9 Ways We Plan to Travel More Responsibly in 2024

As the new year approaches, we’re excited not only to share travel destinations for 2024 but also our personal travel resolutions.

At Dinogo, we believe in travel's ability to positively impact the world—and while that may sound clichéd, it genuinely reflects our values. We strive to report on this mission and also practice what we preach in our travels. With lessons learned from our experiences and each other, we've crafted some resolutions for the coming year. We hope they inspire you, too.

Eliminate single-use plastics, plant more trees, and learn local languages

For 2024, I have set a few goals: I aim to completely avoid single-use plastics on my next international trip. During our upcoming camping excursion, my family and I plan to plant 10 trees. Additionally, I’ll make an effort to learn 10 words in the local language of my next destination. —Sarika Bansal, editorial director

Invest in carbon-removal initiatives and seek eco-friendly travel options

In 2024, I’ll continue my support as a Tomorrow’s Air advocate, contributing to carbon capture efforts alongside other travelers who aim to improve the climate for future generations. I believe this, combined with effective carbon offsets, is essential for achieving net zero and addressing climate change. I have always appreciated sustainable travel methods—like exploring national parks such as Yellowstone or Yosemite during winter, using an EV for trips to Vegas or San Diego—and reporting on rewilding tourism initiatives in Argentina and ocean conservation efforts in Fiji. I hope to keep this momentum going in 2024 and beyond. —Tim Chester, deputy editor

Purchase travel gear from ethical sources

I often fall into the trap of packing at the last minute for trips, only to discover I’m missing essential items. This leads me to rush online orders for replacement phone chargers or adapters, which is wasteful and harmful to the environment. In 2024, I’m committed to improving my packing strategies by planning ahead. This way, I can either shop more sustainably or, ideally, borrow what I need from friends! —Nicholas DeRenzo, contributing editor

Opt for EVs on road trips

In the San Francisco Bay Area, I drive a decade-old electric Fiat, which is perfect for city driving, and I love that I haven’t visited a gas station in years. However, this year I finally ventured out on two road trips using electric vehicles (EVs): one along the Sonoma coast in a loaner Mercedes and another across Colorado in a Tesla with friends. If I’m headed to a destination with good charging options in 2024, I’m fully committed to traveling by EV. —Julia Cosgrove, editor in chief

Dine at a zero-waste restaurant

I’ll be heading to Eurovision in May with some friends, and while we’re in Malmö, Sweden, I’m eager to book a table at Spill, a zero-waste eatery. The name Spill means waste in Swedish, and the chefs craft daily menus using food that, while perfectly edible, is often discarded by retailers. —Lyndsey Matthews, senior commerce editor

Opt for train travel over flying

I’m fortunate to have family in Belgium and have previously used their place as a launching pad for exploring Europe. However, in 2024, I plan to forgo short-haul flights and opt for train travel between countries using a Eurail pass. While it may take longer and cost more than budget airline tickets, it’s far better for the environment—and allows me to experience more along the journey. —Katherine LaGrave, deputy editor

Embrace regenerative travel

Recently, I spoke with a boat captain and bear guide in British Columbia who is dedicated to regenerative travel, aiming to leave places in better condition than he found them. This inspired me to focus on traveling exclusively with outfitters who share this mission or to engage in my own regenerative practices through EV rentals, carbon offsets, and other sustainable methods listed here. I love the concept that our travels can be a gift rather than a burden. —Aislyn Greene, associate director of podcasts

Support businesses that prioritize sustainability

I aim to be more deliberate in choosing hotels, restaurants, and tour operators that promote sustainable travel. This will be an exciting challenge for me, as I usually thrive on spontaneity—typically booking accommodations about a week in advance and seeking local recommendations for dining. However, I’ve learned from missed opportunities on a recent trip to Japan that I need to book ahead for places that support sustainable practices. If I want to stay at a place like Cheetah Plains or dine at a Michelin Green Star restaurant, a bit of planning goes a long way. —Chloe Arrojado, associate destinations editor

Inquire thoughtfully

In the upcoming year, I aim to be a more compassionate and mindful traveler by prioritizing questions. Thanks to insights from my fellow Dinogoians, I have a clearer understanding of what to ask. For instance, when booking cultural experiences, I’ll inquire: Who narrates this story? (A perspective I gained from deputy editor Tim Chester’s piece on the best practices for engaging with and respecting local cultures). While exploring museums and historical sites, I’ll reflect on, “What’s missing? Whose perspective isn’t represented?” as suggested by our Unpacked columnist Latria Graham in her article, “Should You Visit Museums That Have Complicated Histories?”

When selecting accommodations and tour operators, I’ll investigate ownership and the flow of funds to make informed decisions that ensure my travel spending supports local communities. Additionally, I’ll keep up a lovely practice I embraced last year: writing thank-you notes for hospitality staff, even when I don’t meet them face to face. As noted in Latria’s Unpacked column, it’s a simple yet meaningful way to show appreciation for the often unseen workers who contribute to our experiences. —Billie Cohen, executive editor