This guide is a simple, practical checklist to help you reduce your footprint on every journey this year.

1. Plan Fewer, Longer Trips

Short city breaks by plane create a lot of emissions compared to the time you actually spend at the destination.

• Choose one longer trip instead of two or three short ones.
• Combine nearby destinations in one route instead of flying back and forth.
• Use an itinerary planner (like Wingman) to group stops logically so you do not waste time and transport.

Rule of thumb: If you fly, try to stay at least 5–7 days in the region.

2. Choose Lower-Impact Transport

How you get there matters more than almost anything else.

• For distances under 800–1000 km, check trains and buses first.
• If you must fly, choose direct flights when possible; takeoff and landing are the most polluting parts.
• At the destination, walk, cycle, or use public transport instead of taxis where you can.
• For road trips, share the car with friends and pack it efficiently.

When you build your route in Wingman, try to group sights so you can walk between them in “clusters” instead of crossing the city several times a day.

3. Pick Sustainable Accommodation

Your hotel or apartment can support or damage the local environment and community.

Look for places that:

• Have clear water- and energy-saving policies (towel reuse, LED lighting, smart heating).
• Are locally owned or employ local staff with fair conditions.
• Avoid single-use plastics (no tiny bathroom bottles, plastic-wrapped items).

Before you book, check reviews for comments about cleanliness, noise, and how they treat neighbours. Supporting responsible hosts encourages better tourism practices.

4. Pack Light and Smart

Every extra kilogram on a plane or in a car means more fuel. Packing light also makes your trip easier.

• Take carry-on only when possible.
• Bring a reusable water bottle, cutlery set, and shopping bag so you avoid single-use plastics.
• Pack basic toiletries in reusable containers instead of buying travel-size plastic every time.
• Choose neutral clothing layers you can mix and match instead of many single-use outfits.

A simple packing list inside your travel app helps you avoid last‑minute, unnecessary purchases.

5. Eat and Shop Local

Food and shopping choices have a big effect on your footprint and on local communities.

• Choose local restaurants and markets over global chains.
• Try seasonal dishes that use local ingredients instead of imported products.
• Buy fewer but higher-quality souvenirs from local makers, not mass‑produced items.
• Avoid “bargaining to the bone” with small vendors; a fair price supports the community.

In Wingman, you can save TikToks or Reels of local spots, then import them into an itinerary instead of just following the most touristy places.

6. Respect Nature and Local Culture

Sustainability is not only about carbon; it is also about protecting nature and culture.

• Stay on marked paths when hiking; do not disturb wildlife.
• Follow local rules for protected areas, beaches, and national parks.
• Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in religious or traditional settings.
• Learn a few basic phrases in the local language as a sign of respect.

A good rule: leave every place as you found it—or a bit cleaner.

7. Choose Experiences Carefully

Not all activities are equal. Some create harm, even if they look “Instagrammable”.

Avoid:

• Animal shows, rides, or selfies where animals are chained, drugged, or forced to perform.
• Tours that ignore local rules, go off-path, or disturb residents late at night.

Prefer:

• Walking tours with local guides.
• Cooking classes, craft workshops, and cultural events run by residents.
• Smaller group tours with clear safety and environmental standards.

You can save only the responsible activities into your Wingman itinerary so you do not forget your own rules when you arrive.

8. Reduce Your Digital Footprint Too

Travel content is part of the fun, but it also has a footprint. Data centres use energy, and viral “must-see” spots can create overtourism.

• Be intentional about what you post: highlight less-known places you loved, not only the same viral locations.
• Do not geotag fragile natural spots if more visitors would damage them.
• Use offline maps and download guides in advance to reduce constant data usage.

9. Offset Thoughtfully (Last, Not First)

Carbon offsetting is not a magic solution, but it can be a final step.

• First, reduce your emissions with all the actions above.
• Then, if you can, support verified climate or community projects.
• Treat offsets as compensation, not as a licence to over‑travel.

10. Turn Your Checklist into a Habit

The most sustainable travellers are not perfect; they are consistent. To make this easy in 2026:

• Create a “Sustainable Travel” checklist in your notes app, and create your itinerary in Wingman.
• Use the same list for every trip and update it after each journey.
• Share your checklist with friends when you plan group trips so everyone is on the same page.

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At Wingman, our goal is to help you turn the travel content you save into smarter, more sustainable trips—without making planning complicated. With a clear checklist and the right tools, you can explore the world in 2026 while reducing your footprint and supporting the places you love to visit.