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Blog | 'Tips & Trends' Posts | Yugen Earthside

Informative and digestible reads on sustainable travel tips, trends, destinations, experiences, and more. Learn how to be a more sustainable traveler!

These seven trends are shaping the sustainable tourism movement in 2023 and beyond towards more mindful, unique, and immersive travel experiences.

The beginning of the year for the travel industry is usually when all attention shifts towards the future, attempting to predict – to the best of experts’ ability – what the travel demand will be in the months ahead in 2023 and how that demand will be shaped by travel trends.

We will look backwards, but only to briefly capture some of the new fashions that might have marked the scene, and which show strong signs of a long stay.

Moreover, looking backwards can help us better shape the year ahead by understanding what happened and why. This knowledge can guide us in making better and more conscious choices for the planet and its inhabitants.

If some of the travel trends that started last year continue into the next one, we hope they will strengthen the movement of positive change ignited within the tourism sector.

Sustainability is a complex concept with cultural, social, environmental, and economic dimensions. The word ‘sustainability’ refers to a balanced development model and was first defined in 1987 by the United Nations Brundtland Commission in their “Our common future” report:

Sustainability aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

However, given that the adjective ‘sustainable’ is becoming the new regular companion of the word ‘travel,’ a good starting point would be to become aware – as the mindful responsible travelers we strive to be – of the deeper meaning of the term. This will empower us to ask the right questions with increased knowledge and awareness.

According to the UNTWO, sustainable tourism is:

Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.

Let’s keep this holistic picture in mind when we refer to ‘sustainability.’ It is more of an ideal steady state than something we achieve once and for all. Therefore, we should consider it more as a journey than a destination. In this environment of continuous improvement, positive results can only come when all stakeholders participate in moving toward a common direction. 

The travel and tourism industry is becoming more aware and responsible.

Governments are incentivizing and supporting habit changes.

Responsible travelers are demanding transparency and inspiring innovation by providing feedback and asking probing questions.

All stakeholders have significant roles to play.

The first and more obvious sign of change is in the language we use to discuss travel and tourism. Let’s have a look at how this has been evolving.

The word ‘sustainability’ has enjoyed increased popularity.  ‘Sustainability’ is constantly popping up on websites, newsletters, and social media posts. However, it doesn’t always go beyond a lot of good intentions.

If the industry feels the need to keep up with the sustainability agenda, it’s because there is a real need for it. We are shown this regularly through abundant social and scientific evidence about climate change, diversity, equality, and inclusion. We cannot ignore the demand for increased environmental protection, cultural conservation, human empowerment, and sustainable development.

Sometimes, this newfound ‘gusto’ for advancing the sustainability agenda comes from external pressure points, such as:

Regardless of the shift’s source, the change in the perspective and mindset is ultimately entering the industry for good.

Education comes in different forms, doesn’t it?

Trend #1: An increasing number of stakeholders are joining the movement to create a more sustainable tourism industry.

Expedia’s “The No-Normal Travel-Trend” report and Booking’s “The creative reimagination of travel” report highlight a new interest in culture. However, culture comes in different forms and can be experienced in incredibly diverse environments.

The latest Booking report discusses new strong desires to experience ‘out of comfort zone’ travel. This sentiment echoed across all 32 countries from which respondents reported. On average, 73% of respondents want these limit-pushing adventures. This number spikes to over 90% for respondents in India, Thailand, and China. 

Traveling triggers feelings of curiosity and an openness to the world. For more than half of the respondents (51%), this means experiencing places with vastly different cultures and languages. Thirty percent of respondents are “keen to explore lesser-known cities with hidden gems that aren’t already on the radar,” and 50% openly expressed that they want to “experience complete cultural shock” on future trips.

Trend #2: Travelers want to be immersed in the culture of destinations, even – or perhaps, especially – if that means venturing outside their comfort zone.

The new set-jetting travel trend – mentioned by Condé Nast Traveller, among others – is believed to be a strong one in 2023. Not to be confused with ‘jet-setting,’ set-jetting influences travel decisions by motivating people to visit destinations they have become familiar with through their screens. See ‘The Emily in Paris‘ effect as one clear-cut example. After being trapped on our couches for so long, TV streaming habits are encouraging travelers to get off their couches and out into the world more than ever.

In a way, set-jetting helps the cultural discovery of a place. We have traveled virtually through TVs and iPads, getting to know different locations and learning about new lifestyles and old history and traditions. However, there comes a moment we need to abandon the two-dimensional reality and fully embrace the critical third and fourth dimensions by visiting in person. This will undoubtedly enrich our exposure to an already-familiar place by experiencing it with more awareness and enjoyment.

