Top 12 Must-Haves for Eco-Travelers
Published on 4/15/25
Written by Jessica Colla
Whether you’re heading off for a beach town getaway, a remote island adventure, or a coastal city escape, packing the right gear can make a huge difference—for the planet and for your experience!
As a professional marine biologist and passionate world traveler, I’ve been lucky enough to explore some of the planet’s most beautiful coastal destinations — from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, to the vibrant Mediterranean coastlines, to the remote islands of the South Pacific. Along the way, I’ve learned firsthand how important it is to travel responsibly. Over the years, I've tested and refined hundreds of must-haves into what I consider the “ultimate list of sustainable travel essentials” for ocean lovers like you. 🌊 🌎 ✈️ ♻️
Here are a few eco-friendly travel essentials I recommend for anyone who loves the ocean and wants to help protect it while exploring the world!
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💧 Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated without relying on single-use plastic water bottles everywhere you go. Look for options that are well insulated for tropical climates! I am literally obsessed with the Owala water bottle. The insulation keeps water icy cold for 24 hours and the FreeSip straw is perfect: no-spills and so easy to clean!
☕ Reusable Coffee Tumbler
If you're a coffee or tea lover, an insulated reusable tumbler is a must. Unlike disposable cups (which often have a plastic lining that’s hard to recycle), a good travel tumbler keeps drinks hot or cold for hours and cuts down on waste at cafés and airports. Choose a sturdy style that fits easily in your bag and lasts for years.
🥢 Reusable Utensil & Straw Kit
Perfect for grabbing food on the go without creating plastic waste — many kits come with a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, and straw in a handy case. This utensil kit is arguably the most important part of my travel kit. It helps me minimize my single-use plastic waste by over half when dining out.
🧴 Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin and coral reefs by choosing a mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. It’s one of the easiest, most important swaps you can make for ocean health!
Learn more about the chemical vs. mineral sunscreens in my blog “Is Your Sunscreen REALLY Safe For The Ocean?”
🦟 Eco-Friendly Bug Repellent
If you're traveling to tropical destinations, don't forget your bug spray — but skip the chemical-heavy options! Many conventional bug repellents contain ingredients that can harm coral reefs and aquatic ecosystems. Opt for reef-safe, natural alternatives made with ingredients like citronella, eucalyptus, and lemon oil — they protect you and the environment you’re exploring! (Besides, on one likes to smell like deet.)
🥥 Solid Toiletries
Solid shampoo, conditioner, and soap bars are perfect for travel — no leaks, no plastic waste, and easy TSA-approved packing! Bonus points if you find a complete toiletry kit with no plastic at all, like the one below:
🧴 Refillable Toiletry Containers
Instead of buying new travel-sized toiletries for every trip, invest in a durable set of refillable toiletry containers that last. You can fill them with your favorite eco-friendly products from home, reducing single-use plastic waste while saving money. I love using these silicone, BPA-free containers — no more last-minute drugstore runs!
🦷 Toothpaste Tablets & Biodegradable Silk Floss
Replace the plastic toothpaste tubes and switch to toothpaste tablets! These tiny tabs come in reusable or compostable packaging and are perfect for travel — no mess, no TSA liquid restrictions, and no waste. Pair them with this cute biodegradable silk dental floss to eliminate even more plastic from your routine.
🌸 Reusable Silicone Menstrual Cup
For travelers who menstruate, a reusable silicone menstrual cup is an absolute game-changer! It replaces dozens of disposable pads and tampons every trip — keeping waste out of landfills and saving valuable packing space. Bonus: it’s leak-proof, easy to clean, and can last for years, making it one of the most sustainable investments out there—not just for travel.
🧺 Travel Laundry Detergent Sheets
Forget the bulky bottles of liquid detergent — ultra-light, biodegradable dehydrated laundry detergent sheets are a perfect sustainable swap for travelers! They dissolve easily in water, take up almost no space, and avoid the plastic waste and chemical runoff of traditional detergents. Plus, washing a few clothes on the go means you can pack lighter (which saves fuel emissions on flights, too!).
