Easy Eco-Friendly Travel Tips
Integrating ecotourism into your travel plans is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while on-the-go. Eco-friendly travel has a couple of different meanings. It means practicing sustainability as you travel through different environmental, social and economic climates. It also means finding responsible means of transportation and traveling with minimal waste, especially through natural areas. At every stage of your vacation, there are steps you can take to make your vacation more eco-friendly. Green travel is easy. With just a couple simple changes you can engage in sustainable tourism habits on any vacation. Take a look at these eco-friendly travel tips.
PACK LIGHT
The first eco-friendly travel tip helps save your back and the planet. Packing light reduces the weight that trains, planes, and cars have to carry with them. Less weight to carry means more fuel efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions. It doesn’t take much to lighten your suitcase load. Plan an eco-friendly vacation by strategically planning what is absolutely necessary for your wardrobe and which toiletries you can’t live without.
REUSE WATER BOTTLES
Carry a reusable water bottle with you throughout your travels. Bringing a water bottle with you is more sustainable and will save you money.
FLY DIRECT
When purchasing your flight, look for the most direct route. This saves you time so you can maximize the fun on your vacation, but it also reduces your carbon footprint. Takeoffs and landings burn through a lot of airplane fuel. If your destination is a short distance, travel by bus or train instead. These two transportation methods use significantly less fuel than airplanes and are perfect for green travel.
TOUR RESPONSIBLY
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, look for sustainable ways to get around. Bike rentals are a fun way to explore a new city without greenhouse gas emissions. Pack your walking shoes and book a hotel that’s in a central location so you can travel on foot to all the popular sights. Sustainable tourism is all about reducing waste and emissions, so try to take advantage of public transportation like buses, trains and subway systems. Try to avoid taxis and other car services where you’re the only passenger.
SLEEP SUSTAINABLY
For lodging and travel accommodations, look for hotels that prioritize sustainability. Remember, simple responsible hotel habits like turning off the lights and reusing your towels are all a part of traveling green.
SHOP AND EAT LOCAL
Shopping local for food and souvenirs is a more responsible way to experiment with ecotourism. Look for locally sourced produce and ask around for small restaurants with hometown roots. Not only is this more responsible vacationing, but it’s also a great way to experience a new culture.
LEAVE NATURE ALONE
If you’re out in nature for hiking, camping or participating in other outdoor activities, it’s important to minimize your impact on the area. Green travel is all about protecting the environment, so try staying on marked trails and removing all your trash. Don’t interact with the animals or disrupt the natural environment.
TRAVEL IN SMALL GROUPS
For group excursions, travel in small groups. Large groups of people have a greater impact on the environment. Ask your tour guide how big the tour group is and only book environmentally responsible tour excursions.
When it comes to eco-friendly travel, every little bit helps. Integrating any number of these sustainable travel tips into your plans will help you become a more responsible traveler to any destination.