Traveling to locations virtually before in-person can create more conscious travelers because we have already absorbed part of its culture and lifestyle. Because of this, we might be more responsible when experiencing it in person. Alternatively, we might turn completely blind, only in search of the images that attracted us to the destination in the first place. 

Trend #3: As set-jetting influences where travelers go, it’s up to us to use the increased virtual exposure of places to visit them with even more care.

A separate cultural movement has been gaining momentum, which is a rise in the popularity of indigenous tourism globally. More native communities worldwide are taking the lead in their tourism offers. Indigenous people are starting to design, develop, and manage high-quality tours and experiences.

We warmly welcome this healthy surge of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) experiences because we believe they are critical to the sustainable development of tourism activities. By embarking on a CBT experience, travelers will learn from the local ancestral knowledge and about the regenerative relationship travelers and locals have with the natural environment.

Visitors will also have the chance to leave a positive footprint on the destination by directly supporting local businesses. Above all, visitors can contribute to preserving cultural traditions, many of which should be considered a world heritage. 

Trend #4: This is the time to experience ancestral knowledge in the safe environment of a tourism experience directly from indigenous people as our hosts and guides. Be open to the unknown and enjoy – you will learn more about our planet as well.

Here are some interesting travel behaviors that demonstrate some types of unique experiences travelers are demanding.

The concept of wellness has been changing and is taking an inward direction.

The idea of using a holiday as the moment to unplug from the heavy and noisy routine is not new. However, the novelty is that more experiences offer personal transformation and a deeper connection with your inner self.

Traditional psychedelic trips are trending up as a path to elevated spiritual experiences, Booking reports. These experiences can also be meditation and mindfulness getaways. 

According to Condé Nast Traveller’s experts, retreats nowadays offer dance therapy, chakra courses, and self-awareness group sessions. Some experiences include exploring new food and superfood, like the so-called ‘adaptogenic’ food – plants and mushrooms that strengthen the body to cope with stress, anxiety, and fatigue.

In general, trips offering personal transformation and a deeper connection with the world are on the rise. The goal of such experiences is for the participants to ‘become better individuals.’ These unique itineraries target tourists looking for more intense and meaningful encounters for their minds and souls, perhaps facilitated by the natural surroundings. 

Yoga retreats are also innovating the practice and responding to the multiple needs that guests might have. At one such yoga retreat in Portugal, the retreat center prides itself on providing great yoga in a lighthearted environment. Yogis of all levels come to relax, try new poses, and – importantly – sip a glass of locally produced wine each evening after a fulfilling day.

Conscientious travelers can also combine restoring their internal balance with their external willingness to contribute to the sustainable development of a region. For example, you can learn to surf in the Atlantic ocean while supporting Portugal in the shoulder season while staying at a rural, eco-friendly resort.

Trend #5: The concept of wellness is changing and will continue to combine elements of self-transformation, both for the body and the mind, in search of a deeper connection with nature.

Our perception of luxury is also changing. 

The demand for luxury travel is shifting towards younger demographics, showing that the new generations are more prone to save money and invest in quality over quantity.

Booking’s latest report confirms the shift in younger travelers seeking luxury trips. The report shares that 49% of their survey participants plan to be more indulgent in their spending habits while on holiday, and 43% plan to spend lavishly to ensure they maximize their experience.

Beyond luxury huts and glamping experiences in the wildness, luxury can also mean simply combining nature-focused trips with luxury elements. One example is upgrading safari accommodations from camping to upscale lodges, following a rewarding trekking experience of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Trend #6: Luxury is a growing demand, even for younger generations, and it reflects a shift in preferences where quality wins over quantity.

Many countries have started offering incentives and long-term visas to people willing to live and work in another country for at least a year.

This trend might only get stronger as time goes on with an increasing number of countries starting to offer the opportunity to foreign visitors.

Spain is one of them. From this January, it is possible to apply for its new Digital Nomad Visa. This visa will allow people to stay and work for one year with the possibility to extend it for an additional four.

Italy is another. In March 2022, a law approved offering a 12-month, renewable visa. However, the details have not been disclosed yet.

European countries are not the only ones experimenting with this type of opportunity.  Many attractive destinations, such as countries within the Caribbean Islands, have similar programs for individuals and families. 

Last year, countries from Latin America, such as Ecuador and Brazil, and countries from South East Asia, such as Thailand and Malaysia, joined the long list of nations from which digital nomads can relocate and work remotely.

However, you don’t need to be a full-time digital nomad to experience this lifestyle.

Forbes detects the raising of what it calls ‘hush’ trips, a two-to-three week trip – strictly not shared with the employer – that allows remote workers to enjoy the flexibility of their work schedule far from their bland desk at home.

Accommodations and traditional properties are already offering discounts on extended stays.

