Traveling to a new and exciting place is a wonderful experience that everyone should pursue at least once in their lives. However, as concerned, green-living citizens already know, frequent global travel can and does affect the environment in a negative way. Planes, trains, and automobiles all contribute to pollution in varying degrees. And there are many who wonder if eco-friendly air travel is even possible given the current state of affairs. Fortunately, today we’re going to help environmentally conscious travelers put their minds at ease so that they can plan trips without adversely affecting the environment. Check out these five tips for more info:
Public Transport
Not only is hailing down cabs and ordering Ubers or Lyfts constantly a drain on your wallet, but it’s also bad for the environment. If at all possible, consider using public transport such as buses or trains when in a new city. The plus side here is that, in addition to being more environmentally sustainable, taking trains and buses will allow you to really get to know the inner-workings of a foreign place.
Drink the Water
Sometimes, travelers are advised not to drink tap water when visiting certain foreign countries. However, for the most part, it’s totally safe to drink tap water while on vacation. And of course, drinking tap water instead of bottled water is a more sustainable choice anyway!
Take a Walk
There are few things more refreshing than taking a stroll through a new city. Unsurprisingly, walking and bicycling are also pleasant methods to ensure you’re reducing your carbon footprint at the same time.
Enjoy the Local Flavor
Local foods, clothes, drinks, and products are worth exploring for a number of reasons. For our purposes, though, it makes sense for eco-conscious travelers to enjoy as many local amenities as possible to cut down on the shipping of foodstuffs and other products.
Conserve Water and Energy
Just because you’re not paying the utilities for your hotel room, doesn’t mean you should leave the lights on, the AC cranked up, or the faucets running when you’re not using them. Remember, these little actions can add up, so treat your hotel room with respect. This is good practice to preserve both the environment and to maintain hotel etiquette.
The Bottom Line
Naturally, even environmentally conscious tourists should also take steps to look after themselves while traveling. As such, there are a few things all travelers should keep in mind when planning a holiday. First, always make sure to pack all necessary items. Second, avoid any risky activities when traveling. And finally, consult with a medical professional both before and after your trip. Simply visiting a medical facility, an STD and HIV testing center, or even your local M.D. can help you ensure your health and wellness for future trips!
Article Submitted By Community Writer