Sustainable travel gadgets?

When traveling, sustainable gadgets can help you reduce your environmental footprint and enhance your eco-friendly experience. Here’s a list of sustainable travel gadgets that prioritize functionality, energy efficiency, and sustainability:


1. Solar-Powered Chargers

  • Description: These chargers use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, allowing you to charge your devices without relying on traditional power sources.
  • Examples:
    • Anker PowerPort Solar: A lightweight, foldable solar charger that can power up multiple devices simultaneously.
    • Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus: Known for its durability and efficiency, it’s great for hiking and camping trips.
  • Benefits:
    • Renewable Energy: Uses the sun’s power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
    • Portability: Easy to carry and perfect for remote areas without electricity.

2. Eco-Friendly Water Bottles

  • Description: Reusable water bottles reduce plastic waste and keep you hydrated on the go.
  • Examples:
    • LARQ Bottle: Self-cleaning water bottle that uses UV-C LED technology to purify water and sanitize the bottle.
    • Hydro Flask: Known for its insulation, keeping beverages cold or hot for extended periods.
  • Benefits:
    • Reduces Single-Use Plastics: Encourages sustainable water consumption.
    • Durability: Made from stainless steel or BPA-free materials, built to last.

3. Portable Water Purifiers

  • Description: These devices filter and purify water from natural sources, ensuring safe drinking water without the need for plastic bottles.
  • Examples:
    • LifeStraw Personal Water Filter: A straw-like filter that removes bacteria and parasites from water.
    • GRAYL Geopress: Purifies water by removing viruses, bacteria, and chemicals in just 8 seconds.
  • Benefits:
    • Reduces Plastic Waste: Eliminates the need for bottled water.
    • Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry in backpacks for hiking and travel.

4. Biodegradable Toiletries

  • Description: Eco-friendly toiletries are made from natural ingredients and materials, reducing harm to the environment.
  • Examples:
    • Ethique Shampoo Bars: Solid bars that eliminate plastic packaging and last longer than liquid shampoo.
    • Bamboo Toothbrushes: Made from sustainable bamboo, they decompose faster than plastic toothbrushes.
  • Benefits:
    • Reduces Plastic Waste: Eliminates single-use plastic packaging.
    • Natural Ingredients: Safe for the environment and often gentle on the skin.

5. Eco-Friendly Travel Towels

  • Description: These towels are made from sustainable materials and are designed to be lightweight and quick-drying, making them perfect for travel.
  • Examples:
    • Tesalate Sand-Free Beach Towels: Made from recycled materials, they’re designed to be sand-free and absorbent.
    • ECOdept Microfiber Travel Towel: Quick-drying and made from eco-friendly microfiber.
  • Benefits:
    • Sustainable Materials: Often made from recycled or organic fibers.
    • Compact: Easy to pack and quick to dry, ideal for travel.

6. Reusable Travel Utensil Set

  • Description: A set of utensils that includes a fork, knife, spoon, and sometimes chopsticks, made from sustainable materials like bamboo or stainless steel.
  • Examples:
    • Bamboo Utensil Set by To-Go Ware: Includes a bamboo fork, knife, spoon, and chopsticks in a recycled carry case.
    • UCO 5-Piece Mess Kit: Made from BPA-free plastic, it includes a spork and bowl with a lid.
  • Benefits:
    • Reduces Single-Use Plastics: Avoids disposable utensils at restaurants or street food vendors.
    • Durable and Lightweight: Easy to carry in your bag or backpack.

7. Solar-Powered Lanterns

  • Description: Solar-powered lanterns provide light without batteries or electricity, making them ideal for camping and off-grid adventures.
  • Examples:
    • LuminAID PackLite Nova USB Solar Lantern: Inflatable, waterproof, and can charge your devices via USB.
    • MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0: Lightweight and durable, perfect for outdoor use.
  • Benefits:
    • Renewable Energy: Utilizes solar power, reducing reliance on batteries.
    • Portable and Lightweight: Easily packable for travel and camping.

