MINDFUL SOLO BACKPACKING: 5 WAYS TO TRAVEL SUSTAINABLY

As a solo female backpacker who's been exploring the world for over a decade, I've learned the importance of responsible and ethical travel - and the nasty consequences of disrespectful travelling. By being mindful of our impact on the environment and local communities, we can make a positive difference and contribute to sustainable tourism. In this blog post, I'll share some tips on travelling responsibly as a solo backpacker.

What is sustainable travel?

What do we mean by "Sustainable travelling"? It's a way of exploring the world that minimises our negative impact on the environment and local communities while promoting responsible and ethical tourism practices. In other words, it means travelling without causing harm to the environment or local cultures.

In reality, causing zero harm when travelling is nearly impossible. Taking a plane to visit a country is already harmful in itself, and many places suffer from over-tourism. So our role as solo backpackers is to do the least damage possible on our path.

Sustainable travel involves making conscious choices about how we travel, stay, eat, and interact with local communities and their natural environment. It's about travelling with purpose, helping local communities, and leaving a smaller footprint. Here's how.

“Our role as solo backpackers is to do the least damage possible on our path.”

1. Respect local cultures and traditions

When travelling to a new place, learn about the local culture, language and customs. How do they dress? What are their religious practices and social norms? Respect local traditions to show appreciation for their way of life and build a deeper connection with the country. Learn a few words in the local language - it'll show locals you took the time to know about their culture rather than just coming in to take pictures and post them on your IG 😉

2. Support local businesses to avoid gradual gentifrication

If you spot a McDonald's in Bolivia, why go there when you have delicious and cheap local options minutes away? Instead, try to eat at local restaurants and support local shops.
Similarly, avoid booking tours with international operators: you'll find excellent local agencies that usually take you to even better places, with smaller groups, for a lower price. Supporting small businesses is one of the best ways to contribute to the local economy and help the local job market. Not doing so can gradually harm places that attract many tourists, to the point where the locals can't live in their hometown anymore and get literally "kicked out" by expats and long-term backpackers.

Santa Teresa is a prime example of how tourism destroyed local businesses. Overpriced shops, fancy boulangeries and poke bowl restaurants started popping up everywhere in this small surf town in Costa Rica, all exclusively owned by a majority of Americans. And when tourists come, they don't eat at the local restaurants. Instead, they go to the international ones, serving the same food we get in our North American and European countries.

So gradually, the Ticos - local Costa Ricans - couldn't afford to eat in their hometown anymore, as the options reduced over the years. The rent prices went up, backpacker hostels and Airbnb's replaced most homes, and the locals now live in extreme poverty in a tiny portion of the town. Crime rates increased as the contrast between locals and expats widened, and this peaceful town is no longer the jewel it once was.

Santa Teresa now has a population that primarily consists of gringos and expats. Imagine living in your beautiful town and being kicked out by a bunch of tourists that don't even speak your language. How would you feel? 

Many surf towns are experiencing the same gentrification process: Ericeira in Portugal, Bali, Montañita, and soon, Mompiche, Costa da Caparica, etc.

To avoid the destruction of local cultures, get out of your comfort zone, eat and shop in places owned by locals, and if you plan to stay a long time in a place, contribute to the local community. More details on that in point 4 below.

3. Be environmentally conscious when backpacking

As backpackers, we are responsible for protecting the environment and minimising our carbon footprint. If you can take the train or a boat to travel, try to do so. Before you take the plane, ask yourself these questions:

1) Can I see similar landscapes near my home country?

2) How long will I stay?

If you answer Yes to the first question, then you can probably avoid the plane and take other means of transportation.

For the second question, my rule of thumb is that I will only take long-distance flights if I plan to stay over 3 months in a country/continent where I can then travel by bus to hop from one place to another

When exploring natural areas, we should also follow the leave no trace principle and avoid damaging the ecosystem.

10 tips to be environmentally conscious when travelling, hiking, and surfing:

1. Bring reusable water bottles and water filters: Instead of buying single-use plastic bottles, bring your own reusable water bottle to reduce waste. You’ll find good options in my free backpacking packing list.


2. Use eco-friendly toiletries: Use biodegradable or eco-friendly toiletries, such as shampoo bars and bamboo toothbrushes.
   
   
3. Leave No Trace: When hiking or camping, follow the Leave No Trace principle by packing all your trash, leaving natural areas undisturbed, and avoiding creating new trails or fire rings. The area should look exactly like before you visited it or camped there.
   
   
4. Use public transportation or bikes instead of renting a car or taking a taxi to reduce your carbon footprint and support local businesses.
   
   
5. Respect wildlife: When hiking, respect wildlife by staying a safe distance, not feeding them, and avoiding disrupting their natural habitat.
   
   
6. Choose sustainable accommodation: Choose eco-friendly accommodation options, such as hotels or hostels with solar panels or rainwater harvesting systems.
   
   
7. Avoid single-use plastics, such as straws and plastic bags, by bringing your own reusable alternatives or refusing them altogether.
   
   
8. Support local conservation efforts: Participate in beach cleanups or volunteer with wildlife rehabilitation centres to give back to the environment.
   
   
9. Take shorter showers to conserve water, especially when staying in areas with limited resources. Try to limit your hot water consumption to save electricity.
   
   
10. Practice sustainable surfing: Buy used boards instead of new ones, avoid surfing in protected areas, use biodegradable wax, and respect local surf culture and traditions.

4. Give back to the community

Volunteering and supporting local projects can be a rewarding way to give back to the community. Many organisations offer volunteer opportunities, such as conservation projects, community development programs, and education initiatives. By contributing our time and resources, we can make a positive impact and create meaningful connections with locals.

5. Avoid visiting places already popular with tourists, and travel during the off or shoulder season

As mentioned above, some popular destinations suffer from over-tourism. Many places in the world are yet to be explored. With a bit of research and by meeting with local communities, you can find as beautiful (if not more) places to visit. Islands around Bali, for example, have a lot to offer. And when you visit these untouched places, or find an uncrowded surf spot or a great hiking trail, try not to reveal the exact location to protect it. Other travellers must make the same conscious effort as you to find it!

Similarly, avoiding high season can help support local communities by making sure their businesses can still thrive. Although the weather conditions won’t be as perfect, you’ll have the luxurious opportunity to find empty beaches, pay lower prices and meet friendly locals. Need a hint? Visit my 6-month backpacking trip itinerary to discover hidden gems in South America.


By being mindful of our impact, we can make a positive difference and create a more sustainable future for travel. Remember to respect local cultures, support local businesses, be environmentally conscious, avoid visiting popular tourist spots, and give back to the community - especially when travelling long-term.

Do you have other tips for becoming a sustainable traveller? Hit me up with your thoughts and I'll credit them in this post :)