Posts in Travel

21 Best Vintage & Thrift Stores in Mexico City: Your Secondhand Guide

The Best Secondhand Shopping Mexico City

Mexico City is known as a top foodie destination, but it’s also an incredible city for shopping. Secondhand shopping is no exception. Mexico City boasts numerous eclectic vintage stores, secondhand shops, and some of the coolest used clothing markets around.

With so many options to choose from, thrift shopping in Mexico City can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide covers the best vintage stores in Mexico City, including flea markets and thrift shops. Use the options below to sustainably shop with ease.

Does Mexico City Have Good Thrift Stores?

Mexico City has excellent thrift stores, partly because it has so many. What’s unique about secondhand shopping in Mexico City is that it’s an experience. Most shops are located in architectural gems with featured local art, while some have hidden cafes, food stalls, or bars.

While you can find secondhand shopping options throughout Mexico City, some neighborhoods have a higher concentration of stores. You’ll find the most vintage clothing stores in the Roma neighborhood. Many of these shops stock designer vintage and top-quality items, often at a higher price point. There are plenty of affordable used clothing stores, markets, and vintage bazaars throughout the city, however.

The Best Thrift & Vintage Stores in Mexico City

Explore the best secondhand clothing stores in Mexico City, below. I prioritized independent and local retailers who carry a range of price points and options.

La Nacion De Todos

Location: Colima 220, Roma Norte

Nestled on one of the prettiest streets in Roma, La Nacion De Todos is a hip vintage collective. With several secondhand vendors and a few local boutique sellers, they are one of my favorite places to find excellent, curated vintage and used clothing.

From designer vintage sunglasses to collector-worthy band t-shirts and versatile statement pieces, this shop offers fair prices and fabulous finds.

The Erre Vintage

Location: Sonora 178, Condesa

The Erre Vintage is an iconic vintage store in Condesa. Its hand-selected assortment of denim and t-shirts is as hip and aesthetic as its brick storefront. If you’re looking for quality secondhand wardrobe staples, Erre Vintage is a must-visit.

Vintage Hoe

Location: Jalapa 27, Roma Norte

Vintage Hoe is the (self-proclaimed) first vintage store in Mexico City, since 2007. They offer a thoughtful, unique selection of vintage clothing, including designer pieces. The prices are fair for the quality options available.

Vintage Hoe also carries its own upcycled clothing line, made locally and from natural materials.

Overeal Cafe y Vintage

Location: C. Joaquín Velázquez de León 126, San Rafael

A personal favorite, Overeal Cafe y Vintage is a local, woman-owned vintage store and cafe. Their chic physical location lets you browse clothes while sipping a coffee or enjoying a vegan pastry. You’ll always find incredibly stylish secondhand clothes for affordable prices at Overeal Cafe.

The owner also posts the latest clothing drops on Instagram, where you can buy and reserve your items before visiting.

Loose Blues

Location: C. Dinamarca 44, Juárez

Loose Blues has been a trendy vintage concept store since 2013. Part used clothing retailer, part restaurant and bar, Loose Blues offers an unforgettable secondhand shopping experience.

Their small, stylish selection features used wardrobe staples and statement pieces, plus local art. Come for the clothes and stay for the food and music on one of the trendiest corners in Juarez.

Folkia

Location: Queretaro 77, Roma Norte

Folkia is a fun and funky local vintage shop in Roma Norte. Their multi-colored storefront is as aesthetically pleasing as their clothing collection. Folkia carries a vibrant assortment of upcycled, used, and vintage statement pieces at great prices. You can also find local accessories and art here.

Blanco Vintage

Location: Frontera 101, Roma Norte

This stylish storefront carries a fantastic assortment of designer vintage clothes and accessories. Whether you’re looking for pre-loved wardrobe essentials or timeless, unique pieces, Blanco Vintage is worth checking out if you’re in Roma Norte.

Savage Vintage

Location: Tonalá 346-A Local 1, Roma Sur

Savage Vintage is a tiny boutique filled with unique vintage knick-knacks and classic used clothing items. You can find anything, from secondhand designer watches to 70s denim jackets, in pristine condition at Savage.

Vintrend

Location: C. Venecia 19, Juárez

This clothing store in Colonia Juarez instantly draws you in with its bright pink exterior and funky window display, complete with neon flashing lights. Vintrend is a local clothing reseller with a small yet mighty selection of used, upcycled, and vintage clothes.

They mostly sell women’s clothing and you’ll find plenty of options between $10-$20.

Jardin de Hallazgos

Location: C. Querétaro 22, Col, Roma Norte

Jardin de Hallazgos (Garden of Findings) is the place to go to find an ultra-curated assortment of vintage clothing, mostly from the 60s-90s.

This is not the place for simple wardrobe basics. The owners consistently stock incredible, timeless yet bold used clothing and accessories, including designer pieces.

Back to Life Clothing

Location: Colima 87a and Colima 23a, Roma Norte

With two locations just a few blocks away, Back to Life Clothing offers plenty of fun vintage options to peruse. Collector-worthy vintage band t-shirts and denim, plus a large selection of clothing for all genders, are just a taste of what you can expect when visiting.

True to their name, Back to Life also created an upcycled clothing line filled with incredibly unique pieces.

Revolver Vintage

Location: C. Querétaro 116-C, Roma Norte

This “Rock ‘n’ Roll” vintage shop in Roma is a treasure chest of grunge vintage accessories and clothing. Revolver Vintage has a particularly fantastic selection of outerwear, including leather motorcycle jackets and denim, plus band tees and vintage sports apparel. You never know what funky and rare vintage piece you’ll find tucked away at Revolver.

