The Responsible Traveler Packing List

Being a responsible traveler starts before you even leave home — with your packing list. 

It’s important to remember how the items you pack affect the destination you are visiting. We’ve put together a responsible traveler packing list that is filled with eco-friendly and socially-conscious products.

The Responsible Traveler Packing List

Solar Powered Phone Charger

A charger that uses the power of the sun to keep your phone charged, this responsible travel accessory is better for the environment – and super convenient. Plus, it will allow you to charge up your phone even if you are far from the beaten track and don’t have electricity.

Canvas Tote

Plastic bags are terrible for the environment (and basically the enemy of any responsible traveler). When you travel with a canvas shopping tote, you can avoid using a plastic bag whenever you go to the supermarket or pick up any souvenirs on your travels. Canvas totes are small, fold up easily and are very portable. Plus, you can also use them to separate your dirty washing from the rest of your clothes.  

Reusable Water Bottle

It’s important to stay hydrated when you travel, especially if you are visiting hot climates. However, plastic bottles are terrible for the environment – be a responsible traveler and cut down on waste by using a reusable water bottle and filling it up as you go. For countries where it’s unsafe to drink the local water, you can bring along a water bottle with a built-in filter.

School Supplies

If you are visiting developing countries and will be interacting with local children living in poverty, whether you are teaching or volunteering, you’ll want to bring along some gifts. Avoid giving the children candy or chocolate, as they won’t likely have access to dental care. Instead, school supplies are a much more worthwhile gift and can give children the tools they need to go to school.

Coral-Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Did you know that when the chemicals from ordinary sunscreen wash off in the sea, they can cause serious damage to coral reefs? It’s mainly the oxybenzone and octinoxate that are the culprit and they can lead to bleaching of the reef and deformations to juvenile corals.

There are safe sunscreen alternatives which include non-nano titanium dioxide, which is much safer for the environment. Also, responsible travelers can reduce the amount of sunscreen by wearing a sun-protective t-shirt while scuba diving.

Good Walking Shoes

Getting around your destination on foot as much as possible is not only good for your health, it’s great for the environment and reduces emissions. So, bring along a pair of shoes that will keep you comfortable no matter how much you walk. (Plus, it’s a lot of fun to explore a destination on foot and you’ll see more than you otherwise would.)

Pack For a Purpose

Have extra room in your luggage? Check out Pack for a Purpose. When you select your destination, you can find out about what’s needed in the local community and bring something to donate during your visit – such as books, school supplies, medical supplies, sporting supplies and more.

 

What other items would you add to a responsible travel packing list? Let us know in the comments below.