Trend #7: More flexible working modes have become a new reality and it is now possible for remote workers to take advantage of long-term visas from an increasing number of countries globally.

We hope that the compulsive instinct to go on holiday evolves into a more thoughtful way of traveling.

What these seven travel ‘trends’ just presented seem to have in common is a search for something more profound. We hope they continue contributing to the sustainable tourism movement towards more mindful, unique, and immersive travel experiences.

Connecting with ourselves, soaking in natural surroundings, and learning about the local culture represent new reasons why we travel. The focal point seems to be a desire for inner transformation and meaningful connections.

We believe that, as travelers, we are aware now more than ever that tourism always produces impacts. We are determined to guarantee that, with our explorations of the world, we only contribute to the positive impacts.

At Yugen Earthside, we want to start this promising year of travels with the consciousness that tourism is an essential element of our lives; and remind ourselves and others that tourism can also play a crucial role in the future of our planet. 

Travel Trends 2023: New Sustainable Changes?

Sustainable travel gift guides for plastic-free enthusiasts, cityscape travelers, outdoors adventurers, lady travelers, & stocking stuffers!

5 Sustainable Travel Gift Guides (40+ Ideas) | Yugen Earthside

The holidays are upon us! With the flurry of activity that accompanies this festive time of year, these five sustainable travel gift guides are here to spark some eco-friendly inspiration for gift giving. Of course, the most sustainable gift you can give is not material. Think of gifting experiences (like concert tickets), donations to a cause, something homemade, or regifting something dear to you that is ready for a new home. 

If you are planning to buy “stuff” this year, we hope these sustainable travel gift guides will help. They are designed to help any traveler in your life be more green on the go. Our five gift guides cover the following:

While the gift guides are a handy reference, below we’ll go into more detail about what actually makes each of our recommendations sustainable. We guarantee that at least one thing on our list will make you say, “Hmm! I didn’t know there was a sustainable version of that!”

We all know the folks who are ultra gung-ho about reducing their footprint both at home and on the go. This list is to help anybody who is trying to lessen their environmental impact. Our sustainable travel gift guide is full of recommendations suitable for people brand new to the idea of plastic-free alternatives as well as those who absolutely insist on the zero-waste lifestyle.

1. Water filtration bottle: As common as reusable water bottles are, many travelers are still buying plastic water bottles due to concerns about safe drinking water. With these everyday water bottles, avoid plastic and come one step closer to clean water wherever you are – simply purify on the go. Water-to-Go creates reusable, BPA-free water bottles that use a built-in, unique, 3-in-1 filter technology that can remove up to 99.9999% of microbiological contaminants in water. One filter can replace 400 single-use plastic water bottles! The filters are compostable and can be easily replaced. Fun fact: Their filtration technology was originally designed for NASA.

2. Reusable storage bag: Staying organized is key, especially during your travels when you’re belongings are packed away. Keep items in place with these reusable, biodegradable, and recyclable storage bags. Whether it be snacks for a hike, or neatly sorting your toiletries, these travel bags will make your life easier… and the planet will thank you, too.  

3. (E)co Explorers Kit (for 2 people): What’s better than one sustainable traveler? Two sustainable travelers! (We would actually love hundreds of thousands, but… let’s start small.) The “(E)Co-Explorers” kit has everything you and your travel buddy need for your next adventure. 

4. Liquid-free detergent strips: We’ve all had those moments on a trip where we desperately need to wash something. Life-changing (ok, maybe that’s dramatic) laundry detergent strips are your new best friend! Plastic-free, liquid-free, harmful chemical-free strips are the way to go. You can throw these strips into a sink or a machine to wash your clothes on the go — and actually, these strips are perfect for home use too if you want to ditch the big plastic detergent jugs. 

5. Eco-conscious laptop sleeve: This laptop sleeve fits a 13″ computer, protecting it with coconut fiber and plastic-free padding. The inner lining is made of 100% recycled plastic, while the outer is durable, water-resistant vegan leather. 

6. Bamboo cutlery with stainless steel straws: This lightweight, bamboo reusable cutlery set is the perfect addition to your carry-on or day bag. By using a reusable cutlery set, you can avoid discarding up to 200 plastic utensils and 300 plastic straws per year! 

7. Reusable ear swab: This small item is the most used single-use bathroom product that impacts the plastic problem and cotton production issues. Gallons of water are used to produce these swabs (1.5 million swabs are made every single day), only to be disposed of in under one minute and sent to the landfill or in the ocean where they can affect marine life. An easy switch is to disposable swabs! 

8. Bamboo toothbrush: Did you know that it takes plastic toothbrushes 400 years to decompose? The solution is easy: transition to compostable, bamboo toothbrushes. They’ll help you save up to 300 toothbrushes from landfills in your lifetime. 

