Maybe you start packing everything weeks before your holiday. Or maybe you prefer to throw everything together in your suitcase hours before departure. But it is definitely a good idea to really think about what you’re packing and how sustainable that is. That’s why, from now on, you can use our sustainable holiday packing list. We’ve carefully composed it after years of sustainable travels with TravelRebel, so enjoy!

Personal sustainable care products

Next time you go to the store to restock your toiletries, pay attention to several things to make your purchase extra sustainable. For this, avoid as much plastic packaging as possible. Look for labels or statements such as “biodegradable”, “natural”, “vegan”, “cruelty-free” or “coral-friendly“. If you systematically replace your standard products with a sustainable alternative, you will go a long way.

• Natural soap, shampooing and conditioner bar (e.g. NAE, Lush)
• Organic multi-purpose soap (eg Dr. Bronner, A.S. Adventure
• Refillable deodorant stick (e.g. Myro)
• Refillable lip balm
• Wooden toothbrush
• Toothpaste tablets
• Reusable make-up cleaning wipes
• Reusable cotton swabs (e.g. LastSwab)
• Natural make-up and care products (e.g. Cent Pur Cent, Ere Perez)
• Solid perfume or aftershave jar
• Ecological sunscreen and after-sun lotion (read the full article about sunscreens)
• Bamboo hairbrush or comb, hair ties
• Hair dryer
• Contact lenses (and solution), glasses
• Durable razor blade (e.g. Bamboozy, Oceonics)
• Menstrual cup, durable sanitary pads or period underwear (e.g. Organicup or Modibodi)
• Nail set
• Mirror
• First aid kit (e.g. Care Plus)
• Medicines
• Reusable earplugs
• Natural insect spray and tick remover (e.g. Care Plus Anti-Insect Natural)
• Washcloth
• (Beach) towel

Sustainable clothing

You can definitely make a change for almost all your clothing with your favorite brands or a few new brands. And do note that some brands now have a fully sustainable range (F.A.A.M., Host, Supergoods, Komrads). Furthermore, other brands have a separate department that pays extra attention to sustainability (ZEB, Esprit, JBC).

You can also contribute to a more sustainable suitcase full of clothes in other ways. How? Renew your outfits less quickly. Shop locally. And have nothing delivered at home.

• Underwear
• Socks
• Tops, t-shirts
• Dresses
• Skirts
• Sweaters
• Shorts
• Long pants
• Raincoat
• Warm jacket
• Slippers, sandals
• (Hiking) boots
• Sports outfit
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses
• Cap, hat
• Pyjamas

Electronics, papers and general stuff

• Durable suitcase and daypack (e.g. Osprey)
• Refillable drinking bottle / thermos (e.g. Klean Kanteen, Water-to-Go even has one with filter)
• Identity card, passport
• (International) driving license
• Vaccination booklet
• Phone and charger
• Camera, tripod and charger
• Offline available maps and reservations on your smartphone
• E-reader and charger
• Portable solar charger
• World plug
• Bank card and credit card
• Board games
• Frisbee, ball
• Snorkel gear

Expansion of our sustainable packing list – Camping

• Pump
• cutlery or spork
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Colander
• Herbs
• Oil
• Scissors
• Bottle opener, can opener
• Towel
• Sink
• Organic multi-purpose soap (e.g. Dr. Bronner, A.S. Adventure)
• Gas stove
• Lighter
• Mosquito net (e.g. Care Plus)
• Scrubba Wash Bag.

Expansion of our packing list – Animals

Think of your furry travel companions well in advance so that every trip can be optimized. And let’s face it: nothing beats traveling with those adorable pets!

• Passport with vaccinations
• Basket
• Tick tweezers (e.g. Care Plus)
• Eating and drinking bowl
• Food and treats (e.g. healthy and sustainable food from Edgard & Cooper)