Admittedly, it’s a little late for New Year’s resolutions, but before the holiday season really gets going, we’ve compiled a list of travel habits we’d like to leave behind in 2025. Including tips on how to do it. IMAGE: ©Zamrznuti Tonovi | Stock.Adobe.com

#1 Single-use-Plastic

More than 460 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide every year, a significant portion of which ends up in the environment. Hotels and we as tourists contribute to this problem: mini-shampoos, plastic water bottles, coffee-to-go cups, etc. Yet it is so easy to do something about it. For example, use refillable bottles or simply bring your own toiletries and do not unpack the ones provided by the hotel. Alternatively, you can choose hotels that do not use single-use plastics at all.

#2 Overpacking

We’ve all had those “what ifs” when packing. It’s better to pack an extra item than to be left out in the cold – a behavior I exhibit more often than I’d like to admit. But every extra kilo of luggage consumes more fuel, whether on a plane or in a car, and increases the CO2 emissions of your trip. But it’s also good for our backs if we pack a little less 😀 So next time you pack, take the risk of skipping the emergency clothes and opt for multifunctional clothing.

#3 Overtourismus

We have discussed the issue of overtourism many times on this blog. Unfortunately, it is still a problem that we as conscious travelers have to deal with. Because often the problems are in the places you want to see, like Machu Pichu or Venice. But before you do, stop and ask yourself if it wouldn’t be cooler to discover lesser-known places, or how you can make your stay as “gentle” as possible, for example by traveling in the off-season.

#4 Too much screen time

Let’s face it: we spend too much time on our smartphones, not only at home, but also on vacation. Whether it is the email that needs to be answered quickly, scrolling through social media, or the thousandth vacation photo that you will never look at again. Sustainable travel also means traveling consciously, taking care of the environment and yourself. A digital detox while on vacation can help with that and, in my opinion, can also increase the relaxation effect.

#5 Convenience over mindfulness

The last bad habit is almost all the others combined. Instead of mindfulness, we often choose convenience, especially on vacation, because “you’re on vacation. You treat yourself to coffee to go, disposable slippers, or don’t pay too much attention to where the souvenir comes from. (And where it all ends up.) I can understand that, but environmental problems don’t stop at the resort gate. With thousands of these small decisions being made every day, a lot can happen. That’s why we decided to take a more conscious approach to traveling in general, every step of the way. That way, we can always be aware of our responsibility to the planet and to ourselves.

Do you have any bad travel habits you would like to change? Or maybe you share ours? Let us know in the comments!

Autor: Ben Staudt