The Complete Guide on Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

Do you think an article on Eco-friendly travel tips will entice you?

Tell me honestly, have you ever thought of an Eco-friendly trip?

Well, we travel to explore new things, to discover ourselves and the most important thing is to enjoy. But we all know about the environmental changes that have taken place due to several reasons.

To protect the environment is our fundamental responsibility of being a responsible citizen. Why not take the initiative in keeping the environment clean even when you are on a trip?

For that, I have come up with 17 simple Eco-friendly travel tips, an initiative that should be taken by all.

You might think why should you take responsibility for the environment. Maybe your one small attempt can inspire others.

Eco-friendly travel doesn’t have to be boring it is preferably an active effort towards a sustainable livelihood. With some simple steps, we all can help our planet.

Let’s figure out how to be a responsible traveler.

Here are the 17 best Eco-friendly travel tips that you should know and follow.

Use Efficient transportation

Choosing the right mode of transportation is one way to travel environment-friendly.

Saving fuel and energy is simple if you opt to travel on a non-stop flight. Choosing a non-stop flight is always a better option for the environment. I would say it save time too.

I hate airport layover so every time there is a travel plan I try to book e-tickets and choose non-stop flight if that is available.

Consider traveling in train overflights if it is short-distance travel.

Several airlines nowadays keep an option for e-ticket over printed ones which is yet another one of the best ways to make your travel eco-friendly.

Turn off the lights

Now, this is one of the fundamental things that you should always do at home and in hotels. Before leaving your sweet home make sure to unplug all the electronic appliances.

Even when you are at the hotel don’t go out keeping all the lights and ac on. Keep your hotel windows open and let the daylight enter your room. Use rechargeable batteries while traveling.

Choose a Green Destination

There are a few countries that are trying hard to protect their local ecosystem, an initiative towards protecting our planet.

Places like Bhutan, Slovenia, Northern Ireland are among the many that are considered as ‘Green destination’. So, choosing them would not only be an adventurous journey but also an eco-friendly way to travel.

Bring reusable things

I travel often, and I am sad to say that while traveling I see people throwing garbage, plastic, packets of food on roads or paths. They don’t even bother thinking polluting the area.

Start packing reusable products. Use reusable things like water bottles, bags, travel mug and drinking straw. You will find plenty of such products on the market. Reusable products are incredibly travel-friendly.

I have a reusable water bottle and a snack bag. I carry both wherever I go.

Major Eco-friendly travel tips: Avoid using plastic

Plastics are harmful and considered dangerous for the planet.

Billions of plastic products end up in the water bodies, resulting in environmental pollution.

Almost everywhere we see plastic lying around clogging the drains in the city, polluting the national parks and every other tourist place.

It’s our environment; you have to keep it clean and protect it. It’s time to take a stand for our planet.

Start reducing the use of plastic products while travel and encourage others to do the same.

Several stores now use paper bags instead of plastic. I appreciate their effort to decline the use of plastic. Even, if you see others throwing down plastics on the road, please tell them why they shouldn’t use plastics.

Sometimes we need to step up to educate others.

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Don’t waste water

There are places in the world where people don’t even get sufficient water for their livelihood. Even a drop of water is everything. Water is life and being a responsible person, you should never waste water.

By doing a few simple things, you can help saving water during your trip.

For Example:

Call housekeeping when it is necessary. You don’t have to give away the towels every day for washing. Reusing the towels is okay.

Don’t leave the tap water open or make an effort to cut down shower timing when you are in the hotel.

Use hybrid cars

If you are planning for a road trip, I will insist you go for a rental hybrid vehicle for fuel-efficiency.

Hybrid engines are fuel-efficient and can automatically switch between electric mode and gas to save fuel energy.

Can you imagine how much fuel it is saving?

Although there are some disadvantages of driving a hybrid car too especially if it covers a long-distance journey, you won’t find an electric charger for hybrid vehicles everywhere.

But hybrid cars are ideal for a short road trip.

I think a road trip is the best way to enjoy a vacation. Also, you can use public transport like bus and train more.

