Traditionally, vacations (whether within the country or abroad) come with a large price tag and an even larger carbon footprint. Depending on the mode of travel, the carbon footprint (which is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person, organization, or location at a given time) can cause great harm to the surrounding ecosystem.
Explore Green Travel Destinations
Luckily, there is a growing trend within larger, more visited cities, to become more "green" or environmentally friendly. Improvements to public transportation systems, facilities, and energy consumption have helped protect the already fragile environment in which they are located. When searching for a green travel destination that produces the least amount of environmental damage, consider these factors:
- Find a low-impact hotel to stay during the trip
- Gauge whether popular sites are within walking distance to each other or the hotel
- Explore public transportation options
- The population density of the area versus green space
Green Accommodations
Staying at a "green" inn, motel, hotel or bed and breakfast helps prevent excess waste from entering the surrounding area. Although many chain hotels have begun to incorporate greener policies, they are still far from being environmentally friendly.
Smaller, privately-owned accommodations located within a "green" business districts tend to be more proactive when implementing environmentally conscious practices. Although it costs the private business owner more to become green initially, the revenue and income they can experience usually returns their investment. When deciding where to stay, try to support the small business owner more than the large hotel chain.
Green Sightseeing
One of the most important factors in a vacation is the activity or attraction that is to be visited. Try staying near the attraction's location. If more than one attraction is on the agenda, try routing travel ahead of time. By doing this, public transportation options may become more sensible and the tour will be less stressful when traveling from one stop to another.
Another good idea is to try grouping events or attractions. Each group should be arranged in a way that limits the actual amount of travel for the day. Optimally, each group of stops should be arranged in a way that allows walking (rather than driving or riding in a vehicle) to each. This way, the only times vehicle-based transportation is needed are the initial trip from the hotel to "stop number one" and the trip back. If walking or biking can be the sole form of travel during the entire trip, the carbon footprint left behind will be minimal.
Include Natural Attractions
Rather than going out for a "night on the town", try visiting local parks and recreational areas. Often overlooked, National, State, County, and Municipal parks can provide entertainment that is not only free, but clean. Vacations are meant to provide an escape from life's repetition, but sticking to what is known hinders their purpose. Parks preserve natural habitats and provide a refuge from the daily grind. Escape from the everyday experience and give nature a chance to show what it has to offer.
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