San Junipero Vintage

Location: Ámsterdam 92, Hipódromo

One of my favorite vintage stores in Condesa is San Junipero Vintage. This quaint vintage shop primarily carries vintage clothing from the 80s and 90s, in prime condition. They also offer locally made artisan items. It’s easy to shop sustainably and locally here, with a thoughtful assortment of staple pieces and outerwear to choose from.

Lo Pasado Pasado

Location: Jalapa 176, Roma Norte

Lo Pasado Pasado is an exceptionally designed vintage boutique in Roma. While the selection is small, it’s carefully curated for a pristine shopping experience. I’ve personally found some of my favorite vintage coats here.

Lobo Vintage

Location: Valladolid 27, Roma Norte

Gorgeous brick walls, stone floors, and funky rugs instantly invite you into this single-room vintage shop. Lobo Vintage may be tiny, but it carries a quality assortment of vintage wardrobe-essentials. Hats, t-shirts, accessories, and denim are what you’ll mainly find at Lobo, plus friendly service and fair prices.

Casa Ananda

Location: C. Querétaro 157, Roma Norte

One of my personal favorite new additions to Mexico City’s secondhand shopping scene is Casa Ananda. Located in a gorgeous house in Roma Norte, Casa Ananda features multiple rooms and stories of vintage clothing and local art. You can even find cassettes, records, and vintage magazines here.

Vintage Baby

Location: Av Progreso 55-Local B, Escandón 1 sección, Miguel Hidalgo

If you’re looking for vintage and used women’s clothing, then you need to stop by Vintage Baby. This woman-owned second-hand shop has a variety of cute, accessibly priced used clothes in contemporary and vintage styles.

La VintaJe

Location: Coahuila 129-C, Roma Norte

Last but certainly not least is La VintaJe. This ultra-stylish secondhand shop stands out for a few reasons. Their very curated collection of chic and timeless clothing essentials is so high quality, that it’s like shopping from a new boutique.

La VintaJe is also owned by the local circular fashion brand Banzo. Banzo deconstructs used clothing to create one-of-a-kind statement pieces. It’s worth checking both brands out.

Top Mexico City Flea Markets

You’ll find some of the best and most affordable secondhand clothing in Mexico City at flea markets and bazaars. Don’t miss the options below.

Adios Closet Bazar

Open Monthly

Location: Tonalá 308, Roma Sur

The best market for vintage and secondhand clothes, Adios Closet Bazar is a monthly pop-up in Roma Sur. Each pop-up lasts for three days. Their warehouse is filled with unique, quality finds at very accessible prices.

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City, it’s worth coordinating your dates with Adios Closet Bazar.

Tianguis Cultural del Chopo

Open Saturday

Location: C. Juan Aldama, Buenavista

El Chopo is an outdoor Saturday flea market known for its alternative, punk vibe. A trip here isn’t simply a shopping trip, it’s a cultural experience. Explore numerous vendors selling used clothing, accessories, and housewares while admiring art, enjoying local music, and eating great food.

This is a must-stop for bargain hunters who want to combine sightseeing with the flea market experience.

Tianguis La Lagunilla

Open Sunday

C. Comonfort 32, Peralvillo, Morelos

La Lagunilla is arguably the most famous and historic flea market in Mexico City. Held every Sunday for hundreds of years, La Lagunilla is a sprawling outdoor market filled with vintage vendors and antique stalls.

Located just outside the historic center, you can easily spend all day here. With plenty of local food stalls and cerveza available, why not?

About the Author

Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel tips and guides.

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

WANT TO FIND SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

Browse the Sustainable Brand Directory

12 secondhand, Vintage, & Thrift Stores in Denver Colorado

There’s no feeling quite like finding a hidden gem at an ARC or Goodwill. Because when combined with time and a little bit of luck, the hard work of searching often pays off in a big way.

But sometimes we don’t have the time, nor the patience, to sort through racks of disorganized, well-worn clothing. That’s where the second hand stores on this list come in: they’re carefully curated with clothing that has already been loved, but is ready for a new life. Most of these 12 stores are also locally owned, so you can feel good about putting your hard-earned money toward sustainable enterprises in the Mile High City, rather than into fast fashion corporations.

From trendy upcycled boutiques to long standing vintage shops, here are some of the best secondhand stores for shopping sustainably (and fashionably) in Denver.

The Best Secondhand & Thrift Stores in Denver:

1. Goldmine Vintage

South Broadway

Goldmine Vintage is an aptly-named thrift store that makes it easy to find your special diamond in the rough. This spacious store, which opened in 2007 on South Broadway, sells men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from every era. Items are neatly organized and labeled with the decade they’re from, so you can easily learn more about the item you’re considering and why it’s priced as such. You can also sell your clothes to Goldmine, but be sure to make an appointment and consider the buying criteria of the moment (it can change seasonally). Another perk of Goldmine is that you can purchase items online via their Instagram page, so if you see something you like, you can send a DM and snag the item for yourself.

2. Garage Sale Vintage

Larimer Square

At Garage Sale Vintage, you’ll find curated vintage clothing, accessories, vinyls, and other knick knacks. Plus, this store has its own bar inside serving up beer, margaritas, non-alcoholic cocktails and even tacos to fuel you up before or after you shop. This makes for a unique secondhand shopping experience, which is chock full of fun, nostalgia-inducing games like pinball and y2k decor. Garage Sale vintage has a flea market format in that it’s composed of racks from multiple different vendors, making for a huge range of styles and decades.

