How to Plan a Sustainable Summer Vacation

You don’t have to stop exploring the world because you’re concerned about your travel footprint. There are practical ways to manage your emissions while satisfying your wanderlust.

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Here are 6 things that you can do to have more sustainable vacations:

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Stay local

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You don’t need to cross oceans to find adventure or relaxation. Consider exploring treasures such as national parks, campsites, small towns, and scenic spots that could be just a day's drive away. You could also consider a staycation by booking a hotel in your town. A change of scene, even in a familiar place, can make you feel like you're on holiday. This is also a great way to support local businesses and reduce your travel emissions while still satisfying your wanderlust.

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Plan ahead

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Plan your trip smartly to make it a sustainable vacation. Group together activities that are near each other so you don't have to travel much between places. Stick to one area or neighborhood to explore more while reducing carbon emissions. Bring your essentials like toiletries, reusable bottles, and mugs to cut down on single-use plastic. Pack your food for the trip because buying food on planes, in airports, or on trains can be costly and usually involves single-use plastic.

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Use public transit

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Once you're at your destination, make public transit your go-to. Hop on trains or buses as they're sustainable and are also a great way to soak in the local vibe. If feasible, choose to walk, bike, skate, or unicycle (if you can). It is good for the planet, and your health, and who knows, maybe you’ll discover some hidden gems off the beaten path. If you’re taking a Lyft or Uber, choose Lyft Green or Uber Green to reduce the emissions of your ride by about 50%.

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Indulge in sustainable activities

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Find inherently sustainable activities at your destination. This will help you experience destinations in a manner that respects the environment and local communities. Get close to nature with camping, hiking, kayaking, or wildlife watching. Or, roll up your sleeves and join an eco-volunteer program. It's a great way to support conservation efforts or community development projects, and you'll be making a real difference.

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Stay in sustainable accommodations

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Loads of hotels, resorts, and lodges are doing their bit for the environment. Just Google “eco-friendly” hotels, and you'll find a ton of them Dig a little deeper on their sustainability pages to see their green credentials. Another easier way to find sustainable vacation places to stay is to search for properties with ecolabels and certificates such as Green Globe. If you’re planning to book an Airbnb, look for hosts that have a sustainable badge.

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Fly sustainably, if you have to

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It’s hard to always avoid air travel. If you're traveling solo, flying can have lower emissions than driving (check out our carbon footprint flying vs driving article). To cut down on your impact from flying, opt for direct flights as multiple landings and takeoffs increase fuel consumption. You can also opt for sustainable airports that prioritize features such as green buildings, effective waste management, and water conservation.

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