Stay Green: How to Master Eco-Friendly Travel
A vacation is a time of relaxation, exploration, and all-round merriment. However, our stress-free vacation can have a great impact on everyone and everything around us, especially the environment.
However, the good news is that there are ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint without having to compromise on your long-awaited trip. Here are some ways to stay green while travelling.
Consider the little things There are many ways to book a green vacation and you don’t have to make huge sacrifices in order to do so. Some of the little things that you can do include:
- Leave no trail. Whatever you bring, make sure to either bring back or dispose of carefully. The sight of you picking up after yourself might just be enough to convince someone else to do the same.
- Bring your own toiletries. Those little plastic bottles can build up, especially since many hotels replace them every day, no matter if they are only partly used. Using your own toiletries not only cuts down on waste, but also reminds you of home whilst you’re away.
- Bring your own water bottle. As long as you’re travelling to a place that has consistent access to clean water, bringing your own reusable water bottle will help cut down on waste and landfill.
Choose your destination wisely
There are some cities that have taken a real interest in sustainability. There are also areas that have built eco-friendly resorts. Take Auckland, New Zealand. It’s a great example of how a large city can have eco-friendly lodging, even in the middle of the city center. From solar-powered hotels to 2 person yurts, there are many accommodation options for travellers to choose from, and flights to Auckland are actually pretty affordable, so if you want to see a sustainable city at its peak head there is summer.
Auckland from Mission Bay, image by Jaafar Alnasser, shared under a Creative Commons Licence
Other, more out there eco-friendly areas are:
- Borneo. The government has focused heavily on eco-friendly tourism, which is why many of the resorts are completely self-sustainable. You’ll find eco-friendly tours and all manner of activities that bring you closer to nature, all with the help of locals. You’re liable to see all kinds of creatures, with orangutans, elephants, and leopards all prowling the jungle.
- Australia. In the Greater Blue Mountains Area, a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, nature runs free. With a wealth of eco-friendly lodges sprinkled throughout, this UNESCO world heritage site is a view into the diversity of life in Australia. Deep cliffs and inaccessible valleys define the landscape, while rare flora and wildlife bring together the community.
As you can see, a green vacation can be easy to achieve. A little planning goes a long way, and a simple online search can find eco-friendly lodging in most areas. Every little thing helps, because after all, we only have one Planet Earth.
About the Author: Steven Shue is a nature lover and passionate traveller looking for ways to minimise his carbon footprint, one country at a time. When not traveling, he can usually be found in a library or on the beach.
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