Start with how you pack
Lighter luggage is good for your back and for the planet: less weight on board means less fuel burned. Packing light also makes it easier to use public transport on arrival rather than taking a taxi everywhere. Choose clothes that layer and mix, and resist packing for every possible scenario.
A reusable water bottle, a foldable shopping bag and a small cutlery set take up almost no space and cut a surprising amount of single-use plastic. In many European cities, tap water is safe to drink and public fountains are common; check locally if unsure.
Move around like a local
European cities are generally excellent for walking, cycling and public transport. Buying a day or multi-day transport pass often works out cheaper than individual tickets and encourages you to explore beyond the centre. Many cities also have bike-sharing schemes that are easy for visitors to use.
For journeys between nearby cities, trains and buses are often a comfortable alternative worth considering.
Spend where it stays local
Where you spend money matters. Family-run guesthouses, neighbourhood restaurants, local guides and markets keep more of your spending in the community. Seasonal, locally grown food tends to taste better too.
Travelling outside peak season eases pressure on popular places and often means a calmer, cheaper trip. Shoulder months in spring and autumn can be ideal in southern Europe.
Food is another easy win. Ordering local dishes rather than imported favourites, buying from markets and avoiding over-ordering all reduce waste. If you are self-catering, plan a few simple meals so that nothing ends up in the bin on your last morning. Many travellers also find that slowing down, visiting fewer places and staying longer in each, gives a richer trip with fewer journeys in between.
Respect the places you visit
Stick to marked paths in natural areas, take your rubbish home from beaches, and use reef-safe sunscreen where available. In busy old towns, be mindful that people live there: keep noise down at night and follow local rules about where you can sit, swim or picnic.
At AeroVista we share more about our own efforts in our sustainability commitments. On your side, the habits above are small, but multiplied across millions of travellers, they make a real difference.
Good to know
- Carry a refillable bottle and fill up wherever tap water is safe.
- Choose a multi-day transport pass instead of taxis.
- Hang the do-not-disturb sign to skip unnecessary daily towel and linen changes.