Travel Earth Friendly, Travel Green!

Everybody is going green these days; the tourism industry is no exception. With all the eco-travel focus on popular green destinations, how one travels is just as important as where. Here is some of the best advice on how to travel green and minimize a vacation’s environmental impact.

A little green planning goes a long way. Nearly all Internet search engines will yield instant results to queries for hotels with sustainable business practices and green rental car agencies (those where hybrid cars are available for rent), and most are more than happy to answer any questions about their green policies. The Internet is also a great place to find green package deals of varying shades, so be sure to check around.

When building that all-important green vacation plan, factor in the use of public transportation whenever possible or plan to walk or ride a bike. Trains and busses are best for getting around most worldwide cities and towns. Finding maps online can help route the most perfect daily outings. If flying is a necessity, always try to book non-stop flights. Fewer take-offs and landings mean less jet fuel used. If traveling by car, see if others in the area are going your way. The more folks packed into the vehicle, the cleaner the air and lower the cost for all involved.

Another key piece in the green planning process is to pack light. Taking one suitcase instead of two reduces the overall traveling weight per person. Less weight means less fuel consumed on every type of mechanized transportation. Less fuel burned also means a smaller carbon footprint; and a lighter hit to the wallet for those thinking about purchasing carbon credits to offset the carbon used while on vacation. Of course, there is the obvious benefit of packing light: more room to bring back unique local gifts and trinkets for family and friends.

In addition to packing light, pack smart. Most green travelers recommend taking personal toiletries and a good plastic water bottle. Travelers use less consumable plastic on vacation this way (a real landfill problem) and help prevent the creation of new plastic by reducing demand (a win-win for the planet).

Unwinding at your final vacation destination, remember to stay green wherever you are.  Doing simple things like re-using bath and pool towels and keeping the same sheets on the bed for the week at the hotel go a long way toward saving energy. Other choices, like eating the local fare from fresh marketplaces and restaurants, helps to eliminate a host of packaging waste. Besides, it’s a lot more exciting to sample the culture of a new place versus eating that boxed burger. Finally, consider exploring one place extensively for the trip; doing so means less time traveling and a lot more time vacationing.

Remember, just because you go on vacation does not mean your sustainability practices should too. So go green and have a great trip.