as you bed down on your organic mattress after a busy day on the slopes.

Designed with nature enthusiasts in mind, the Terra Hotel also offers aluminum water bottles and on-site water stations, low VOC carpets and interiors, radiant underfloor heating, dual-flush toilets, low flow shower fixtures, and solar-powered faucets. The on-site spa uses only organic products, and the ski-in, ski-out nature of the hotel reduces the need for vehicles around the resort accommodation.

Bardessono Hotel and Spa, Yountville, California

This LEED Platinum-certified property offers first-class accommodation paired with eco-friendly practices and standards. Using woods milled from salvaged trees, underground geothermal heating systems, and over 900 solar panels, this is a luxury hotel that takes care of both its guests and the environment.

Guests can enjoy low VOC compound materials, no carpeting, and drapes throughout the Bardessono Hotel , hot water and heating powered by 300-foot wells on the property itself, and low-energy lighting. The on-site restaurant also offers organic, natural, locally sourced produce for guests to savor.

The Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho’omaluhia, Hawaii

Island resorts don’t come much more perfect than this one. The Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho’omaluhia takes green initiatives to the next level with a wealth of earth-friendly additions to be found throughout the entire resort.

Solar panels and windmills are used to create heating and to purify the saltwater pools, while the on-site 50-acre organic farm produces goat milk, avocados, and much much more. The design of the hotel uses the cross breezes from the Kohala to eliminate the need for air conditioning, and bedrooms all offer low-flush toilets, low-flow showers, in-room reclining, and sustainable-sourced linens and interior elements.

Situated in a paradise, the Hawaii Island Retreat makes vacation dreams come true.

There are some incredible eco-friendly hotels that can be found across the world. Here are 10 of the best.

Zuri Zanzibar, Kendwa, Tanzania

Designed to look just like a traditional African village, the entire hotel is built to work alongside the natural environment and not to damage it in any way. Comprising a range of thatched-roof villas that balance on stilts, guests can take shelter from the sun under the shade of the ancient baobab trees, or sip a cool drink on the white sands of Zuri Beach.

Overlooking the stunning blue seas of the Indian Ocean, Zuri Zanzibar is the world’s first hotel to be awarded EarthCheck’s Sustainable Design Gold Certification and offers standout eco-friendly initiatives and solutions, including an energy-efficient Evening Breeze air-conditioning system in the luxury villas and a home-grown fragrant spice garden.

Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam

This eco-friendly, 5-star resort offers some of the most luxurious, environmentally-sound accommodations in the world. Designed and built to help reduce consumption while supporting local communities and ecosystems, a stay at the Six Senses Con Dao will awaken all of yours while restoring your faith in human nature.

The Six Senses’ commitment to sustainability and low carbon footprints can be found in every corner of the resort. It has solar panels that heat your shower water, fresh air climate conditioning, and even a Crystal Water system with its refillable glass bottles that save over 10,00 plastic bottles from heading to landfill every month. The Six Sense Hotel is an eco-marvel, found in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Soori Bali, Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia

A stunning well-being retreat on the island of Bali, Soori Bali, offers guests the chance to unwind and refocus in sustainable surroundings. Designed to meet the requirements of the EarthCheck international environmental standards, the resort has been crafted out of locally sourced materials, combined with opulent and inspiring interiors.

The Soori Bali fully utilizes the island’s famous rainy season with its rainwater filtration systems, and the open-plan spaces allow natural light and air to flow freely. Guests can enjoy total relaxation at the on-site spa that offers a range of treatments with traditional practitioners and herbalists.

Spice Island Beach Resort, Saint George’s, Grenada

This luxurious 5-star resort offers first-class accommodation curated with sustainability in mind. The Spice Island Beach Resort is just a short walk from the world-famous white sands of Grand Anse Beach and has received numerous Green Globe Certifications in recent years.

The resort helps to keep its carbon footprint low by using solar panels to heat the water, providing an on-site desalination system to provide clean water, and using local suppliers and community connections where possible. As one of the very best hotels on one of the prettiest islands in the world, a stay at The Spice Island Beach Resort is a truly memorable occasion.

Thala Beach Lodge, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia

Set on over 140 acres of native forest, the Thala Beach Lodge has been awarded one of the highest eco-tourism accreditations, Advanced Ecotourism Certification. Nestled away on a nature reserve offering views out across the Coral Sea, this quiet corner of Queensland is home to one of the most incredibly eco-friendly accommodations in the world.

This beautiful art deco resort allows guests to stay in comfortable and authentic lodges, while there are plenty of earth-friendly amenities to enjoy including the organic coconut plantation, the natural swimming pools formed by granite boulders and waterfalls, and the regular talks from the local elders of the Kuku Talanji community. There are also lots of free guided tours available at Thala Beach Lodge .

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, Maldives

Offering luxury stays on the exclusive island of Hadahaa, the Park Hyatt Maldives offers picture-perfect 5-star villas, first-class diving, and the miles of sandy beaches you would expect to find in the Maldives. What may surprise you, though, is that this famous hotel is also one of the most eco-friendly in the Indian Ocean.

Tucked away in a lush green location, parts of the hotel have been built over the water to minimize disruption to existing ecosystems, and the hotel promotes recycling, fresh air conditioning, and solar heating where possible.

The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is also the sole recipient of a silver EarthCheck certificate and is the only resort in the Maldives to be awarded by EarthCheck for both design and construction.

The Park Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India

Situated in the business and entertainment district of this bustling city, you would think that The Park Hyderabad is just another upscale urban hotel, but you would be wrong to do so. While the hotel does indeed offer first-class, 5-star accommodation and amenities, it is also one of the few in India to have achieved LEED Gold certification.

The design of the building starts by maximizing natural light that in turn allows it to consume less electricity. It is also careful to use interiors made from sustainable materials wherever possible. For guests at The Park who wish to reduce their personal carbon footprint, green transportation, bikes, and electric cars are very much encouraged to explore the city outside your doorstep.

Whitepod, Monthey, Switzerland

This unusual concept hotel is not luxurious, nor does it offer a huge host of amenities. But for all that it lacks, it more than makes up for with its superb on-piste location, unique sleeping accommodation, and incredible eco-friendly credentials.

Guests are able to sleep on the side of the mountain in a selection of well-appointed pods that have a minimal environmental impact. Each pod is heated by stocking up its own wood stove, lighting is provided by LED bulbs, and there is no bottled water. Whitepod also uses timers on boilers to keep consumption down and water-saving devices on taps and showers.

Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda, Italy

With amazing views out across Lake Garda, the Lefay Resort is an eco-conscious hotel that offers total luxury in this stunning part of the world. Awarded the platinum level GreenLeaders certification, the hotel has been built using natural materials, most of which were locally sourced, including olive wood, Italian walnut, and even marble.

Guests can marvel at the beautiful infinity pool and enjoy the first-class cuisine in the on-site eateries, as well as enjoying a host of treatments available at the Mondo Lefay Spa. They will also be impressed by the use of renewable energy sources at the Lefay Resort for cooling and filtering the air and producing electricity, as well as in-room sensors to turn off electrics when the rooms are empty.

Casa De Las Olas, Tulum, Mexico

With a strong eco-ethic, this luxury resort hotel is the only property in Mexico with a LEED review and 1 that is committed to combining opulence with sustainability at all turns. Retro-fitted solar panels help to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint while personal touches like hand-sorted trash offer a truly bespoke twist on traditional recycling.

Guests at Casa De Las Olas can also enjoy rainforest showers using re-filtered well water, as well as locally sourced food from family farms, all carefully handpicked to ensure the freshest and ripest ingredients are always available. Luxury awaits at this stunning, eco-friendly resort just outside of downtown Acapulco.

There is a big world out there just waiting to be explored, and with a bit of forward planning, you can reach the furthest corners of the earth while being a truly responsible traveler. From simple lifestyle changes like ditching plastic straws and single-use bottles, to committing to volunteer with conservation projects, every single person can make a difference — and that includes you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is green travel.

Green travel can often be referred to as eco-travel, where you travel responsibly and minimize your impact in natural environments. More broadly, this can also involve your impact culturally, socially, and economically, and traveling in a sustainable manner.

What is the most green way to travel?

There are many green alternatives to flying or driving that include, cycling, walking, buses, trains, and electric cars. Depending on the type, motorcycles may also be more fuel-efficient than cars.

How do you become a green tourist?

The simplest method of becoming a green tourist is to remember the 3 Rs for sustainability: reduce, reuse, and recycle. If you consider these with every aspect of travel from packing to transport, you can become a green tourist.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Don’t skimp on doing your own research, and be aware that ‘green’ certificates aren’t always all they’re cracked up to be.

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• April 22, 2021

So you’re vaccinated and eager to — finally — plan a real summer vacation after a rough year, but you don’t want to add to the problems you might have read about: overcrowding, climate change, unfair working conditions in the tourism industry. What’s a thoughtful traveler to do?

For those who want to travel responsibly, it comes down to this: You, the traveler, have to do your homework.

Looking for a hotel or tour operator that has earned a sustainability label might seem like a good place to start, but the reality isn’t so simple. There are around 180 certification labels floating around in the tourism industry, each purporting to certify the green credentials of a hotel, restaurant, tour operator or even a destination. And while some of those labels are well enforced, others might better be described as greenwashing — when a company portrays itself as an environmental steward, but its actions don’t match the hype.

“The range is enormous — from rigorous, impartial and excellent to, frankly, poor,” said Randy Durband, the chief executive of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council , a nonprofit organization that establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel. “We strongly believe in the value of third-party certification, when it’s done right,” Mr. Durband added. “But the way the word ‘certification’ is used in tourism is out of control.”

Still, while the labels might be all over the map, many businesses are waking up to the importance of improving their environmental and social performance, said Andrea Nicholas, the chief executive of Green Tourism , an Edinburgh-based certification body with more than 2,500 members. The pandemic has brought the concept of sustainable tourism forward by five to 10 years, she said. Before, she added, many businesses saw sustainability as an “add-on.”

“What we’re seeing now, from the interest we’re getting, is that it’s a must-have,” she said.

There are some promising signs that consumers, too, are waking up to the consequences of their vacations. More than two-thirds of respondents to a recent seven-country global survey for American Express Travel said that they “are trying to be more aware of sustainability-friendly travel brands to support.” Another poll, this one for the digital travel company Booking.com, found that 69 percent of the more than 20,000 respondents “expect the travel industry to offer more sustainable travel options.”

What does “sustainable travel” mean, anyway?

Given the diversity of destinations and contexts that a traveler might encounter, there’s no universal answer to what sustainable travel means. A hotel’s water efficiency is a lot more important along Spain’s dry Mediterranean coastline than in rain-soaked western Scotland, for instance.

But experts say that the concept is about a lot more than just reusing the towels in your hotel room or buying a carbon offset for your flight, although those are good places to start.

Sustainability is also about the wages and working conditions of the people who are waiting tables on your cruise ship or schlepping your bag up a trail; it’s about the additional pressure you might be putting on an already-crowded city , heritage site or natural area ; it’s about whether your hotel buys its produce from a farm down the road or from a supplier on the other side of the world, or whether the money you spend goes into the community you’re visiting — or into the distant account of a multinational.

“What you need to do is marry the corporate social responsibility with an informed tourist consumer who knows what they’re asking for, and then demands it,” said Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, an adjunct senior lecturer in tourism at the University of South Australia. She listed some questions that travelers should ask themselves before they take their next trip: How can I travel in an off-peak time? How can I go to places that aren’t overcrowded? How can I ensure that the money I spend ends up in the local economy?

Johannah Christensen, a nonprofit executive and longtime concerned traveler, says that she always looks for some sort of reliable certification when she books a block of hotel rooms for an annual professional event. The Green Key label — a certification program that is headquartered in Copenhagen, where Ms. Christensen lives — is one that she has used in the past, but she is always sure to do some digging on her own. (This 2016 guide to some of the major tourism certifications can be a good starting point.)

“You can look for those green check marks, but understand what’s implied in them,” she said. “What does the hotel actually have to do to earn it? Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

How to do your homework

Asking questions — both while you’re traveling and, more important, before you book — is one of the most powerful things that travelers can do, said Gregory Miller, the executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Responsible Travel . He recommends people start by looking closely at the websites of the tour operators, hotels and destinations that they’re considering. If they don’t find any language about sustainability, “that should be a flag,” he said.

Beyond that, he suggests that travelers check his organization’s list of responsible travel tips , which include recommendations like hiring local guides, asking permission before taking photos of people, staying on designated trails in natural areas and thinking twice about handing out money to children. While they’re traveling, Dr. Miller said, people shouldn’t be afraid to ask difficult questions of their service providers, or to call out waste or abuse when they see it — whether directly to a manager or in an online review.

“Certification can be a tool in the toolbox, but don’t be limited by that,” Dr. Miller said. “It’s about choices, and travelers do have the choice.”

