Water is one of our world’s most precious resources. We can take it for granted, and we often don’t realize how much water we use. But when you’re traveling, especially if you’re going to a place with limited access to clean water, you need to be mindful of how much water you’re using.

Every continent struggles with water shortages, and the global water crisis is only getting worse. The global water crisis isn’t a cheerful travel topic, but it’s something we need to be aware of so that we can do our part to help.

And as critical as the strategies in this article are when we travel, we should also be doing these things daily in our homes. This water calculator estimates how much water you use on average daily, and it can help you find ways to lessen your water consumption.

Here’s how you can be a more water-conscious traveler!

Take shorter and fewer showers. Growing up in the U.S., I was raised to think we needed to shower every day, but it turns out that we don’t. Showering every day causes us to strip our skin of naturally-protective oils, and it uses LOTS of water.

So when you’re traveling, only shower when you need to! Most healthcare professionals recommend showering every other or every third day.

I used to shower more often because I needed to wash my hair, which is naturally very oily. But then I discovered Waterl<ss’s dry shampoo and conditioner! These products have been a game-changer for my hair and for helping me use significantly less water.

Always have a reusable water bottle. Plastic has a significant water footprint (it takes more than one bottle of water to make a plastic water bottle), and then most plastic becomes pollution. If you’re traveling somewhere where the tap water isn’t drinkable, then bring a travel-size water purifier to keep from having to buy disposable water bottles.

Skip room cleanings. Unless your hotel room really needs a refresh, hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door. At home, you probably don’t scrub your room down and change and wash your sheets every day, right? So don’t do that when you travel. Get into the habit of keeping your space clean and aired-out so you won’t need room-service as often.

Reuse towels. After you shower, or climb back onto a yacht, or get out of the ocean or infinity pool, hang your towels (and washcloths) out to dry as quickly as possible. Spreading your towel out keeps it from mildewing, which means it won’t have to be washed and replaced as often.

Don’t do laundry too often. Sometimes, we can just spot-clean our clothes or use a spritz of fabric refresher. But when you do need to do laundry, make sure you have a full load of clothes, and wash on cold. This eco-friendly laundry detergent lets you get a good clean wash without needing hot water.

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This article about being a more water-conscious traveler is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this article about how to be a more water-conscious traveler are entirely my own. Some of these links are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.