12 Lazy and Smart Ways to Move Toward Plastic-Free Travel

Last updated on June 14th, 2025 at 12:40 pm

We are producing 300 million tons of plastic each year and only a small percentage is recycled. Nowadays, plastic litter can be found in all ecosystems. It’s in the soil and it’s in the oceans. Microplastics have been discovered even in the Arctic ice. It’s an issue that is impacting the lives of thousands of species, harming or killing them. We all the power to reduce the plastic pollution problem by being eco-friendly. Even when we travel. Because we are not citizens of a certain country. We are citizens of the world and we must take care of it. Each and every one of us. Together.

More than 8 million tons of plastic find their way into our oceans each year and this is affecting all kinds of life forms, from the giant whales to the smallest living creatures, like plankton. If we don’t act fast, this piece of dark humor will become our dark future:

I’m sure you have already seen tons of articles and campaigns against the use of plastic. I’m not going to mention again all the everyday objects that you can replace to become eco-friendly. Instead, I’ll focus on those that impact your life as a traveler. Even better, I tried to make a list of things you can do with a minimum of effort. I’m mentioning the effort because there are two types of good people in this world. The first type is the hardcore ecologist. This guy books a hotel only after he emailed them, asking what’s their recycle policy. He spends hours on end trying to find restaurants that don’t use plastic for takeaway food. And so on. You get the point. This guy has a mission and he goes all the way with it. Nothing wrong with this approach, but we can’t expect everyone to do the same. I’ve heard some people respond with: “Ain’t nobody got time for that” when they heard about the high-flown process of being plastic free. These people fall in the second category. The “I want to help, but please make it simple” kind of people. You probably don’t want to admit it, but chances are you’re one of them. Hell, even I am one of them. So the following ideas are for you and for me. For all our well-intentioned, but lazy asses. Don’t put the pressure on yourself to achieve plastic-free travel, you just have to be ready to take some steps towards change. If that’s you, let’s dive right in!

1. Choose your toiletries wisely

First of all, don’t count on your hotel’s toiletries. Even in nicer hotels, they typically consist of tiny, single-use plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, along with a plastic-wrapped toothbrush and sometimes even a plastic comb or razor—all destined to become waste after just one use. Multiply that by thousands of guests, and it adds up fast.

Instead, bring your own, but do it smartly. Don’t fall into the trap of buying new mini-sized bottles every time you travel—those create just as much waste in the long run. Instead, you have a couple of better options:

Go solid: Products like shampoo bars, conditioner bars, solid toothpaste, and good old-fashioned soap bars are great for travel. They last a long time, are often sold without packaging or in recyclable materials, and don’t count toward your liquid allowance if you’re flying.

Refill and reuse: If you prefer liquid or cream products, invest in a reusable travel-size toiletry kit with small refillable containers. These are often made of plastic too, but they can be reused for years, and when they’re no longer usable, just be sure to recycle them properly. Refill them at home from larger bulk products, which not only saves plastic but saves money too.

As for your toothbrush, consider switching to one made of bamboo—it’s biodegradable, lightweight, and just as effective. Want to go further? Opt for a wooden hairbrush or a bone comb. Not only are these more sustainable, but they’re often gentler on your scalp and healthier for your hair than cheap plastic alternatives.

It’s all about making small swaps that, over time, add up to a big difference—both for the planet and your personal care routine.

2. Find alternatives to plastic souvenirs

This one really isn’t hard. There are many souvenirs made of plastic or with plastic wrapping out there, but the alternatives are even more numerous. You can easily opt out for fridge magnets, cardboard or textile bookmarks, wood or ceramic masks, and so on.

Speaking of souvenirs, I can’t help to not raise awareness of something that came to my attention recently. Apparently, in some regions of China, you can buy live animal souvenirs. The poor creatures (lizards, turtles, fish) are sealed in plastic bags filled with an oxygenated and nutritious fluid that keeps them alive for a maximum of two or three months. This is wrong on so many levels. If you happen to see something like this anywhere in the world (there is a chance that similar cases exist in other places too), please don’t support the vendors in ANY way. If there is no demand, there is no supply and hopefully, these kinds of barbaric acts will cease as soon as possible.

3. Choose food that is healthier for both you and the planet

Some of you might like to cook their own food even when you’re traveling. Some might do so because they’re on a budget and can’t afford to eat out every single day. Some don’t even want to hear about cooking on their vacation days, but still want to enjoy a fresh fruit every few hours. Either way, you’re prone to walk into a supermarket and quench your appetite. Problem is, usually, the products you find in the big stores are not very healthy (contain chemical substances like preservatives and poisonous treatments against pests) and they are packed in a lot of unnecessary plastic. The solution is simple: local food markets or corner street stores. Depending on the country or region that you visit, you can find there all kinds of fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, condiments and so on. Because they are usually produced in nearby areas, you will find there fresh, tasty, non-GMO products. Long story short, healthier.