3. Atomic Salvage

Capitol Hill

Vintage prom dresses, block printed jeans, and cowboy boots are just a few items you’ll find at Atomic Salvage in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. This thrift store sells vintage and upcycled clothing, which is adorned with custom hand-printed designs in bright, colorful patterns and designs. We also love that this thrift store rents out unique pieces, like suiting and formalwear, for people to wear during special events and photoshoots. That way, pieces that might only be worn one more time can be returned for sale or rent, where they can be kept out of the landfill.

4. The Shop Outpost

East Colfax

Dubbed a vintage and western mercantile, The Shop Outpost echoes Denver’s historic days as a bustling town in the wild west. Here, you’ll find suede fringe jackets, leather cowboy boots, turquoise jewelry, western home goods, and more. Plus, they have new felt hats that can be customized with your own feathers, beads, and other detailing, which is a great way to create a unique, lifelong accessory. The Shop also sells upcycled clothing that they make, with a recent line of jackets made exclusively from vintage quilts. Lastly, 6% of every purchase at The Shop supports community charities, so you’ll be helping the planet and your fellow neighbors whenever you shop here.

5. Common Threads

South Pearl Street

If you’re seeking gently used, upscale women's clothing, Common Threads is the spot for you. This shop on South Pearl Street is a great place to find luxury shoes, bags, and other clothing items that you’d never find at the average thrift store. Think Burberry bags, Coach shoes, and Chanel sunglasses — just to name a few items that they sell. Sellers can make an appointment to have Common Threads review their items and opt to put them on consignment, where they’ll remain for 45 days. Another way to shop Common Threads is online, and while you won’t find all their inventory here, you can browse some of their most popular items.

6. La Lovely Vintage

Baker

Discover vintage and modern clothing, denim, vinyl and other special goods at La Lovely Vintage. This cozy shop on South Broadway is near many other beloved vintage shops in Denver, yet retains its own flair and style. A major portion of their inventory is denim, with unique jackets and jeans from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and beyond. Some of the most unique offerings are a collection of handmade button shirts made from vintage feed sacks, table cloths, and other well-loved textiles. They also make custom candles out of old canisters, and have many gifts for sale, so it’s the ideal one-stop-shop for all your eco-friendly styling and gifting needs.

7. Second Love

Tennyson

Second Love is a resale womens’ clothing boutique with timeless and on-trend pieces that are ready for another life. Second Love is full of popular brands like Free People, Reformation, Madewell, Aritzia, and BDG, but you can feel better about wearing them because you know you’re giving them a second home and keeping them from the trash rather than buying them new. This store also sells accessories like sunglasses, jewelry, shoes, bags, and small home goods, such as candles and blankets. Sellers can drop off their gently-used clothes during open hours Saturday through Monday, and you can check their website to see what seasonal items they’re looking for in a given month. Next door to Second Love is the Yogi Exchange, another resale boutique with the same model that focuses on yoga and exercise clothing.

8. The Ten Penny Store

Broadway

At The Ten Penny Store, shoppers can browse an eclectic mix of vintage clothing and accessories from 1900’s to the 2000’s. They acquire and stock new vintage clothing daily, and since this popular store has a solid turnover in their inventory, you can always expect to find something new and exciting here. The Ten Penny Store is open daily and periodically accepts clothes from buyers by appointment only. In addition to their rad collection of vintage jeans, dresses, shoes, and more, Ten Penny has a large collection of used cassettes, vinyl records, 45’s and eight-tracks for music lovers to enjoy. They also offer clothing repairs.

9. Boss Vintage

South Broadway

Since 1989, Boss Vintage has upheld its reputation as having some of the most unique pieces in Denver and even in the state of Colorado. Visiting Boss Vintage is a bit like rifling through a time capsule. They have drawers full of 1940’s era gloves and hosiery, racks of 80’s pantsuits, and hats, and shoes that have been preserved perfectly for decades. With both men’s and women’s clothing, Boss Vintage is also a go-to spot for any costume or party needs, and it’s guaranteed you’ll find just the right unique accessory to top off your outfit. Boss also has one of the best vintage jean collections in the city.

10. Déjà Blue Boutique

Cherry Creek

If you’ve ever wished that you could shop at a curated Goodwill without wading through the junk, Déjà Blue Boutique is exactly that. This Goodwill offshoot store is stocked only with designer and other high-end clothing items for men and women that have been hand-picked for your browsing pleasure. This is a great place to find luxury bags or business clothing that you don’t want to buy for full price. It’s also a great place for a wardrobe refresh that doesn’t involve buying new clothing, but still allows you to buy quality clothes that last and won’t break the bank. All purchases support Goodwill’s career development program, so you’re supporting your local community while taking it easy on the planet.

11. Feral

Tennyson

Feral is an independent outdoor clothing and gear shop with new and used for men and women. This store sells everything from used tents and lanterns to hiking boots, leggings, and flannels. Feral also offers gear repair services, so you can pay a small fee to have a hole or tear fixed, which can extend the lifeline of your beloved adventure gear. Those interested in backcountry backpacking can also rent bear spray and a bear canister at Feral, and snow adventurers can rent spikes, snowshoes, and other gear for winter. Feral will also buy your exercise and adventure clothing and gear, which you can exchange for cash or store credit, so it’s a great place to swap out pre-loved items for fresher things.