9. Toothpaste tablets: Toothpaste tubes can take up to 500 years to decompose. They’ll help you save up to 900 toothpaste tubes from landfills in your lifetime.  

10. Charcoal dental floss: Clean your teeth, while whitening them, and being eco-friendly. Zero-waste floss not only protects our environment (it can take up to 200 years for nylon floss to decompose), but it protects your health. Standard floss is coated in a toxic chemical called PFAS, which is a subdivision of PFCs, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. These chemicals can also lead to liver damage, cancer, or development issues.  

11. Quick-dry travel: Made with recycled plastic, purchasing this quick-dry and sand-free (sand is shaken off super easily) towel diverts 28 plastic bottles from landfills and oceans. It can be packed tightly down to the size of a water bottle. Whether you’re at the beach or in the park, it’s the perfect match for afternoons outdoors!  

12. Packable “extra” bags: These little guys pack a punch!  They fold up small enough to fit in your pocket (literally) or throw in your bag and can carry up to 30 pounds of weight. They are absolutely perfect as a vessel for takeaway food, souvenirs, or knickknacks. Once you discover the beauty of these tiny, lightweight bags, you might not ever leave your house – or for another trip – without them again.

13. Reusable earplugs: Get away from disposable foam earplugs with these reusable and washable ergonomic earplugs. Great for trains, planes, or sleeping in the middle of a city, drown out the sound and rest peacefully on your travels (or at home!). 

14. Reusable napkins: Finally, you can avoid a huge area of unnecessary waste really easily. Every time you grab food on the go, establishments tend to give you a stack of disposable, paper napkins. This little trick is genius- just carry around these reusable, washable cocktail napkins. You might be shocked at how frequently they come in handy, and how easy it is to throw them in the wash and reuse them.

15. Collapsible water bottles: Yes – there are a ton of reusable water bottle options out there. But these ones are cool because they can squish up really small! If taking up space in your luggage was a reason you weren’t bringing a reusable water bottle with you, then let this provide a solution.

Whether you’re playing tourist in your hometown for the day or escaping by train for a weekend to somewhere nearby, you need to pack light and well. Here’s a convenient list of sustainable travel products that won’t weigh you down and keep you going – sustainably – as you wander along.

1. City guidebooks, like this one for London: Maybe this is a little old-fashioned, but a good guidebook in your pocket can be a lifesaver on trips. Instead of being absorbed in a screen, flip through carefully laid out advice from experts in these “insightful guides.”

2. Bamboo cutlery, straw, and toothbrush: Here’s another option for a sustainable bamboo set. This one is nice because it includes the bamboo toothbrush along with the cutlery. It can help you avoid all the single-use plastic restaurant sets, and equip you with a toothbrush that won’t end up in a landfill.

3. “The Essentials” sustainable travel kit: If you’re completely new to packing sustainably, “The Essentials” sustainable travel starter kit has all the basic, eco-friendly items you need to set you on a more sustainable path. Altogether, the items weigh less than 1 pound and can be the perfect addition to your travel bag! This set includes a bamboo toothbrush, bamboo cutlery with stainless steel straws, toothpaste tablets, two food storage bags, two silicone travel bottles (for shampoo, lotion, etc.), and liquid-free laundry detergent sheets. By buying these items in a handy bundle, you also save 30%.

4. “The Works” sustainable travel kit: If you’re ready to dive into the zero-waste lifestyle, this is for you. With “The Works” kit, you get everything in the “Essentials” kit and then some: you also get the sustainable travel towel and the packable backpack. In other words, you’ll have everything you need to be a responsible traveler with this collection of eco-friendly travel products. Buying as a convenient set also helps you save 30%.

5. Recycled backpack: Out of so many bags to choose from, consider this one that is made out of 100% recycled materials. Perfect for bumming around a city, a day at a cafe, or a picnic in the park.

6. Eco-market bags: You’ve seen these everywhere! These reusable totes replace the need for plastic bags when you’re perusing local markets on your travels. Lightweight, foldable, washable, and able to carry up to 40 pounds, these are worthy of some space in your luggage.

7. Liquid-free detergent strips: We already raved about these up above, so we’ll keep it short: These are magic in a strip! Try these eco-strips to experience their greatness!

8. Rollable water bottle: Maybe you have a reusable water bottle already, but does it…roll? This one-liter bottle can stand upright when it’s full, but roll up to next to nothing when it’s empty. The fact that it can shrink in size, and has a carabiner attached, makes it a breeze to pack so that you’re never without a water bottle when you’re out and about.