Susanne Etti, the environmental impact specialist at Intrepid Travel , a global tour operator based in Australia, had other tips for travelers. She said they could start by checking the list of the more than 230 travel organizations that have joined the Tourism Declares initiative, members of which have pledged to publish a climate action plan and cut their carbon emissions.

Another reliable indicator, she said, is whether a company has been classified as a “B Corporation” — a rigorous sustainability standard that’s not limited to the tourism industry. Her company, Intrepid, has achieved the distinction, as have the apparel company Patagonia and ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s. The B Corporation website lists some three dozen companies in the “travel and leisure” sector — from a paddle sports company in Hawaii to an Ecuadorean tour bus operator. A number of other tourism businesses are listed under “hospitality,” including Taos Ski Valley and Orlando-based Legacy Vacation Resorts.

Dr. Etti also shared some of the advice that she follows in her own travels. “When you fly, make it count,” she said, adding that, before the pandemic, when she would travel from her current home in Australia to her native Germany, she would do the long-haul flight, but then choose trains or other less-polluting ways to get around Europe, even when cheap short-haul flights were readily available.

Dr. Etti also recommended that travelers learn to slow down. “Stay in one location longer,” she said, “to really understand how life works in that community.”

Rethinking what travel means

Many travelers also need a shift in mind-set, said Dominique Callimanopulos, the head of Elevate Destinations , an international tour operator based in Massachusetts that has won a number of awards for its commitment to sustainability. People should learn to see their travels as an opportunity for exchange with a host community rather than a simple consumer transaction. Ms. Callimanopulos said that even her sustainability-inclined clientele rarely do their homework: She has received more questions about the availability of hair dryers than about the company’s environmental or social practices.

“People can make a shift from thinking just about what their personal experience is going to be to looking at the impact of their experience on the ground, on the destination and on the community,” she said.

Lindblad Expeditions , which operates adventure cruises in destinations like Alaska, the Antarctic and the South Pacific, has also won awards for its approach to sustainability and for giving back to the communities it visits. Sven-Olof Lindblad, the company’s chief executive, said that he continues to see people spending up to $40,000 on an Antarctic cruise without doing any research on the practices of the company offering the trip.

“You wouldn’t just buy a car from an ad without understanding what it was and how it compared,” he said. “I’m absolutely amazed at how little diligence people sometimes do in relationship to travel.”

Mr. Lindblad recommended that, in addition to doing their own research, travelers could speak to a travel adviser or travel agent who can help them dig for answers that might not be readily available on a company’s website.

“When people choose to travel, they should really understand what they’re getting into,” he said, “because there’s a lot of smoke and mirrors in this business.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2021 .

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How to travel better: a beginner's guide to sustainable travel in 2023 and beyond

Sustainable, green, responsible — planet-friendly ways to explore the world are more popular than ever but how do you start to make better decisions when you travel? The first step is to understand what sustainable travel is and why it’s important.

What’s sustainable travel? Sustainable travel is about travelling in a way that’s sensitive to the climate and nature emergencies while ensuring that the wellbeing of the places we visit gain long-term benefit from us travelling there. It’s a balancing act between maximising the positives of travel while reducing or eliminating the negatives.

What’s happening and why? The concentration of carbon dioxide currently in the atmosphere is well over 400 parts per million higher than at any time in at least 800,000 years — and it’s still increasing, causing global temperatures to rise. The consensus is that a rise of just 1.5C will cause dangerous warming of the planet. The stability of our world’s climate hinges on whether we can keep this small rise in global temperatures in check and time’s running out. This is the decade that counts.

How does this impact the natural world? Commensurate with the climate crisis is the nature emergency: worldwide, 1 million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction due to the intensification of agriculture and forestry, resource extraction, hunting, invasive species, urban sprawl, pollution and climate change. Yet, this is not just about the disappearance of remote rainforests or polar bears at the extremities of the planet – habitat and biodiversity loss are happening on a colossal scale in the UK, to our hedgerows and forests, our garden birds, and the fish in our seas.

What can you do about it? Being a sustainable traveller is not about making grand, one-off gestures, it’s a state of mind, an ongoing attitude to conscious adventure that influences all aspects of how we holiday, including what we pack in our luggage and how we travel out to destinations, as well as the choice of hotels and activities we take part in while we’re there.

How do I even get started? To begin with, consider packing less: travelling lighter will reduce the chances of having to dispose of items; it makes it much easier to travel around, especially on foot, by bike or on public transport; and it’s more fuel efficient — especially noticeable if you’re travelling in an electric car. A useful device for packing economically is to consider the three Rs: Reduce: What can I get away with not taking; are there items that can double up for several uses? Reuse: What can I take that I can reuse over and over again? Recycle: What can I take that can be recycled once I’ve finished using it? Try to avoid taking single-use plastic, such as bottles, bags and straws, which break down over time into tiny microplastics that enter the food chain when they’re consumed by marine wildlife and ultimately cause serious health issues for humans. Instead, pack a refillable water bottle, coffee cup, Tupperware containers for food and toiletries, and a shopping bag — it’ll be handy not just as a replacement for buying a plastic bag at a supermarket, but also when you’re out buying food and groceries at a local market.

What’s the most important change that I can make? The single more significant way to reduce the carbon emissions of travelling is to tackle the transport portion, which is often responsible for at least 70% of the carbon emissions of a holiday. The most effective way to do this is to reduce the distance travelled and to travel in a way that burns less or, even better, no fossil fuels, using more sustainable modes of transport; or by not travelling in a vehicle at all, choosing instead to travel on foot, by bike or under sail. There’s a steep difference in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by aeroplanes compared with most land-based vehicles. There are concerted efforts to decarbonise air travel using alternative fuels and methods of propulsion (such as via electricity and hydrogen), but even the most optimistic predictions support that this change is at least a decade away for most airlines. For the time being, the emissions from just one long-haul flight can be more than those caused by someone driving a standard petrol car for a whole year. Taking the train within the UK emits about six times less than flying and taking the bus emits about nine times less. In Europe, where many trains (including Eurostar) are electric, the emissions from rail travel can be as much as 10 times less than flying.

And what if I do need to fly? If you do fly, bear in mind that there’s quite a large disparity between the carbon emissions of aircraft and the operating procedures of airlines, so do use online tools such as the ‘Greener Choices’ label on the search results provided by the flight search engine skyscanner.net , which flags up those flights that have less than average emissions.