12. Show Pony Vintage

South University

Show Pony is an adorable, well-curated vintage shop. You can find pretty much anything here, but their collection of vintage sweaters, varsity jackets, crewnecks, slacks, and vests leans into a timeless, college coed style thanks to its location near the University of Denver. Show Pony’s collection spans multiple decades, but the majority of their clothing is from the 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s. Show Pony is composed of different vendors which ensures a variety of sizes, styles, and genders. If you’re interested in setting up a personalized style appointment, you can put down a $20 deposit and share your style inspiration before heading into the store to try on outfits from a rack of items personalized to you by Show Pony vendor, Manic Pixie Thrift.

About the Author
Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

WANT TO FIND SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Browse the Sustainable Brand Directory

Sustainable & Eco Hotels in Europe You Will Love to Visit

With its Ancient Roman buildings, Medieval castles, Baroque churches, and pristine beaches surrounded by a turquoise sea, Europe has plenty of beautiful sights, locations, and charm to offer its many international guests. No wonder it's such a popular travel destination: several European countries rank among the top tourist destinations in the world.

Are you too planning a trip to Europe and would like to make your travels as sustainable as possible? Choosing an eco-accommodation for your stay is an excellent way for travelers to experience their destination more sustainably. From cozy to luxurious, minimalistic to excentric, there is something for everyone!

We have selected various amazing eco-accommodations in some of Europe's most popular cities among tourists. With so many options, you can easily find the perfect destination and sustainable accommodation for your next European vacation. Happy planning!

1) Conscious Hotel Westerpark - Amsterdam, Netherlands

With its world-famous museums like the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk Museum, vibrant nightlife, and the picturesque charm of its canals and buildings, the capital city of the Netherlands is a fantastic destination for your next European trip.

For a more sustainable stay, you can enjoy all the city offers while staying at the Conscious Hotel Westerpark.

Part of the local Conscious Hotel chain, this hotel is housed in a magnificent 19th-century building in the district of Westerpark in the northwest part of Amsterdam city center.

Immersed in the homonymous public park, the Conscious Hotel Westerpark is fully electric, and the power comes from a windmill located in the Amsterdam harbor. This hotel is also cooled and heated up by its Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) system, and it's certified Green Key Gold.

2) Hostal Grau - Barcelona, Spain

The Hostal Grau is a fantastic option for a greener stay in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Filled with Mediterranean charm with its white walls, large windows, and minimal yet cozy wooden furniture, this accommodation is located in the neighborhood of El Raval, but it's also quite close to the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). This family-owned business is housed in an 1862 building that was renovated following the LEED certification parameters, which allowed it to get a LEED Gold Certification for Interior Design.

3) Lulu Guldsmeden - Berlin, Germany

Are you planning a trip to the German capital and looking for a more sustainably-minded accommodation? The Berlin location of the Copenhagen, Denmark-headquartered hotel chain Guldsmeden Hotels, which operates sustainable boutique hotels all around the globe, is the Lulu Guldsmeden, a superb choice for a greener stay in Berlin. You can find this Hygge-infused hotel between the Berlinese neighborhoods of Tiergarten and Schöneberg in West Berlin.

With its green courtyard in bustling Potsdamer Straße, warm woods, brick accents, characteristic dark lobby, and swings, the Lulu Guldsmeden is an excellent pick for those looking for a cozy stay in busy Berlin.

In terms of sustainability, this 4-star hotel has plenty of certifications to back up its green claims. It is certified by the British Green Globe and the German GreenSign Hotel certification, both recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

4) Wren Urban Nest - Dublin, Ireland

We all know that Dubin city center is packed with stunning sights and history, but did you know you can also find an accommodation perfect for green travelers there? The Wren Urban Nest in St. Andrew's Lane in the Temple Bar district in Dublin 2 is a cozy hotel housed in a gorgeous modern brick building near College Green and Trinity College. It features a colorful bio-diverse rooftop garden and Scandinavian design-led rooms in earthy, relaxing colors.

The Wren Urban Nest was built with sustainability in mind: at the 2022 SEAI Energy Awards, the hotel won in the Energy in Buildings category. The Wren Urban Nest is powered by 100% renewable electricity and has a smart HVAC system.

This Dublinese company is one of the few BER A-rated accommodation providers in Ireland, and the Wren Urban Nest is also a net carbon accommodation. They offer free filtered water on each floor, serve local organic produce, and feature local craft products.

5) room2 Chiswick - London, United Kingdom

In 2021, the capital city of the United Kingdom saw 7.8 million visitors. If you too are visiting London anytime soon, consider the eco-hotel room2 Chiswick located in the homonymous district of West London for your stay.

With its bright, colorful, modern rooms, the Arts & Crafts movement-inspired aesthetic, and works of local artists and craftspeople, the room2 Chiswick has a unique, artsy atmosphere.

Aside from celebrating local artistic production, at room2 Chiswick, they are also committed to sustainability. The building only relies on electricity from renewable sources, and it's heated and cooled by heat pumps located underneath the hotel.

The bathrooms feature ultra-low flow showers, and the roof features solar panels, a "green roof" that promotes biodiversity, and a "blue roof" that catches rainwater.

Thanks to its many sustainable policies and features, room2 Chiswick was awarded a Gold rating by the awards certification program Green Tourism.

