Plastic-Free Travel: A Guide for Travellers
Tourism thrives on the beauty of our planet – from pristine beaches and coral reefs to ancient forests and vibrant cultural landscapes. Yet, plastic pollution silently threatens these very destinations.
While governments and businesses across the Asia Pacific region are taking action, there remains one vital player who must not be overlooked: the tourist. Whether we are industry professionals, policy advocates, or simply curious travellers, our collective actions shape the future of tourism. Every decision we make – from the products we pack to the experiences we choose – has the potential to reduce waste and protect the places we love.
This article goes beyond simply avoiding plastic. It is a call for shared responsibility. By becoming active stewards of the destinations we visit, tourists can play a powerful role in building a more sustainable, resilient future for global travel.
Why Your Plastic Footprint Matters More Than You Think
High-traffic destinations, particularly coastal and island communities, often face immense pressure during peak travel seasons. Local waste management systems can quickly become overwhelmed as millions of visitors rely on bottled water, plastic takeaway containers, and single-use hotel amenities. The consequences are all too visible: littered beaches, polluted oceans, and damaged marine ecosystems.
This is not just an environmental crisis – it is an economic one. As natural beauty declines, so too does the appeal of these destinations, putting local livelihoods and the future of tourism at risk.
Your Eco-Travel Toolkit: 6 Ways to Reduce Single-Use Plastics
(This e-flyer can be downloaded from here.)
At some point, we are all guests in someone else’s home – whether we travel for leisure, business, or a blend of both. No matter the reason for your journey, small, mindful actions can go a long way in reducing your impact on the places you visit.
When it comes to single-use plastics (SUPs), here are six simple yet powerful ways to reduce your plastic footprint while travelling. Let's unpack each step:
1. Bin it!
The most basic rule of responsible travel: leave no trace. Always dispose of waste properly – or carry it with you until you can.
Carry your waste: If bins are not available or are overflowing, take your rubbish with you. Never assume someone else will clean up after you.
Separate when possible: Where recycling or composting options exist, take a few extra moments to sort your waste. In places without such systems, focus on reducing waste from the outset.
Go a step further: Join a beach or trail cleanup if the opportunity arises. It is a simple way to give back to the places you enjoy and connect with locals in a meaningful way.
Being a responsible traveller means showing care and respect, even when local systems fall short. Sometimes, the most sustainable choice is simply to be mindful, prepared, and willing to do your part.
2. Choose recyclables
Not all plastics are created equal. Some can be recycled, others can’t – and many end up in landfills or the ocean despite our best intentions. Plastics are often labelled with numbers (1-7) inside the recycling symbol. Here’s a quick guide:
Recyclable:
1 (PET) – water and soda bottles
2 (HDPE) – milk jugs, shampoo bottles
Sometimes recyclable (depending on local facilities):
4 (LDPE) – plastic bags, sandwich wraps
5 (PP) – takeaway containers, straws
To avoid:
3 (PVC) – cling film, blister packs
6 (PS) – polystyrene/styrofoam (e.g., coffee cups, takeaway boxes)
7 (Other) – mixed or unknown plastics
Source: Plasticbuster
When possible, choose products in materials that are widely recyclable, such as PET or HDPE, and steer clear of polystyrene and multilayer packaging. Better still, opt for reusables to skip the plastic altogether.
3. Say no
Food is one of the greatest joys of travel and one of the easiest places to cut back on SUPs. With a few mindful choices, you can enjoy every bite while supporting more sustainable tourism:
Politely decline plastic: A simple “No straw, please” or skipping plastic cutlery and single-serve condiment packets makes a big difference.
Dine in when you can: Enjoy the local atmosphere and avoid the extra packaging that comes with takeaway.
Shop at fresh markets: Choose unpackaged, locally grown produce and snacks instead of plastic-heavy imports.
*Opting for local, low-waste food not only reduces your plastic footprint – it also supports community-based tourism, boosts local economies, and cuts emissions from packaging and transport.
