Aspiring to travel green may seem difficult if you are unsure how to approach it; however, it can be very simple and will have a big impact on your carbon emissions. It will require some initial effort as you become accustomed to the changes, but soon enough it will become second nature. Read all about our 10 tips for a green vacation in order to leave a positive impression on your trip, the places you’ve visited and our planet!

1. Cut down on waste

The simplest method to reduce your waste while travelling is to take the time to recycle your items. If there is no recycling bin around, take the opportunity to hold onto your items and find the proper disposal bins. This seemingly effortless task has an enormous impact on our planet. Simple tips like using reusable water bottles and containers can go a long way in reducing waste while travelling!

2. Electricity at home

People often forget to turn off major appliances and simple plugin items before leaving for a holiday.  Simply unplugging items such as TV’s, hair appliances, sound systems and kitchen appliance have a huge effect on the amount of electricity being used. It only takes a few extra minutes before departure, and you have made a green contribution to the planet while enjoying your holiday away.

3. Green methods of transportation

At the beginning of the planning process, it is important to start thinking about green methods of transportation during your holiday. If you are driving to your holiday destination, consider using a hybrid or electric powered vehicle as opposed to a regular gas car. If your holiday destination requires flying, try to book flights that are non-stop. The production of carbon emission used for take-offs and landings are the main accomplices for the total amount of carbon emissions used during a flight. By choosing a non-stop flight, you are minimizing, to the best of your ability, the amount of carbon emission being produced.

4. Eco-friendly hotels

Many hotels around the world who are aspiring to join the “Go Green” movement are participating in the LEED certification program. This is a program that grades hotels on sustainability, water savings, energy efficiency, and how environmentally friendly their productions run. This is an excellent source in finding an eco-friendly hotel for your travels. Small acts, such as leaving your do-not-disturb sign on the door in order to avoid getting your room laundered and cleaned every single day also goes a long way in reducing your carbon impact while travelling.

5. Ethical travel destination

One of the first steps you can do in order to have an eco-friendly holiday is to choose your destination wisely. What it means to choose an ethical destination is to visit countries that promote human rights, are environmentally conscious of their practices and supportive of local workers and communities. This is a fantastic way to travel while keeping into consideration how we affect the world through tourism and community building. If you are unsure about finding an ethical destination, ethicaldestination.org is a great source that explains and recommends ethical destinations.

6. Walk, bike transit around town

As easy as it is to jump into an uber or taxi to get to your next destination, consider taking a bicycle or walk around town. By simply avoiding unnecessary car rides, you are able to reduce your carbon emissions significantly, as well as the added bonus of exploring the town in which you are visiting!

7. Community-based tourism

When choosing activities to participate in while travelling abroad, we highly recommend community-based tourism in order to participate in sustainable tourism. There are many different tourist attractions that most countries offer, so make sure to do your research and choose attractions that preserve wildlife, utilize natural resources and hire & care for local workers.

8. Take your time in each city

It’s a common mistake to go to a foreign country and try and see every major city and every major attraction. Although over packing your schedule may seem tempting, we recommend not spreading yourself too thin! Wouldnt you rather see more of a few things than a little of multiple? Take your time in each place, enjoy and embrace the environment that you are currently visiting in ease, after all, you’re on vacation to relax!

9. Buy local products

There’s no better way to fully immerse yourself in the local culture than by participating in local products purchasing. Like local natives in a foreign town, enjoy the products that the country offers naturally, rather than purchasing imported goods and foods. Take the time to enjoy the local food markets for meals, and take advantage of weekend markets for gifts and souvenirs.

10. Have a proper medical care plan in place 

Although thinking about potential emergencies may seem daunting while planning a holiday, it is very important that you are fully covered for a medical emergency while travelling. Whether you are travelling to a high-risk zone or a popular holiday city, it is crucial to be prepared for anything. Not only does a medical emergency have a huge financial burden, but it can also have a negative impact on our carbon emissions. The unnecessary events of extra travel and supplies (cars, gas, non-recyclable materials) should try and be avoided as much as possible in order to lower our global emission footprint.  Click here for a free online quote and learn all about your travel medical needs! If you find yourself in the position where you are needing a hospital or clinic, we have created an introductory list of hospitals by region, and country to facilitate your search in your time of need. Click here to view all the hospitals by region. 

Keeping these 10 tips for a green vacation in mind while planning and enjoying your holiday will surely lower your carbon emissions impact on the planet, while still allowing you and your family to enjoy a fun-filled and adventurous holiday!