What to Pack (and What to Leave) for Sustainable Summer Travel

What to Pack (and What to Leave) for Sustainable Summer Travel

Summer trips are about discovery, relaxation, and making memories—but they don’t have to come at the planet’s expense. By choosing lightweight, multipurpose, and low-waste essentials, you can keep your carbon footprint small while still enjoying all the fun in the sun. Below, we’ve broken down what to pack (and what to leave behind) for a truly sustainable getaway.

Pack These: Your Eco-Travel MVPs

1. Compact Laundry Sheets

Travelling can mean sweat, spills and sand. Give your travel wardrobe a refresh mid trip by bringing Roobi’s pre-measured laundry sheets . They take up almost no room, dissolve instantly, and let you hand-wash swimsuits or T-shirts wherever there’s a sink. 

1. Reusable Water Bottle & Collapsible Cup

Hydration and sustainability go hand in hand. A sturdy stainless-steel bottle plus a fold-flat silicone cup keep you sipping responsibly on hikes, beach days, or city strolls—without a single disposable cup in sight.

3. Travel-Sized Toiletry Bars

From shampoo and conditioner bars to solid lotion and soap, bar-format toiletries cut plastic waste and won’t leak in your bag. Many eco-brands offer TSA-friendly sizes that last as long as their bottled counterparts.

4. Lightweight Packing Cubes

Organize outfits, delicates, and laundry sheets into color-coded cubes. They’re easy to wash (just unzip and toss the cube in the machine), keep your bag tidy, and you’ll spend less time digging for that second pair of sandals.

Leave These Behind: Wasteful Travel Habits

1. Single-Use Plastic Toiletries

If it’s small, handy, and ends up in the landfill—skip it. Make the swap to bars or refillable mini bottles that you top up before each trip.

2. Excessive Clothing Overload

Only pack what you’ll realistically wear: mix-and-match layers, quick-dry fabrics, and a swimsuit or two. You can always hand-wash with laundry sheets and let items air-dry overnight.

3. Disposable Shopping Bags

Carry a packable tote or backpack instead of collecting store bags wherever you shop. You’ll save plastic waste and avoid the “Where did I put that bag?” shuffle at check-out.

4. Oversized Towels or Huge Linens

A lightweight, quick-dry microfiber towel does the job—and dries in hours, not days. Bonus: no soggy towels in your bag after a sea swim.

Quick Tips for Washing on the Go

1. Scout Your Sink: Use the bathroom or kitchen sink with warm water, a small amount of laundry sheet, and gentle agitation.

2. Rinse & Spin: Rinse twice, then roll garments in a towel to squeeze out excess water before hanging.


3. Dry in Sun or Breeze: Even a balcony or shower rod will work—just give things space to air out.

The Takeaway

Travel doesn’t have to mean compromise—especially when it comes to sustainability. By packing light, choosing multipurpose swaps, and skipping the single-use plastic, you’ll enjoy a vacation that’s good for you and good for the planet. And remember: a couple of laundry sheets in your bag gives you the freedom to stay fresh no matter where your summer adventures take you.

Bon voyage—and happy, green travels!