If you’re anything like me, your travel bucket list says “everywhere”. In the past few years, I’ve spent weeks and months at a time backpacking around the US and Europe. Perfecting your packing process can be a challenge, and it’s important to think sustainably and practically as you prepare to head out of town. Don’t let an over-packed bag slow you down on your next adventure!

Here are some tips I use to pack less, save money, and lower my impact on the environment.

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

Traveling (especially long flights) can leave you dehydrated and groggy. Pack along a reusable water bottle to fill up and take along with you on your daily adventures (and keep your beverage cold on a hot day!). Buying single-use plastic water bottles everyday leaves a mark on the environment and your budget. 

REUSABLE PACKING CONTAINERS

LIQUID BAGS/BOTTLES

Ziploc bags are easy to use for organizing your toiletries, documents, and other small items you have. But they can easily rip and end up useless, or will be thrown in the trash after your vacation. Try opting for a transparent gallon sized reusable bag for your liquids for a sturdier, more eco-friendly packing option.

And if you’re a fan of the little travel size toiletry bottles, consider keeping them and refilling them with shampoo and conditioner you have in larger containers to bring with you.

DAILY BAGS

Use a smaller backpack as a carry on that can also double as your day pack while you’re traveling. When you are shopping for clothes, souvenirs, or groceries, you can opt for no bag and carry it in your bag instead of one that will end up in the trash. This can also save you a few bucks in cities that charge you extra for bags. This can also double as your beach bag, hiking bag, picnic bag, etc! 

BIODEGRADABLE SOAP

This has been my life-saver while traveling on a budget (both outdoor and city travel). This concentrated soap can be used as shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, and dish soap. Just mix a few drops of water with it, and you can make a little go a long way. I get the biodegradable kind so that way if I have to use it outdoors, there’s no harm done! I like CampSuds from REI. 

DIGITAL MAPS, TICKETS, AND BOARDING PASSES

Printing out your itinerary or bringing maps and entrance tickets on your trip takes up space, weight, and, if not recycled properly, can end up in a landfill. Check to see if your airline, train, bus, tour, etc. offers a digital entry pass. So much easier to keep track of as well. My favorite transportation app at the moment is Moovit (offline public transportation navigation in major cities)

UPCYCLED/THRIFT CLOTHING

When packing for a trip, it’s easy to want to run to the nearest mall and buy some new outfits for your trip. However, “new-to-me” outfits can be just as fun as brand new clothing! This option is also cheaper for you and extends product life. If you’re reading this, then you’re only one click away from this step. Just click the “Shop” tab above and treat yourself to some Create Good merch!

Thanks for reading and happy traveling!

If you have more ideas on how to travel sustainably, leave us a comment below!  We love exploring the world and new ideas.

--Dee Dee