There is a good chance that even though you might live a very eco-conscious lifestyle when
you are at home, that goes out the window once you head out your front door on vacation.
It’s a common issue which has many people wondering what they can do while they’re on
vacation to maintain their green lifestyle.
After all, the needs of the environment don’t go away simply because we go on holiday.
Here are a few helpful tips on how you can continue all of your great green habits while
on the road:
1. Turn off the lights and air conditioner or heater when
you’re not in your hotel room
It is easy to forget to flip the light switches off and make sure the heater or air conditioner
is turned off, especially when you are rushing out to see some exciting new sight.
And if you are visiting a very warm or very cold climate, it certainly is nice to return to a
comfortable temperature.
But just like at home, those things suck up a lot of energy and can even drive up hotel rates.
2. Use public transportation
It is not always practical to use public transport, like when you are visiting off the beaten
path type locales.
But when it is available, it is a very eco-friendly way to get around.
It also happens to be a fantastic way to get to know the city you are visiting.
Most modern cities have made public transportation as user-friendly as possible, so even
if you don’t speak the language you should have little trouble moving around freely.
3. Tour your new city on a bicycle
A fun way to get around that is catching on in cities around the globe is bicycle rentals.
With a good map or GPS in hand, you can get around the city like a local and see so much
more than you can through the window of a cab or a rental car.
And you won’t spend a moment worrying about where to find parking or how to locate
the nearest gas station.
Bonus tip: try a walking tour.
Many places have them now and it can be an enjoyable way to make sure you take in all
the local flavor, sights and sounds.
4. Skip the plastic disposable bottles
Plastic water bottles are just convenient.
We get it.
But they are also one of the biggest problems when it comes to pollution.
And there is nothing more disappointing than going to some beautiful or historic spot and
finding it littered with half empty water bottles.
You can avoid the mess and the guilt by bringing a refillable water bottle with you from home.
If you are concerned about saving space in your luggage, you can find a collapsible bottle that
lies flat and even rolls up when it’s empty.
5. Avoid the plastic bags
If you can’t or don’t want to sacrifice the space in your luggage to bring your own reusable
bags with you, you can always buy a reusable bag once you get to your destination.
It is always easy to find simple canvas bags wherever you go.
If you find one with the name of the town you’re visiting, it can double as a souvenir.
6. Use rechargeable batteries
You will probably be taking plenty of photos, so plan ahead and fill your camera with
rechargeable batteries.
Just don’t forget to pack your battery charger!
7. Reuse your bed linens and towels
Most hotels will automatically give you fresh, clean towels every day.
This uses up a lot of resources.
There’s a good chance that you don’t use a clean towel to dry off with every time you take a shower,
so you can probably get along with the same towel for a few days.
Just call down to the front desk and let them know not to restock your linens every day.
About the Author
Will Norquay is a frequent business traveler who shares his experiences and thoughts writing for Stayz, Australia’s #1 holiday rental website
Do you love to travel?
What are your favorite tips for being eco-conscious while traveling?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
What a great article! I so agree with turning off the TV and lights when you leave your hotel room, and definitely reuse your towels. Thanks for the great reminder!
Thank you for the tips. They are a great reminder that we can be kind to the earth, even when we are not at home!