While flying continues to be such a large polluter, consider adopting a more selective approach to flying: just as with the flexitarian approach to food where you eat a mainly plant-based diet and only occasionally eat lean meat and sustainably sourced fish, a similar attitude to flying could be that you mainly travel overland and only occasionally fly, staying for longer, and making the most of the flight by choosing a positive-impact holiday that benefits nature conservation and/or genuinely benefits the wellbeing of local communities.

What does my carbon impact look like once I get to a destination? There are other factors that will affect your carbon emissions when you’re at the destination, including your choice of hotel and the food you eat. The average carbon footprint of a night in a typical hotel in the UK is about 31.1kg CO2, according to the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative, so choosing a hotel that has lower than average carbon emissions can make a significant difference to your holiday’s footprint. Thankfully it’s becoming easier to find green accommodation — keep an eye out for the green filters on specialist accommodation booking sites, such as Airbnb’s ‘off-the-grid’, Sawday’s 'Sustainable stars'   and   i-escape's 'eco rating', there are several online agencies that specialise in green accommodation, such as fairbnb.coop and myecostay.eu , and even the big online agencies, such as Booking.com , TripAdvisor and Google , now flag up eco-certified hotels in their search results. Many of these eco-certified accommodations do much more than reducing their carbon emissions, they’ll also reduce the amount of waste they send to landfill and reduce the use of chemicals and the amount of water they use.

Feasting on local, seasonal food washed down with the local tipple conveys a sense of place better than any travel brochure. It’s also much better for the environment as there are significant emissions of carbon arising from the ‘food miles’ associated with transporting food great distances. Whether it’s freshly baked bread for breakfast, salad from the local market for lunch, or the catch of the day at the nearby restaurant, choosing local isn’t just good for the planet, it’s also healthier and a great way to put money into the local community.

Where to go Some of the most colourful cities in Europe are a great choice for a green break, such as Bristol, Angers, Nantes, Zurich, Ljubljana and Copenhagen. Here, pragmatic local authorities are implementing the circular economy to create sustainable transport, housing and economic development policies that are accelerating their transition to net zero, which has the knock-on effect of improving the experience for sustainable travellers. For example, regenerative wetlands and connected green spaces help manage storm water, air quality and improve biodiversity, but also provide wonderful green sanctuaries that are great for appreciating urban nature or for just chilling out in parks and gardens across urban villages.

And how to get around? Countries that have a modern, high-speed rail infrastructure make it easy to travel with a lower carbon footprint. Switzerland has an extensive public transport network across the country (the Swiss Travel Pass provides free admission to 500 museums as well as unlimited travel on trains, bus, boat and public transport in cities), while France, Spain, Italy and Germany have impressive high-speed rail networks, particularly between major cities.

What about long haul? Further afield, some countries have made concerted efforts to include tourism in their sustainable development goals. Following decades of tree clearing for agriculture and livestock production, in the 1980s the Costa Rican government implemented policies that have halted and reversed this deforestation. Today, over half of Costa Rica’s land is covered by forest, compared to just 26% in 1983, allowing it to make the most of the biodiversity in its rainforests and pioneer the concept of ecotourism, developing small-scale, high-end eco lodges that have contributed to the conservation of its rainforests. Guyana, too, is developing community-based ecotourism to fund the protection of its rainforests. Lodges such as Iwokrama River Lodge , Rewa Eco-Lodge and Surama Eco-Lodge enable visitors to enjoy the country’s incredible biodiversity, while contributing to its conservation and to the livelihoods of remote communities.

Where can I look for more information? Richard Hammond is a sustainable travel expert and founder of Green Traveller and the author of The Green Traveller: Conscious Adventure That Doesn’t Cost the Earth (£18.99, Pavilion).

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Passing Thru Travel

Green Globetrotting – 12 Must-Have Sustainable Travel Apps for Conscious Adventurers

Posted: February 28, 2024 | Last updated: February 28, 2024

In a world increasingly aware of its environmental footprint, sustainable travel is not just a trend but a necessity. As eco-conscious travelers, you have the power to make a positive impact on the planet while exploring it. This guide delves into a selection of innovative, sustainable travel apps essential for the modern, environmentally-minded wanderer. From carbon footprint trackers to eco-friendly accommodation finders, these apps are your digital companions in making travel choices that align with your green ethos.

1. Good on You

Good on You is an indispensable tool for fashion-conscious travelers prioritizing sustainability. This app offers comprehensive ethical ratings for over 2,000 fashion brands, focusing on their impact on the environment, labor rights, and animal welfare.

Whether you need a new backpack for hiking or a comfortable pair of shoes for city walks, Good on You helps you make informed choices that align with your eco-friendly ethos.

The app also features tips on sustainable fashion. It highlights ethical brands, making it easier for you to find stylish and responsible attire. It’s a great way to ensure your travel wardrobe doesn’t come at the cost of the environment.

Insider’s Tip: Use the app to discover local, sustainable brands in your travel destination, supporting local businesses and reducing your carbon footprint.

2. Eco Companion

Eco Companion transforms how you plan your trips, focusing on eco-tourism and sustainable accommodations. This app curates a selection of the world’s most environmentally responsible eco-tours and lodgings, emphasizing wildlife and conservation experiences. It offers an in-depth look into each option’s sustainability efforts, from energy efficiency to community engagement.

This ensures that your travel choices minimize negative environmental impact and actively contribute to conservation and local well-being. With Eco Companion, you’re not just traveling but making a difference.

Insider’s Tip: Look for experiences that include interaction with local conservation experts to better understand the area’s ecological initiatives.

3. Green Globe

Green Globe is your digital guide for finding sustainable travel options worldwide. This app lists hotels, attractions, and even conference centers that adhere to rigorous sustainability criteria. Each listing includes detailed sustainability profiles and reports, making choosing accommodations and activities that meet your green standards easy.

Whether you’re looking for a sustainable city hotel or an eco-friendly beach resort, Green Globe helps you make travel choices that are responsible, ethical, and environmentally sound.

Insider’s Tip: Use the app’s map feature to find certified sustainable stays near your destination, ensuring convenience without compromising your green standards.

Almond is an app for the environmentally conscious traveler looking to understand and mitigate their carbon footprint. This innovative app lets you scan product barcodes to reveal their carbon footprint, suggesting more sustainable alternatives.

It also rewards your eco-friendly choices with “conscious coins,” which can be used for future sustainable purchases or donated to environmental causes. Almond is a tool that empowers you to make travel choices that are better for the planet, from the food you eat to the products you use.

Insider’s Tip: Use Almond to scan food and drink products while traveling, helping you make more eco-friendly choices.