6) Six Senses Rome - Rome, Italy

Italy's capital is a popular tourist destination, and it's easy to see why. In Rome, visitors can witness the city's almost three thousand years of history with their very eyes thanks to the beauty of the city's historical center, which is part of UNESCO's World Heritage List, and of monuments such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Mausoleum of Augustus. Opened in early 2023, the Six Senses Rome in the central Piazza di San Marcello is an excellent choice for those looking for an eco-friendly and highly luxurious hotel in the Eternal City.

Housed in the gorgeous historical 18th-century Roman residence Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini close to the Pantheon, this high-end hotel is powered by 100% renewable energy, was renovated to achieve energy and water efficiency, and it's working towards having its efforts certified by the LEED Gold certification for sustainable design and construction.

The hotel has also been sponsoring the restoration of the nearby Baroque building, the beautiful San Marcello Al Corso Church.

7) Hotel Hoy - Paris, France

Located in the 9th arrondissement part of Rue des Martyrs in Paris, the Hotel Hoy is characterized by its minimalistic yet cozy spaces. Named after the Spanish word for "today," this Parisian hotel has several sustainable initiatives and features. They recycle food waste through a partner and offer their guests the opportunity to purify tap water with Japanese Binchōtan charcoal. They have also installed aerators on their taps, still and sparkling water fountains, and motion sensor lights in hotel corridors, toilets, and private areas to save energy.

The Hotel Hoy is also mindfully decorated. Their bed sheets are Oekotex 100, ISO 14001, and ISO 26000 certified, while the bath linen is Oekotex 100, ISO 9001 certified. The hotel also features and sells floral arrangements made by florist Chiaki Kokami with local, seasonal flowers. These flowers get dried to create bouquets and other floral decorations if they end up unsold.

8) Mosaic House - Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and the biggest town in Bohemia. The city has a vibrant history, and with its distinctive mix of different architectural styles represented by its plethora of gorgeous historical buildings, it's clear how fitting its nickname, "The Golden City," is.

If you are planning a trip to Praha and are looking for a more sustainable accommodation, you should check out Mosaic House.

Located in a 1935 Functionalist building in Odborů Street in Prague's quarter of New Town (Nové Město), this hotel is close to the bank of the Vltava River and the National Museum and even closer to the famous Dancing House.

Aside from its excellent location, the Mosaic House can boast several sustainable initiatives. They have a gray-water system that allows them to reuse wastewater and a waste heat recovery system that turns the waste heat from the wastewater into power. They are also CO2-neutral, compost, and make their soil.

9) Boutiquehotel Stadthalle in Vienna - Vienna, Austria

While it might not be the first European city to come to mind, Vienna is still a popular tourist destination.

History-rich, walkable and cozy, the Austrian capital ranked the world's most liveable city in the EIU's 2022 Global Liveability Index.

To truly enjoy its quiet yet lively essence in a greener way, the Boutiquehotel Stadthalle is an excellent choice.

Located in Vienna's city center, the hotel is famous for its fragrant lavender roof, interior courtyard, and ivy-covered facade, which allow it to offer its guests a plant-filled, relaxing stay in the middle of the Austrian capital city.

This Viennese hotel is housed in a restored, turn-of-the-century building that does way more than being just pretty. The Boutiquehotel Stadthalle is, in fact, located in a zero-energy balance building, meaning it generates as much energy as it communes. This feat is achieved thanks to their use of groundwater heat pumps and solar PV.

To encourage their guests to make their travels even more sustainable, they offer a Green Bonus, a 10% discount on their accommodation, to the people who travel to Vienna via train or bicycle.

About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

WANT to find SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Shop the Sustainable Brand Directory

Cultivating a Sustainable Travel Mindset

To travel more sustainably as a digital nomad, it’s important to first consider your goals and intentions. Remember: this is not your average vacation. Digital nomads travel for longer periods of time, typically spending weeks or even months in a particular location. If you’re not clear on why you’re engaging in this type of trip, it’ll be difficult to match your expectations with reality.

That’s why it’s important to ask yourself: what are you hoping to get out of the experience? For example, you might want to learn more about different cultures, or meet like-minded people. Understanding why you want to travel in this way is essential for guiding decisions about where you go, and why. Next, consider what kind of impact you want to have on the places you travel. Do you want to volunteer? Do you wish to support local businesses or artisans? If you haven’t thought about this question, take some time to do so.

Once you’ve thought about your goals as a digital nomad, you can make travel choices that align with those goals.

Minimizing Your Travel Footprint

Traveling by air is always going to be detrimental to the environment, so the best way to make your trip more sustainable, despite this, is to give back to the economies you’ll visit. Your money can go a long way in another country, so it’s important that you’re funding the right interests. In fact, the choices you make around where you stay, eat, and work can have considerable impact on local people, even after you’ve left.

Lodging

Spending a week at a locally-owned guest house can bolster the quality of life in the town you’re visiting, whereas staying in a US-based hotel chain can make it harder for the local economy to stay afloat. This is true for any type of travel, but it’s especially important as a digital nomad, because you’ll likely be spending more time (and more money) in a particular region. You might also search for lodging using sites designed specifically to foster sustainable travel, such as EcoBnb or Kind Traveler.

Work Trades

Work trades are a great way to support local economies as you travel. Websites like Workaway are specifically designed to connect travelers and hosts interested in a cultural exchange.