Of course, you’ll notice a lot less or no plastic at all for the packaging. Moreover, visiting food markets are a great way to get a real feel of the local culture and interact directly with the people living there. Also, try to refuse plastic bags for carrying your items, instead ask for a paper or textile alternative or bring your own.

4. Be one of the cool kids with a reusable cup or bottle

When you travel, you’re out all day exploring. You walk a lot, take bike rides, go on tours, and dive into museums. And when thirst kicks in, the easiest solution is often grabbing a plastic bottle from a nearby shop—which just adds to the mountain of single-use plastic waste we’re trying to reduce.

The fix? Bring your own reusable water bottle or cup.

I used to carry a bamboo cup everywhere, especially when I was drinking coffee regularly. It was cute, lightweight, and served me well for all kinds of drinks. But now that I don’t drink coffee as much, I’ve switched to a reusable water bottle with a detachable filter—and honestly, I haven’t looked back. It fits well on the side of my backpack, and it’s much easier to grip when I’m carrying it in my hand.

What makes it even easier is how many places are refill-friendly these days. Airports, hotels, and train stations often have water refill stations, and some are even labeled as eco-stops. And cities like Rome and Paris have public fountains with free, potable water. In Rome, for example, the nasoni fountains are scattered across the city. You can actually find these water taps in many countries using the FreeTaps mobile app (available for Android and iOS), which maps out nearby refill spots wherever you are.

If you’re heading somewhere less predictable, having a bottle with a built-in filter adds peace of mind. And just like reusable cups, bottles come in so many fun, colorful, and practical designs, you’ll definitely find one that suits your style.

Less plastic, more hydration—and a small habit that adds up to a cleaner planet.

5. Say no to plastic lids and straws

Straws have become the unexpected poster child of plastic pollution. You’ve probably seen the challenges, the debates, the bans—and maybe wondered what all the fuss is about. After all, they’re so small, right?

That’s exactly the problem. Because they’re small and lightweight, plastic straws often slip through the cracks of recycling systems. They end up in landfills or oceans, where they break down into microplastics that can harm birds, marine life, and ecosystems. And because they’re designed for single use, the volume of waste they create is massive.

In fact, the problem has gained so much attention that plastic straws are already banned in several countries, or restricted to use only when absolutely necessary. It’s part of a larger global effort to phase out unnecessary single-use plastics.

But being part of the No Straw Movement doesn’t mean you have to give up straws completely. There are reusable alternatives made from bamboo, stainless steel, silicone, or even glass. They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and some come in travel cases so you can always keep one in your bag.

Now let’s talk about plastic lids—another often-overlooked waste item. At a restaurant or café, chances are you don’t even need one. Your drink will stay put right on the table, no lid required. But there are situations where a lid is handy—like at a festival, outdoor event, or when you’re taking your drink in the car and want to avoid spills. In those cases, using your own reusable cup with a lid (like a bamboo cup that we talked about in the previous section) is a smart, eco-conscious move.

So next time someone hands you a plastic lid and straw, think twice. A simple “no thanks” can go a long way—and if you come prepared with your own gear, you won’t miss a beat.

Less plastic, fewer spills, and way more style.

6. Don’t litter. Even a little.

This might seem like the most obvious rule, but it’s worth repeating: don’t litter. Not even the smallest thing. That chewing gum wrapper, cigarette butt, or tissue might feel insignificant, but multiply that by the millions of people who think the same way, and you’ve got a big problem.

Many places, especially in natural or historic areas, don’t have the infrastructure to clean up after careless tourists. What you leave behind may stay there for months—or even years. In coastal areas, it might end up in the ocean. In rural or desert environments, it could harm wildlife. And in cities, it adds to pollution and degrades the beauty of public spaces for locals and other visitors.

If you’re caught in a place with no visible trash bins, hold onto your waste until you find one. Carrying a small zip bag or reusable pouch for trash (like fruit peels, receipts, or wrappers) in your backpack or pocket takes almost no effort but makes a big difference.

And yes, this also applies to “biodegradable” items. Just because something is organic doesn’t mean you should toss it into nature—banana peels, orange rinds, and food scraps still take time to decompose and can disrupt local ecosystems or attract unwanted animals.

When we travel, we’re guests. Leaving a place as clean—or cleaner—than we found it is one of the simplest, most respectful things we can do.

7. Collecting trash could be your cup of tea (or coffee)

Over the past two years, I’ve seen some businesses, mainly located in beach areas, that give free products, like coffee, for anyone who fills up a small bucket of trash and brings it to them to recycle. Aside from being a great way of promotion, this also makes a positive impact on the environment. I know what you’re going to say: “Oh, Elena, you promised to deliver lazy ways to be eco-friendly. Now you’re forcing us… to do actual stuff”. Ok, let’s be honest, it’s just a small bucket. You can fill one in less than 5 minutes, while you take a walk on the beach. Not so bad. And you get something in return, so I’d say it’s a pretty good deal.

