Why slow travel is the way to travel in 2025
January 23, 2025
Content
Traveling is great, but let's face it: it impacts the environment. Fortunately, you can reduce your carbon footprint with a few smart choices. By choosing sustainable travel products, like reusable bottles, bamboo cutlery and solid shampoo bars, contribute to plastic-free travel and a cleaner planet. In this article, we share our favorite eco-friendly travel products that are not only practical, but also help you travel zero waste. That way you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind!
What are sustainable travel products?
Sustainable travel products are eco-friendly alternatives to disposable and plastic items often used while traveling. They are made from renewable, recycled or biodegradable materials and have a long lifespan. Consider a reusable stainless steel water bottle, bamboo cutlery or a shampoo bar without plastic packaging.
In addition to reducing plastic waste and stopping pollution, eco-friendly travel products also help save resources and energy. For example, many sustainable products are produced using less water and no harmful chemicals. This not only makes them better for the environment, but often healthier for yourself.
By making conscious choices and traveling plastic-free, you contribute to a cleaner world and preserve the beautiful nature in the destinations you visit. In the rest of this article, you will discover which products really make a difference and why they should not be missing from your luggage.
1. Ocean-friendly sunscreen
By now it is common knowledge that we need to protect our oceans from the effects of climate change and the huge amounts of waste that pollute the sea. But did you know that there is an often invisible problem that also has a major impact on marine life? Many "normal" sunscreen products contain harmful ingredients that damage coral reefs and endanger marine life. These chemicals end up in the water when we apply sunscreen and can cause serious damage to underwater life.
Therefore, it is essential to replace your "regular" sunscreen with an ocean-friendly variety. These sunscreen products contain natural, safe ingredients that are not harmful to coral or sea creatures. Want to know which sunscreen brands we recommend? We'd be happy to help you get started with our favorite ocean-friendly sunscreen products!
Also read: the best sustainable sunscreen
Want to know which sunscreen products we recommend? These are the finest ocean-friendly sunscreen brands!
2. LIV+LINN's laundry strips: clean laundry, clean world
When we travel, we often bring a suitcase full of clothes. Piles of cute dresses, skirts, pants and all kinds of accessories for afternoons and evenings out. But now that luggage is no longer standard included in airline tickets and prices for adding checked baggage are getting higher and higher, we are more likely to book fewer pounds or opt for just carry-on luggage. Taking fewer clothes on vacation also means wearing certain items more than once. It's cool to wash them regularly (in a sustainable way).
That's why we are fans of LIV+LINN's wax strips. These compact laundry strips from LIV+LINN are not only super practical, but also 100% biodegradable, hypoallergenic, vegan and animal-tested. Plus, they contain no harmful substances, making them both good for your clothes and the planet. The laundry strips come in a flat cardboard package that easily fits through your mailbox and fits perfectly in your suitcase. You can use them for white, black, colored and delicate laundry. And believe us, not only do laundry strips smell great, but your clothes will come out of the wash fresh and fruity, whether you use the washing machine or a hand wash!
3. The Buvanha travel towels: durable, light and in trendy prints and colors
Looking for a fun, but most importantly sustainable towel for your travels? Buvanha's revolutionary towels are specifically designed for the modern traveler who doesn't want to compromise on convenience and sustainability. This lightweight and compact travel towel is ideal for backpackers, campers and vacationers who embrace a minimalist, zero waste lifestyle.
The towels are made of recycled quilted microfiber, with a blend of 45% recycled polyester, 35% polyester and 20% polyamide. This makes them not only eco-friendly, but also ultra-absorbent and quick-drying. What makes the Buvanha towels really special is the antibacterial fabric. This prevents unpleasant odors and ensures that your towel needs to be washed less often. Ideal for longer trips, where your washes are often limited. When you wash the towel after your vacation, it is often completely fresh and ready for the next trip.
Buvanha towels are certified to the Global Recycled Standard, which means they meet strict ecological and social guidelines. This ensures that you are not only using a high-quality product, but also contributing to a more sustainable world. Choose Buvanha and experience the convenience of a lightweight, antibacterial travel towel Which is also incredibly fun to watch!
4. Plastic-free toothpaste tablets
Time to ban those hard-to-recycle toothpaste tubes from your bathroom! More and more people are switching to toothpaste tablets, a sustainable and efficient way to keep your teeth clean.
