5 Tips for Planning an Eco-Friendly Trip

As travel restrictions start to ease up in the US and around the world, we’re beginning to see a surge of travelers itching to get to their dream destinations. But what most people might not be aware of is that the tourism industry is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions. Moreover, transport-related emissions from tourism are predicted to rise up to 25% by 2030, unless action is taken.

To support government policies and the industry’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of travel, here are several steps you can take to ensure a safer, more eco-friendly trip.

Choose To Go By Land Instead of Air

Aviation is responsible for 12% of emissions from all transport sources, and the entire industry produces 2% of the world’s overall carbon emissions. So, in instances where you’re vacationing close to home, charter buses and trains tend to be the most climate-friendly options. This, of course, also depends on how many people you’re traveling with. Research has shown that a car that has only one rider emits up to four times more emissions than a car with four passengers in a 200-mile trip. So if you’re traveling with family or friends, a good road trip can be a fantastic way to spend time with them and lower your group’s carbon footprint.

Walk If You Can

While this tip applies to everyday errands as well, walking on vacations can not only help you be more eco-friendly, but also save you money on transportation costs. Besides, taking walks allows you to savor the sights and sounds of the local area. When choosing destinations, you can also opt for ones that can let you take walking tours through the city or the countryside, or hike through nature. Also consider activities that combine experience with environmental benefits, such as beachside clean-ups.

Pick Your Travel Agency Carefully

When picking your travel agency, try to make a decision based on sustainability efforts. With the rising demand for eco-friendly choices, many organizations are now hiring sustainability experts with specialized training to develop programs that emphasize the reduction of travelers’ carbon footprints. These experts are trained to develop strategies in sustainability that can help businesses reduce their environmental impact through better programs and services.

For instance, there are travel companies that specifically endorse airlines and hotels that prioritize sustainable practices. These eco-friendly options often include initiatives to reduce baggage tags and paper waste, or initiatives for transitioning into renewable energy.

Avoid Creating Waste

Single-use plastic waste takes centuries to break down, and travelers can end up contributing to the mass of plastic waste in landfills all over the world. Waste left behind could end up in the stomachs of animals, or pollute natural resources. One submarine trip even found a plastic bag deep in the Mariana Trench, which is a whopping 10,975 meters (36,000 feet) beneath the ocean’s surface.

Bring reusable items such as cotton or canvas bags, water jugs, food containers, straws, and utensils. That way, you can cut down on single-use plastics, and even save a bit of money as you go. Many of these items our travel agency gifts to our clients as a thank you gift for booking their travel with us.

Do Your Research

Besides the tips that we’ve listed here, it’s also a tourist’s responsibility to do research before heading out on a trip. Research can benefit your trip in many ways— for one, there’s the question of staying safe from transmittable diseases like COVID, and staying updated on travel prerequisites for different states and destinations. Looking for eco-friendly accommodations and sustainable alternatives is one way to cancel out the impacts of travel.

Although it doesn’t seem like much, conscious choices like these are often the best way to manage your carbon footprint on your trip. If every tourist made sustainable choices, we’d be able to enjoy the best of what our incredible world has to offer for much, much longer.

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This is a guest blog post. We are always open to featuring guest content on our website so please contact us if you have content you want to share with our audience. If you need help with planning your trip to, reach out to Anywhere But Here Travel.

AUTHOR BIO: Content intended only for the use of anywherebuthere.travel – Prepared by Chloe Hudson