The Ultimate Sustainable Travel Packing List For Families

Are you planning for a family adventure and looking to make it eco-friendly at the same time? Well you’ve come to the right place. We’ve curated the perfect packing list to make sure that your travels create unforgettable memories but also minimize your environmental impact. So before you start packing check out our sustainable travel packing list for families.

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REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES

steel water bottle

No matter where your adventures take you, you’re going to want to stay hydrated. One of the best ways to do that is with a stainless steel water bottle. We took two of these leak proof bottles with us on a two week vacation to Europe and they were perfect. They even come with a built-in straw!

BIODEGRADABLE TOILETRIES

For your toiletry items, you can select brands that feature eco-friendly packing and sustainable ingredients and materials in their products like soaps, shampoos and toothpaste.

REUSABLE SNACK CONTAINERS

No more single use plastic snack bags! These reusable containers for meals and snacks are perfect for transporting your food and reducing waste while traveling.

ECO FRIENDLY UTENSILS

While on the go you can use good durable utensils that are also sustainable. You don’t need disposable utensils when you can use these. Some of the best utensils are made from bamboo or stainless steel.

SOLAR POWERED CHARGERS

With a family you’re going to bring a lot of devices and they’re going to need to be used quite a bit throughout the day. Charge them in an ecologically sound way by using the sun to keep them charged.

LED SOLAR LANTERNS

Perfect for outdoor adventures and travels that take you out into nature, solar powered lanterns reduce or eliminate the need for disposable batteries. This gives you the light that you need with minimal impact on the environment

REUSABLE COFFEE CUPS AND WATER FILTERS

coffee tumblers

Coffee is a must have and what better way to fuel an action packed day than with a cup of your favorite brew. Using reusable coffee cups is the perfect way to maintain your morning habit in a sustainable way.

You can also use a portable water filter  which will help reduce the need for single use plastic bottles and help you have clean water in remote areas.

CLOTH DIAPERS AND BIODEGRADABLE WIPES

For families with little ones a switch to cloth diapers and biodegradable wipes can make a big impact because of how many of those items babies use on a daily basis. Even while traveling these items can work with ease. As a bonus, you can reduce landfill waste at the same time.

SUSTAINABLE CLOTHING CHOICES

folded t shirts

Before nearly every trip you realize that there are at least a few items of clothing that need to be purchased. When doing that shopping, choose clothing made from organic, eco-friendly materials.

You don’t even have to go with a lot of clothing, especially if you are planning on flying. Select pieces that are versatile and can be combined to make several outfits.

COMPACT REUSABLE TOTE BAGS

When we are out of the country and stay in apartments, we often shop at local markets or grocery stores. Having a bag to carry purchases back to the apartment is quite handy.

fruit stand

The best thing is that they’re compact and can be easily folded in your luggage when transporting them.

PLANT BASED INSECT REPELLENT

path through trees in the woods

When your family adventure takes you out into nature or into the woods, you’ll want to be sure that your family is protected from all sorts of pesky critters. Check out one of these plant based, eco friendly options to do the job.

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL FOR FAMILIES

Planning a trip for your family takes a bit of effort and work. Fortunately there are plenty of sustainable options for the items that you choose to bring along with you. These things will make your travels a bit easier and you’ll be able to do that in a earth friendly sustainable way. Another thing that makes travel easier is having a great backpack. Check out our guide for versatile carry on backpacks and backpacks for moms.

Author

  • Jeremiah Pittmon

    Jeremiah Pittmon is a published travel writer and photographer from Cleveland, Ohio. Passionate about exploring the world with his family, he finds inspiration in all types of travel. Through his blog, smilesonarrival.com, and social media channels, he shares captivating experiences and valuable tips for families who love to travel.

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