5. HappyCow

HappyCow is a lifesaver for vegan and vegetarian travelers, offering a worldwide comprehensive directory of plant-based dining options. Adopting a plant-based diet significantly reduces your environmental impact, and HappyCow makes it convenient, even in unfamiliar places.

With its extensive database of vegan, vegetarian, and veg-friendly restaurants, complete with user reviews and ratings, finding sustainable and delicious dining options has never been easier.

Insider’s Tip: Use HappyCow’s trip planning feature to create a list of must-visit eateries in your destination.

OLIO connects you with local communities to share surplus food, reducing waste and fostering a sense of connection. This app is perfect for travelers who want to minimize food waste while traveling.

Whether staying in self-catering accommodations or simply having excess food, OLIO allows you to share it with others rather than letting it go to waste. It’s a great way to experience local cuisine, meet locals, and contribute positively to the community you’re visiting.

Insider’s Tip: If staying in a self-catering accommodation, use OLIO to source local ingredients and reduce food waste during your stay.

7. Litterati

Litterati is an app that tackles global littering in a creative and community-driven way. As a traveler, you can contribute to keeping the destinations you visit clean and pristine by using the app to photograph, tag, and dispose of litter.

It turns environmental responsibility into a fun and engaging activity, allowing you to be part of a global effort to clean up our planet. This app helps improve the places you visit and fosters a sense of global community and shared responsibility for our environment.

Insider’s Tip: Join or organize a litter clean-up in your travel destination through the app, making a tangible difference in the local environment.

8. Ecosia Travel

Ecosia Travel extends the tree-planting mission of the Ecosia search engine to your hotel bookings. Most of the commission is directed towards global reforestation projects when you use this platform to book your stay. It’s an effortless yet impactful way to ensure that your travel accommodations contribute to crucial environmental efforts.

By choosing Ecosia Travel, your journey supports the planting of trees around the world, aiding in carbon absorption and ecosystem restoration.

Insider’s Tip: Use Ecosia as your primary search engine while planning your trip to maximize your contribution to their tree-planting initiative.

9. MyClimate

MyClimate is a comprehensive app for calculating and offsetting your carbon footprint. This tool allows you to measure the environmental impact of your flights, car travel, and daily activities. MyClimate offers a transparent and effective way to mitigate your travel impact by providing options to contribute to climate protection projects.

It’s an essential app for those committed to responsible travel, ensuring that your adventures don’t come at the planet’s expense.

Insider’s Tip: Regularly track your carbon footprint during your trip to stay conscious of your environmental impact and offset accordingly.

10. Water-Refill Stations

The Water-Refill Stations app is a game-changer for reducing single-use plastic during your travels. It helps you locate nearby water refill stations, allowing you to refill your reusable bottle easily.

This is particularly useful in destinations where tap water isn’t potable. By using this app, you contribute to lessening plastic pollution and promoting a culture of sustainability in the places you visit.

Insider’s Tip: Carry a collapsible water bottle to save space in your luggage and refill it at these stations.

11. REI Co-op National Parks Guide

The REI Co-op National Parks Guide is an indispensable tool for the eco-conscious explorer venturing into the U.S. national parks. This comprehensive app offers detailed maps, trail information, and sustainability tips for visiting these natural wonders.

It ensures that your natural adventures are respectful and informed, helping you enjoy the parks responsibly while minimizing your environmental impact.

Insider’s Tip: Utilize the app’s offline feature to access park information without needing mobile data or Wi-Fi. 12.

JouleBug is an interactive app that makes sustainable living fun and engaging, even when you’re traveling. It turns eco-friendly actions into a game where you can earn badges and compete with friends for being the most environmentally conscious.

The app includes challenges for energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable habits, perfect for travelers who want to maintain their green lifestyle. JouleBug also offers tips and how-to videos, making it easier to adopt sustainable practices in your daily routine, no matter where you are in the world.

Insider’s Tip: Participate in community challenges on JouleBug to connect with other eco-conscious travelers and locals, sharing tips and experiences.

The Bottom Line

As an eco-conscious traveler, these sustainable travel apps are your allies in making responsible choices. They empower you to make a positive impact through ethical fashion choices with Good on You, eco-friendly accommodation bookings with Ecosia Travel, or contributing to local communities with OLIO.

Remember, sustainable travel is about more than just seeing the world; it’s about leaving it better than you found it. Let these apps guide you towards a more conscious and responsible way of exploring, ensuring that your adventures today contribute to a greener and more sustainable world tomorrow.

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The post Green Globetrotting – 12 Must-Have Sustainable Travel Apps for Conscious Adventurers republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / GaudiLab.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Adventure travel for everyone.

We’ve been guiding group camping tours since 1973. Camp and trek through America’s National Parks on a wilderness adventure with the original adventure travel company. Our unforgettable tours in converted coaches with flexible itineraries attract people of all ages and from all over the world.   Join us in the western USA, Alaska and the Canadian Rockies, or Baja, Mexico!

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Start planning your 2024 camping holiday, view our calendar.

California Sun

Yosemite National Park Monterey & Santa Cruz Big Sur Channel Islands National Park Pinnacles National Park

8 Days Starts: San Francisco, CA Ends: San Francisco, CA

Caribou Crawler

Pacific Northwest USA Lassen Volcanic National Park Mt. Rainier National Park  Banff National Park Southeast Alaska

21 Days Starts: San Francisco, CA Ends: Juneau, Alaska

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Yosemite Valley Tuolumne Meadows Lembert Dome

2.5 Days / 3 Nights Starts: San Francisco, CA Ends: San Francisco, CA

ONE WEEKEND ONLY Friday, May 17 – Monday, May 20, 2024

Denali Dream

Southeast Alaska Dawson City  Hot Springs Fairbanks Denali National Park

14 Days Starts: Juneau, Alaska Ends: Anchorage, Alaska

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Monterey Santa Cruz Big Sur Channel Islands National Park Pinnacles National Park

5 Days Starts: San Francisco, CA Ends: San Francisco, CA

Rockies Rambler

British Columbia Banff National Park Jasper National Park  Hot Springs Southeast Alaska

14 Days Starts: Seattle, WA Ends: Juneau, Alaska

National Parks Loop

7 National Parks Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations California Wyoming Utah Arizona

16 Days Starts: San Francisco, CA Ends: San Francisco, CA

Alaska Explorer

Hot Springs Canadian National Parks Juneau, Haines, & Skagway  Dawson City  Remote Wilderness Denali National Park

29 Days Starts: Seattle, WA Ends: Anchorage, Alaska

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Let’s plan an adventure together! Rent a Green Tortoise adventure bus and we’ll build a custom itinerary, special meal plan and much more! Check out our charter page !