🏖️ Packable Tote or Dry Bag
Skip disposable plastic bags for wet swimsuits or dirty laundry. A lightweight tote or dry bag also doubles as a beach bag, shopping bag, or hiking-day backup. I always have several bags at the ready! If youʻre anything like me and find yourself impromptu souvenir shopping, having a collapsible bag like this is a lifesaver!
🔋 Solar Rechargeable Power Bank
Stay powered up sustainably with a portable solar charger and a rechargeable battery pack. A solar panel lets you harness clean energy while you’re out exploring, and a compact power bank ensures you can charge your devices without relying on disposable batteries or constant electricity use. Perfect for beach days, remote hikes, and eco-lodges!
👕 UV Rash Guard or Swim Shirt
Instead of slathering on layers of sunscreen, why not wear a rash guard or sun shirt instead? It’s better sun protection and ocean-friendly for all of your adventures! I love Waterlust rash guards—each piece is made from recycled & organic materials, and designs are inspired by marine life! Plus: proceeds go directly to marine conservation!
🤿 Eco-Friendly Snorkeling Gear
If you plan to snorkel or dive on your trip, invest in a good-quality, long-lasting snorkel, mask, and fins kit. Rental gear is often worn-down and sometimes disposable—not ideal. If Iʻm traveling anywhere near the ocean, you better believe Iʻm packing my tried-and-true snorkel kit. I’ll never go back to rentals!
🌱 Bonus Tips:
✅ Unplug Electronics Before You Leave Home
Before heading out, unplug non-essential electronics and appliances. This reduces energy consumption and prevents phantom energy use while you're away.
✅ Avoid Over-Touristed Destinations
Choose less crowded destinations to help reduce the environmental strain on popular tourist spots. Exploring off-the-beaten-path locations can also lead to unique and memorable experiences.
✅ Offset Your Carbon Footprint When You Fly
If air travel is unavoidable, purchase a reputable carbon offset to help balance out your trip’s emissions by supporting reforestation, renewable energy, or marine conservation projects.
✅ Choose Direct Flights When Possible
Takeoffs and landings are the most carbon-intensive parts of air travel. Booking direct flights instead of multiple layovers can significantly cut your overall emissions.
✅ Travel Slower and Stay Longer
Instead of hopping between lots of destinations, consider spending more time in fewer places. Slow travel reduces transportation emissions and allows deeper, more respectful engagement with local communities and ecosystems.
✅ Opt for Public Transportation or Carpooling
Instead of renting a car, consider using public transit, biking, or carpooling. These options lower greenhouse gas emissions and often provide a more authentic local experience.
✅ Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Look for hotels, hostels, or guesthouses that prioritize sustainability — like solar energy, water conservation programs, recycling initiatives, and support for local conservation projects.
✅ Minimize Water Usage
Be mindful of your water consumption by taking shorter showers and reusing towels and linens. Many hotels offer programs that encourage guests to conserve water during their stay.
✅ Respect Local Cultures and Ecosystems
Learn a few words of the local language, honor traditions, and research any environmental challenges the area is facing. Traveling mindfully helps protect both cultural heritage and natural beauty.
✅ Support Local Businesses and Eco-Tour Operators
Eat at local restaurants, shop from small artisans, and book tours with eco-certified companies. This supports local economies and reduces the need for high-emission imports and mass tourism infrastructure.
✅ Respect Wildlife and Natural Spaces
Observe wildlife from a distance, stick to designated trails, and never remove shells, sand, or plants. Leaving nature untouched helps protect delicate ecosystems — especially in coastal and marine areas.
✅ Leave No Trace (and Leave It Better!)
Pack out all your trash, stay on marked trails, and consider picking up litter you spot along the way — especially at beaches, parks, and trails near the ocean.
✅ Participate in Local Conservation Efforts
Engage in activities like beach clean-ups or wildlife conservation programs. Contributing to local environmental initiatives supports the community and enhances your travel experience.
🌊 Every Choice Counts
Sustainable travel isn’t about being perfect — it’s about making better choices when and where you can. By packing a little smarter and planning a little greener, you’re helping protect the places (and oceans!) you love to explore.
Did I miss something important? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe travels, ocean adventurer! 🌎💙
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