Tips for an Eco-Friendly Getaway

As sustainability continues to gain popularity, more individuals are being mindful of their carbon footprint and general impact on the planet—including in their travels. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to plan a green vacation, allowing you to enjoy your time away while also helping to protect the earth’s future.

Pack well

The first step is to make thoughtful choices about the clothing and other items you pack. For one, aim to travel light, whether you’ll be driving, flying, or boarding a train; doing so means less fuel will be required for your transportation, resulting in fewer polluting emissions overall. Stick to a smaller wardrobe featuring versatile tops, bottoms, and shoes that can be mixed and matched for multiple occasions and easily hand-washed if needed. For instance, a casual T-shirt pairs well with shorts for a walk downtown but can also be dressed up with sleek trousers for an evening out. Meanwhile, the only two types of shoes you may need are a pair of sneakers and something less casual for nicer occasions.

In addition, try to avoid creating single-use waste on your trip by bringing utensils and a straw you can utilize as needed at eateries and for takeout; just as valuable is a refillable water bottle with a filter, which can remove potential contaminants from local tap water. If you need to purchase toiletries ahead of leaving, you could also switch to a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush and opt for bars of soap and shampoo instead of bottles. On that note, resist taking those complimentary mini shampoo and conditioner bottles from the hotel—they may just end up in a landfill later.

Choose your transportation wisely

While venturing to a far-off locale can be thrilling, it can also eat up a lot of fuel. Some commercial planes can burn as much as twelve tons of it an hour, producing significant amounts of detrimental greenhouse gases. Instead, consider embarking on a road trip to explore beautiful destinations closer to home. If clean mountain air and sweeping vistas call to you, investigate natural destinations within your reach—perhaps the stunning Lake Tahoe, which straddles California and Nevada, for West Coasters or Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia for East Coasters. Both locations offer pristine waters ideal for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing along the shoreline. Alternatively, if the vibrant energy of a city experience beckons, take a short drive to a nearby bustling metropolitan area, where you can explore enriching museums, shop the storefronts for unique wares, and dine at fine restaurants to your heart’s content.

Of course, car travel does still leave a mark on the environment, so make sure to adopt sustainable measures to mitigate its effect. Consulting a navigation app will help you both map the most fuel-efficient route and circumvent drive-lengthening detours and traffic. Then when driving, maintain a steady speed to save fuel, using cruise control when possible; by avoiding unnecessary acceleration and braking on highways, you can reduce your total energy expenditure.

Another viable green option is train travel, which produces 72 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions per passenger than planes and 83 percent fewer than cars, according to Amtrak. And with over thirty routes reaching more than five hundred destinations, you could go just about anywhere. For example, hop aboard Amtrak’s Vermonter to visit any of the eclectic locales it stops at between Washington, DC, and St. Albans, Vermont. You could explore the iconic monuments in our country’s capital, catch a Broadway show and savor diverse cuisines in New York City, or lounge on the beach in the charming town of Waterbury, Vermont.

All that said, if you dream of traveling across the country or even overseas, you can still get your ideal vacation with careful planning. When possible, book a nonstop flight—much of a plane’s consumption occurs during takeoff and landing—or, at least, a trip with a relatively direct path. Also keep in mind your aircraft, searching for one that uses sustainable fuel, such as the Boeing 787. Further, rather than simply flying economy, consider a plane with more economy seats overall. Business and first-class sections take up more room, and the higher the seating capacity, the less the environmental impact per passenger since the fuel consumption is spread across more people.

Lodge responsibly

Selecting accommodations that prioritize conservation is an effective way to contribute to a greener trip. Many hotels, for instance, now minimize the need for artificial lighting by featuring large windows, provide guests with hydration stations for refilling their water bottles, and implement energy-saving features like smart thermostats and solar panels. You can usually find such details on their websites or in their listing information, or call to inquire directly.

As for your stay, there are several simple strategies that may reduce your environmental impact. Primarily, try to keep your showers to four minutes or less, turning off the water while you lather or shave to conserve even more, and set the thermostat at a moderate temperature. You can also limit your requests for daily housekeeping services, such as towel and sheet changes—the less that has to be washed from your room, the smaller your overall energy impact.

Green your itinerary

Make sure to carry over this sustainability mindset when determining your vacation itinerary as well. For recreation, this could mean enjoying a serene walking tour in the city instead of a bus one to see the sights. And when in the scenic wilderness, stick to marked trails and avoid littering to protect natural habitats. Be similarly mindful when dining out, choosing restaurants that source their ingredients locally to support area farmers and minimize the environmental costs of getting food to your plate. As a bonus, you’ll also be treated to fresher, more flavorful meals. Lastly, don’t forget the souvenirs! Prioritize handmade trinkets from artisans over mass-produced ones, or consider shopping for previously owned but well-made items at antique or thrift shops.

Enjoying a dream vacation while still being mindful of the planet doesn’t have to be difficult. By making thoughtful, eco-conscious choices throughout your trip, you can both create lasting memories and contribute to the earth’s well-being.