How to Travel Sustainably as a Queer Woman
As queer women, we’re not only navigating travel with our unique identities, but we also carry a responsibility to take care of the world we explore. Sustainable travel means making choices that reduce your environmental impact while supporting eco-conscious practices in the places you visit. Whether you’re lounging on a private beach in the Maldives, exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo, or enjoying the natural beauty of French Polynesia, there are ways to travel thoughtfully and leave a positive mark on the planet.
In this guide, we’ll explore eco-friendly travel tips for LGBTQ+ women, highlighting destinations, accommodations, and tours that prioritize sustainability. By embracing these practices, you can enjoy incredible adventures while helping to protect the environment for future generations.
1. Stay at Eco-Friendly Hotels and Resorts
Choosing sustainable accommodations is one of the best ways to minimize your environmental impact while traveling. Many destinations now offer eco-friendly hotels and resorts that focus on reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting the local environment.
The Maldives: COMO Cocoa Island
COMO Cocoa Island in the Maldives is a luxurious, eco-conscious resort committed to sustainability. The resort uses solar power, minimizes single-use plastics, and supports marine conservation initiatives. The overwater villas are designed with eco-friendly materials, and guests can participate in educational programs focused on the local environment, such as coral reef restoration.
Why it’s perfect for queer women: COMO Cocoa Island offers private, inclusive accommodations where LGBTQ+ women can enjoy a safe, welcoming environment while supporting sustainable tourism.
French Polynesia: The Brando
If you’re heading to French Polynesia, look no further than The Brando, a stunning private island resort known for its commitment to the environment. The resort is 100% energy-independent, powered by solar energy and coconut oil biofuel. It also supports local conservation efforts and sustainable fishing practices, offering eco-tours and educational experiences for guests.
Why it’s perfect for queer women: The Brando offers an inclusive, luxurious experience, allowing queer women to relax in eco-friendly villas while learning about sustainability.
2. Choose Sustainable Tours and Activities
When you’re exploring a new destination, it’s important to support eco-conscious tour operators that prioritize sustainability. These operators often focus on reducing waste, conserving water, and protecting local wildlife and ecosystems.
Tokyo: Sustainable City Tours
Tokyo is a bustling metropolis, but it also has a growing number of eco-friendly initiatives. Sustainable city tours allow you to explore the city’s rich culture while minimizing your environmental impact. Opt for bike tours or walking tours to reduce your carbon footprint, and choose operators that highlight Tokyo’s green spaces and sustainable practices, such as rooftop gardens and urban agriculture.
Why it’s perfect for queer women: Tokyo’s inclusive culture ensures that queer travelers feel welcome while exploring the city’s sustainability initiatives.
Maldives: Eco-Snorkeling Adventures
When visiting the Maldives, eco-friendly snorkeling tours are a must. Many operators offer tours that focus on preserving marine life and educating guests about coral reefs, marine ecosystems, and the importance of conservation. Avoid tours that harm marine life or use unethical practices, and opt for those that promote sustainable interaction with the ocean.
Why it’s perfect for queer women: Snorkeling is an exciting way to connect with nature, and eco-friendly operators offer a welcoming experience for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking sustainable adventures.
3. Pack Light and Mindfully
How you pack can have a big impact on your carbon footprint. By packing light and choosing eco-friendly products, you can reduce waste and contribute to more sustainable travel.
Eco-Friendly Travel Essentials
Reusable water bottles: Avoid single-use plastics by carrying a reusable water bottle. Many eco-friendly hotels offer refill stations, and it’s a simple way to stay hydrated while reducing waste.
Bamboo toothbrush and toiletries: Choose biodegradable and plastic-free alternatives for your personal care items, such as bamboo toothbrushes, solid shampoos, and reusable makeup removers.
Packing cubes: These help organize your suitcase and maximize space, reducing the need for additional luggage. Less luggage means a lower carbon footprint, especially when flying.
Why it’s perfect for queer women: Traveling light and consciously allows queer women to stay organized while minimizing their impact on the environment.
4. Minimize Your Carbon Footprint
Travel, especially air travel, can have a significant carbon footprint. While flying may be unavoidable for some destinations, there are ways to offset or reduce your carbon emissions.
Carbon Offsetting
Many airlines now offer carbon offset programs, allowing travelers to compensate for their emissions by funding environmental projects such as reforestation or renewable energy. Before booking your flight, check if your airline offers this option and take part in a program that aligns with your values.
Choose Greener Transportation
Once you arrive at your destination, opt for greener transportation options. Choose public transportation, such as buses or trains, over taxis. In cities like Tokyo and Amsterdam, renting a bike is an eco-friendly way to explore the city while minimizing your carbon footprint.
Why it’s perfect for queer women: Traveling sustainably helps queer women feel empowered to make positive choices for the environment while still enjoying exciting new destinations.
5. Support Local and Sustainable Businesses
When traveling, support local businesses that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Whether it’s dining at a farm-to-table restaurant, shopping at local markets, or staying at a locally owned eco-lodge, these choices help reduce your environmental impact and contribute to the local economy.
French Polynesia: Locally Sourced Cuisine
In French Polynesia, many resorts and restaurants focus on serving locally sourced, sustainable food. Opt for meals that use ingredients from the island, such as fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and organic vegetables. Supporting local farmers and producers ensures that your meal has a smaller environmental impact.
Tokyo: LGBTQ+ Friendly Cafes with a Green Mission
Tokyo has a growing number of queer-friendly cafes and restaurants that also prioritize sustainability. Look for establishments that reduce food waste, use organic ingredients, or practice zero-waste policies. Supporting these eco-conscious businesses is a great way to give back to the community and the environment.
Why Sustainable Travel Matters for LGBTQ+ Women
Traveling sustainably isn’t just about the environment—it’s also about embracing inclusivity and respect for local cultures and communities. As LGBTQ+ women, we know the importance of creating safe, welcoming spaces. By choosing eco-friendly options, supporting local businesses, and reducing our carbon footprint, we can contribute to a better world for everyone.
Whether you're snorkeling in the Maldives or cycling through Tokyo, traveling sustainably allows you to connect more deeply with the destinations you visit while knowing you're making a positive impact on the planet.
Ready for a Sustainable Adventure?
Join Ladies Touch Travel on one of our upcoming LGBTQ+ women’s group trips and experience the beauty of sustainable travel. Explore eco-friendly destinations like the Maldives, Tokyo, and French Polynesia with like-minded women while making eco-conscious choices. Book your spot today and embark on a journey that’s both exciting and kind to the planet.