8. Reusable Shopping Bags

  • Description: Compact, foldable bags made from sustainable materials that replace plastic bags.
  • Examples:
    • Baggu Reusable Bags: Made from recycled nylon, available in various sizes and colors.
    • ChicoBag Original Tote: Lightweight and folds into its attached pouch for easy carrying.
  • Benefits:
    • Reduces Plastic Waste: Encourages sustainable shopping habits.
    • Durable and Washable: Designed for repeated use and easy cleaning.

9. Energy-Efficient Power Banks

  • Description: Portable chargers designed to be energy-efficient, providing power to your devices when you’re on the go.
  • Examples:
    • Anker PowerCore 10000: Compact, high-capacity charger with energy-efficient technology.
    • RAVPower Solar Power Bank: Features a solar panel for charging in sunlight.
  • Benefits:
    • Portable Energy: Provides power without needing an outlet.
    • Efficiency: Designed to maximize charge while minimizing energy waste.

10. Sustainable Luggage

  • Description: Luggage made from recycled or sustainable materials, often designed to be lightweight and durable.
  • Examples:
    • Samsonite Eco-Nu Collection: Made from recycled PET bottles with a focus on sustainability.
    • Paravel Aviator Carry-On: Constructed from recycled polycarbonate, zippers, and lining, with eco-friendly design features.
  • Benefits:
    • Eco-Friendly Materials: Reduces environmental impact through recycled components.
    • Durability: Built to withstand travel while promoting sustainability.

11. Eco-Friendly E-Readers

  • Description: Digital devices for reading books, magazines, and newspapers, reducing the need for physical copies and paper waste.
  • Examples:
    • Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: Lightweight, high-resolution display with adjustable lighting.
    • Kobo Clara HD: Offers ComfortLight PRO to reduce blue light exposure and supports various eBook formats.
  • Benefits:
    • Paperless Reading: Reduces the demand for paper and printing.
    • Portability: Carry thousands of books in a single device, perfect for travel.

12. Compostable Phone Cases

  • Description: Phone cases made from compostable materials, designed to protect your device while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Examples:
    • Pela Case: Made from plant-based bioplastic, designed to break down in composting environments.
    • Nimble Disc Case: Made from recycled CDs and DVDs, with a commitment to sustainability.
  • Benefits:
    • Biodegradable: Reduces plastic waste by decomposing naturally.
    • Stylish Protection: Offers stylish designs and reliable phone protection.

13. Eco-Friendly Travel Apparel

  • Description: Clothing made from sustainable materials, designed for comfort and durability during travel.
  • Examples:
    • Patagonia Clothing: Offers eco-friendly outdoor apparel made from recycled materials and organic cotton.
    • prAna Clothing: Focuses on sustainable fashion with fair trade and recycled materials.
  • Benefits:
    • Sustainable Fabrics: Reduces environmental impact through eco-friendly textiles.
    • Versatility and Comfort: Designed for active travel and diverse climates.

14. Digital Travel Guides and Maps

  • Description: Use apps and digital tools instead of printed guides and maps to navigate and explore your destinations.
  • Examples:
    • Google Maps: Offers offline maps and navigation.
    • Lonely Planet Guides: Digital versions of popular travel guides with offline access.

Family resort activities

Outdoor Activities

  1. Swimming Pools and Water Parks
    • Wave Pools & Lazy Rivers: Great for relaxation and gentle water fun.
    • Water Slides: Suitable for thrill-seekers of all ages.
    • Splash Pads: Perfect for younger children to enjoy safe water play.
  2. Beach Activities
    • Snorkeling & Scuba Diving: Explore marine life in nearby oceans or lakes.
    • Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Family-friendly water sports for exploration.
    • Sandcastle Building Competitions: Fun and creativity for the whole family.
  3. Hiking and Nature Trails
    • Guided Nature Walks: Learn about local flora and fauna with a guide.
    • Bird Watching: Ideal for nature lovers to spot various species.
    • Photography Tours: Capture scenic landscapes and wildlife.
  4. Adventure Parks
    • Zip Lining: Exciting aerial rides through forests or parks.
    • Ropes Courses: Challenges for various skill levels, fostering teamwork.
    • Climbing Walls: Indoor or outdoor options for adventurous spirits.
  5. Sports and Games
    • Tennis & Basketball Courts: Casual games or family tournaments.
    • Golf & Mini Golf: Options for serious players and fun-seekers alike.
    • Bocce Ball & Shuffleboard: Leisurely games for all ages.

