Green travel can be achieved through various means, including using boats instead of planes, researching environmentally friendly hotels, and using public transportation. Guests can participate in linen reuse programs and recycle bins. Air travelers should check the type of plane and try to book a full flight. Train or bus travel is recommended for shorter trips, and sailing is a more eco-friendly option for cruises.
Green travel can be accomplished to some extent in many different ways and most of the options can be applied to both local and international travel. Depending on the destination, travelers may not be able to avoid air or boat travel, but between the two, most experts agree that boat travel has a less negative environmental impact than flying. Upon arrival, there are plenty of options to ensure green travel. Travelers should opt for bicycles or trains for transportation to locations that can’t be reached on foot, and hotels should be researched to find out which ones operate in an environmentally friendly way. Many international hotels and motels now post their carbon footprint online, and if not, they’ll usually be willing to answer questions by email or phone.
Some hotels now offer a targeted linen reuse program to help offset energy for guests interested in green travel. The program typically gives its guests the opportunity to use linens and towels for three to four days before changing them. This can dramatically reduce the amount of energy used to clean your laundry. Additionally, some hotels now offer recycling bins both inside their lobbies and in the suites themselves. Lighting is also important, so travelers should inquire whether the hotel uses energy-saving bulbs or traditional lighting.
If air travel cannot be avoided, travelers should check with their airline what type of plane they are booking. Some aircraft are equipped with additional wings which can sometimes reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%. Additionally, air travelers can make an effort to ensure their flight is fully booked, as more people flying on a single plane at the same time can theoretically leave a smaller carbon footprint.
When traveling within a single continent, when plane or ship is not needed, ensuring green travel usually means traveling by train or bus. For shorter trips, carpooling might be a good idea. Many people advertise in local newspapers to locate other people who may want to share their trip. Some eco-travel experts recommend saving vacation time and taking one trip a year, as taking a single, longer trip will generally leave a smaller carbon footprint than several short trips.
Travelers interested in a cruise should probably consider sailing. Wind power is considered one of the most environmentally friendly forms of energy, and some cruise lines now offer wind-powered excursions. Furthermore, it may be possible to rent a sailboat for personal or group use.
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