How to Travel Sustainably in Europe (Guide + Free PDF)

Smart Tips for Sustainable Travel in Europe

If you’re planning your next European adventure, it’s time for a quick reality check. For years, the go-to advice for sustainable travel has been “bring a reusable water bottle.” And while that’s still a great start, let’s be real, it’s 2025, and we need to step up our game.

Sustainable travel isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being mindful. With overtourism straining beloved destinations and climate change affecting landscapes, small changes in how we travel can have a big impact. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your travel style, just tweak it with a few smart choices.

If you’re wondering how to travel sustainably in Europe, the key is making thoughtful decisions – choosing trains over flights, supporting local businesses, and respecting natural and cultural heritage. Let’s dive into some easy, effective ways to ensure the places we love stay beautiful for generations to come.

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Quick List: Easy Sustainable Travel Tips

• Reevaluate How You Get There – Opt for trains, buses, or direct flights when possible.
• Choose Your Stay Wisely – Support eco-friendly and locally owned accommodations.
• Support Local Businesses – Eat at family-run restaurants, shop at local markets, and book with small tour operators.
• Ditch the “Must-Do” Mentality – Visit lesser-known places and travel off-peak.
• Be Smart About Waste – Reduce plastic use and pack reusable essentials.
• Rethink Animal Tourism – Avoid unethical wildlife attractions.
• Prioritize Free & Outdoor Activities – Embrace nature with hiking and eco-friendly adventures.

7 Tips: How to Travel Sustainably in Europe

1. Reevaluate How You Get There

Air travel is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions in tourism. While avoiding flights altogether isn’t always possible, there are ways to minimize their impact:

• Take Trains or Buses When You Can – Europe has an extensive and efficient rail network. Trains not only reduce emissions but also offer stunning views and a stress-free travel experience. Consider night trains for long distances.
• If You Fly, Fly Smart – Choose airlines investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), book direct flights (layovers increase emissions), and pack light (less weight = less fuel used).
• Consider Carpooling or Shared Transport – Rideshare apps, BlaBlaCar, and carpooling services can help cut down on emissions when trains aren’t an option.

2. Choose Your Stay Wisely

Where you stay matters. Accommodations can have a significant environmental impact, so be intentional about your choices:

• Stay in Eco-Friendly Hotels – Look for certifications like Green Key, EarthCheck, or EU Ecolabel. These properties prioritize energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing.
• Avoid Airbnb in Housing Crisis Areas – In major European cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Lisbon, short-term rentals have contributed to housing shortages and rising rents for locals. Instead, opt for hotels, B&Bs, or eco-lodges.
• Try a Farm Stay or Homestay – Agriturismos in Italy, Paradores in Spain, or traditional guesthouses in Greece offer authentic experiences while supporting local families.

Pro Tip: When using a platform like Booking.com, keep an eye out for the ‘Sustainability Certification’ badge to sort out eco-friendly properties.

3. Support Local, Not Just Convenient

One of the easiest ways to travel sustainably is by supporting local businesses. Your money can either go into massive tourism corporations or directly into the community. Here’s how:

• Eat at Family-Owned Restaurants – Skip the overpriced, tourist-heavy spots and seek out local gems. Markets, small bistros, and farm-to-table eateries are great choices.
• Shop at Local Markets – Buying souvenirs? Choose handcrafted items from local artisans rather than mass-produced trinkets.
• Book Small Tour Operators – Opt for locally run tours that keep money in the community rather than large, international companies.

4. Ditch the “Must-Do” Mentality

Not every trip needs to hit the “Top 10” attractions. Overtourism is straining cities like Venice, Dubrovnik, and Santorini, making them overcrowded and less enjoyable. Here’s how to travel smarter:

• Visit Offbeat Destinations – Instead of Venice, explore Bologna or Trieste. Skip Santorini for Milos. Swap Paris for Lyon. You’ll experience a more authentic side of Europe while avoiding crowds.
• Travel Off-Peak – Visiting during shoulder season (spring or fall) reduces the impact on local infrastructure and lets you enjoy places with fewer tourists.
• Limit “Just for the Photo” Stops – Be mindful of travel driven purely by social media trends. If a place is already struggling with overtourism, reconsider whether it needs another visitor.

5. Be Smart About Waste

The amount of waste generated by travelers is staggering. Reduce your footprint with these simple swaps:

• Bring Reusable Items – Pack a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, cutlery, and shopping bag.
• Say No to Single-Use Plastics – Avoid plastic straws, utensils, and disposable toiletries. Many European hotels offer refillable soap and shampoo dispensers.
• Dispose of Waste Properly – Learn the recycling rules in each country, as they can vary widely. For example, Germany has strict waste sorting systems, while some countries still struggle with recycling infrastructure.

6. Rethink Animal Tourism

Animal exploitation in tourism is still a major issue. While Europe has fewer unethical wildlife attractions than some regions, there are still red flags to watch for:

• Avoid Attractions with Captive Wild Animals – No dolphin shows, no circus-style animal performances, no petting zoos with exotic species.
• Support Ethical Wildlife Experiences – Opt for safaris in natural parks or wildlife conservation projects.
• Choose Responsible Horse & Donkey Rides – If you’re in places like Greece, where donkey rides are common, make sure the animals are well cared for and not overworked.

7. Prioritize Free & Outdoor Activities

One of the best ways to travel sustainably is to embrace nature and outdoor adventures. Hiking, biking, and exploring national parks have a minimal environmental footprint while offering unforgettable experiences:

• Go Hiking – Europe has stunning trails, from the Alps to the Scottish Highlands. Popular options include the Camino de Santiago (Spain), Dolomites (Italy), and Plitvice Lakes (Croatia).
• Explore City Parks & Green Spaces – Many European cities have beautiful public parks perfect for picnicking and walking tours.
• Opt for Outdoor Cultural Experiences – Instead of indoor attractions, consider open-air museums, historical ruins, and natural wonders.

FAQs: How to Travel Sustainably in Europe

1. What are the best destinations for sustainable travel in Europe?
Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland), the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Portugal are all leading the way in sustainable tourism initiatives.

2. How can I travel sustainably on a budget?
Budget travel and sustainable travel can go hand in hand! Use public transport, stay in hostels or guesthouses, eat at local markets, and avoid expensive tourist traps.

3. Are there apps that help with sustainable travel?
Yes! Some great ones include:

• Ecosia (an eco-friendly search engine that plants trees)
• Too Good To Go (helps reduce food waste by letting you buy discounted surplus meals)
• HappyCow (for finding vegan and sustainable restaurants)
• Rome2Rio (compares different transport options for lower-impact travel)

4. Is train travel always better than flying in Europe?
Most of the time, yes! Trains produce significantly fewer emissions per passenger than flights. However, some budget flights on newer, fuel-efficient aircraft can sometimes rival the emissions of long train journeys. Always compare your options.

Final Thoughts

Sustainable travel isn’t about sacrificing comfort or fun; it’s about being more mindful of the impact we have on the places we visit. Whether it’s choosing trains over planes, supporting local businesses, or simply traveling in the off-season, every small action adds up.

When thinking about how to travel sustainably in Europe, it helps to focus on conscious choices – opting for eco-friendly accommodations, reducing waste, and respecting local cultures.

So, as you plan your next trip, ask yourself: How can I travel in a way that leaves this place just as beautiful as I found it? If we all take that approach, we’re already making a difference.

Let’s keep exploring the world… just a little more responsibly.