I tried 7 things to be a more responsible traveler. 6 worked great, but there's one I'll skip next time.

Joey HaddenApr 27, 2023, 01:22 IST

To be a more responsible traveler, I tried seven things to reduce my carbon footprint.
I followed experts' advice to take trains, stay in eco-friendly lodging, and book longer trips.
Most worked well, but I'll never again travel in a shared sleeper cabin on an overnight train.

Over the past year and a half, I traveled more than I ever had in my life.

The author relaxes in an Amtrak bedroom while traveling from Miami to New York City in 2021.Joey Hadden/Insider

But traveling frequently has also motivated me to think about how to get around the world sustainably. So I tried seven ways to lower my carbon footprint.

A view out the window of an Amtrak train.Joey Hadden/Insider

Based on experts' advice, for my latest trip, I chose a destination that embraced sustainability and the outdoors — the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. I'd gladly do it again.

The trail to Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in April.Joey Hadden/Insider

Based on experts' advice, for my latest trip, I chose a destination that embraced sustainability and the outdoors — the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. I'd gladly do it again.

During the same trip, I committed to spending all five days in one area. Experts say this is more sustainable than hopping from one destination to another. I also thought it helped me get to know the place I was visiting more deeply.

The author spent five days in the Great Smoky Mountains.Joey Hadden/Insider

During the same trip, I committed to spending all five days in one area. Experts say this is more sustainable than hopping from one destination to another. I also thought it helped me get to know the place I was visiting more deeply.

Experts recommend packing as lightly as possible to lighten the load on your transportation vessel. I packed for my past few trips with just a backpack and found it also made it easier to keep track of my belongings.

The author packing for her trip to Tennessee in April.Joey Hadden/Insider

Experts recommend packing as lightly as possible to lighten the load on your transportation vessel. I packed for my past few trips with just a backpack and found it also made it easier to keep track of my belongings.

When it comes to transportation, experts told me that traveling by train was more sustainable than flying. I also think it's often a better experience.

The author exits a train in Miami after a 30-hour ride.Joey Hadden/Insider

When traveling by train isn't an option, I always book nonstop flights in economy, which is more sustainable than premium cabins or flights with layovers, experts say.

Insider's reporter flew on a Norse red eye from NYC to Berlin and arrived in Germany feeling exhausted.Joey Hadden/Insider

Experts recommend finding accommodations that embrace sustainability. While they can be hard to find, I think it's worth it.

Tents at the Under Canvas glamping resort in the Great Smoky Mountains.Joey Hadden/Insider

While following experts' tips on sustainable travel worked for me in most cases, there was one thing I tried that I wouldn't repeat. I won't ever again travel in a shared space on an overnight sleeper train.

A seating carriage and a shared cabin.Joey Hadden/Insider

While following experts' tips on sustainable travel worked for me in most cases, there was one thing I tried that I wouldn't repeat. I won't ever again travel in a shared space on an overnight sleeper train.

Ultimately, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed making my travel more sustainable.

The author gets ready to board a Trenitalia train in Rome in October.Joey Hadden/Insider

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I tried 7 things to be a more responsible traveler. 6 worked great, but there's one I'll skip next time.

Over the past year and a half, I traveled more than I ever had in my life.

But traveling frequently has also motivated me to think about how to get around the world sustainably. So I tried seven ways to lower my carbon footprint.

Based on experts' advice, for my latest trip, I chose a destination that embraced sustainability and the outdoors — the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. I'd gladly do it again.

During the same trip, I committed to spending all five days in one area. Experts say this is more sustainable than hopping from one destination to another. I also thought it helped me get to know the place I was visiting more deeply.

Experts recommend packing as lightly as possible to lighten the load on your transportation vessel. I packed for my past few trips with just a backpack and found it also made it easier to keep track of my belongings.

When it comes to transportation, experts told me that traveling by train was more sustainable than flying. I also think it's often a better experience.

When traveling by train isn't an option, I always book nonstop flights in economy, which is more sustainable than premium cabins or flights with layovers, experts say.

Experts recommend finding accommodations that embrace sustainability. While they can be hard to find, I think it's worth it.

While following experts' tips on sustainable travel worked for me in most cases, there was one thing I tried that I wouldn't repeat. I won't ever again travel in a shared space on an overnight sleeper train.

Ultimately, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed making my travel more sustainable.