Typically, a work trade will pay for your room and board in exchange for a few hours of volunteering. Many travelers choose to work at touristic centers, like a hostel or a retreat, because they’re great places to connect with other travelers and engage with multicultural communities. You can also work at a farm, or stay with a family through WOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms).

Sometimes, you can contribute skills you already have (such as writing, design, coding, teaching yoga, cooking, or photography), or you might learn new skills, like farming or hospitality. Keep in mind that these places might not have a strong internet connection, so you can ask about this before you go. Or, think about going here between work stints or projects.

In addition to making your trip more sustainable, a work-trade allows you to learn new skills, meet new people, and have unique experiences that you never would’ve had on a typical vacation.

Restaurants & Coffee Shops

Similar to lodging, opting for a local restaurant instead of a chain can have a positive impact on local residents.

However, in certain places, you have to look a little harder to make sure that the restaurant is owned by an actual local, rather than an English-speaking expat. This is especially true in places like Bali, for example, where an increasing number of restaurants are Australian-owned, meaning that money is actually diverted from the local economy, rather than going back into it. Browsing Google reviews beforehand, or stopping by to check out the menu and vibe, can help you make that call.

Since you’ll be working, you have to think about more than just where to stay and what to eat. You also have to think about where you’ll work—and whether there will be a strong Wi-Fi connection, should you need it. Coffee shops are a go-to for digital nomads, so follow the same method for restaurants—you might even look up keywords like “wi-fi” or “work” to see if previous nomads have left some information to guide you. If possible, try to visit a coffee shop that grows coffee in that country, as this further supports local economies and can foster a positive impact on farmers and their workers.

Packing for Conscious Digital Nomads

Preparing for life as a digital nomad shouldn’t prompt you to go on a shopping spree and consume more; however, it’s a good opportunity to invest in high-quality, sustainable essentials that you’ll need anyway.

Luggage and Accessories

Some digital nomads travel with a backpacking pack, and that’s certainly a minimalist way to travel. The problem with this is that you’ll also need to bring a day pack when you’re setting out on adventures (and work days).

So if you need a little more space, and you’re looking to bring both a roller bag and a backpack, we love backpacks that are designed specifically for work travel. The Bee & Kin Nomad Backpack has a dedicated laptop sleeve that holds a 16’’ laptop, side pockets for bottles or accessories, and a phone pocket with a built-in charger. This makes it perfect for work and travel days, whether you’re at a coffee shop or the airport. Bee & Kin is a small batch company, meaning they don’t mass-produce their products, and they recycle excess materials from their factories to minimize environmental impact.

You can organize this bag with smaller containers, like the storage capsules from Cadence. These TSA-approved magnetic capsules are leak-proof and hold both wet and dry materials, making them great for carrying medicine, powders, hand lotion and more. They’re also made with post-consumer recycled material, and are durable enough to last for quite a long time.

Another must-bring digital nomad accessory is a set of reusable utensils. These are fairly easy to find, like this reusable bamboo set from Package Free. And at the low price of $10, you can avoid using plastic utensils at airports, restaurants, and wherever else you may find yourself as you wander.

Bath and body

It might seem like an afterthought, but the products you take with you on your trip can help reduce your travel footprint, too.

For example, buying a bunch of mini travel toiletries can create more waste, especially when you have to keep buying them. In contrast, reusable travel bottles can continue to be reused. The Kitsch Ultimate Travel set has a spray bottle, pump bottle, mini jars, and flat pouches, among other items, which you can easily refill with hotel soaps—or, better yet, toiletries from zero-waste shops. Kitsch products are made as sustainably as possible, with all of their products being either recyclable, reusable, biodegradable, or made from recycled materials.

This travel pack is also dishwasher safe, BPA free, and meets TSA carry-on requirements, making it perfect for travel. Packaging-free soaps and shampoos are another great option, and we love these solid bar options from Kitsch, which smell amazing, as well as these options from New Zealand-based company, Ethique.

Apparel

Packing the right clothes can ensure that you’re always prepared for whatever digital nomad life throws your way. We recommend opting for sustainable athleisure that’s also versatile, so you can repurpose it across many situations.

For example, Girlfriend Collective makes apparel from recycled water bottles, and it’s super soft and comfortable. Whether you’re hitting up a yoga class, lounging by the pool, or pairing with jean shorts for a night out, you can wear their Tommy Cropped Bra anytime. Their luxe legging is also perfect for plane days, work days, and everything in between. Another reason to love this brand: their ReGirlfriend program lets you send back and recycle worn Girlfriend products in exchange for a $15 credit.

Another digital nomad essential is a hat with sun protection, especially if you’re considering outdoor volunteering or adventure days. Colorado-based Wallaroo Hat Company is designed with an important mission—skin cancer education and prevention—and their line of Mexico hats are made from compostable palm fiber, meaning they can eventually be diverted from the landfill.

Traveling Sustainably, Long-Term

Digital nomad travel is different from an ordinary vacation not just because you’re working–but also because you’re spending much more time in a certain area. While this does invite room for greater negative impact, including more flights or more consumption, it also provides an opportunity to have a positive impact on the places you visit.

In other words, digital nomads have the chance to leave a destination even better than they found it. With this mindset, and a clear intention about why you’re traveling and how you’d like to help, digital nomading can be extremely rewarding both personally, and for the people and places you encounter.

About the Author

Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.

MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

WANT TO FIND SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Browse the Sustainable Brand Directory

Minimalist Packing for Easy, Sustainable Travel

Traveling is often unsustainable, and although some people choose not to travel at all, most of us cannot or simply do not want to. And that is okay!