Indoor Activities

  1. Arts and Crafts Workshops
    • Pottery & Painting: Creative classes to express artistic talents.
    • Jewelry Making: Design and craft unique souvenirs.
    • Tie-Dye & Textile Arts: Fun, colorful activities for all ages.
  2. Cooking Classes
    • Family-Friendly Recipes: Learn to cook local dishes together.
    • Baking Workshops: Create sweet treats like cookies and cakes.
    • Healthy Cooking: Introduce kids to nutritious ingredients and meals.
  3. Cultural Experiences
    • Music & Dance Classes: Discover local traditions through dance and music.
    • Storytelling & Folklore: Engaging tales about local history and legends.
    • Traditional Crafts: Hands-on workshops to make cultural artifacts.
  4. Spa and Relaxation
    • Family Massages: Relaxing treatments designed for the whole family.
    • Yoga & Meditation: Family sessions to promote mindfulness and relaxation.
    • Hot Springs & Saunas: Enjoy natural and therapeutic relaxation options.
  5. Entertainment Shows
    • Magic Shows & Circus Acts: Captivating performances for all ages.
    • Live Music & Dance Performances: Enjoy local talent and culture.
    • Theater & Puppet Shows: Engaging performances for younger audiences.

Kids and Teens

  1. Kids Clubs and Camps
    • Arts & Crafts Projects: Creative fun with professional supervision.
    • Science Experiments: Educational activities that spark curiosity.
    • Treasure Hunts: Exciting adventures and team challenges.
  2. Teen Activities
    • Video Game Rooms: Enjoy the latest games with friends.
    • Dance Parties & Karaoke: Fun social events with music and dancing.
    • Outdoor Adventures: Guided excursions like hiking and mountain biking.
  3. Educational Programs
    • Wildlife Talks: Learn about local animals and conservation efforts.
    • Astronomy Nights: Stargazing sessions with telescopes and experts.
    • Cultural Immersion: Explore local customs, language, and history.

Family Bonding Activities

  1. Family Movie Nights
    • Outdoor Screenings: Enjoy films under the stars with popcorn and blankets.
    • Classic Favorites: Timeless movies that everyone will enjoy.
    • Themed Nights: Costume contests and themed snacks for added fun.
  2. Family Game Nights
    • Board Games & Card Games: Classics like Monopoly, Uno, and more.
    • Trivia & Quiz Nights: Test knowledge with fun and challenging questions.
    • Escape Rooms: Collaborative puzzles and challenges to solve together.
  3. Outdoor Picnics and BBQs
    • Beachfront Dining: Enjoy meals with scenic ocean views.
    • Park Picnics: Relax in nature with picnic baskets and blankets.
    • BBQ Cookouts: Grill favorites and enjoy outdoor dining.
  4. Photo Scavenger Hunts
    • Resort-Wide Challenges: Explore the resort to capture unique photos.
    • Nature Themes: Focus on local wildlife and natural beauty.
    • Family Albums: Create lasting memories with photo keepsakes.

Evening Activities

  1. Bonfire Nights
    • Storytelling: Share tales and traditions around the fire.
    • S’mores Making: A classic treat for everyone to enjoy.
    • Live Music: Acoustic performances to set the mood.
  2. Nighttime Stargazing
    • Guided Sessions: Learn about constellations with expert guides.
    • Telescopes & Equipment: Provided for enhanced viewing.
    • Night Sky Photography: Capture the beauty of the stars.
  3. Glow-in-the-Dark Activities
    • Nighttime Pool Parties: Fun with glow sticks and light-up toys.
    • Glow Golf: Mini golf with a colorful twist.
    • Neon Dance Parties: Dance the night away in vibrant colors.