Take a walking tour

Exploring a place by foot is always better. Walking keeps you physically fit and the best way to go Eco-friendly.

Go for a hike with your group of friends or fellow travelers.

I believe if you walk around a city you will discover more. Spend your day walking around the city, learn more about the city and its culture. Walking is always cheaper and can save you money while traveling.

City tour with a bike

Well! I am not a much walking kind of a person so wherever I see a rental bike, I seek an opportunity to grab that and ride throughout the city.

If not walking then choose cycling around the city. Mostly, all the major cities have a rental bicycle, to make the town go ‘green.’

It’s easy and fun to ride along with your friends or partner and see what the new place has to offer you.

It is indeed a good exercise as we all know.

Stop Instagramming

You must be thinking of how Instagramming can affect our planet?

Well, lately with the increase in popularity of Instagram, tourists are posting pictures of everything and everywhere.

If they come across to any beautiful natural landscape, the first thing they do is take out their phone and start posting images with hashtags.

The probability is tons of people view the photo and they get inspired to travel (which is a good thing) but they target to visit that less populated place. In a year maybe, that place can be seen overflowing with tourists.

“Some places should be left undiscovered and untampered. Leave as it is.”

Buy local

Buying local organic products is a great way to explore a place and indeed it is environmental too.

“Go Local” means buy and eat from the local farmers and restaurants. As a traveler, you go to a new place to enjoy and explore.

So, why not thinking of spending your money on locally produced food and services to support the locals. It will give them an opportunity to earn from a traveler like us, and an even best way to support the local community of that place.

Especially say, if you are going to a town driving from the city. Visit the locally owned businesses and pay your respect for their products.

Always Use Trash

Why throwing trash on the roads? Do you throw garbage at your home too?

The government should make strict guidelines on cleanliness across the world. Disposing trash in the correct place is one of the simplest things one could do.

It is mainly a crucial step to “go green” in developing countries.

Like my country India which is a beautiful country indeed but at the same time ‘dirty’ of which I am ashamed. I see, there is a pattern in the mindset of the people.

Even, though our government has installed ‘trashcans’ at both sides of the road, still a certain percentage of people find it I don’t know may be amusing to throw trash on the roadside. It’s a disgusting feeling.

Traveling or not but cleanliness is one of the easiest ways to “Go Green.” Join support groups and volunteer in environment cleaning activities. Do promote your event and inspire others to do the same.

Try Going Vegan

Becoming vegan is tough for some, but you can try vegan during your trip to make it environment-friendly. It’s difficult for a meat-lover to choose going vegan, but at least you can try.

If you can cook a vegan dish delicious, you won’t miss the meat. Above all, if you wish to try vegan, you can start a meal chart like go ‘weekend vegan’ or ‘twice a week vegan.’

Recycle

Recycle is economical and environmental both. You will see bins or boxes painted ‘Recycle’ on them, make sure to throw recycle items there so that waste materials can be recycled.

You will find recycling bins in airports, hotels and even on the roadside in several cities. Choose your hotel stay where they have a recycling program

Book a green-certified hotel stay if you can

While booking accommodation, look for a hotel stay that has environmental-friendly programs like encourage using recyclable products, eco-friendly toiletries, save water program, etc.

Enjoy low-carbon activities

Traveling will be fun if you do try low-carbon sports activities like trekking, swimming, rafting, kayaking. These are entirely ‘go green’ activities that everyone enjoys.

Respecting Natural Beauty

A tourist should always appreciate nature and its species. Don’t hurt animals or plants while engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or touring.

Don’t attempt to disturb the animals, give them space. Don’t try to scare them. Don’t do anything where you risk yourself and your fellow traveler’s life.

Always travel in a group or with a guide, especially when you are visiting some other country.

Conclusion

Be purposeful when you travel. It is only us who can keep our planet green. Billions of people are traveling, and several baby steps by us all can make a significant change.

All the above 17 best Eco-friendly travel tips is a way to contribute towards maintaining the ecological balance.