There are things we can do to mitigate our environmental footprint while traveling, including packing light and choosing to bring items that will help us reduce our waste on the go.

However, while leaving for a trip is usually very exciting, packing can be both annoying and stressful when we don’t know what to bring with us. It is especially true if you are someone striving to live more sustainably and you also want to reap all the benefits of traveling light!

Thanks to this guide, you will learn how to pack only the essentials to enjoy your trip and lower your impact on the planet at the same time.

Also see How to be Sustainable on Vacation: 10 Easy Ways to Travel Responsibly

Why you should travel light

Traveling light is one of the best ways to ensure you will have an enjoyable and stress-free vacation.

When you travel with several suitcases and backpacks full to the brim, getting to your destination is usually very unpleasant and tiring. The weight of your luggage is exhausting and can become a burden for many reasons.

Imagine yourself hauling all this weight from plane to subway, needing to carry it multiple times on stairs. Having a heavy load to lug around is not how I like to start my vacation!

Plus, when you have extra suitcases while traveling by plane, you have to wait after your flight to get them back. And if luck is not on your side, the airline might lose your luggage, leaving you stressed-out and without your things for at least several days.

Many airlines also make you pay to bring checked luggage on the plane, and if some of your suitcases are overweight, you might have to pay even more. The costs of traveling with heavy baggage quickly add up!

On the other hand, when you only bring the essentials with you in a simple backpack or carry-on, everything is so much easier! You save time and money, and the whole process of traveling becomes a lot more hassle-free. You worry less about your things and get to enjoy your vacation more.

Packing light is also better for the planet! Having fewer and lighter suitcases on the airplane directly reduces its weight, thus increasing its fuel efficiency: when the airplane becomes less heavy, it needs less fuel to fly a given distance.

According to Finnish airline Finnair, when you reduce the weight of your luggage by 5kg, you reduce your carbon footprint by approximately 5%. While the impact might not be huge for a single individual, every little action for the planet is worth it!

Finnair also calculated that if each of its passengers had traveled with 1kg less in 2018, the total fuel savings would have covered 20 flights from Finland to Japan. So when all the individual actions add up, packing light truly makes a difference!

And if you are traveling by car, packing light also increases fuel efficiency, meaning that you will consume less gas, which saves money and the environment.

So next time you prepare for a trip, remember that packing light will make traveling not only more enjoyable but also better for your wallet and the planet! Ask yourself if you really need to bring a big suitcase, or if a backpack or a carry-on is enough.

What luggage should you travel with?

Depending on the kind of trip you are going on, how many days you will stay at the destination, how you will be traveling and what you need to bring with you, you will need different types of luggage.

Where to find sustainable suitcases and backpacks?

Whether you choose to travel with a backpack and a carry-on, a checked suitcase, or a simple duffle bag, always use what you already own. Buying a new backpack or suitcase when you already have one at home is not sustainable.

However, things can get damaged while traveling, so you sometimes need to acquire new travel gear. You can do it in a sustainable way by borrowing a backpack or a suitcase from a friend or getting it second-hand. And you can also purchase it from eco-friendly brands that sell high-quality, sustainable luggage.

If you are looking for a new suitcase, backpack or duffle bag, Paravel has everything you may need! It is a climate-neutral brand that creates luggage using recycled materials and Oeko-Tex certified fabrics.

Solgaard’s suitcases and Samsonite’s Theorym Carry-On Spinner are two other eco-friendly options made from recycled plastic. And if you need a new backpack or duffle bag, Lo & Sons, Allégorie and Anchal all have a nice selection of sustainably and ethically made bags that are worth checking out!

We have an entire blog post about our favorite sustainable luggage brands on Sustainably Chic if you need more ideas!

Other useful travel gear

Whenever I go on a trip, I usually pack my clothes in packing cubes. These are great suitcase organizers that help keep everything tight and compact, which saves a lot of space. It always blows my mind how many things you can fit into a single packing cube!

However, most packing cubes we can find on the market usually break very quickly and they are made of synthetic materials.

Fortunately, some sustainable brands like Northern Olive, Kathmandu and Patagonia sell practical models using eco-friendly materials, like organic cotton and recycled polyester.

And if you need a new toiletry bag to pack all your make-up and beauty products for your next trip, read our full blog post about where to find sustainable make-up bags. For instance, Mayamam Weavers and Terra Thread have some cool, eco-friendly travel cases that will fit all your beauty essentials!

Packing the essentials for a zero-waste, minimalist trip

Only bring what you will really use

If you want to travel light, you cannot pack things for every occasion that may arise on your trip. If you do so, you will end up returning home and only having used half of your stuff.

But at the same time, you have to make sure that you’ll have enough so that you won’t need to repurchase anything at your destination.

It can be hard to know exactly what you will need, but the key is to be realistic with yourself. If you never wear dresses in your everyday life, you are very unlikely to start wearing them while traveling.

Look at the weather forecast at your destination to know what type of clothes you should pack. If it will be sunny all the time, you can leave your rain boots, raincoat and umbrella at home. Alternatively, if it will rain during your whole trip, do not pack a sun hat or sunglasses.

Also, think about what activities you will do. Will you be hiking in nature all day? Walking in the city? Are you going on a business trip? Depending on what you plan to do, you won’t need to bring certain items of clothing. You can also decide whether you will wear a lot of make-up or if you want to go without.

