By Beth Rush
Travelling can be an eye-opening adventure, but it also comes with a responsibility to care for the places you visit. One major way to do that is by being mindful of how you use natural resources.
Whether you stay at a hotel, camp in the wild, or take a road trip across the country, it’s important to conserve water while travelling.
1. Take Shorter Showers
Showers account for almost 17% of indoor water use in the United States. It may sound obvious, but cutting down your shower time is one of the most effective ways to save water. If you normally take 10-minute showers, try cutting that in half. For example, when washing your hair, turn the water off while shampooing and conditioning to save a few extra litres.
Many travellers shower daily, so small changes can add up quickly, especially in areas already facing water shortages. Set a five-minute timer and challenge yourself to finish before it goes off. If you’re camping, try rinsing off with a bucket instead of having a full shower.
2. Reuse Towels and Linens
At hotels, resist the urge to toss your towels and sheets on the floor after just one use. Most accommodations offer the option to reuse them, which saves significant water and energy.
Hang your towel on the rack to signal you’ll use it again. This is the standard system at many eco-friendly hotels. If housekeeping changes your linens daily without asking, consider leaving a polite note or placing the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door.
3. Carry a Refillable Water Bottle
Bottled water accounts for over one-third of all bottled beverage consumption, which wastes plastic. Instead, bring a reusable water bottle with you. Fill it up from a safe source, such as a filtered station or hotel tap. Doing so helps conserve water while travelling and reduces single-use waste—plus keeps you hydrated!
4. Be Smart About Washing Your Clothes
Laundry services use a surprising amount of water per load. Most washers use around 41 gallons of water per load. Plus, most hotels and laundromats don’t operate efficiently. Unless absolutely necessary, avoid sending small amounts of clothes out to be washed. Instead, pack versatile, quick-drying clothes you can wear multiple times and easily hand-wash in a sink using minimal water.
Reducing water consumption leads to 11% more power savings than energy-efficient programs. Heating it uses a lot of electricity, so using less makes a bigger impact than you’d think.
5. Turn Off Taps When Not in Use
This one is simple. Don’t let water run while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your hands. It’s easy to forget this when you’re out of your usual routine, but every drop counts. Teaching kids to do the same while on family trips can also help build good habits.
6. Choose Eco-Conscious Accommodations
Look for hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, or rentals with water-saving policies in place. Many list these practices on their websites, such as low-flow toilets, efficient irrigation, or greywater recycling. Supporting businesses actively trying to conserve water while traveling helps promote sustainable tourism.
Look for accommodations with Green Key or LEED certifications, or book a lodge that uses composting toilets and solar-heated water. For instance, in Costa Rica, many ecolodges rely on harvested rainwater and encourage guests to take short, cold showers.
7. Use Biodegradable Soap and Shampoo
When you wash dishes at a campsite or rinse off in a remote area, opt for biodegradable products. These break down naturally and are less likely to pollute waterways. Combine this with using as little soap and water as necessary to leave no trace behind.
8. Eat and Drink Locally
Believe it or not, the water footprint of many imported foods and beverages is high. By eating and drinking local produce—especially in water-scarce regions—you help reduce the embedded water in transporting goods.
Skip bottled beverages shipped from abroad and enjoy a glass of local wine, fresh fruits, or a regionally brewed beer. When available, choose farm-to-table restaurants that support small businesses.
Animal products require significantly more water to produce than plant-based foods. Choosing vegetarian or vegan meals can help you save extra gallons without sacrificing flavour or experience, even if it’s just for one meal a day. Instead of ordering a cheeseburger, try a veggie burger. Pick dairy-free smoothies or oat milk lattes from local cafes.
9. Educate Yourself About Local Water Conditions
In some regions, water scarcity is a daily reality. Before you go, take a few minutes to understand the local water situation. This knowledge can shape how seriously you take your efforts to conserve water while traveling and inspire even more conscious choices.
If you’re heading to places like Phoenix, Arizona, be aware that these cities deal with serious water stress due to prolonged drought and overuse of the Colorado River. Globally, cities like Cape Town have come dangerously close to running out of water entirely, while Chennai and Barcelona have also struggled with supply shortages and strict rationing. Conserving water while in these areas is essential.
Every Drop Counts
It’s easy to forget about your water usage when you’re enjoying your trip. With just a little intention, you can conserve water while traveling in practical, respectful ways that support the environment and the communities you visit.