North America's Best National Parks

We don't just hop out and take photos. Tortoise group camping tours allow enough time in each destination we visit to really experience the indescribable landscapes of America's National Parks, Canada and Mexico.

Amazing food

Eating on our adventures is part of the experience! The whole group helps out to make mealtimes fun and fast. We take pride in serving up the best food you'll ever have on a camping trip.

Unique Converted Interior Coach

Play cards at the tables, curl up with a book, or chat with your fellow adventurers on our custom coaches. Our special interiors make traveling to awesome destinations comfortable and enjoyable!

CALIFORNIA & WEST COAST

Experience all of the fun the West Coast has to offer! Go on a camping trip to Yosemite National Park and take an epic journey along the cliff sides of the Big Sur coastline to Los Angeles. Explore even further to destinations including Joshua Tree National Park, Las Vegas and Zion National Park.

Our ultimate wilderness adventures! Explore Alaska's magnificent countryside. From temperate rainforests to snow-capped mountains and alpine lakes, come see the indescribable glacially carved landscapes for yourself. Visit the well-known destinations and get off the beaten path!

WESTERN USA

Take a camping tour through the sprawling desert landscapes of the American West! Explore brilliantly colored canyons carved by rivers, soak in desert hot springs and take in awe-inspiring vistas. Our Western adventures will get your boots dusty and invigorate your adventurous spirit!

An Interior Fit for Adventures

The bus was amazing! Great for socializing, great for appreciating the views, and great for sleeping in; just a very efficient form of travel. “

Natasha, UK

Continue your company as is! I’ve done a lot of other trips around the world, but Green Tortoise is still my favorite company! The food, the drivers, the itineraries and the bus, of course!  I just love your buses. ”  Tina, Germany

Camp Cookouts with Style

“The food was imaginative, healthy and delicious. Considering I can’t eat dairy, gluten or sugar, I was always considered, which was really nice.”  – Cathy, USA

“It was fabulous. Very fresh with loads of variety & plenty of options for vegetarians and others with special dietary requirements. I’ve used other adventure travel companies before and this was much better.”  – Hannah, Germany

• Price: 25000.00 RM
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Kuala Lumpur - Kathmandu

• Price: 690.00 RM
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Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur

• Price: 210.00 RM
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DHAKA TO KUALA LUMPUR

• Price: 1730.00 RM
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KUALA LUMPUR TO DHAKA

• Price: 599.00 RM
• Flight Time : 30 Apr 2024 3:50 PM
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KUAL LUMPUR TO DHAKA

• Price: 570.00 RM
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• Price: 580.00 RM
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DHAKA.SINGAPORE.KUALA LUMPUR

• Price: 1599.00 RM
• Flight Time : 15 Sep 2023 11:55 PM
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• Price: 760.00 RM
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• Price: 1390.00 RM
• Flight Time : 30 Jun 2024 12:30 PM
• Lading Time : 30 Jun 2024 6:40 PM

• Price: 1550.00 RM
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• Lading Time : 21 Mar 2024 1:10 AM

• Price: 780.00 RM
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• Lading Time : 25 Jan 2024 9:55 PM

• Price: 650.00 RM
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• Lading Time : 09 Feb 2024 7:10 AM

• Price: 770.00 RM
• Flight Time : 11 Nov 2023 9:40 PM
• Lading Time : 11 Nov 2023 11:40 PM

• Price: 2210.00 RM
• Flight Time : 13 Aug 2023 2:30 AM
• Lading Time : 13 Aug 2023 8:00 AM

• Flight Time : 24 Apr 2024 9:55 PM
• Lading Time : 24 Apr 2024 11:50 PM

• Price: 850.00 RM
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• Lading Time : 29 Jan 2024 9:55 PM

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• Flight Time : 17 Aug 2023 11:00 PM
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• Flight Time : 23 Aug 2023 11:00 PM
• Lading Time : 24 Aug 2023 12:55 AM

• Flight Time : 25 Aug 2023 11:00 PM
• Lading Time : 26 Aug 2023 12:55 AM

• Price: 790.00 RM
• Flight Time : 27 Aug 2023 11:00 PM
• Lading Time : 28 Aug 2023 12:55 AM

• Flight Time : 02 Apr 2024 11:00 PM
• Lading Time : 03 Apr 2024 12:55 AM

• Flight Time : 05 May 2024 2:05 AM
• Lading Time : 05 May 2024 8:00 AM

SURABAYA TO KUALA LUMPUR

• Price: 1299.00 RM
• Flight Time : 27 Dec 2023 6:35 AM
• Lading Time : 27 Dec 2023 10:10 AM
• Plane Name : AIR ASIA AIRLINES

• Flight Time : 30 Jan 2024 6:40 AM
• Lading Time : 30 Jan 2024 9:55 AM

• Price: 505.00 RM
• Flight Time : 29 Apr 2024 2:10 AM
• Lading Time : 29 Apr 2024 4:05 AM

• Flight Time : 08 Apr 2024 10:00 PM
• Lading Time : 08 Apr 2024 11:50 PM

• Price: 620.00 RM
• Flight Time : 07 Oct 2023 10:05 PM
• Lading Time : 07 Oct 2023 11:59 PM

• Flight Time : 22 Apr 2024 9:10 AM
• Lading Time : 22 Apr 2024 11:05 AM

• Flight Time : 19 Apr 2024 12:50 AM
• Lading Time : 19 Apr 2024 6:40 AM

KUALA LUMPUR.SINGAPORE. DHAKA

• Flight Time : 20 Aug 2023 11:55 PM
• Lading Time : 21 Aug 2023 8:10 AM

KUALA LUMPIR TO DHAKA

• Price: 2199.00 RM
• Flight Time : 25 Jul 2023 1:00 PM
• Lading Time : 25 Jul 2023 6:55 PM

DHAKA-SINGAPORE- KUALA LUMPUR

• Flight Time : 23 Aug 2023 11:55 PM
• Lading Time : 24 Aug 2023 8:10 AM

DHAK TO KUALA LUMPUR

• Price: 1480.00 RM
• Flight Time : 30 Apr 2024 4:40 AM
• Lading Time : 30 Apr 2024 10:30 AM

• Price: 630.00 RM
• Flight Time : 20 Apr 2024 2:10 AM
• Lading Time : 20 Apr 2024 4:05 AM