9. Eco-essentials pouch: Small bags help you stay organized while you travel, and we love them even more when they’re made with durable, vegan leather and a 100% recycled plastic lining… and they’re water resistant! Even better, OneNine5’s packaging is biodegradable and recyclable or made from recycled materials. Also, if your pouch ever reaches its “end of life” moment, they have a nifty recycling return program that’s the first of its kind in the travel goods industry.

You know the type: always up for something a little more hard-core than the rest of the group. A morning hike, a backpacking trip, a rugged adventure. This gift guide contains some essential sustainable travel products that can truly help you “leave no trace” – while keeping you hydrated, charged, and more.

2. Packable backpack: Say hello to your new adventure buddy! The Explorer20 is the ultra-light (half the weight of an iPhone), packable backpack you’ve been waiting for. The pack can store up to 20L of space yet downsize into a small case the size of your hand for compact storage. Perfect for the trail or for groceries.

3. Wireless and solar-powered charger: For adventure travel or for more eco-conscious activity at home, this rugged shockproof and dustproof solar-powered phone charger is great for camping and long trips in the outdoors. To note: the solar-powered charging feature is considered an additional feature to use in emergencies. The power bank should be fully charged before you take it out on your adventures.

4. Trail bags: We’ll be the first to say it, this is definitely the least sexy sustainable travel item on this list. But… if you are serious about leaving no trace, that means making sure your waste is, ahem, disposed of in the most environmentally friendly way possible. These little bags are biodegradable and compostable, making them quite handy to have out in the wilderness with you.

5. Reef-safe sunscreen: This vegan, SPF50 sunscreen will keep you protected on the trail or at the beach. If you rinse off in a creek, lake, or jump in the ocean later, you can rest assured that this reef-safe sunscreen will be kind to your skin and local marine life. Plus, purchasing this sunscreen also supports Costa Rican farmers who are doing regenerative farming.

6. Quick-dry travel: We already mentioned this item up above, but just to reiterate: this towel diverts 28 plastic bottles from landfills and oceans and dries 4x faster than traditional cotton towels. A great addition to your pack!

7. Water filter: This small, portable water filter can purify water on the go, making sure you always have access to clean drinking water, even in the remote wilderness. It removes 99.99%+ of waterborne bacteria and parasites, as well as microplastics. As an added bonus, every purchase of this water filter also supports a child in accessing clean water for the duration of one school year.

8. Collapsible water bottle: Options, options, options! We’ve already covered water bottles with built-in filtration systems, and rollable water bottles…but we still want to introduce you to collapsible water bottles. Similar to the rollable water bottles, these guys can fold up really small and are lightweight, making them easy to pack up and take with you anywhere. If you prefer more of a classic water bottle feel (as opposed to a cantine kind of feel), then these are for you.

Gals, we’ve got you covered. This list has been curated for you by a fellow female traveler, who is obsessed with packing light and leaving behind as little waste as possible.

1. Reusable makeup wipes: The average makeup wipe takes up to 100 years to decompose. For cotton make-up rounds, there are several other problems. They take a lot of water to produce, the cotton is usually grown using pesticides, and the rounds themselves usually end up in landfills. These reusable makeup wipes are the solution. Take only as many as you need on your trip, and – voila! – you’ve cut out one more disposable toiletry item from your everyday use. (By the way, these are fantastic to use at home, too.)

2. Eco-friendly safety razor: With a handle made of bamboo instead of plastic, these are already more eco-friendly than your normal razor. On top of that though, traditional razor cartridge heads are not recyclable. With this razor, you just need to replace the metal blades – not throw out the head of the razor every time it needs a refresh. As a bonus, purchasing this razor comes with two homemade shaving cream recipes!

3. Eco-travel wash bag: Similar to the other OneNine5 products listed, this eco-travel wash bag – also called a toiletry bag, or a dop kit – is made with durable, vegan leather and a 100% recycled plastic lining… and they’re water resistant! Even better, OneNine5’s packaging is biodegradable and recyclable or made from recycled materials. Also, if your pouch ever reaches its “end of life” moment, they have a nifty recycling return program that’s the first of its kind in the travel goods industry.

4. Reusable beauty swab: These nylon and silicone reusable makeup remover swabs easily resolve another cotton, single-use bathroom product that piles up in your trash can. Any gal who has ever worn mascara has had to reach for a cotton bud at some point to clean up their edges. With these, just dip one of the delicate ends in a makeup remover and gently remove excess mascara. This also comes in a certified ocean-bound plastic case, so you can keep it safe and clean on your travels.

5. Silicone menstrual cup: If you’re waiting for a sign to take the plunge and get a cup, this is it! With up to 12 hours of protection, this little silicone cup can drastically reduce – or even completely remove – your need for pads and tampons. On your travels, this is great! It means less stuff to pack, and less stuff to throw away. This brand is also B-Corp certified, which we love!

