With the increasing awareness about climate change, many travelers look for ways to be able to travel responsibly. Eco-friendly tourism is all about exploring this world in a more greener way with minimal negative impacts on the environment. As much as air travel, accommodation, and transport develop our carbon footprint, using responsible travel habits can reduce the impact of these. Let’s explore in more practical ways how to enjoy a greener journey and preserve the beauty of our earth for future generations.

1. Use Sustainable Transportation
One of the biggest emitters in traveling is transportation. Choosing sustainable transport can reduce your carbon footprint by as much as it can.

a) Travel by Flight Less, Travel by Flight Smart
The quantity of CO₂ emitted from flying is huge in its contribution. However, here are some of the ways air travel possibly can be greener:

• Fly Direct: Nonstop flights have less emission compared to flights with several layovers because most fuel is used during taking off and landing of planes.
• Choose Efficient Airlines: Some airlines incorporate sustainability into their activities by investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and purchasing carbon offsets. Research and support those airlines committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
• Travel light: The heavier the plane, the more fuel it consumes. Packing light may make a difference on long hauls.

b) Take Trains and Buses
Where trains and buses are feasible alternatives to flying, they are an infinitely greener option. In particular, train travel is very energy-efficient and often allows travelers to see beautiful routes while lowering their carbon footprint. For intercity travel in Europe or parts of Asia, high-speed rail is a great ecologically-friendly option.

c) Utilize Public Transport or Walk
Once you have arrived at your destination, refrain from car rentals as much as possible. Using public transportation, bike rentals, or simply walking are some of the most significant ways to reduce your carbon footprint—and provide a more intimate connection with the culture and landscape in question.

2. Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Where you stay can make a big difference in your overall environmental impact. Many hotels and lodgings are making conscious efforts to reduce their ecological footprints, often with eco-certifications to show their commitment.

a) Choose Eco-Certified Accommodations
There are a variety of eco-certifications that show that hotels are dedicated to sustainability; these include Green Key, LEED, and EarthCheck. Most of the certifications have certain criteria on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation that must be met by the hotels. Staying at an eco-certified hotel is one sure way of supporting businesses that support the planet.

b) Support Locally-Owned and Green Hotels
Locally-owned accommodations tend to have a smaller carbon footprint than big hotel chains. Smaller hotels often function on a local level for products and services, reducing transportation-related emissions. Look out for lodgings that use renewable energy, manage waste responsibly, and offer eco-friendly amenities.

c) Be Eco-Friendly during the Stay
Many hotels can facilitate options in reducing their environmental footprint by reusing towels and linens instead of washing daily. If you will be staying in a rental or Airbnb, consider bringing a few reusable items with you and avoid single-use plastics to minimize the waste generated.

3. Eat and Drink Sustainably
The food industry is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, right from the production cycle of food to its transportation. You can make a big difference by making eco-friendly choices about what to eat and where.

a) Consume Locally Sourced Foods
Supporting local cuisines made out of ingredients grown locally reduces long-distance transportation and lowers resulting emissions. Eating from farmers’ markets or restaurants that focus on the use of local ingredients helps you minimize your travel-related carbon footprint while experiencing the unique flavors of your destination.

b) Reduce Meat Consumption
Meat, especially beef, is a very resource-intensive commodity to produce due to the use of land and water and the emission of methane by livestock. Consume less meat or opting for plant-based dishes while traveling. Most destinations have plant-based local dishes that taste equally good as their meat counterparts.

c) Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics include plastic bags and straws that are not recyclable or difficult to recycle and find their way to oceans and landfills. Carry a refillable water bottle, utensils, and shopping bags that will reduce waste and decrease demand for single-use plastics.

4. Engage in Sustainable Activities
Sustainable travel doesn’t mean having to give up on exciting experiences. Most eco-friendly activities enable travelers to get connected with nature itself, support conservation, and even give back to the community.

a) Respect Nature Responsibly
Many activities—such as hiking, snorkeling, and animal watching—are virtually non-impact ways to experience a destination. However, visitors must adhere to the local guidelines for minimizing impact on the environment and animals. Stay on marked trails, never feed or touch animals, and refrain from collecting natural souvenirs such as shells or plants.

b) Choose Eco-Tourism Operators
Choose tour operators and travel agencies that offer eco-tourism. Many of them have a high rating for sustainability, conservation, and support to the community. By patronizing their service, you are most likely helping fund local environmental projects and conservation programs since part of your money will be funneled into the process.

c) Participate in Conservation Projects
Besides sightseeing, some green traveling tours create opportunities for holidaymakers to leave a mark in the environment. Almost every destination has volunteering opportunities available for short-term placement, such as beach cleanups, reforestation, and wildlife conservation. While these activities support the environment, they also create an avenue for travelers to gain deeper understanding of and develop empathy with local ecosystems and the challenges that confront them.

5. Offset Your Carbon Emissions
Even the best planning cannot totally avoid some carbon emissions related to travel. The use of carbon offset programs can neutralize the environmental impacts of unavoidable emissions.

a) Understand Carbon Offsetting
Carbon offsetting is accomplished by investing in projects that either reduce or absorb greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Examples of such projects include reforestation, renewable energy generation, and methane capture. You offset your emission when you balance the environmental impact brought about by your travel.

b) Invest in Reliable Carbon Offset Programs
A number of reliable programs will have travelers calculate and offset their carbon emissions, like Gold Standard, Green-e, and MyClimate. Look for programs whose focus is on high-quality, verified projects in which your investment really makes a difference for the environment.

c) Offset Both Travel and Stay
While flying usually is the major contributor to a traveler’s carbon footprint, other activities like car rentals, consumption of food, and Aggregately accommodation do produce emissions. Consider offsetting the emissions of your whole trip, not just of your flight, for an all-round contribution toward sustainability.

6. Spread the Word on Sustainable Travel
Lastly, sharing your experiences and motivating others about eco-friendly travel is one of the best ways to promote it.

a) Educate Fellow Travelers
Most people would want to travel more sustainably, but most of them do not know how or where to start. You may inspire and educate people for environmentally conscious choices by sharing tips and information about eco-friendly travel practices. Create awareness on social media, blogs, or casual conversations.

b) Destinations Supporting and Businesses Committed to Sustainability
The more travelers seek sustainable practices, the more the destinations and businesses will be committed to the call to meet demand. Supporting eco-friendly businesses benefits the environment and encourages sustainability in the community of tourism in that area.

c) Leave No Trace
A simple yet profound guiding principle, “leave no trace” inspires people to minimize their impact on locations they visit. Be one who always cleans up after herself, respects the local ecosystems, and follows regulations set to protect natural areas—be it in a national park, bustling city, or beach side.