Eco-friendly Travel Tips

Thanks to rapid advances in transportation, the number of people who travel for business or pleasure is on the rise every year.
It is important that people are environmentally conscious while traveling and take care to leave nothing but their footprints in the places they visit.

Here are some tips to help lighten the impact that travel has on the environment:

Choose a destination that is eco friendly, closer home for your holiday. Take the bus or the train, instead of driving down. If you do plan to drive, check tire pressure and cruise at 55mph for optimal fuel efficiency. Visit parks and nature reserves and native sites in the region and extend support to the green movement.
For long distances, travel by an airline that promotes eco-friendly travel. There are some airlines that are environmentally conscious and follow practices like recycling cabin waste and promoting electronic ticketing. Virgin Airlines has gone one step further and takes measures like towing away planes to a take-off grid which helps to save fuel and reduce carbon emissions.
At the hotel, avoid insisting that your towels and sheets be changed everyday. This would result in energy, water and detergent powder savings. Try to patronize a hotel that has green policies in place.
Shop for souvenirs that are eco friendly and boost the local craft endeavors. Avoid buying gifts which are made from animal products such as turtle shells and ivory.
If vacationing on a private yacht or a boat, ensure that there are no leakages that would contaminate the water. Keep handy pads that can absorb any spills and ensure that they are disposed off properly.
Ensure that there is no energy drain in your house while you are away by pulling the plugs on all appliances. Make sure that the air conditioning and the thermostat are turned down.
Short showers while on vacation instead of soaking in the tub would ensure that there is no water wastage. While leaving the hotel room ensure that the TV and lights in the room are turned off.
Solar power does not damage the environment, so carry solar-powered radios, calculators and cell-phone chargers on the trip. Digital cameras are more eco-friendly than a film camera.
Rent a bicycle or walk around to get a feel of the region that you are visiting instead of renting a car. Walking tours and hikes allow for interaction with the locals and an opportunity to observe the indigenous way of life.
On scuba diving and snorkeling trips, avoid touching underwater coral and marine flora.