6. Eco-essentials pouch: We covered this up in the Cityscape section, but this is another OneNine5 product made of vegan leather with 100% recycled plastic lining. We included this pouch on the lady list though because it’s perfect to hold makeup essentials. Just put what you need in the pouch, and throw the whole thing in your purse. 

7. Absorbent panties: Aside from the trail bags in the Outdoorsy section….this might actually be a tie for the second least sexiest product on this list (OK…third if you count the menstrual cup). But, we’re sure you’ve heard of these! These panties are not a replacement for a cup/pad/tampon, but you can think of them as a ‘backup guard’ or perhaps a replacement for panty liners. With the power of the cup and the panties combined…you might actually say goodbye to all those disposable lady time products!

8. Dry shampoo powder: Gals, we’ve got you! It’s not always practical to carry an aerosol can of dry shampoo around. Enter this natural, organic, vegan powder that you can easily take with you on the go. If you don’t want to take the whole container, you could easily tap out some powder into a smaller, reusable cosmetic container (think about saving empty jars of things like eye creams for future use).

9. A guide to solo female travel: We’re not sure we can say it better than the book description: “This book is for the travelers, the feminists, the adventurers, the seekers, and the curious.” Get usable tips and advice on how to live the vagabond life of gritty adventure.

Small and practical delights, all under $15! These gender-neutral suggestions are perfect for any type of traveler, and can all actually be used at home, as well!

1. Solid shampoo bar: Over 40% of plastic comes from packaging. Making the transition to plastic-free takes time and patience, but an easy, big-win change is ridding yourself of the accumulation of bathroom plastic products by using a solid shampoo bar. Every hair type is different but, nowadays, there are tons of different options out there for normal, oily, dry, fine, curly, and other hair types. This shampoo bar can replace up to 3 plastic bottles!

2. Solid conditioner bar: You probably saw this coming – this solid conditioner bar is the perfect pairing to keep the solid shampoo bar company. This eco-friendly, all-natural bar can replace one 16 oz plastic bottle. 

3. Silicone bottle: Whether it’s hand sanitizer, wash products, or lotions, reusable travel bottles are a must. So, push away the hotel bathroom amenities and make room for your reusable travel bottles! By bringing your own liquids and creams in reusable bottles, you’re standing up against single-use plastic toiletry amenities at hotels.

4. Bamboo toothbrush: Did you know that it takes plastic toothbrushes 400 years to decompose? The solution is easy: bamboo toothbrushes. By making the transition, you alone can save up to 300 toothbrushes from landfills in your lifetime. Grab one (or four) of these little bamboo essentials to stock your suitcase (and your home)!

5. Bamboo charcoal floss: Clean your teeth, while whitening them, while being eco-friendly! Win-win-win. Zero-waste floss not only protects our environment (it can take up to 200 years for nylon floss to decompose), but also it protects your health. Standard floss is coated in a toxic chemical called PFAS, which is a subdivision of PFCs, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. These chemicals can also lead to liver damage, cancer, or development issues. Try switching to this plastic-free floss today and see how you like it!

6. Toothpaste tablets: Toothpaste tubes can take up to 500 years to decompose! By switching over to chewable toothpaste tablets, you can save up to 900 toothpaste tubes from finding their way to landfills. Some added benefits for travelers: there’s no liquid involved in these tablets, which makes taking them through the airport a breeze; and, you can count out how many tablets to take with you if you want to pack super light and not bring the whole container.

7. Reusable ear swab: This little guy is so important, it’s worth repeating. Cotton ear swabs are the most used single-use bathroom product that impacts the plastic problem and cotton production issues. Gallons of water are used to produce these swabs (1.5 million swabs are made every single day), only to be disposed of in under one minute and sent to the landfill or in the ocean where they can affect marine life. An easy switch is to disposable swabs! 

8. Biodegradable hair ties: One single hair tie can take up to 500 years to decompose. If you’re not using a cute scrunchie to hold your hair back, use these biodegradable black hair ties and know you’re impact is minimized, one ponytail at a time. Guys – don’t feel left out. These will be perfectly suitable for your man buns, too!

9. Plastic-free eco razor: This gender-neutral razor has a bamboo handle and reusable metal parts. Please don’t burden the planet with plastic razors and make the switch today to this more eco-friendly alternative. 

We hope our sustainable travel gift guides help you find the perfect way to bring a little extra joy to the travelers in your life… and perhaps you discovered some things to put on your wishlist, too!

If you liked this list, please check out our Earthsider Eco-Shop and consider snagging our sustainable travel packing list. It is downloadable and reusable, and it has even more ideas to help you pack your bags responsibly. 

The best gift of all... travel! Collect memories, not stuff. 

