How to Pick a Sustainable Travel Destination With Cindy Villasenor

When it comes to sustainable travel, Cindy Villaseñor—better known online as @cerowastecindy—is as conscientious as she can be. A passionate advocate for eco-living, Cindy's journey into sustainability started in a college environmental science class, eventually shifting her career path and deepening her commitment to the planet. Today, she shares practical, judgment-free advice to help travelers embrace sustainability without overwhelm or perfectionism.

Photo by Cindy Villaseñor, @cerowastecindy

For her, that starts with choosing destinations that align with eco-values. Instead of international jet-setting on a whim, Cindy emphasizes slow, local travel—think road trips, weekend getaways to mountain towns, or a thoughtfully planned week. “It’s not about cutting out travel entirely,” she explains, “but about being intentional with where we go and how we get there.”

1. Start With Purpose

Cindy suggests beginning every travel plan with a simple question: Is this destination aligned with sustainable values? When planning her solo trip to Oaxaca, she made a point to find locally owned and operated hotels, prioritize sustainable practices, and support community businesses, down to choosing tour guides who value environmental stewardship.

Online searches for “eco stays” are a good place to start. Cindy encourages travelers to dig deeper into how a hotel or Airbnb was built. “Were the materials locally sourced? Was the building process respectful of the environment? Do they compost, recycle, or reduce water waste?” 

2. Support Local, Always

Beyond where you stay, sustainability is about how you interact with the place. Cindy champions choosing locally owned businesses, eating at street food stalls, buying handmade goods, and hiring local guides. “That’s how you respect both the people and the place,” she says. She also emphasizes environmental mindfulness—sticking to trails, not picking plants or rocks, and being aware of water and energy use. “Bring your own reusable bottle. Be thoughtful about your waste. These are little things that add up.”

3. Conscious Packing Is Key

Cindy’s minimalist mindset extends to her suitcase. She’s not into buying new outfits for every trip—instead, she relies on a capsule wardrobe, often packing a few versatile pieces that mix and match easily. Her eco-friendly packing list includes solid lotion bars, refillable skincare products, tooth tabs, shampoo bars, and a reusable water bottle. “Use what you have. Simplify your skincare routine,” she says.

She also brings a kit of reusable utensils—fork, spoon, chopsticks, straw, and even a handkerchief—to avoid single-use plastics. A collapsible plate and cup make it easy to enjoy food from local vendors without the waste. “I once got fruit from a Mexican street stand and just asked them to put it in my own bowl,” she laughs. “It’s not weird—it’s mindful.”

4. Start Small, Stay Kind

Cindy has one piece of advice for travelers just beginning their sustainability journey: start small. Begin with something manageable, like using a reusable water bottle, and grow from there. Most importantly, she stresses not to beat yourself up. Sustainability is not about perfection; it’s about trying your best.

5. Real-Life Green Travel

For Cindy, driving and camping remain top choices for low-impact adventures. Whether it’s tagging a hike or simply enjoying the quiet of nature, she keeps things minimal and meaningful.

In a world of climate anxiety and overconsumption, Cindy Villaseñor offers a refreshing take: travel can still be joyful, eye-opening, and deeply green—if we simply slow down and start with intention.

This article is part of our Known Traveler series where we highlight creators who share inspiring travel and lifestyle content. Check out the full edition for Eco Explorers.