Instead of squeezing toothpaste from a tube, you use a tablet made from natural ingredients. You chew up the tablet for a while and then brush your teeth as usual. This solution is not only plastic-free, but often vegan and Of course, without the chemical additives often found in traditional toothpaste.
Some brands with excellent reviews that we definitely recommend:
5. Shampoo, conditioner and body wash bars
Plastic bottles and tubes are giving way to a more sustainable alternative: soap bars for shampoo, conditioner and body wash. These plastic-free soap bars are not only kinder to the environment, but also to your skin and hair. Made from natural ingredients, they provide mild and effective care without chemical additives. And best of all? They smell great!
These eco-friendly bars are ideal for travel because they are compact and contain no liquids that can leak your luggage. It's an easy step toward zero waste in your bathroom, while also making a positive impact on the planet.
6. Sustainable deodorant: natural and space-saving
Did you know that you can replace traditional aerosol deodorant with natural creams or even deodorant bars? These plastic-free and natural deodorants are not only better for your skin, but also for the environment. Your body may take some time to get used to the new formula, but the benefits are great: fewer chemicals, a fresher smell and a more compact toiletry bag.
Whether you choose a natural deodorant bar or a vegan deodorant cream, you always have a sustainable choice in your bag. So you can enjoy a fresh scent without harming the planet. For example, a fine option is Nuud's deodorant.
7. Make your cleaning routine plastic-free: washable cotton pads and cotton swabs
Want to make your daily cleansing routine more sustainable? A simple step is to replace disposable products with reusable alternatives, such as washable cotton pads and cotton swabs. Brands like Bamboozy offer sustainable and eco-friendly options that you can use over and over again, reducing your use of plastic cotton pads and swabs.
These reusable cotton pads and bamboo cotton pads are gentle on your skin, easy to use and a great way to reduce your plastic footprint. So you can take care of your skin AND help the planet. Two birds with one stone!
8. Safety Razor: durable shaving without plastic
Why use a new plastic razor blade every week or month when there is another way? An excellent alternative is the Safety Razor. This durable razor provides a smoother shave, so you don't have to shave as often. Plus, the Safety Razor is kinder to your skin: it protects against razor bumps and is much gentler than traditional razor blades. And best of all? The Safety Razor lasts a lifetime. You only need to replace the blade when it becomes blunt.
Another great advantage: instead of buying individual plastic razor blades all the time, you invest once in a Safety Razor and a bundle of blades, which ends up being much cheaper. Thus, you not only save money, but also contribute to a plastic-free and more sustainable bathroom routine.
9. Eco-friendly water bottles
Whether you go camping, backpacking or to a luxury resort, there are always products that should not be missing from your luggage. How about water? Every day we drink gallons of water and on vacation we often buy new plastic bottles over and over again. Handy tip: a smart and sustainable solution is to replace plastic bottles with your own eco-friendly water bottle.
With a reusable water bottle, such as one made of stainless steel or bamboo, you always have access to clean water without having to buy another plastic bottle at every stop. This not only saves on costs, but also reduces the amount of plastic waste you leave behind. If you often camp or backpack, it's helpful to invest in other sustainable products, such as reusable cutlery, cups and stainless steel straws, so you can avoid plastic everywhere you go.
10. For women: durable menstrual products
Did you know that a woman uses about 2,500 tampons a year? That's a lot, and often the packaging, material and products themselves contain a lot of plastic and harmful substances. Fortunately, there are more sustainable alternatives! A menstrual cup is an excellent choice: not only is it much cheaper in the long run, but it also lowers the risk of infections and fungi, is comfortable and is much better for the environment.
In addition to the menstrual cup, menstrual underwear is another great option. This specially designed underwear is absorbent, comfortable and safe for the skin. The underwear can be used for several years, making it not only better for the environment, but also for your wallet.
Brands like Bamboozy offer both high-quality menstrual cups and menstrual underwear, so you can choose what best suits your needs. By switching to these products, you make a smart choice for your health and contribute to a plastic-free and sustainable lifestyle.
Sustainable vacation tip: Say no to plastic bags
We are often used to using plastic products, but on vacation we can make more conscious choices. A simple example is the use of plastic bags while shopping. At home we often take a cotton or burlap bag to put our groceries in, but on vacation we often forget about them. The result? We end up with a plastic bag that is bad for the environment.
Our tip: bring a reusable cotton bag from home! It's a small effort, but it makes a big difference to the planet. This way you avoid unnecessary plastic and contribute to a more sustainable vacation.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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