What is Green Travel?

Green travel may sound like a catchphrase, but really it's quite the contrary. Green travel is synonymous with eco-tourism, sustainable tourism and responsible travel, a concept that many travelers have become interested in, in the past few years.

While there are various ecotravel options, the crux of green travel is about protecting the natural and cultural environment of the places you visit. That means conserving plants, wildlife and other organic resources; respecting local cultures and ways of life; and contributing positively to places you visit.

Why Should I Consider Green Travel?

With nearly 1 billion tourists traveling the globe every year, it's more important than ever for travelers to minimize their individual impact on the earth's natural and cultural treasures.

Taking a green approach to travel is an easy and essential way to protect the places you love to visit, not just for yourself, but for the travelers who visit after you, and for the people who will continue to live there long after you've flown home. As an added bonus, you might be in for a more rewarding, authentic travel experience, encouraging deeper connections with the people and places you visit.

Even Though I've Booked Flights, How Can I Fly Green?

Though airplanes are major contributors to the global carbon emissions issues, you can still fly Green. There are steps you can take to make your trip a big gentler on the planet.

1. Instead of Using Airline Disposables: Reduce waste by bringing your own sustainable versions. A bring-your-own kit for airline travel might include a cozy travel pillow to rest your head on, a Sigg Bottle (eco-friendly, reusable water bottle.

Some websites offer really cool, uniquely designed bottles), or other reusable, non-breakable containers that you can fill with water instead of taking those little plastic containers from the steward or stewardess, and lightweight bamboo or plastic cutlery that you can rinse and reuse for your next flight..

2. Travel in a New Airplane: A start-up airline will usually invest in a state-of-the-art fleet at their launch, so a solid green rule is to keep an eye out for any newcomers to the airline marketplace, and book a flight with that airline.

Each new generation of airplanes is more fuel-efficient, made from lighter materials and designed to get more miles to the gallon, so taking your trip in one of the newest airplanes will burn less gas and leave behind less pollution than the same flight in an older plane.

3. Offset Your Airplane Travel: For business travelers, buying carbon credits to offset your plane travel isn't a complete solution, but it does help. What will help even more is if you can get your company to sponsor carbon offsets for all the business travel that employees do. Showing green leadership in your industry with that kind of step also makes for great PR for the company, so everybody wins

Choosing an Eco-Friendly Hotel

If you searched the internet for eco-friendly hotels, or green hotels, you would find a number of environmentally friendly hotels, B & B's and lodges around the world. These are a good place to start. Keep in mind is that each website has its own way of rating properties. Make sure that you do proper research to ensure that the hotel meets the eco-standards you are looking for.

Important questions to ask before you book your hotel.

1. Is the hotel locally owned and operated? If not, is it at least staffed by local employees?
2. What kind of recycling programs does the hotel have, i.e., aluminum, plastic, paper, gray water, composting?
3. Do guests have the option to reuse towels and sheets, instead of having them changed every day?
4. In what way does the hotel contribute to the local community?

During your Stay at an Eco-Friendly Hotel

Even if you're not spending the night in an eco-lodge or green hotel, there are still several easy steps you can take to make your stay more eco-friendly.

1. Keep your showers short, and shut off the water while you're brushing your teeth.

2. While leaving the room, make sure you turn off the air conditioning, heat, television, lights or any other electronic devices.

3. Reuse your sheets and towels instead of having them changed daily. Many hotels will not replace your towels if you leave them hanging up neatly. If you're not sure, write a note for the housekeeping staff or notify the front desk that you do not wish to have your sheets and towels changed.

4. Bring your own toiletries and drinking cup, rather than using the prepackaged ones provided. If you do use the hotel's toiletries, take them with you and use them at home or during the rest of your trip.

5. Know your hotel's recycling program and sort your trash accordingly.

6. Give your hotel feedback. Express your appreciation for any eco-friendly programs it currently offers. If it doesn't, encourage the management to go green in the future.

Eco-Friendly Sightseeing

When it comes to visiting the world's most beautiful places, the old saying rings true, "Take nothing but photographs, and leave nothing but footprints".

1. Travel with a tour operator that's environmentally responsible. Before you book, be sure to ask about group size, whether the tours are led by locals, how the tour operator gives back to the community, and what kind of lodging is included.

2. When hiking, always stay on marked trails and maintain a safe distance from any animals you encounter. Deposit your trash in marked receptacles or take it with you when you leave. Light campfires only in established fire rings and be sure they're completely extinguished before you leave.

3. When snorkeling, do not touch the coral or stir up sediment, as these actions can damage the reef's fragile ecosystem.

4. Try to buy local products whenever possible instead of those that have been flown or shipped in from overseas. You'll support the local economy and get a taste of native cuisine. Do not, however, buy souvenirs or other products made from endangered animals or plants. In most cases you can't be able to get them through Customs anyway.

5. Treat the locals with respect. Make an effort to learn the local language, even if it's just a few simple words or phrases. Be open to cultural differences, and read up on the area before your trip so you're sensitive to issues of dress and behavior.

6. Consider taking a volunteer vacation to give back directly to the place you're visiting.

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