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5 Sustainable Travel Gift Guides (40+ Ideas)

How has COVID changed travel? We’ve rounded up several COVID travel trends that we think will shape the tourism landscape in 2021 and beyond.

5 COVID-Inspired Travel Trends | Yugen Earthside

Spotify’s end-of-year wrap-up stories described 2020 the best, saying it felt like 67 months.

Unfortunately for all of us who love to travel, in those 67 months, our traveling was very limited. We all had to make due and figure out ways to still scratch the eternal travel itch without breaking any laws or putting our health in danger.

If you, like myself, started plotting ways to travel safely as soon as shutdowns started, you might’ve also started thinking about how these COVID travel trends would affect future trips.

Everything from the mode of transportation, to where we lodge, to the activities we choose is going to change.

Something I saw more and more travelers doing in 2020 was choosing to stay in Airbnbs over hotels. Yes, hotels have been taking all the precautions they can to ensure a safe and stress-free stay, but the idea of possibly being in a building with several others is enough to deter anyone from staying in one. 

Renting out an apartment or a home is not only a good way to keep away from the crowds, it gives you a place to cook your own meals, enjoy a unique location and get a sense of the way that locals and non-locals alike live in the area you’re visiting. It doesn’t hurt if your Airbnb is cute and insta-worthy, too.

Going out to eat during a pandemic has been near to impossible unless you’re ordering take-out. Companies like Postmates and Grubhub in the US have been thriving, but there’s also been another rising trend: cooking from home. Home cooking isn’t just restricted to all of us in lockdown but has become a norm for those of us who have been staying in home rentals as well.

Sure pre-packaged, frozen meals are easy, but why not try out a new recipe or attempt to create something that the locals might enjoy while staying in your Airbnb? Whichever way you choose to chow down, make sure to savor the flavors of your meal and your location. By the way, visiting grocery stores in foreign countries is a great way to get a peek into “normal” life there!

Backpackers around the world know the importance of only packing essentials. However, when there’s a little extra space in our bag(s), we tend to take a few extra accessories if we can. In recent years we’ve seen a rise in eco-conscious decisions, including the use of stainless steel straws, taking our own utensils and containers to stores, and carrying a water flask at all times.

With such a huge movement towards being green in our daily lives, it only makes sense that it would seep into our travels. As we move past this pandemic together, we’ll all likely continue to take precautions when we go out by continuing to take our own water bottles where we go and likely using our own utensils at restaurants. Thankfully, certain countries like France make it easier for us by providing public water pumps that you can use to refill your water bottles.

The way we travel is forever changed. Of course, we’ll eventually take planes again without fear of getting COVID, however, it wouldn’t be a surprise if, in the future, more of us took slower traveling methods to either avoid crowds or simply enjoy the views that come with road trips. 

Enduring a pandemic has made us reevaluate how we’ll get from point A to point B, both in our personal lives as well as when we travel. Hands up if you’ve driven your car in 2020 more than ever! Traveling in 2021 and beyond will be no different – I predict many of us will continue to take our cars or a train if that’s an option.

If your itinerary is usually jam-packed with sightseeing, you might want to take note of a trend from 2020 and slow your trip down with fewer to-do’s.

One great way to do so is by filling your days with more nature-based activities like hiking, kayaking, or riding a bike.  You can take in some really great views when you go for a hike on your trip that may make for more memorable, unique moments that you might not have otherwise experienced if you went to all the tourist traps.

However, if you do want to visit the touristy spots, look for a walking tour in your city and support your local tour guides! Yugen Earthside also offers self-guided walking and cycling tours so you can enjoy the great outdoors while also staying socially distant. 

To sum up, here are the COVID travel trends that you can expect to stay with us in 2021:

Choosing to stay in vacation rentals, such as Airbnbs, over hotels

Cooking from home – even while traveling  

The use of eco-friendly travel accessories

Less air travel; more road trips and train rides

More environmentally friendly activities focused on nature

All in all, the COVID travel trends listed above are components of the slow travel movement. Really taking the time to enjoy a trip, everything that locals have to offer, and as the name suggests, slowing down your list of things to do and see while on vacation.

Traveling during 2021 and beyond will eventually return back to what we know as “normal” over time, but many of these COVID travel trends won’t stay behind in 2020. The world around us is constantly changing and evolving, and in turn, so is the way we travel.

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5 COVID-Inspired Travel Trends That Will Continue In 2021

What is virtual tourism, 7 benefits it provides, and 28 free virtual tours to try from your couch!

