Eco-Friendly Vacations: 8 Tips for Greener Travel

 

Sustainability has never been more necessary, and certainly not within the way we travel today. Having eco friendly vacations means that we can travel to other parts of the world and explore without harming it. Through greener practices we can lower our carbon footprint, help local communities and sustain natural ecosystems. Here are 8 ways to take a more responsible vacation if you too want to travel greener.

1. Opt for Eco-Friendly Destinations

This initiative of green travel begins will an eco-friendly destination. The good news, however, is that the conscious traveling movement has taken great strides toward promoting sustainable tourism in a number of places through practices such as preserving natural resources and supporting communities. Where possible, research and choose eco-certified destinations with a reputation for sustainability. Costa Rica, Bhutan and Slovenia are countries that particularly focus on conservation of nature as well as sustainable tourism development.

Also try these under-the-radar destinations to help abate over-tourism. It helps the local economy and reduces even further the environmental footprint in destinations that are already so full.

2. Opt for Green Accommodations

For every hotel you stay at, can have a lasting effect in the environment. Find an eco-friendly hotel, lodge or hostel that works hard to implement sustainable practices. Most hotels today also focus on energy savings, water conservation and waste reduction. Are any of the accommodations you are reviewing for your trip certified by a group such as Green Key, or EarthCheck (Green Globe)?

Or stay in one of our many ecolodges like eco cabins, a yurt or treehouse.brings no carbon footprint and the beauty of being close to nature.

3. Commuting by Public Transport or Other Eco-Freindly Means

Transportation ranks as one of the biggest carbon-emitting categories in travel. Other ways to minimize your footprint include opting for trains, buses or other public infrastructure over flights, mostly long-hauls. This is particularly true for trains, which are a significantly more environmentally friendly mode of transportation than planes — especially over shorter distances.

Do your best to fly as little as possible and choose non-stop flights; take-off and landing produce the most greenhouse gases. Some major transport companies have apps that show where all buses and trains are, so checking before going out will be very helpful in finding the nearest train or bus to your destination at your new location. If not there is always the bicycle option with some towns having a bike hire system on an app which can save you money (eg GoCycleUp In Southend) whilst others do electric scooters like Beryl bikes for example…most close locations however would mean walking as its safer compared to driving into starting lines of local traffic!

4. Pack Light and Mindfully

Yes, your luggage weight also determines how much fuel consumption better transportation services do require. The heavier thing is a plane or car the more fuel it consumes, growing Carbon emissions. One easy way to do this is by simply packing light. Pack only the necessities and concentrate on clothing that is functional, and can be worn numerous ways.

Also, include such environment-friendly items as a refillable water bottle, bamboo toothbrushes and biodegradable toiletries. Carry your own bag and container to avoid using single-use plastics.

5. Reduce Water and Energy Use

When on holiday, keep in mind of what you consume… Water and energy. And the world could use another environmentally friendly hotel, so why leave it at home? If you really feel inclined to make a change two days after guest lecturing, perhaps wear clothes more than once and simply put on an extra layer when it gets cold. While many eco-friendly hotels promote opening your windows, even if they do not… you should.

6. Buy Local and Sustainable

One of the most important aspects on eco-friendly travel is promoting local economy. Avoid larger chain restaurants or international brands in favor of local eateries, artisan markets for shopping etc. It also cuts down on the carbon footprint made by all those container ships crossing oceans while allowing more of your money to benefit our local families, and entrepreneurs.

Support businesses that use sustainable practices such as providing locally grown food, biodegradable containers or helping save community lands.

7. Respect Wildlife and Nature

Travelling is all about how you leave the same impact on nature or wildlife. Dont participate in animal activity such as elephants ride, or visiting poor kepted animals place. Go for ethical wildlife experiences like eco-tours or care centers where you can see rescued and rehabilitated animals up-close.

Avoid impacting ecosystems by staying on the designated trail when hiking and never leaving trash in natural areas. Problem is to keep nature exactly as you met it.

8. Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Travel, even with the best of intentions is typically problematic from a carbon perspective (if you fly). Offset your impact — buy carbon offsets, for example. Airlines as well as a host of independent companies offers programs that will allow fliers to offset the emissions resulting from their flights. Currently, a majority of the funds are used to support projects that help in reducing carbon like reforestation or renewable energy initiatives.

You can also offset your carbon footprint by planting trees or donating to conservation programs in the destinations you travel.

Conclusion

Green getaways can be sustainable and you will still love your trip. With simple changes to the way that you travel, such as picking a sustainable destination or business or by reducing waste levels when travelling; you can have this experience with minimal impact on your planet. Sustainability travel is not sacrificing the joys of seeing world, its enjoying these while ensuring they indeed stay for our next generations to come.

With these eight tips to inspire your next adventure, you can travel with an easy heart; ensuring that your get aways are not just taking a toll on the earth but rather benefiting our planet and supporting local communities.

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