Sustainable travel on a budget: The world's best eco-friendly hostels
Having to watch how much you spend when you travel doesn’t mean that you have to stay in hotels that are causing destruction to the planet through unsustainable practices. In fact, some of the greenest forms of travel accommodation can be enjoyed on a budget, including camping and staying in eco-friendly hostels.
It used to be that you would be lucky to even get a warm shower if you stayed in a hostel. But they have drastically improved in recent years and can now be found in breathtaking locations across the world and are often involved in many eco-friendly schemes including solar heating, organic gardens, recycling programs, discounts for arriving on foot/bike and much more.
There are numerous green hostels across the world to choose from, so here are a select few that really stand out.
YHA Eden Project, England
The Eden Project has a worldwide reputation as the world’s largest rainforest in captivity and is a living example of regeneration and sustainable living. This hostel is the official on-site accommodation for the Eden Project, allowing you to stay somewhere that is quite literally involved in some of the world’s most revolutionary research into sustainability. The hostel’s dorms are made from recycled shipping containers. Alternatively, you can choose to have a glamping experience in bell tents or land pods, both of which are equipped with eco-friendly lighting facilities and have access to solar-powered showers.
Sleep Green Hostel, Barcelona
The was the first youth hostel in Spain to be awarded with the E.U. Ecolabel in recognition of its commitment to sustainable tourism practices. It is situated in the neighborhood of Eixample -- a great location to discover the city by foot. Dormitories consist of either four or six beds and each dorm has its own balcony. Sleep Green ultilizes a range of environmental practices, including the use of 100% renewable energy, recycling facilities, biodegradable cleaning products, recycled toilet paper and education about how to support environmental goals. It is also committed to improving its practices on a yearly basis to enhance its environmental performance to the highest possible standard.
Ecomama, Amsterdam
If you’re visiting Amsterdam, try Ecomama. Located in the heart of the city, Ecomama offers seven room types that range in size, privacy and budget and encourages its visitors to connect with one another in the communal living areas, indoor swinging chairs or the teepee tent. It uses many sustainable practices, including a natural stone heating system, mattresses made from sustainable materials, organic wash products in the bathrooms and a reception desk made from upcycled clothes. Additionally, Ecomama also donates 1 euro for every night a guest stays to Ninos de Guatemala, an NGO that provides quality education for disadvantaged children.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel, California
This green-certified hostel consists of four different houses set alongside a historic lighthouse perched on a cliff on the central California coast, 50 miles south of San Francisco. Green facilities include solar-powered LED lighting, water-conserving shower heads, sink taps with automatic shut-off, full composting programs, natural biodegradable cleaning products and much more. This is also a very popular spot for whale watching and is close to other great places for wildlife, such as the Ano Nuevo State Reserve, a breeding site for northern elephant seals.
Rivertime Resort and Ecolodge, Laos
This hostel has been described as “the premier green hostel destination in South-East Asia”. The lodge is built entirely from local materials, using traditional methods. Its electricity is produced from falling water via the Nam Ngum hydro-electric power plant. Other sustainable practices include low-watt lightbulbs, washing clothes by hand, an advanced recycling program, locally grown food and a commitment to being anti-deforestation (with not a single tree being cut down for the construction and extension of the lodge).
Serenity Eco Guesthouse, Bali
Serenity is located in Canggu, on the way to the famous Tanah Lott temple. It offers a range of accommodation options, from a backpacker’s house with shared facilities to private guesthouses. Known for being one of Bali’s most eco-friendly locations, it uses many sustainable practices, including a grey water waste system, permaculture garden and even a solar-powered shuttle buggy. It has a focus not only on caring for the planet, but also caring for yourself -- so it's a smoking- and alcohol-free property. It also runs yoga classes and workshops and the onsite restaurant has the mantra of “may our food be your medicine”, offering raw vegan cuisine.
Apollo Bay Eco YHA, Australia
This ECO Certified Nature Tourism accredited hostel is in the perfect location for a road trip along the Great Ocean Road, a famous rugged coastline with lush green rainforest, waterfalls and the famous limestone stacks the 12 Apostles (only a 90-minute drive from the hostel). It also uses a range of energy (including passive solar design) and water-saving techniques to reduce its environmental impact without impacting the functionality or comfort of the hostel. Both shared and private rooms are available.
Eco Hostel Planeta de Luz, Bolivia
Located in an alternative eco-community in 20 acres of nature in the reserve of Planeta de Luz, this hostel is perfect for those looking to escape from the digital world and reconnect with nature. The hostel buildings are made from locally sourced, natural materials designed to “capture the artistic, ethnic spirit of the community". The hostel adopts practices to help the planet such as the use of renewable energy, environmental cleaning products, seasonal food and working with the local community. It also encourages guests to reconnect with nature by engaging in activities such as soaking in the nearby thermal springs of Liriuni or enjoying one of the various therapies on offer, like anti-stress massage reflexology.
Cuckoo Hostel, India
Cuckoo Hostel is one of the few places in India that is focused on sustainable travel and is one of the highest-rating properties for guest satisfaction in the whole of Bangalore. Beautiful murals painted by local artists cover the walls, providing an aesthetically pleasing environment for visitors and paid work for locals. In terms of sustainability, it uses energy-efficient appliances, composting, and furniture made from recycled materials.
Eco Pampa Palermo, Argentina
This hostel was the first eco-friendly property in Buenos Aires, “working with the environment to optimize the use of natural resources, with a genuine commitment to the environment and ecology". Its furniture is made from recycled materials, it is actively involved in recycling and composting and the computers are said to be eco-computers.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.