Traveling is one of life’s greatest adventures, but if you aren’t careful, those airline trips can cause serious damage to the environment. Studies show that every ten pounds that a passenger takes on an airplane equates to an additional 350 pounds of jet fuel used per year. Likewise, an idling passenger car can use a half gallon of fuel per hour when you’re stuck in holiday traffic. However, travel doesn’t have to put additional strain on our natural resources. Here are four ways that you can have an environmentally-friendly vacation.
Explore the Area Close to Home
Before you rack up airline miles or rent a Hum-V across the globe, consider travelling to areas that are accessible via public transit, bicycle, or where you can carpool with friends. International travel is wonderful, but constantly flying around the globe also takes its toll on the environment. Staggering your trains, planes, and automobile excursions with the ones that are closer to home will do the environment a favor in the long run.
Travel by Bus
Taking coach charter buses is one of the most economical and environmentally-friendly way to get around. Local charter buses achieve lower passenger miles per gallon than any other form of transit and are able to access those local-but-hard-to-reach destinations that you may have always wanted to visit. Coach charter buses are also more energy efficient and luxurious than traditional city buses, so you can still travel comfortably on a bus without having to worry about your carbon footprint.
Find an Eco-Friendly Vacation Spot
Campgrounds and outdoor lodges are a great way to get in touch with nature, but if you still want to have an up-scale vacation, look for hotels and lodges that use sustainable energy, recycle, and are conscientious in the materials that they wash. Online reviews are an easy way to see what accommodations do their part to protect the environment.
Be a Good Guest
Finally, always do your part to practice good stewardship no matter where you go. Always follow instructions regarding proper disposal of waste, particularly in protected habitats. Recycle, respect local wildlife, and stay on trails and footpaths. Be sure to use energy and water sparingly so that there is enough for everyone.
Travel doesn’t have to break the bank or cause terrible damage to the environment. As long as you are a conscious consumer, having a responsible vacation can be as easy as pressing a button.