• Price: 2010.00 RM
• Flight Time : 05 Aug 2023 1:00 PM
• Lading Time : 05 Aug 2023 6:55 PM

• Price: 1980.00 RM
• Flight Time : 12 Aug 2023 11:00 PM
• Lading Time : 13 Aug 2023 4:55 AM

• Price: 2070.00 RM
• Flight Time : 28 Jul 2023 1:00 PM
• Lading Time : 28 Jul 2023 6:55 PM

• Price: 2030.00 RM
• Flight Time : 23 Aug 2023 1:00 PM
• Lading Time : 23 Aug 2023 6:55 PM

• Price: 1999.00 RM
• Flight Time : 12 Aug 2023 5:00 AM
• Lading Time : 12 Aug 2023 10:50 AM

• Flight Time : 16 May 2024 10:40 PM
• Lading Time : 16 May 2024 4:35 AM

• Price: 2190.00 RM
• Flight Time : 25 Aug 2023 12:20 PM
• Lading Time : 25 Aug 2023 6:20 PM

• Flight Time : 25 Jul 2023 10:05 AM
• Lading Time : 25 Jul 2023 12:00 PM

• Flight Time : 17 Jul 2023 12:10 PM
• Lading Time : 17 Jul 2023 6:20 PM

• Flight Time : 21 Apr 2024 2:10 AM
• Lading Time : 21 Apr 2024 4:05 AM

• Flight Time : 11 Aug 2023 12:55 AM
• Lading Time : 11 Aug 2023 9:45 AM

• Flight Time : 29 Sep 2023 5:00 AM
• Lading Time : 29 Sep 2023 10:50 AM

• Price: 1930.00 RM
• Flight Time : 25 Aug 2023 1:00 PM
• Lading Time : 25 Aug 2023 6:55 PM

• Flight Time : 11 Apr 2024 8:10 PM
• Lading Time : 11 Apr 2024 10:10 PM

• Flight Time : 18 Aug 2023 5:00 AM
• Lading Time : 18 Aug 2023 10:50 AM

• Price: 2099.00 RM
• Flight Time : 14 Aug 2023 2:05 AM
• Lading Time : 14 Aug 2023 8:00 AM

• Flight Time : 09 Aug 2023 1:10 AM
• Lading Time : 09 Aug 2023 7:05 AM

• Flight Time : 11 May 2024 4:40 AM
• Lading Time : 11 May 2024 10:30 AM

• Flight Time : 27 Aug 2023 5:00 AM
• Lading Time : 27 Aug 2023 10:50 AM

• Flight Time : 31 Aug 2023 5:00 AM
• Lading Time : 31 Aug 2023 10:50 AM

• Flight Time : 09 May 2024 2:40 AM
• Lading Time : 09 May 2024 8:35 AM

• Flight Time : 30 Aug 2023 5:00 AM
• Lading Time : 30 Aug 2023 10:50 AM

DHAKA KUALA LUMPUR

• Flight Time : 28 Aug 2023 5:00 AM
• Lading Time : 28 Aug 2023 10:50 AM

• Flight Time : 27 Apr 2024 12:05 AM
• Lading Time : 27 Apr 2024 2:00 AM

• Price: 640.00 RM
• Flight Time : 18 Aug 2023 10:05 AM
• Lading Time : 16 Aug 2023 12:00 PM

• Price: 799.00 RM
• Flight Time : 19 Aug 2023 2:30 AM
• Lading Time : 19 Aug 2023 4:25 AM

• Flight Time : 20 Aug 2023 10:05 AM
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• Flight Time : 16 Aug 2023 2:05 AM
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• Lading Time : 23 Aug 2023 12:00 PM

• Price: 670.00 RM
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• Flight Time : 06 Apr 2024 2:10 AM
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• Price: 1020.00 RM
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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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New challenge unlocked: hiking with a newborn. How to keep your baby safe on the trails

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Last week, my wife and I embarked on a special outdoor adventure. By the numbers, it wasn’t that impressive — a 2.3-mile, 300-foot “hike” up to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook . It took an hour from start to finish. Much of the route was paved. But it was a major milestone for one very important reason: It was our first hike with our newborn daughter, Emma.

In the days before this short but important trip, some pressing questions bounced around my head. Would Emma put up a fight as I wrestled her into the BabyBjörn carrier? Would she wail the whole way up the hill? Would she spit up all over me? (It wouldn’t be the first time.)

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I was also skeptical about how enriching a hike could be for a 2-week-old infant. Emma can barely see. After nine months in the womb, just lying in her crib must feel like visiting another planet — would she even notice the difference between indoors and outdoors?

To calm my nerves, I spoke with Dr. Rebecca Dudovitz, a pediatrician with UCLA Health. I was relieved to learn that babies, even those as young as Emma, appreciate time outside just as much as adults do.

“It’s a great way to stimulate their development with new senses and sounds, smells, things to look at,” said Dudovitz.

Outdoor time offers a host of benefits for babies. In addition to sensory stimulation, it exposes them to common allergens, which reduces their risk of developing allergies later in life, and it’s actually safer than spending time in crowded indoor places — they’re less likely to catch a virus from another person. Perhaps most importantly, going outside can calm a fussy newborn (and their exhausted parents).

“It can be a useful strategy, especially at the end of the day when everybody’s tired and cranky,” said Dudovitz.

Dudovitz also gave me a few tips to ensure our hike was a success. Rule No. 1 is to keep babies out of the sun, as a newborn’s skin is sensitive and sunscreen isn’t approved for use until they’re 6 months old. (Long sleeves and a sun hat are required equipment.) She recommends staying away from places with mosquitoes; if you can’t avoid bugs, you can pre-treat baby clothes with Permethrin to ward them off. Finally, pay close attention to heat and cold as babies can’t regulate their temperature as well as adults can (feel your child’s torso to gauge their temperature).

Armed with that info, my wife, Emma and I headed out for our first hike. It was a perfect Southern California day, the kind that makes you wonder why anyone would choose to live elsewhere. Warm sunshine spilled down from a deep blue sky, and a fresh breeze rolled in from the ocean as we trekked up the hill from the parking lot.

All around us, the chaparral was lush and alive with blossoms. Mounds of bush sunflowers glowed in the afternoon light, and here and there I noticed patches of coast morning glories, their delicate white cups streaked with purple. Amid the blooms, sagebrush branches stood out with their wispy pale green leaves. I touched them as we passed and savored their sweet, earthy scent. When we reached the top of the overlook, we could see for miles in all directions — the Santa Monica Mountains rising in the distance, the broad blue plane of the Pacific Ocean, and the skyscrapers of downtown L.A. poking up to the east. It was beautiful.

