Let's be honest, holiday mode doesn't exactly bring out our most sustainable selves. You're racing through the airport, grabbing a bottle of water because you forgot yours (again), buying tiny toiletries you'll use once, and somehow returning home with three hotel shampoo bottles you definitely didn't need.
Sound familiar?
The good news? Travelling with less plastic doesn't have to mean becoming a zero-waste superhero or packing like you're starring in a survival documentary.
A few simple swaps (like using refillable travel containers, carrying reusable essentials and packing a little smarter) can make a surprisingly big difference. Better for the planet, easier for you, and no harder than remembering where you put your passport.
Whether you're heading away for a long weekend, a beach holiday or the trip of a lifetime, here's how to travel lighter on plastic without overcomplicating things.
Quick Tips for Travelling with Less Plastic
If you're short on time, here's the cheat sheet:
- Use refillable travel containers instead of buying mini toiletries.
- Bring a reusable water bottle.
- Pack a small kit with your everyday essentials.
- Skip single-use purchases where you can.
- Pack only what you'll actually use.
- Refill before every trip instead of buying new travel-sized products.
- Start with one small swap, because every little bit counts!
Why Travel Creates More Plastic Waste Than You Think
Travelling often creates more waste than we realise. When convenience becomes the priority, it's easy to buy travel-sized toiletries, bottled water, individually packaged snacks or emergency purchases that only get used once.
Most of us aren't trying to create more waste, it simply happens because we're busy enjoying ourselves (as we should be!). The good news? A few small changes can dramatically reduce the amount of plastic you use while travelling without making your trip any harder.
The Goal Isn't Perfection. It's Progress.
Here's a little secret: sustainable travel isn't about getting a gold star. You don't need a suitcase full of bamboo gadgets or a PhD in zero-waste living.
The best habits are the ones you'll actually keep. Swap one disposable item for a reusable one. Refill instead of rebuying. Repeat next trip.
7 Easy Ways to Travel with Less Plastic
1. Refill Instead of Repurchasing
Let's retire those tiny travel bottles you'll use once and forget about until next holiday.
Instead, refill reusable travel containers with the products you already know and love. Your favourite sunscreen - bring it. Your go-to moisturiser - pack it. The skincare your skin actually likes - absolutely.
You'll save money, reduce packaging waste and only pack exactly what you need. That's a win for your suitcase, your wallet and the planet.
2. Pack a Daily Essentials Kit
Think of this as your tiny travel sidekick. Keep a compact kit with the things you reach for every day, such as:
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Moisturiser
- Hand sanitiser
- Medication
- Jewellery
- Hair ties
- A couple of emergency snacks (because nobody likes a hangry traveller).
Having everything together means you're less likely to make those "I'll just buy one while I'm here" purchases that often come wrapped in unnecessary plastic.
3. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
This one might be obvious, but it's one of the easiest ways to reduce plastic waste while travelling. Many airports, hotels, cafés and public spaces now have refill stations, making it easier than ever to stay hydrated without buying bottled water.
Plus, cold water somehow always tastes better from your bottle. We don't make the rules.
4. Choose Multi-Purpose Products
The harder your products work, the lighter you can pack. Think moisturisers with SPF, all-purpose creams or refillable containers that hold sunscreen on one trip, skincare on the next and snacks for the road home.
Versatile products mean less clutter, fewer containers and more room for souvenirs.
5. Pack With Intention
Before anything goes into your suitcase, ask yourself: "Will I actually use this… or am I packing it just in case?"
We've all been there. Packing with intention helps you avoid overpacking so try to stick to what you'll genuinely use, and your future self will thank you.
6. Skip the "Just in Case" Purchases
This is where a surprising amount of waste sneaks in. Buying something because you might need it often means it gets used once, or never at all. Instead, pack thoughtfully before you leave and trust yourself. Chances are, you've got everything you need.
7. Invest in Reusable Travel Essentials
Some products earn a permanent spot in your travel bag. Reusable drink bottles. Shopping bags. Refillable travel containers.
They are the little things that quietly replace dozens of single-use alternatives over time - and once you get into the habit, you'll wonder how you travelled without them.
Common Mistakes People Make
Trying to Do Everything at Once
Sustainable travel isn't about changing every habit overnight, so start with one or two simple swaps and build from there. Remember, consistency beats perfection every time.
Forgetting That Convenience Matters
Let's face it - if something makes life harder, it's probably not going to stick. The best sustainable habits are the ones that make travelling easier, not more complicated.
Focusing Only on Packing
Packing is only half the story. A lot of travel waste happens during the trip—buying bottled water, grabbing emergency toiletries or picking up disposable items because they're convenient.
Thinking about your habits while you're travelling is just as important as what you pack.
Small Changes Really Do Add Up
You don't have to completely change the way you travel. Sometimes it's simply:
- One refillable container.
- One reusable water bottle.
- One less single-use purchase.
- One smarter packing decision.
Over multiple holidays, those small choices can prevent hundreds of disposable plastic items from ending up in landfill. Sustainable travel isn't won in one holiday. It's won one refill, one reusable bottle and one smarter packing decision at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth bringing refillable travel containers for short trips?
Absolutely. Even on a weekend away, refillable containers save space, reduce waste and let you bring products you already know and trust.
Are refillable travel containers allowed on planes?
Yes. For carry-on luggage, liquids generally need to be in containers of 100ml or less and comply with your airline's liquid restrictions.
What's the easiest way to reduce plastic waste while travelling?
Start by replacing single-use travel toiletries with refillable containers and carrying a reusable water bottle. They're two of the simplest swaps you can make, and you'll use them on almost every trip.
Is sustainable travel more expensive?
Not at all. While reusable products can cost a little more upfront, they quickly pay for themselves by replacing dozens of disposable alternatives over the years. Think of them as an investment you'll keep taking on holiday.
Travel Better, One Small Swap at a Time
You don't have to be the world's most sustainable traveller to make a difference. If your next trip includes one less disposable bottle, one refillable container and one less "I'll just grab one while I'm here" purchase, that's a win.
Pack light. Refill often. Adventure lots.