I always plan my outfits in advance before packing a suitcase. Choosing which clothes I will wear on which day helps me determine exactly what I will need. I sometimes pack an extra t-shirt or pair of underwear just in case, but that is it.

I also recommend that you check if the place you are staying at provides towels and a blowdryer. If it does, you won’t need to bring yours.

If you are traveling abroad, your passport is an absolute essential to have. But you may also need to bring a power adapter, so bring yours to avoid buying another at your destination. These do not take up a lot of space!

And do not forget to think about what you will do during your free time when you won’t be visiting. Be realistic with yourself and decide whether you want to bring a book or a computer. If you are traveling with kids, only pack a few toys you know they love so that they do not get bored, but don’t bring too many of them.

When you are on the fence about something, always ask yourself: can I do without? What can I use instead? These two questions will help you not overpack and be more intentional with what you bring on your trip.

Pack versatile and multipurpose items

When packing your suitcase, you will have to assess how many pieces of clothes you need to bring on your trip. Unfortunately, there is no magic number. It all depends on the weather, how many days you are staying, and if you will be able to do laundry during your trip.

For instance, if you are leaving for a week and will have access to a washing machine, you can easily pack three or four tops and it should be enough.

To limit the number of clothes we bring on a trip, one of the most important things to do is to pack versatile and multipurpose pieces. It means that you should choose clothes that complement each other and that can be layered and mixed and matched.

For example, whenever I’m traveling, I usually pack a few neutral-colored bottoms so that each can easily be worn with all of my tops. And I avoid bringing clothes that can only be worn with a single piece.

Multipurpose clothing can also be worn for multiple occasions. For instance, if you are going on vacation in the summer and want a cool, relaxed outfit for the day as well as a more dressed-up option for going out in the evening, you need to pack a little black dress in your suitcase!

If you plan to walk a lot during your trip, a simple pair of sneakers might be enough for you and you may find you do not need to pack bulky hiking boots.

I also recommend that you roll all your clothes instead of folding them. Doing so usually keeps them wrinkle-free and saves more space.

Do not forget your zero-waste essentials

I find that whenever I am traveling, I usually create a lot more waste than when I am at home. It is more difficult to find zero-waste options when we are in a place we do not know, especially if it is abroad.

We do not necessarily know how to say “no plastic bag” or “no straw, please” in a foreign language. So if your goal is to reduce your waste when traveling, having a zero-waste kit with you is essential.

First of all, if there is safe drinking water at your destination, you should always bring your reusable water bottle with you. You will be able to refill it at the place you're staying or at a restaurant.

Some cities even have public fountains with drinking water, so there is no need to purchase plastic bottles! While these can usually be recycled, it is harder to find recycling bins when traveling and they are very wasteful anyway. Tap water is free so you’ll end up saving a few dollars each day, which you will be able to spend on something else.

If you are used to ordering food or drinks on the go, you might also want to bring a reusable coffee cup, a cutlery set and a reusable straw. Plus, if you rarely finish your meals at the restaurant, consider having a reusable container to store your leftovers.

A few cotton napkins and tote bags also always come in handy when traveling! Having a reusable napkin with you means that you won’t need to use the disposable ones at restaurants.

And you will find that tote bags can be used for many purposes! For example, you can go shopping with them instead of using single-use plastic or paper bags. You can also use them for storing your dirty clothes or even for keeping your recycling until you find a recycling bin.

This one is not for everyone, but if you can sew, pack a small sewing kit in your suitcase. It might be useful if you get a hole in your clothing or if a button falls off your shirt.

Of course, you do not have to bring all these zero-waste items on your trip. Only choose those you know you will use. If you never drink coffee or tea on the go, there is no point in bringing a reusable to-go cup with you.

Bring some zero-waste beauty products

Many brands and stores want us to think that we need travel-sized beauty products when we are traveling. Yes, bringing a tiny bottle of shampoo with us may be convenient, but it is also extremely wasteful to buy such products!

Travel-sized products almost always come in plastic packaging, and we can only use them a few times before we run out of them. Hotels, and even Airbnbs, also regularly provide their guests with tiny bottles of shower gel, shampoo and conditioner.

As an eco-conscious traveler, you can easily say no to all those wasteful products. If you already have samples you got in hotels in the past, use them up, but do not accept them anymore in the future.

Instead, go for solid bars whenever you can: you can find a solid option for many products these days, from basic soap to shampoo and conditioner to lotion and deodorant! I highly recommend the brand Ethique, which is a certified B Corp that sells all kinds of solid bars for the body and hair. It even has some smaller bars specially made for traveling!

For oral hygiene, bring a simple bamboo toothbrush as well as toothpaste tablets or toothpaste packaged in a metal tube. If you will be on your period during your trip, do not forget to pack a menstrual cup or some reusable pads.

You might also want to bring a natural, reef-safe sunscreen, a reusable razor, and a few reusable make-up remover pads with a small container of coconut oil. The sustainable brand Kind Humans has almost all of these products, so you should check it out!

And if you need to stock up on make-up before leaving, take a look at Elate Cosmetics (use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off): it has a great selection of cruelty-free, eco-friendly make-up!

Final thoughts

Traveling light truly enhances the whole experience and helps you enjoy your trip even more. However, if you realize that you’ve packed more than necessary or created some waste along the way, don’t beat yourself up. No one is perfect!

With each trip, you will get better at packing and only bringing the things that you need and use and that will help you reduce your waste while traveling.