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7 eco-friendly packing hacks

Travelling is a fantastic experience, but it can seem like half your luggage is plastic. Never fear though, we're here with some simple packing hacks to reduce plastic and waste while travelling. Read on to discover 7 simple tricks!

Updated by: Aimee White - Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Updated: 8 August 2025

 

Packing sustainably doesn’t have to be a challenge. You can make easy swaps for eco-friendly products that will actually make your travels smoother and more rewarding.

 

Explore clever, eco-friendly packing hacks that help reduce waste, save space and lighten your environmental footprint. From reusable essentials to second-hand shopping, these tips are perfect for conscious travellers who want to explore the world without leaving a trail of plastic behind.

 

We've also listed our top trips for sustainability, whether that's countries embracing conservation projects or low-carbon trips (did you know we measure the carbon footprint of each and every trip?). 
 

So, whether you're heading off on hike or a long-haul adventure, these eco-friendly packing hacks and top trips will help you pack and travel smarter and greener. Ready to travel lighter and kinder? Let's unpack...

1. Water-to-Go bottles

Water quality is a common worry for travellers in new destinations, with many resorting to buying bottled water to make sure they drink clean, safe water. However, even using a larger bottle to top-up still means using a lot of single-use plastic, so an easy and affordable alternative is a reusable filtration bottle. 

 

Drink clean, safe water with a Water-to-Go bottle. It uses a special filter that eliminates over 99.9% of all microbiological contaminants including viruses, bacteria, chemicals and heavy metals from any non-salt water source. This means you can refill from any tap and even streams! Stay hydrated and help eliminate single-use items – claim your 15% discount on your Water-to-Go bottle below.

Grab a 15% discount here

2. Compact reusable carrier bags and dry sacks

An increasing number of countries are banning single-use plastics, from the Inca Trail in Peru to Kenya. In some cases, even plastic straws, cups and utensils have been banned too, enforcing hefty fines on those bringing them in.

 

It's worth using eco-friendly carrier bags and dry sacks wherever you travel. Compact foldaway bags are ideal for souvenir shopping or separating dirty or wet clothes. A dry bag is another useful item, especially when hiking; available in various sizes and colours, you can split kit and snacks into bags so they're easier to find.

Our walking & trekking tours

3. Beeswax wraps

If you're on one of our hiking or cycling tours, you'll likely be stopping off mid-route for lunch. Beeswax wraps are a great clingfilm replacement, ideal for keeping food like sandwiches fresh.

They're light and easy to carry, and can also be used in small sheets, placed over the top of toiletry bottles with the cap placed over the top to make sure that they don't explode into your wash-bag mid-flight.

 

Use them to wrap your lunch during a European cycling trip or while relaxing on the beaches of southern Thailand – it's a nifty, versatile item that barely uses any space in your suitcase!

Our cycling & biking tours

4. Shampoo and conditioner bars

Shampoo and conditioner bars are an ideal way to minimise plastic use while travelling. They last a great deal longer than their liquid counterparts and minimise the risk of liquid explosions in your bag or suitcase!

 

You can even get some 3-in-1 soap bars, incorporating body wash too. They may come in their own case or packaging, or why not wrap it with your beeswax wraps?

5. Bamboo toothbrushes, coffee cups and utensils

Bamboo is a fantastic replacement for plastic; it can be treated and moulded into many shapes, and is now being used for reusable coffee cups, straws, utensils and of course, toothbrushes.

 

The average person uses 300 plastic toothbrushes in their lifetime, so when you consider how many people there are using toothbrushes, you can see why finding a suitable replacement will really help cut down plastic waste. Even if it's single-use bamboo, it can be composted and recycled.

6. Reusable face cloths

In the UK, around 11 billion wet wipes are sent to landfill each year, taking up to 100 years to biodegrade. It may not be the first thing you think of, but reusable face cloths will really help to cut down the number of plastics that enter our oceans. Opt for thin towelling ones that are easy to make and are washable.

 

They're exceptionally helpful for our walking, hiking and cycling trips, but you'll find they come in handy for whatever trip you're on. If you can, why not pick up a local-made cloth during your travels?

7. Quick-dry towels

Using your own towels when travelling saves hotels from having to wash the towels you use when you leave, saving water. If you use a quick dry towel as well then you don't need to worry about packing wet gear which is really handy when you're on a busy trip.

 

If you don't have space to pack your own towel, reuse your hotel's if you can – more hotels have signs encouraging you to reuse your towel.