4. Bring your own
Before you even set off, you can reduce plastic waste by packing smart. A simple reusable travel kit helps you avoid countless single-use items:
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated without relying on bottled water. Choose an insulated one to keep drinks hot or cold.
Foldable tote bag: Perfect for markets, beach trips, and souvenirs – and a great alternative to plastic shopping bags.
Travel cutlery set (bamboo or stainless steel): Ideal for street food, takeout, or in-flight meals.
Collapsible coffee cup or thermos: Enjoy your daily brew without disposable cups, lids, or stirrers.
Solid toiletries or refillable bottles: Swap mini plastic bottles for shampoo and soap bars, or pack liquids in reusable containers.
Packing with purpose isn’t just practical, it protects the destinations we care about. When more travellers make these choices, plastic-free travel becomes the norm, not the exception.
5. Do your research
Every dollar you spend while travelling helps shape the future of tourism. By supporting businesses that take sustainability seriously and work to reduce plastic waste, you contribute to a cleaner, more responsible industry. Look out for accommodation and tour providers that minimise single-use plastics, offer refillable amenities such as water stations and bulk toiletries, and are transparent about their sustainability commitments. Some may even be signatories of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI), signalling a clear commitment to global action.
When planning your trip, use search terms such as eco-resort, plastic-free hotel, or sustainable tour operator to discover businesses aligned with your values. Your choices matter – and when travellers consistently choose more responsible options, the industry listens and changes.
6. Find apps
Technology can be a powerful ally in reducing your plastic footprint while travelling. Many apps around the world help both locals and visitors locate refillable water stations, sustainable eateries, zero-waste shops, and recycling points. These tools make it easier than ever to make eco-friendly choices on the go.
Refill is an UK app that maps refill stations for water bottles, helping you avoid single-use plastic bottles.
A similar one in Asia is Refill My Bottle.
Trash Lucky in Thailand supports waste separation and recycling.
My Little Plastic Footprint and Remora track your daily plastic use to help reduce it over time.
Litterati encourages users to document and clean up plastic pollution by tracking litter hotspots worldwide.
Using these apps not only supports your personal plastic-free journey but also connects you with communities and businesses committed to a cleaner, greener tourism experience.
Last but not least, we can add an extra item to our list:
Speak Up & Advocate: Your Voice Drives Change
Don’t underestimate your influence as a traveller. Asking the right questions and sharing your actions can help shift the industry toward sustainable tourism practices. Here’s how to use your voice effectively:
Ask direct questions: Inquire about water refill stations or whether containers are compostable. Showing this interest signals demand for plastic-free alternatives and encourages accountability.
Give feedback: Leave reviews that highlight businesses reducing single-use plastics and adopting eco-friendly practices.
Share your journey: Post about your plastic-free travel tips, beach cleanups, or reusable gear on social media. Your choices help normalise low-impact travel.
One traveller asking the right question can spark a ripple effect. The more we speak up, the more plastic-free, sustainable travel becomes the norm.
Join the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI)
The tourism industry is shaped not only by policies and businesses, but by the decisions travellers make every day. Where we stay, what we consume, and how we engage with local communities all contribute to the kind of tourism economy we leave behind.
From ancient temples and city markets to coral reefs and rice terraces, these spaces define the richness of travel across the Pacific Asia region. Preserving them is invaluable for the tourism industry’s future.
As we shape the future of travel, remember, our choices matter. Supporting the well-being of people and the planet doesn’t require perfection, but it does call for care, awareness, and accountability.
If you work in the tourism sector, consider joining the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI). By becoming a signatory, you help lead the transition toward a plastic-free, more sustainable industry and send a powerful message that responsible tourism is not only possible but essential.
This article is the final part of our series exploring the pressing issue of plastics. Read the other articles here.
For any questions or further information, feel free to get in touch with us at pm@pata.org.
This article is guest-authored by Shannon McCarthy, Q2 2025 PATA Sustainability Research Centre - Sustainability Intern.