Eco-Friendly Activities

  1. Wildlife Conservation Programs
    • Turtle Nesting Tours: Participate in conservation efforts and learn about local marine life.
    • Bird Sanctuary Visits: Explore and learn about native birds and their habitats.
    • Reforestation Projects: Plant trees and help restore local ecosystems.
  2. Sustainable Workshops
    • Recycling Crafts: Create art from recycled materials.
    • Composting Lessons: Learn about composting and sustainable gardening.
    • Eco-Tours: Discover local flora and fauna with a focus on conservation.
  3. Farm-to-Table Experiences
    • Organic Farm Tours: Visit local farms and learn about sustainable agriculture.
    • Cooking with Local Produce: Participate in cooking classes using fresh, organic ingredients.
    • Farmers’ Markets: Explore local markets and taste fresh produce.

Unique Family Experiences

  1. Hot Air Balloon Rides
    • Enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape and create unforgettable memories.
  2. Horseback Riding
    • Explore scenic trails and enjoy guided rides for all skill levels.
  3. Wildlife Safaris
    • Discover local wildlife on guided tours, learning about conservation efforts.
  4. Cultural Festivals
    • Participate in local festivals and events to experience unique traditions and celebrations.

traveling with kids

When traveling with kids, having a collection of engaging travel games is essential to keep them entertained and make the journey more enjoyable for everyone. Here are some fantastic kid-friendly travel games that are portable, easy to play, and perfect for road trips, flights, or train rides:


1. Travel Bingo

  • Overview: Travel Bingo is a classic game that keeps kids entertained by encouraging them to spot various objects or landmarks outside the window.
  • How to Play:
    • Each player gets a bingo card with pictures or words of common travel sights (e.g., stop sign, cow, airplane).
    • Players mark off items as they see them, aiming to get five in a row for “Bingo.”
  • Best For: Road trips, train rides.
  • Age Range: 4+
  • Benefits:
    • Encourages observation skills.
    • Provides a fun way to learn about the surroundings.
  • Example: Melissa & Doug Travel Bingo set comes with reusable bingo cards and tokens for road trips or city adventures.

2. Magnetic Travel Games

  • Overview: Magnetic travel games are compact, mess-free versions of classic board games that are perfect for playing on the go.
  • Popular Games:
    • Chess: A strategic game that enhances critical thinking.
    • Checkers: A simple game that helps with planning and strategy.
    • Snakes and Ladders: A fun and quick game for younger kids.
  • Best For: Car rides, flights, train journeys.
  • Age Range: 5+
  • Benefits:
    • Easy to pack and play anywhere.
    • Keeps pieces secure and prevents them from falling off.
  • Example: The Magnetic Travel Chess and Checkers set is portable and comes with a durable case.

3. Spot It! (Travel Version)

  • Overview: Spot It! is a fast-paced card game that tests players’ observational skills and reflexes.
  • How to Play:
    • Players draw cards and quickly find the matching symbols between any two cards.
    • The first player to spot the match wins the round.
  • Best For: All forms of travel.
  • Age Range: 6+
  • Benefits:
    • Compact and easy to carry.
    • Encourages quick thinking and visual perception.
  • Example: Spot It! On the Road features travel-themed symbols perfect for long journeys.

4. Rory’s Story Cubes

  • Overview: Rory’s Story Cubes is a storytelling game that sparks creativity and imagination.
  • How to Play:
    • Roll the dice to reveal different images.
    • Create a story using the images as prompts.
  • Best For: Long car rides, flights, train trips.
  • Age Range: 6+
  • Benefits:
    • Encourages creative thinking and language skills.
    • Offers endless storytelling possibilities.
  • Example: Rory’s Story Cubes Original Set includes nine dice with 54 images for endless storytelling fun.

