How to Be a More Eco-Friendly Traveler

Trying to be a more eco-friendly traveler? You don’t have to give up the luxuries you love in order to save the planet. Here are four ways you can start making your travel a bit healthier for Mother Earth.

Try Local (and Sustainable)

Keep your money in the town you’re visiting by picking locally owned and operated hotels, restaurants and activities. While this might be an easy task at home, where you might know the restaurant down the street is owned by the family across town and they buy their ingredients from a farm outside the city, it can be more of a challenge when traveling. Do your research and make sure you’re supporting brands and people who deserve it — not just a corporation.

Opt for Better Transportation

Skip hopping into an Uber every time you have to get from Point A to Point B. If you can’t walk, consider renting a bike or taking public transportation of some kind. If none of these options are feasible, consider getting an Uber Pool rather than an entire car all to yourself.

Pick an Inspiring Destination

Head to the great outdoors and realize exactly what it is your small choices can help save. While a trip to the big city doesn’t lend itself to saving the planet, when you’re out among some of nature’s finest wonders, you can’t help but feel obligated to make sure they stick around for future generations.

It’s the Little Things

Even if you can’t take public transportation, or find a local hotel in your destination, you can still make small changes throughout your trip that end up having a big impact. Use reusable water bottles while in the airport or on the go. Skip the plastic straws and napkins when eating out and look for recycling bins before tossing your trash straight in the garbage.