Conscious travel: Unwind sustainably, for you and the planet
Vacations are a chance to break from routine, recharge, explore new places, and reconnect with yourself. However, while they nourish the soul, they can also have a detrimental impact on the planet. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism now accounts for roughly 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation, accommodations, resource consumption, waste and more. Every aspect adds up.
The good news? You don’t have to give up meaningful travel to reduce your environmental footprint. With a few simple shifts and more thoughtful choices, it’s entirely possible to travel differently, more consciously, and more sustainably.
Waste less: Small habits with a big impact
Whether you're at home or travelling, reducing waste makes a real difference. Single-use plastics are a major source of pollution, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Luckily, a few small changes can significantly reduce your impact:
- Bring a reusable water bottle to avoid buying disposable ones. If bottled water is your only option, choose a larger format and refill your bottle throughout the day.
- Pack a fabric tote bag for snacks, shopping, or other everyday uses.
- Use refillable containers for toiletries and medication. Compact or solid versions of products like sunscreen, shampoo, and soap help you avoid unnecessary packaging.
- Steer clear of individually wrapped snacks by portioning your own ahead of time.
- Keep reusable utensils in your bag to skip plastic cutlery when eating on the go.
Putting together a small, eco-friendly travel kit is just like packing your regular essentials. You're taking care of yourself while also taking care of the places you visit. Planning ahead with your health products also helps avoid last-minute purchases and prevents waste from oversized items you won't finish during your trip.
Rethinking how you get around: Reducing the consequences of transportation
Transportation is one of the biggest contributors to travel-related emissions, particularly air travel. A round trip from Montreal to Paris emits nearly two tonnes of CO₂ per passenger. While this type of travel is sometimes necessary or eagerly awaited, we can nevertheless make more responsible choices surrounding the purchase of a plane ticket.
Here are a few practical ideas:
- Booking direct flights can help lower fuel consumption.
- If you're travelling far, consider staying longer to make the trip more worthwhile from an environmental perspective.
- For shorter distances, consider avoiding flights altogether. Trains, ridesharing, and even buses are often better alternatives.
- Once you're at your destination, walking, cycling, or using public transit is not only better for the planet; it also lets you experience places more intimately.
Adopting a slower pace is a way to truly settle in, stay present, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Where you sleep matters
Determining where to stay is often a matter of comfort, location, and budget. However, it’s also an opportunity to make a more conscious choice for the planet.
Increasingly, accommodations are adopting eco-friendly practices, whether it’s utilizing renewable energy, managing water responsibly, reducing waste, or supporting local communities. Certifications like Green Key or Green Globe can help you spot these environmentally committed places.
You can also explore platforms like Vaolo, which connects mindful travelers with hosts who are actively engaged in sustainable tourism. By staying in places like these, you’re supporting a more respectful, community-rooted, and meaningful way to travel.
Eat local. Savour more
Food is another facet of travel that can make a difference. Favouring local, seasonal ingredients helps reduce the carbon footprint tied to transporting goods. It also supports the local economy and offers a deeper connection to the place you’re visiting.
Instead of eating at global chains, try exploring local markets, neighbourhood restaurants, or nearby farms. Joining a cooking or craft workshop can also turn a meal into a memorable experience and give you a real taste of the culture.
Protecting your health and local ecosystems
From sunburns to bug bites to minor scrapes, pharmacy essentials are a must when traveling. But the products you choose can also make a difference for the environment.
Look for sunscreens that are gentle on marine life by avoiding ingredients harmful to coral reefs and aquatic ecosystems. Mineral-based filters are often better for sensitive skin and the environment. Stick or solid formats can also help reduce packaging waste. Keep an eye out for “reef safe” labels or products made without endocrine disruptors—formulas that are safe for both you and the natural world.
And remember, never toss unused medication in the trash, the toilet, or nature. Even on vacation, bring any leftover meds back to your local Familiprix pharmacy, where they can be disposed of responsibly.
Respect the place and honour the people
Travel is more than just moving from one location to another. It's about stepping into new environments and cultures. That calls for curiosity, but also for care and respect.
Here are a few thoughtful ways to travel more responsibly:
- Learn about local customs before you go.
- Respect natural areas: stay on marked trails, avoid picking plants, and don’t disturb wildlife.
- Choose activities led by local communities that promote sustainable practices.
These small actions reflect something bigger: a genuine respect for the places you visit and the people who call them home.
Staying close to home and find more than you expected
It’s easy to forget, but you don’t have to travel far to have a meaningful getaway. Québec and Canada are full of breathtaking landscapes, welcoming small towns, incredible parks, and activities for all ages.
Travelling locally offers many benefits:
- A much smaller carbon footprint
- A chance to support local businesses and communities
- More time to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy simple but memorable experiences
A weekend in the countryside, a scenic train ride, an eco-friendly stay, or even a humble camping trip can be just as restorative as a journey abroad.
Travel mindfully for yourself and the future
Travel shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet. In fact, it can be a chance to find balance, where personal well-being and care for the world around us go hand in hand. You shouldn’t have to fear eco-anxiety.
Sustainable travel habits aren’t about restrictions. They’re invitations to slow down, stay present, and connect more deeply with our surroundings. By becoming aware of our impact, we can turn our vacations into something even more meaningful and rewarding.
Ready to plan your next trip? Visit our health and travel prep page for helpful tips and resources.
Enjoy your time away!