Nov 15, 2022 • 6 min read
Find a gift for the sustainable traveler in your life. ©© Lonely Planet
Looking for a gift for someone who loves travel and is keen to make sustainable choices? We've got you covered.
From reusable bags for shopping Europe's best markets to toothpaste and shampoo that minimizes plastic and luggage that is stylish, useful and incredibly eco-conscious, we're happy to recommend these products and even more excited to find more companies every year broadening their practices and embracing ethical consumerism.
Recommended by Sarah Stocking, Lonely Planet editor
$14
These reusable bags have been a staple in my luggage since my New York City aunt introduced them to me 20-odd years ago – she would stash them in her handbag so she always had a shopping bag, just in case. My grandmother and I thought it was genius, and they've traveled with me ever since. Sure, there are other brands, but Baggu is the most reliable, plus they’re easy to clean and come in all kinds of sizes and colors. No more plastic shopping bags for me!
From $59.95
Pela is a sustainable and eco-friendly company to watch and these phone cases are dreamy. Stylish and useful they are 100 percent compostable making your dream of a plastic-free life one step closer to attainable. Using state-of-the-art engineering and materials, Pela is working towards creating products that contribute to a waste-free future and that is a mission Lonely Planet definitely endorses.
Recommended by Sarah Stocking, Lonely Planet editor
$12
Is mine the only family that gifts dental hygiene equipment for Christmas? These toothpaste bits come in recyclable and reusable containers so you don't contribute to the billions of toothpaste tubes clogging the waterways. Now is the perfect opportunity to give them a try.
$17
These package free shampoo and conditioner bars are surprisingly effective, and you can use them to the very last sliver, so they're much better for the environment than bottles. Another bonus? They don't explode en route and leak all over your favorite lotions.
Recommended by Sarah Stocking, Lonely Planet editor
$20
A colleague came back from a trip to Australia and suggested everyone in the office purchase one of these collapsible cups – apparently they’re all the rage there. We love that they fit into a neat little disk (so easy to store in your backpack or handbag!) and have a straw. It’s been great to feel environmentally responsible while indulging in coffee drinks.
Recommended by Sarah Stocking, Lonely Planet editor
From $159
These duffel bags are truly phenomenal. We have one of each size and use them as luggage for four people – I can wrangle a kid and manage two of them fairly easily. They’re lightweight, easy to pack and allow you to carry a ton; they’re comfortable to wear as backpacks, no matter the size, and the straps are easy to attach; and they’re made from recycled materials, which is a win for our family.
$180
We love NorthFace for their awesome gear and forward-thinking approach to ethical consumerism, and this parka only proves our point. Wind-proof, waterproof and sustainably made from recycled materials, it has a stylish A-line cut for city breaks, and it’s rugged enough to stand up to rainy hikes in the wilderness as well.
From $69 (currently reduced to $59)
In our mission to explore everyday, it's important to honor our practices while traveling, and with a company ethos encouraging playfulness alongside environmental awareness, Scoria is a brand we here at Lonely Planet can get behind. This yoga mat is thin and packable, and, made from sustainably harvested cork and rubber with no plastic packaging, it packs a serious eco-friendly punch with its easy-to-carry prowess.
Recommended by Anne Zalatoris, Lonely Planet lead account manager
From $8
These reusable, non-toxic bags are the perfect replacement for Ziplocs or Gladware. They're great for on-the-go snacking and come in an array of cute colors, plus they're dishwasher-safe (so easy to clean!) and microwave-safe too. You can even put them directly in the oven.
$28
The perfect book for a travel enthusiast – this coffee table book delves beyond the classic bucket list; picking 100 amazing places away from the tourist trails. Packed with practical first timer tips and stunning images, it will make you want to head straight to the Departure Gates.
Recommended by Sasha Brady, Lonely Planet editor
From $25
Myself and senior news editor Melissa Yeager are obsessed with these reusable silicone eye masks to make us look more alert after a red-eye. Unlike most sheets masks, these don’t come with additional wasteful packaging and can be reused after every use so they’ll last a long time. Simply drench them in your favorite serums and eye gels and hold them close to the under eye area for maximum absorption.
$15
This practical and inspiring guide, the latest in our popular Handbook series, motivates travelers to take a responsible approach to the impact of traveling. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon emissions, enjoy more a responsible wildlife-watching experience, harness culinary tourism for good or enjoy an eco-friendly city break, this guide has got you covered.
Packed with easily-digestible advice compiled by a sustainable travel expert, eco-conscious travelers will be introduced to a wide variety of destinations offering culture, wildlife, luxury, adventure, wellness and much more, as well as subjects such as the development of electric transport, how to reduce your plastic waste and the best ways to visit explore sacred indigenous culture respectfully.
Recommended by Kesi Irivin, founder of Kesi To & Fro
$52
I love the Kachula adventure blanket because it's so versatile: it's a water-resistant blanket, pillow and poncho, all in one – convenient to travel with and easy to pack. Made entirely from recyclable goods, it'll keep you cozy whether you're on a plane or watching Netflix on the couch.
Recommended by Erin Lenczycki, Lonely Planet photo editor
$58
Backpacking with microfiber towels gets tiring, and they don't work well for the beach. I bought some of these handwoven towels instead, and now I'm obsessed: they're lightweight, dry incredibly fast and feel so luxurious like I'm on the French Riviera, not Coney Island. Plus, they're made by an organization dedicated to sustainable employment, access to healthcare and a savings fund for the creators.
Recommended by Jenn Chan, luxury travel, beauty and style expert and on-air host
$76
I've finally found the best weekender duffle bag, and it just so happens to be stylish, eco-conscious and ultra-lightweight too! Made from recycled PET bottles and other recycled materials, this travel essential has a clever compartment for absolutely everything.
Recommended by Anne Zalatoris, Lonely Planet lead account manager
$29
Byta's 16oz tumbler is the perfect size for water, coffee or even outdoor cocktails on the go – high quality, cute and sustainable, it fits perfectly in cup holders and keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. (Ice doesn't even melt!) Pair it with one of the brand's stainless steel straws, and customize it with your name or a phrase. And if you need something bigger, the 30oz version is great for hot yoga and hiking.
Travel gifts for under $25
Travel gifts for under $100
Luxury travel gift guide 2022
Travel gear and tech gift guide 2022
This article was first published Nov 15, 2020 and updated Nov 15, 2022.
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