More eco-friendly packing tips

  • Your tour leader will point out safe water refill points, or there may be a refill station in your vehicle. 
  • Instead of buying brand new items, you could borrow items instead, from packing cubes to walking poles. You can also use second-hand websites and marketplaces like eBay and Vinted.
  • Pack reusable or refillable items: think refillable roll-on deodarants, small sewing kits for minor fixes, and items that serve more than one function. 
  • Download our Explore Worldwide app, which is your on-tour travel guide. Our app has everything you'll need for your trip, including your personal itinerary, accommodation and flights. You'll also receive instant updates, including flight time changes and live weather. No need for physical copies!

Meet Hannah - our Sustainability Expert

For me, what makes Explore stand out is how sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. One of the things I'm most proud of is our carbon labelling: each trip has its own carbon footprint calculation. It's not just about transparency; it's about accountability.

 

I can't travel without: my folding coffee cup. It was a gift from a friend and I am obsessed with it!

My worst habit: Buying interrail passes and having to plan an exciting rail adventure. They're valid for 11 months from purchase, so snap them up when they're discounted!

More about our sustainability

Top trips for sustainability:

Across the globe, many destinations are embracing sustainable tourism to help reduce the environmental impact of travel. Whether it's through green energy, conservation efforts, or low-impact itineraries, these trips stand out for their commitment to eco-conscious exploration.

 

Destination Sustainability focus Best for adventurers who want to:
Iceland Low light pollution Soak up natural wonders
Costa Rica Well-protected biodiversity See rich wildlife in their native habitats
Scandinavia Sustainability trailblazers Lower their carbon footprint
Greece Fresh, local produce Eat (and cook) organic cuisine

 

1. Iceland Northern Lights Adventure

Iceland is known not only for its dramatic landscapes but also for its commitment to sustainability. Reykjavik, the capital, ranks among the cleanest cities in the world, thanks in large part to Iceland’s unique geology. Sitting atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the country harnesses its geothermal activity to generate nearly all of its electricity and heating – making it one of the greenest nations on Earth. In fact, Iceland produces more renewable energy per capita than any other country.

 

Visit between October and March to experience the magic of the Northern Lights. The extended hours of darkness during these months offer the best chance to witness this natural phenomenon, far from the glow of city lights.

 

Northern Lights at Godafoss, Iceland

 

2. Upgraded - Costa Rica Wildlife

This tiny corner of Central America is one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world, producing almost 93% of its electricity from renewable sources. Costa Rica's tropical and volcanic landscape is also fiercely protected to preserve the country's diverse wildlife and ecology, which is said to hold around 5% of the planet's total biodiversity. Costa Rica provides the perfect opportunity to travel green, ensuring your footprint stays light while your experience remains rich.

 

This Upgraded itinerary sees you spend your time trekking through pristine tropical rainforests and cruising jungle waterways in search of rare wildlife, while accommodations include eco-friendly hotels with views of the Central Valley and boutique properties adjacent to sustainable farms.

 

Birdlife in Costa Rica

 

3. Walking in Finland and Sweden

With 70% of its land covered in forests and over 92% of its energy generated from low-carbon or clean sources, Finland is a trailblazer in sustainable practices. In fact, the Nordic country aims to be completely carbon neutral by 2035. Its next-door-neighbour, Sweden, follows a similar theme: the country is two-thirds forest (meaning more wooden buildings), Stockholm's public transport system runs on 100% renewable energy and the country aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.

 

Visit between June and September to see the best of these two countries by foot. There's plenty of local experiences, too, from distinctive local beers to a traditional Finnish sauna. Some would say both are renowned for their health benefits...

 

Tulliniemi Nature Trail, Finland

 

4. A Taste of Greece - Crete to the Peloponnese

Greece may not be as well known for its sustainability efforts, but our small group trips are designed to highlight authentic, eco-conscious experiences that support local communities and traditions. One of the most delicious ways to travel responsibly is through food; and Greek cuisine, with its rich, seasonal ingredients and deep cultural roots, offers the perfect getaway.

 

On this food odyssey, you'll visit family-run farms and working bee farms where you'll enjoy farm-to-table dishes and discover the intricacies of sustainable hive management. From vegetarian and vegan cooking classes to traditional meals, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for Greece's culinary heritage and its growing commitment to sustainability. Read Aimee's take on this trip here.

 

Dolmades, Greece

 

Don't just travel, Explore!

Did you know the Explore Foundation is a UK registered charity? The foundation's mission is to positively impact the lives of communities worldwide. Supporting grassroots projects that target poverty, increase access to education and healthcare, and promote conservation. We support a variety of projects that will have a long-lasting impact.
Learn more about the Explore Foundation