What did Emma think of it? Hard to say. She slept the entire time, stirring only when I took off her hat to snap photos. I think she opened her eyes for 30 seconds total. Even so, my wife and I enjoyed the excursion, and I’m calling this inaugural family hike a success. Next time, maybe Emma will be awake to hear, smell, see and feel all of it too.

3 things to do

1. ID plants and potluck in Topanga Canyon

Go for an all-levels plant identification stroll in the mountains of Topanga with Herb Club LA . The 2.5-mile walk will last about an hour and is open to everyone (even leashed dogs). Afterward, the group will be holding a “late Earth Day celebration” at the dreamy local Topanga shop the Well Refill for a tea meditation and potluck featuring herbal sodas and vegan chocolate. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes for the hike, and — if they plan to take part in the potluck — to bring vegan dishes and reusable plates, cups and utensils to minimize waste. The event is free (with donations accepted) and kicks off Sunday at 11 a.m. For more information visit eventbrite.com .

2. Bike, walk, skate or scoot in SGV

Ditch the car on Sunday and experience what it’s like to roam freely on five miles of streets in Alhambra, San Gabriel and South Pasadena. Active Streets: Mission-to-Mission , presented by Metro Los Angeles and hosted by San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG), is a car-free celebration packed with live music performances, pop-up booths from local businesses and community organizations, and free games and activities. Walk, bike, skate or scoot through any part of the route — or conquer the whole thing, if you choose. The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you’re a San Gabriel Valley resident, you can borrow a classic GoSGV electric bike for $50 by filling out this form . Active Streets was formerly known as 626 Golden Streets — with the Metro “Gold” line becoming the “L” and then the “A,” the name changed.

3. The Earth Day celebrations continue

Though Earth Day happened on Monday, the L.A. celebrations are still going strong. On Saturday, you’ll find guided nature hikes and storytelling at the Chatsworth Nature Preserve , a seed swap at Barnes Park in Monterey Park and the Teen Climate Fest at Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific . You can also get your gloves dirty on Saturday at the Madrona Marsh in Torrance, which is hosting a habitat restoration event . Pre-registration is required and participants should wear closed-toe shoes and bring sunscreen and water.

The must-read

Here’s a fun idea for getting outside and exploring Los Angeles: Go on a walking tour of the city’s bridges. For The Times, writer Adam Markovitz highlights nine spans all around L.A. that are worth checking out, including quaint walkways over the Venice Canals, the historic Shakespeare Bridge in Los Feliz and the new 6th Street Viaduct over the L.A. River. Whether you’re in it for the architecture or looking for some new views of the city, these bridges won’t disappoint.

Happy adventuring,

A recently published book, “ Places We Swim California ,” will get you excited to jump in the water this summer. It highlights over 60 swimming spots all around the state (including several in SoCal) and features road trip itineraries for discovering unique California beaches, rivers and hot springs.

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Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

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Moscow Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 60 most popular moscow trips. compare tour itineraries from 45 tour companies. 308 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular moscow tours.

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Winter

• Explore the majestic St Petersburg & Moscow on private city tours
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• Enjoy the local cuisine in stylish restaurants

Lower Volga Voyage

• Visit magnificent Red Square and Kremlin and examine the collection at theKremlin’s State Armory.
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• Explore Volgograd, the site of the decisive battle of World War II’s eastern front

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White Russian - 7 days

• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
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Biden admin. seeks to shield patients who travel out of state for an abortion with new health privacy rule

The Biden administration on Monday announced a rule seeking to strengthen privacy protections around health records, including for patients who travel to obtain reproductive health services, such as abortions, in states where it is legal. The move, officials said, aims to help protect patients and providers from legal action against them. 

What You Need To Know

The biden administration on monday announced a rule seeking to strengthen privacy protections around health records, including for patients who travel to obtain reproductive health services, such as abortions, in states where it is legal  the final rule issued on monday by the department of health and human services, prohibits health care providers, health insurance plans and clearing houses and their business associates from providing a person’s health information to law enforcement or state officials for the purposes of conducting an investigation or imposing liability on the person or provider  melanie fontes rainer, the director of the office of civil rights at the health and human services department, said monday’s rule is designed to bolster privacy protections for women who travel out of state to receive an abortion or other reproductive services monday’s announcement marks the biden administration’s latest attempt to protect access to reproductive services following the overturning of roe v. wade in june 2022.

The final rule issued Monday by the Department of Health and Human Services, prohibits health care providers, health insurance plans and clearing houses and their business associates from providing a person’s health information to law enforcement or state officials for the purposes of conducting an investigation or imposing liability on the person or provider. 

The new rule builds on the long-standing Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, known as HIPAA, which created national standards around the protection of patient’s health information. 

“That's what today is about, is making sure that Americans who convey very personal, private health information to a provider know that they have rights,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said at a press conference on Monday. “And if someone tries to extract that from you in coercive ways, or creative ways, please recognize we can take action.”

Melanie Fontes Rainer, the director of the Office of Civil Rights at the Health and Human Services department, said Monday’s rule is designed to bolster privacy protections for women who travel out of state to receive an abortion or other reproductive services. If a woman crosses state lines to receive an abortion in a state where the practice is legal, Rainer said, the woman’s medical records and information will be protected when she returns home to a state where it is not. 

“The provider in the state where she traveled will also be protected from folks reaching in to go after that type of medical care, which is one of the main goals of this rule so that women can seek care even in the face of the patchwork of laws we have now across the country,” Rainer said. 

Monday’s announcement marks the Biden administration’s latest attempt to protect access to reproductive services following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, which turned the issue of whether and how much to restrict abortion back to the states and triggered restrictions and bans on the practice throughout the country. 

President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign has put the issue front-and-center as the Democratic incumbent seeks another four years in the White House. Democrats credit the issue with a stronger-than-expected showing in the 2022 congressional midterm elections and in states – even ruby red ones like Kansas and Ohio – where the issue has appeared on the ballot since Roe’s overturning, voters have chosen to keep the practice more widely accessible.  

White House Gender Policy Council Jennifer Klein called Monday’s announcement “an important step forward in our fight to ensure patient privacy and peace of mind.” 

“Because no one should have their medical records used against them, their doctor or their loved one just because they sought or received lawful reproductive health care,” she added. 

Klein, Becarra and Rainer were joined by local board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Serina Floyd to make the announcement at the Health and Human Services headquarters on Monday.