7 Benefits of Virtual Tourism | Yugen Earthside | +28 Virtual Tours

Stuck at home? Virtual tours might be a great option for you! If you’re following stay-at-home orders but are still itching to travel, virtual tours allow you to travel all over the world with just a simple click. Still not convinced? Keep reading to: 

Discover the seven main benefits of virtual traveling

Explore 28 amazing experiences in nine different countries

Get inspired for your next (physical) trip with us 

Virtual tourism enables people to visit places remotely. The idea has been around for several years, as a natural offshoot of the possibilities inspired by virtual reality (VR); but Covid-19 has accelerated the buzz around this concept.

Virtual traveling leverages audio-visual components, and sometimes VR, to bring tours, galleries, museums, exhibits, zoos, aquariums, parks, and more to life through your screen.

It lends itself especially well to educational tourism activities, where you might want to read every single sign, or cultural and artistic tourist experiences, where you might want to look at each unique detail of a painting or tapestry up close. It can ignite that sense of wonder and excitement you feel when you visit a new place, but from the comfort of your home.

Naturally, some of the tactile senses that animate an in-person tourism experience will elude you, but, traveling virtually has myriad benefits: 

You can visit multiple destinations in a day

There is no need to plan in advance – explore in a spontaneous, stress-free way!

It’s easily accessible to adventurers with mobility issues

Many tours are free or cheaper than visiting in person

They’re Covid-19 friendly: you’ll stay socially distant and not need to wear a mask

Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of virtual tours that’ll take you on a trip around the world. Buckle up!

Take a guided tour through the capital city of Lisbon. Then, virtually transport to Sintra for a visit to Pena National Palace.

Learn about the famous Portuguese azulejo ceramic tilework from this online exhibit presented by the National Azulejo Museum on Google Arts & Culture.

Enjoy the remarkable collection of the National Museum of Ancient Art.

After virtually exploring Portugal’s well-known sites, consider our off-the-beaten-path trip through the Heart and Soul of Douro Valley, a self-guided walking trip through this northern Portugal wine region. Bookable for 2+ people, consider going with your partner, family, or a close group of friends for an outdoors, Covid-19 safe vacation.

Roam through the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital.

Venture to the Himalayas to explore its various villages and monasteries and try to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. 
Check out our Annapurna Panorama Trek if you enjoyed these virtual tourism experiences. This tour has a variable start date – so you can book it in advance for a date you feel comfortable with. Privatization is possible too, so you can book with your partner, family, or a close group of friends. Since you’ll be out in the fresh air, it’s easy to stay socially distanced, too!

Learn about Kyrgyzstan´s rich culture & traditions from an online presentation by You Visit before touring the capital city, Bishkek.

If nature is more your calling, explore the serene regions of Sary-Chelek and Naryn via Air Pano’s 360° aerial experience. 

Skip the line and enter the House Museum of Aybek, an exhibit dedicated to the famous Uzbek writer Aybek Musa Tashmukhamedov.   

View the city of Bukhara from the Kalyan Minaret, also known as the “Tower of Death” in the Po-i-Kalyan mosque complex.

Take a virtual reality tour of Uzbekistan’s capital city Tashkent.

Check out this virtual ecotour by vEcotourism titled “Salt-mining Elephants of Mount Elgon”.

Explore Kenya’s diverse communities at the Nairobi National Museum  as well as its various national parks presented by the National Museums of Kenya

If being out in nature, savoring unique landscapes, and partaking in local activities sounds like what you’re looking for, our Mida Creek Village Experience might be just the trip for you. Bookable for up to six people, this 3-day experience would be perfect to add to the beginning or end of a longer trip to Kenya or Eastern Africa.

Educate yourself on the “Handwoven History of Palestine and Jordan” with this historical presentation on Google Arts & Culture. 

Visit in detail the “Rose City” of Petra; one of the 7 Wonders of the World. If you’re interested in historical monuments, Shoubak Castle may also be right up your alley. 

For a mini beach getaway visit the port city of Aqaba known for its marine blue water.

Visit the Nubuke Foundation in Accra to learn how they’re “Championing Ghanaian Contemporary Art”.

Take a virtual journey to popular destinations like Elmina Castle and Wli Waterfall with Dobiison’s 360 Ghana tours.

Admire Georgian architecture, art and culture through this historical tour of the Art Palace of Georgia.

Visit Georgia’s various cities and landscapes in this  Virtual Reality Georgia Tour by Pandorama 360.

Explore Armenia with virtual tours to Noravank Monastery, Shaki Waterfall, and Republic Square with Armenia | 360 Stories.

Hopefully, at least one of these tours piqued your interest. Maybe it even got the travel gears turning in your head and gave you inspiration for your next adventure. Which of these virtual tours do you find most intriguing? Do you think virtual tourism will become a travel trend of the future? Let us know in the comments!

7 Benefits of Virtual Tourism (& 28 Free Virtual Tours)

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