Many people want to join the effort to be more eco-conscious and save the environment; however, only a few are aware that you can apply green practices even when traveling for the ultimate getaway trip. Travel choices also make an impact on the world, especially when you consider how one round-trip flight from New York to Europe already creates a warming equivalent of two to three tons of carbon dioxide per person.
That means you’re leaving behind a significant amount of carbon footprint in a single six-hour flight, which is why it is crucial to be more aware of the environmental effects of your travels. Fortunately, aiming for a sustainable trip will not compromise the quality of your vacation as much as you’d think.
While there are trade-offs involved, going for green travels can help you in the long run as it can reduce your vacation expenditures, making it a win-win for you and the environment. To that end, here are some eco-friendly travel tips you can pack along with you for a safe and sustainable vacation.
Tip #1: Support the Local Economy
Many countries spend a large sum on tourism, but the more significant chunk of it tends to leak out of the actual destination and onto global, corporate tourism operators. If you want to be a conscious traveler that wants to explore the city and taste what it has to offer, get in touch with the community by eating and shopping locally. Additionally, it’s good practice to stay in local accommodations and travel with local transport providers.
Speaking of transport, taking the train may be the best option if you want to explore one city to another. While it’s easier to hop on the next flight off to another exotic destination, going for the slower route is friendlier for the environment as it leaves a minimal carbon footprint. Walking or cycling through the new city are also excellent alternatives than taking buses or cabs.
Tip #2: Go for Airlines that Use Renewable Biofuels
Cutting out planes entirely on tourism isn’t a realistic solution – how else would people economically travel from one country to another, especially when it’s half a world away? With that in mind, there are progressive airlines that have adopted the use of renewable biofuels, which are produced from plant oils, agricultural waste, and food chips.
These renewable biofuels, as opposed to fossil fuels, can reduce carbon emissions by a whopping 80%. Airlines that invest in this eco-friendly approach are Qantas, American Airlines, JetBlue, Lufthansa, and KLM.
Tip #3: Book Your Stay in Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Many hotels and resorts are joining the eco-friendly movement as well as ensuring a more sustainable vacation for travelers. Apsara Beachfront Resort & Villa located in Khao Lak, Thailand is one such hotel. The resort located on the beachfront has introduced environmentally friendly policies and practices throughout the hotel operations. This includes an energy saving program, recycling waste and using eco-friendly and local products.
Throughout the hotel there are bins that segregate garbage, there is less use of plastic and trees are planted amongst the expansive resort grounds. Staff also perform a weekly beach clean-up which not only prevents garbage reaching the ocean and the marine life it also ensures the beach is beautiful and clean for guests.
If you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon resort on Khao Lak that is also environmentally conscious, get in touch with our team today to book your stay.