5. Pass the Pigs

  • Overview: Pass the Pigs is a quirky and fun dice game where players earn points based on how the pigs land.
  • How to Play:
    • Roll the pig-shaped dice and earn points based on their position (e.g., snouter, leaning jowler).
    • The first player to reach a set point total wins.
  • Best For: Flights, car rides, and hotel stays.
  • Age Range: 7+
  • Benefits:
    • Simple rules and quick gameplay.
    • Highly portable and travel-friendly.
  • Example: Pass the Pigs game set comes in a convenient carrying case with scorecards and rules.

6. UNO Card Game

  • Overview: UNO is a classic card game that’s easy to learn and fun for all ages, making it perfect for family travel.
  • How to Play:
    • Players take turns matching cards by color or number and use special action cards to gain an advantage.
    • The first player to play all their cards wins.
  • Best For: Any travel setting.
  • Age Range: 7+
  • Benefits:
    • Quick and easy to set up.
    • Encourages strategic thinking and social interaction.
  • Example: UNO Card Game comes in a travel tin for easy packing.

7. Travel Hangman

  • Overview: Travel Hangman is a portable version of the classic word-guessing game, perfect for educational fun on the road.
  • How to Play:
    • One player thinks of a word, and the others guess letters to figure it out.
    • Incorrect guesses lead to drawing parts of the hangman.
  • Best For: Car rides, flights, train journeys.
  • Age Range: 6+
  • Benefits:
    • Improves vocabulary and spelling skills.
    • Compact and mess-free.
  • Example: The Melissa & Doug Flip-to-Win Hangman game is a magnetic set with a dry-erase board for endless play.

8. I Spy Books

  • Overview: I Spy books offer a fun and interactive way to keep kids engaged by challenging them to find specific objects within busy scenes.
  • How to Play:
    • Each page contains a list of items for kids to find within the detailed illustrations.
    • Players can take turns finding objects or work together.
  • Best For: Car rides, flights, quiet moments during travel.
  • Age Range: 4+
  • Benefits:
    • Develops visual perception and attention to detail.
    • Encourages cooperative play.
  • Example: The I Spy Travel Card Game includes a deck of cards with travel-themed challenges.

9. Mad Libs

  • Overview: Mad Libs is a word game that encourages creativity and laughter by allowing players to fill in the blanks to create hilarious stories.
  • How to Play:
    • One player prompts others for words (nouns, adjectives, verbs) to complete a story template.
    • Read the completed story aloud for a fun and often silly experience.
  • Best For: Any travel situation, especially for groups.
  • Age Range: 8+
  • Benefits:
    • Enhances language skills and creativity.
    • Offers endless entertainment and laughter.
  • Example: Mad Libs on the Road provides travel-themed stories perfect for long journeys.

10. 20 Questions

  • Overview: 20 Questions is a classic guessing game that challenges players to identify an object, person, or place by asking yes-or-no questions.
  • How to Play:
    • One player thinks of a word, and others take turns asking up to 20 questions to guess it.
    • The game continues until the word is guessed or the question limit is reached.
  • Best For: Any travel scenario, great for passing time.
  • Age Range: 6+
  • Benefits:
    • Encourages critical thinking and communication skills.
    • Requires no materials or setup.
  • Example: 20 Questions game cards provide a structured version with categories and hints.

11. Travel Tangram

  • Overview: Tangram is a geometric puzzle game that encourages problem-solving and spatial awareness by creating shapes using seven flat pieces.
  • How to Play:
    • Arrange the seven tangram pieces to match a given shape without overlapping.
    • Use creativity to create your own designs.
  • Best For: Flights, car rides, quiet travel moments.
  • Age Range: 7+
  • Benefits:
    • Enhances spatial reasoning and creativity.
    • Portable and engaging.
  • Example: Travel Tangram sets often come with a booklet of shapes to create and solve.