Eco-conscious travel is more than a trend—it’s a movement. As travelers become more aware of their environmental impact, they’re adopting new habits to ensure their adventures are as sustainable as they are memorable. Here are 21 tips from seasoned American globetrotters to help you travel greener.
1. Pack Light
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Packing light not only saves your back but also reduces fuel consumption on planes, trains, and automobiles. The less a vehicle weighs, the less fuel it uses, making your travel footprint smaller.
2. Choose Direct Flights
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Whenever possible, opt for direct flights. Take-offs and landings create most of an airplane’s carbon emissions, so choosing a direct route reduces these impacts significantly.
3. Stay Local
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Choosing locally-owned hotels and B&Bs not only supports the local economy but also tends to be more sustainable than staying at larger, international chain hotels. Smaller establishments typically use less energy and resources.
4. Bring Reusables
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Avoid single-use plastics by bringing your own reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and utensils. This simple step can significantly cut down on waste while traveling.
5. Public Transport Over Taxis
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Whenever you can, choose public transportation over taxis or rental cars. Buses, trains, and subways are far more efficient per capita than cars.
6. Eat Local
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Eating locally-sourced food not only tastes better, it also reduces your carbon footprint. Local cuisine requires less transportation and packaging, and supports local farmers.
7. Walk or Bike
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Explore new places on foot or by bike. It’s a zero-emission form of transportation that lets you see things you might miss from a car window.
8. Eco-friendly Tour Operators
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Choose tour operators that commit to environmental practices. Look for certifications like Eco-Tourism Certified to ensure they follow sustainable practices.
9. Digital over Print
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Use digital tickets and maps instead of printing them. Most smartphones can handle all your travel documents now, reducing paper waste.
10. Respect Wildlife
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Always respect local wildlife and their habitats. Keep a safe distance, and never feed wild animals to ensure their health and safety.
11. Volunteer
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Consider a volunteer vacation where you can help local communities with conservation projects. It’s a rewarding way to give back to the places you visit.
12. Avoid Over-Touristed Spots
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Visiting less popular destinations can help reduce over-tourism, which often leads to environmental degradation and cultural disruption.
13. Carbon Offsetting
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Invest in carbon offset programs. Many airlines offer these when booking, and they contribute to projects like reforestation or renewable energy.
14. Conserve Water
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Be mindful of water usage. Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, especially in areas where water is scarce.
15. Solar Chargers
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Use solar-powered chargers for your electronics. They’re great for travel and reduce your reliance on non-renewable power sources.
16. Use Eco-Friendly Products
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From sunscreen to bug spray, opt for products that are eco-friendly and biodegradable to avoid harming local ecosystems.
17. Travel in Off-Season
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Traveling during the off-season not only avoids crowds but also minimizes the impact on local resources that can be strained during peak times.
18. Educate Yourself and Others
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Learn about the environmental issues facing the places you visit. Sharing this knowledge with fellow travelers can multiply the positive impacts of your actions.
19. Choose Sustainable Activities
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Opt for activities that don’t harm the environment, like snorkeling over coral reefs without touching them or hiking while sticking to the trails.
20. Recycle
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When recycling options are available, take the time to sort your trash. If local recycling is limited, consider bringing recyclables home where facilities may be better.
21. Stay Informed
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Stay updated on the best practices for sustainable travel as new technologies and methods are always emerging. Continuous learning helps you travel more responsibly.
Travel Lightly on the Earth
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Traveling responsibly means taking steps, both big and small, to minimize your environmental impact. By implementing these tips shared by fellow eco-friendly American travelers, you can enjoy your global adventures while preserving the beauty of our planet for future generations.
Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
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Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
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American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
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Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
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