Zero-waste travel: How to travel light, eco-friendly, and without unnecessary packaging

 

Travelling often means battling heavy luggage and a lack of space. But what if it didn’t have to be so complicated? With a little preparation, you can travel light, without unnecessary plastic, with respect for nature and your own wellbeing.

 

In this practical guide to sustainable travel we’ll show you how to pack smart, what to take with you, and how to avoid single-use packaging when travelling by train, car, plane, bike, to the mountains or to the seaside.

 

Contents

Why travel without unnecessary plastic and packaging?

• Light luggage = less stress, a lower carbon footprint, and less hassle when packing and moving around.
• Packaging-free options = no needless waste, zero-waste travel, and less to carry — better for you and the planet.
• Natural and certified organic care = without harsh synthetics, suitable for sensitive skin, with respect for the environment.

The essential kit for a sustainable traveller

Whether you’re travelling by car, plane, train, bike or on foot, there are a few things that make life easier on the road — without putting extra strain on nature. Here are our practical tips on what to pack for plastic-free travel:

Natural travel toiletries

• Solid shampoos and soaps – light, travel-friendly, won’t leak, and come without plastic. The brand The Green Lab Co. offers a clever solution in the form of refill tablets — you take a dry, lightweight little ball, mix it with water at your destination, and you have, for example, shampoo. 
• Natural deodorant in a paper tube – compact, gentle on the skin, and lasts for weeks.
• Bamboo toothbrush and toothpaste or tooth powder + natural dental floss – eco-friendly, compact, practical. 
• Loofah or a konjac sponge – a biodegradable alternative to classic sponges.
• Make-up – keep it minimal: 2-in-1 products, solid formats, ideally in metal or glass packaging.
• Travel first-aid kit – plasters, disinfectant, natural ointment, probiotics often chosen for digestive comfort. You’ll also want protection from pesky insects. Our tip for putting together a minimalist, non-toxic first-aid kit is in the article How to put together a non-toxic first-aid kit.

Health and hygiene on the go

• Mineral sunscreens – gentle on the sea and on skin.
• Chemical-free repellent – ideally with essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus or lavender.
• Zero-waste period products – a menstrual cup, period pants, or organic cotton reusable pads. A cup is particularly handy for swimming, sport and long-haul flights.

Food and hydration

• Reusable water bottle – a great choice that can cut down on a lot of plastic waste. Try the stainless-steel one from Purovitalis.
  • You can add electrolytes, which can be useful for topping up fluids and minerals lost through sweating. More on hydration, electrolytes and how to avoid issues linked to not drinking enough can be found in the article Electrolytes and hydration: The key to healthy kidneys and the body’s balance (Part 3).
• Canvas bag, collapsible food container and travel cutlery  – practical for market shopping, picnics or taking lunch with you.
• Zero-waste travel snack – for example:
  • Dried or freeze-dried fruit
  • Protein bars
  • Homemade sandwich with a spread

Tips for healthy snacks can be found in our article Healthy snacking: Sweet and savoury treats without the guilt.

Travelling by train, coach and public transport

Public transport has one big advantage – you can take everything you can carry and your back can handle. Even on longer journeys, less is more. Don’t forget a reusable bottle in stainless steel from Purovitalis, a snack and something to keep you occupied (for example, a book or games).

Flying: what gets through and what doesn’t

Airport security can be uncompromising – especially when it comes to liquids in hand luggage. To avoid having toiletries confiscated, follow these tips:

• Liquids over 100 ml are not permitted.
• All liquids (including mascara, cream, nail varnish or spray) must be:
  • in containers up to 100 ml,
  • no more than 10 items per person,
  • placed in one transparent, resealable bag with a maximum volume of 1 litre.
• Exceptions include:
  • Baby food.
  • Medicines (ideally with the leaflet).

Plane-safe products

• Solid soaps and shampoos.
• Solid stick deodorant.
• Bamboo toothbrush and tooth powder. 

These solid products aren’t subject to the 100 ml rule, so they’re an ideal choice for hand luggage – they don’t take up space, won’t leak, and they pass security.

Tip: Empty your bottle before security — an empty bottle is fine. You can refill it later in the departures area.

Travelling by car and campervan

Travelling by car or campervan – whether you’re heading to the seaside, camping or to the mountains – is a great option for anyone who wants flexibility and to pack a little more without strict weight limits. There’s just one factor: space. That’s why it pays to pack smart and avoid unnecessary packaging.

What’s worth bringing:

• Jar meals – pre-portioned food without plastic.
• Glass or stainless-steel bottle for you and the kids – hydration without single-use PET bottles.
• Insulated food box and cutlery – ideal for longer drives, camping and picnics.
• Compostable bag for food waste – a great helper when spending time outdoors.
• Eco-friendly sunscreen – without nanoparticles and synthetic ingredients, kind to you and to nature. An essential not only by the water, but also in the mountains.

The upside is that you don’t have to stick to a strict minimalist pack — you can still travel sustainably and zero-waste.

By bike or ultralight: every gram counts

Cycling trips or an ultralight packing style put the focus on every gram and every centimetre. Even with limited space, you can travel comfortably and sustainably.

Practical tips:

• Multi-purpose solid bar – works as soap, shampoo, shaving lather and even laundry soap.
• Quick-dry towel – compact, lightweight, ideal for a rucksack or pannier.
• Performance clothing – layering and quick-dry fabrics make life easier.
• Energy and protein bars – take up hardly any space, but are a handy boost on the go.

To the mountains, camping or to the seaside?

When you’re heading outdoors, camping or to the water, a few essentials make all the difference:

• Lip balm, ideally with SPF – protection from wind and sun.
• Absorbent towel – great for the beach and the mountains.
• Solid dish and laundry soap – a universal, plastic-free solution.

What not to forget

Whatever your destination, you should always have these close to hand:

• ID documents,
• wallet,
• travel insurance.

Sustainability starts with a choice. When you pack smart, without plastic and unnecessary packaging, you gain:

• more space for experiences,
• less waste,
• more enjoyment from the journey.

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Šárka

She has dedicated her education and professional life to gastronomy and nutrition. After studying hospitality and human nutrition, she completed her training as a nutrition therapist, giving her a well-rounded view of the connection between food and health.

 

Today, she puts this knowledge to use mainly in caring for her children.

 

She isn’t afraid of challenges and opportunities, believes in fresh starts, and values a sustainable way of life. Outside her profession, she enjoys gardening, hiking and, above all, her family — which remains her biggest anchor in life.