Zero Waste Travel Essentials: How I Travel Without the Trash
This post and the photos within it may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you.
If you’ve ever finished a trip with a pile of snack wrappers, half-used plastic bottles, and hotel mini toiletries you didn’t even like, you’re not alone.
But with a little planning (and a few smart swaps), zero waste travel is almost possible, and it makes your journey smoother, lighter, and less chaotic.
After years of traveling and trying to live a sustainable life, these are my go-to zero waste travel essentials that keep me plastic-free on the road.
On-the-go zero waste travel essentials
These are the things I never travel without & the ones that make my day easier.
- Grayl filter water bottle – My #1 essential. Tap water in many countries (like Guatemala) isn’t safe to drink, but my Grayl bottle filters it instantly. It saves me from buying plastic bottles and saves money. I refill it everywhere: airports, hostels, cafes.
- Reusable food jar/coffee mug combo – Instead of carrying both, I use this sturdy, leak-proof jar by Stanley that doubles as a coffee mug and food container. Perfect for takeaway meals, snacks, or coffee.
- Utensils & straw – I often bring with me stainless steel cutlery and a straw. While straws aren’t a must, I found them super useful in Asia, since I drink coconut water pretty much daily, and they sell it with plastic straws. So, they end up being pretty handy.
- Reusable produce bags – Lightweight mesh or fabric bags for fruits, veggies, or bulk snacks. Great for markets or buying grains and nuts on the go.
- Wax wraps – Instead of cling film or plastic bags, wax wraps are perfect for keeping sandwiches or other snacks fresh while traveling.
- Vitamins – I usually take a few basics with me: B12, magnesium glycinate, and whatever else I’m using at the moment. I store them in a small reusable tin or glass jar, so I don’t have to carry bulky supplement bottles.
Zero waste toiletry essentials
This is where most people overpack, or panic and grab those tiny hotel minis. Just don’t. They’re wasteful and unnecessary. Here’s what I pack instead:
- Shampoo & conditioner bars – No plastic bottles, no leaks, and they last forever. I keep mine in a small metal tin.
- Toothpaste tablets or DIY toothpowder – Tiny, mess-free, and works perfectly. You’ll never go back to plastic toothpaste tubes.
- Safety razor – I’ve been using one for years; it gives a better shave and cuts down tons of plastic waste. Find a list of beginner-friendly safety razors here. Just remember: if you’re not checking your bag, you can’t fly with the blade; remove it before airport security.
- Eco-friendly deodorant (alum stick) – Lasts ages, has no scent, and no plastic. One of the simplest swaps with the biggest payoff.
- Soap bar in a tin – Forget liquid soap; a simple bar works for body, face, and hand-washing clothes when needed.
- Sunscreen – Find an eco-friendly sunscreen that’s reef-safe, skin-safe, and plastic-free.
- Menstrual cup – Finding a place to boil and sterilize it, especially if you’re staying in hostels or eco-lodges, can be a bit tricky. Still, I’ve always found a way, often in a mug (that I wash like 5 times) if it’s a shared kitchen.
- Refillable or DIY items – If you use skincare, refill from home or bring small glass jars. For example, I have a DIY lavender face water (lavender essential oil & water in a spray bottle), and a face oil in a small 30 ml bottle.
Reality check: nobody’s perfect (and that’s okay)
Okay… here’s the thing. I try to be sustainable in every part of my life, and I always look for better, lower-waste alternatives. But one thing I still buy regularly, and especially when I travel, is small snacks and protein bars.
They’re my guilty pleasure… and honestly, I don’t even feel guilty about it. 😀
I do my best to choose brands with compostable or recyclable wrappers (when possible), or at least pick ones made with 100% plant-based and/or real ingredients.
So, here’s a list of my fav snacks.
So, there you have it. Another reminder that sustainable living, or in this case, travel, isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention.
The big elephant in the room
Let’s be honest, you can pack all the zero waste travel essentials in the world, but if you’re flying across continents, that plane ride is still your biggest environmental impact.
I’m not here to guilt-trip anyone (I fly too). Sometimes, it’s just the only option. But there are ways to make it a little less damaging, from offsetting emissions to choosing direct flights and staying longer once you arrive.
I wrote more about it here: 👉 (soon)
Real life zero waste travel tips
These are the habits that make it all work in real life, especially on long trips.
- Refill before you fly. Fill your bottle after airport security.
- Bring snacks. Nuts, fruit, or sandwiches in your jar = no overpriced plastic airport food.
- Say no to single-use on flights. Hand your bottle to the attendant instead of taking a plastic cup.
- Shop local. Farmers’ markets > supermarkets.
- Stay at eco places. Many offer refills, composting, or plastic-free setups.
- Refuse hotel freebies. You don’t need those; they’re wasteful and end up in landfill.
- Go digital. No printed tickets, boarding passes, or itineraries.
- Use reusable cloth pouches instead of plastic bags to organize your stuff. They last forever and make unpacking easier.
- I always have at least one small reusable tote bag for groceries, market runs, or beach trips.
My personal zero waste travel kit: quick list
Here’s what’s always in my backpack, no matter where I go:
- Grayl filter bottle
- Reusable food jar/coffee mug combo
- Reusable utensils + straw
- Reusable produce bags
- Alum deodorant stick
- DIY toothpaste powder
- Shampoo + conditioner bars
- Safety razor (with blade removed if flying carry-on)
- Soap bar in a tin
- DIY sunscreen
- Menstrual cup
- Small tote bag
- Snacks & protein bars – here’s a list of my fav snacks
Why is it worth it
Traveling with these eco-friendly travel essentials now means – I don’t stress about finding bottled water, I don’t create mountains of plastic, and I feel more connected to the places I visit.
You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Just start with a few swaps and the rest follows naturally.
Once you start traveling zero waste, you realize it’s not about restriction; it’s about freedom: less waste, less stuff, more experience.