8. Ditch the floaties

Let’s be real. Instagram has ruined us. We’ve all seen those sun-kissed Insta models in infinity pools, sipping cocktails on pink flamingo floaties and suddenly everyone wants to copy the trend. But what if I told you that almost all flotation devices are made of PVC, the material that is most guilty for the plastic pollution? Nothing glam about that. The worst part is that floaties have almost NO eco-friendly alternatives. Or at least I couldn’t find any. raising eyebrow Manufacturers in the pool and beach products industry, I’m looking at you! Don’t you think it’s time to change things a bit?

By the way, if you have ideas for alternative flotation devices, please share. I’m sure for many it would be a life saver. Pun intended.

9. Glitter and sequins aren’t as fabulous as you might think

Glitter is another trend of the moment. We see glittery clothes and glittery makeup on Instagram a lot, especially on those who go at music festivals. (Flip) sequins sewn on backpacks, cosmetic bags, pillowcases, shoe wear and clothes are also extremely popular. It’s obvious we like shiny things. We are like the Blue Jays of the 21st century. But what you should know is that glitter and sequins are both micro plastics and are very, very dangerous for the environment, because they are made of teeny-tiny pieces of non-biodegradable plastic. These pieces easily get into the soil and the oceans and are often ingested by animals, harming them.

The best way to help in this case is to just stop buying products that use them. Go for a neon eye shadow or a pink dress instead and you’ll catch the eye just as much.

10. Bring a foldable tote or shopping bag

One of the easiest travel hacks to avoid using plastic bags is to toss a small, foldable tote into your daypack or suitcase. These reusable bags are lightweight, take up almost no space, and can be a lifesaver when you’re shopping at local markets, grabbing groceries, or even carrying your beach gear.

By doing this, you’re not just saving space—you’re also avoiding single-use plastic every time a vendor reaches for a plastic bag. It may seem like a small step, but when multiplied by millions of travelers, it has a real impact. Plus, reusable bags come in all kinds of fun styles and patterns, so they’re a great way to add some personality to your packing list.

If you’re really lazy, just stuff one in your jacket pocket and forget about it—until you need it. Effortless and eco-friendly.

11. Dine in, not out (takeout, that is)

One of the easiest ways to reduce plastic waste while traveling is by choosing to dine in instead of getting takeaway. Think about it—when you order food to-go, it often comes in plastic or styrofoam containers, with plastic cutlery, sachets of condiments, and maybe even a plastic bag to carry it all. That’s a lot of unnecessary single-use waste for a meal that might be gone in 15 minutes.

Instead, try to sit down at local restaurants, cafés, or street food stalls where meals are served on real plates with metal cutlery. Not only does this drastically reduce your plastic footprint, but it also gives you a richer, more immersive dining experience. You get to soak in the atmosphere, chat with locals or fellow travelers, and often discover dishes you wouldn’t find on a takeout menu.

If you’re staying in a place with a kitchen or kitchenette, take it a step further and cook your own meals once in a while. Visit a local market, grab fresh produce, and try your hand at a regional recipe. It’s fun, often cheaper, and lets you avoid packaged convenience foods that are usually wrapped in layers of plastic.

Still craving convenience? Pack a lightweight set of reusable cutlery (bamboo or stainless steel), a collapsible food container, and a cloth napkin. That way, even if you do get food to-go, you can skip the plastic extras.

In short: eating in is better for the planet, often better for your wallet, and always better for truly experiencing the flavors and culture of the place you’re visiting.

12. Bio-plastics are the new trend

I first heard about bio-plastics a few years back. It was when a well-known brand of bottled water from my country started to advertise their product as eco-friendly, for having their bottle, which seemed to be plastic, actually being made of… plants. Then starch became common for making bio-plastic, but the substance was extracted from potatoes. Later, I found out about the 16 year old Turkish girl that had the idea for a better source of starch: banana peels. Why better? Because it uses organic waste material. I became more and more hooked on finding plastic alternatives. For more insight, I started to go to conferences, fairs and events that covered the subject. First to Brain Bar in Budapest, then to Pack Expo in Bucharest and some other smaller ones in between. Recently, another great idea came to my attention: water soluble bags. They look like plastic, but they’re also made of starch. Moreover, these bags dissolve in warm water, leaving no toxic residues behind.

What I’m trying to say is that more and more alternatives to plastic are discovered as time goes by. Follow the news to keep you up to date with the latest discoveries. That way you will know what choices you have and you can educate others, too.

I’m looking to expand this article and add more ideas, but I need your help. Do you know any other easy ways to deal this the plastic pollution problem? If so, don’t keep it to yourself, share your thoughts down below. Also, if you found the article helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends. Spread the word to make the world a better place!