Traveling offers a chance to explore diverse cultures, connect with like-minded people, and create lasting memories. For queer women, travel can also be a journey of self-discovery and celebration of identity. But how we travel matters. As global citizens, embracing sustainable travel allows us to minimize our impact while supporting local communities and queer-friendly businesses.

Here’s a guide to sustainable travel for queer women, featuring eco-friendly tips, queer-owned sustainable businesses, and advice for low-impact adventures.

Eco-friendly dome-shaped accommodation in a lush tropical setting, featuring a unique white structure with wooden doors and bamboo-covered outdoor seating.

1. Stay in Sustainable and Queer-Owned Accommodations

Support businesses that align with your values by staying in eco-conscious and queer-owned accommodations. Look for places that prioritize renewable energy, water conservation, and community involvement.

Where to Stay:

Axel Hotels (Global): An LGBTQ+ hotel chain committed to inclusivity and sustainability.
Finca Luna Nueva Lodge (Costa Rica): A queer-friendly eco-lodge offering farm-to-table dining and guided rainforest tours.
El Cosmico (Marfa, Texas): A quirky, eco-friendly hotel that emphasizes low-impact living with yurts, teepees, and tiny homes.

Tip: Use platforms like Misterb&b to find queer-owned stays or accommodations that are explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly.

Two women joyfully riding bicycles through a sunlit path surrounded by vibrant green trees, enjoying an outdoor adventure.

2. Opt for Low-Impact Transportation

Getting around sustainably is key to reducing your carbon footprint.

Green Transportation Tips:

Use public transportation, bike rentals, or walk whenever possible.
Choose trains or buses over short-haul flights for intercity travel.
When flying is unavoidable, consider offsetting your carbon emissions through programs like Sustainable Travel International.

Queer Travel Bonus:
Many cities have LGBTQ+ friendly biking tours, such as those offered in Amsterdam or San Francisco. These tours are both eco-friendly and a great way to connect with local queer history.

3. Pack Light and Smart

Traveling light not only saves you money on baggage fees but also reduces the energy needed to transport your luggage.

Eco-Friendly Packing Tips:

Use reusable packing cubes to stay organized.
Bring a refillable water bottle, metal straw, and reusable utensils to avoid single-use plastics.
Choose eco-friendly travel products, like solid shampoo bars or biodegradable toiletries.

Pro Tip:
Support queer-owned brands like Alder New York, which offers travel-friendly, vegan skincare products.

A breathtaking view of a turquoise waterfall surrounded by dense, green rainforest, with a rustic wooden staircase leading down to the water.

4. Choose Eco-Conscious Destinations

Not all destinations are created equal when it comes to sustainability. Some places prioritize conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism initiatives, making them ideal for eco-minded travelers.

Top Sustainable Destinations:

Costa Rica: Known for its eco-lodges, abundant wildlife, and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, Costa Rica leads in sustainable tourism.
Slovenia: With green-certified accommodations and a commitment to zero-waste policies, Slovenia is an emerging gem for eco-travelers.
New Zealand: Boasting pristine landscapes and progressive LGBTQ+ rights, New Zealand offers incredible adventures, from glacier hikes to Maori cultural tours.

Tip: Research your destination’s environmental practices and LGBTQ+ inclusivity before booking your trip.

5. Participate in Eco-Tourism Activities

Engage in activities that benefit the environment and local communities. Many eco-tourism initiatives provide meaningful experiences while helping preserve natural resources.

Eco-Friendly Adventures:

Volunteer for conservation projects, such as reforestation programs in Bali or coral restoration in Belize.
Join guided hikes or wildlife safaris led by LGBTQ+ friendly operators that focus on education and sustainability.
Explore nature reserves with low-impact practices, like kayaking instead of motorboats.

A collection of eco-friendly travel essentials, including reusable stainless steel straws, bamboo toothbrushes, a metal water bottle, and natural fiber pouches.

6. Reduce Waste While Traveling

Minimizing waste on the road helps protect the environments you visit.

Practical Ways to Cut Waste:

Say no to hotel mini toiletries and use your own refillable containers.
Bring a tote bag for shopping to avoid plastic bags.
Download digital maps and tickets instead of printing paper copies.

Bonus Tip:
Many LGBTQ+ Pride events, like Amsterdam Pride, have adopted sustainability initiatives. Bring your reusable items and participate in cleanup events to help keep these celebrations green.

7. Educate Yourself About Local Cultures

Respecting local customs and traditions is a cornerstone of sustainable travel. Take the time to learn about the history, values, and challenges of the communities you visit—especially those within the LGBTQ+ population.

How to Immerse Yourself Respectfully:

Attend cultural workshops or festivals hosted by queer locals.
Learn a few basic phrases in the local language to show respect and connect with residents.
Avoid over-touristed areas in favor of lesser-known destinations that benefit from sustainable tourism.

Two women exploring a colorful outdoor market, admiring vibrant handcrafted items like peppers, textiles, and souvenirs under a sunny orange canopy.

8. Support Local and Queer-Owned Businesses

Spending your travel dollars at local markets, independent shops, and queer-owned businesses ensures your money supports the community directly.

How to Find Local Gems:

Research LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and artisans in your destination.
Opt for locally sourced food and handmade goods instead of mass-produced items.
Use guides like Spartacus or LGBTQ+ travel apps like HER to discover queer hotspots.

Example: In Cape Town, visit The Rainbow Academy, a queer-owned art studio and café that supports local artists and fosters LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

9. Share Your Journey with Impact

Inspire others to adopt sustainable practices by sharing your eco-conscious travel experiences online. Highlight the queer-friendly businesses and initiatives you supported, and spread awareness about the importance of sustainable travel.

How to Make an Impact:

Use hashtags like #QueerEcoTravel or #SustainableLGBTQ to join the conversation.
Write reviews for accommodations and tours that align with sustainable and inclusive values.
Encourage friends and family to consider eco-conscious travel when planning their next trip.

Final Thoughts: Travel Responsibly and Proudly

Sustainable travel isn’t just a trend—it’s a way to honor the places you visit and the people you meet along the way. For queer women, it’s an opportunity to explore the world authentically while making a positive impact. By prioritizing eco-friendly practices, supporting queer-owned businesses, and traveling mindfully, you can create a ripple effect that benefits communities, the planet, and future travelers.

Ready to Start Your Eco-Friendly Journey?
Join Ladies Touch Travel’s LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Trips to explore sustainable destinations with like-minded adventurers. Book your next responsible getaway today and travel with pride and purpose!

Sustainable Travel Tips for Queer Women: Exploring the World Responsibly