If you’re wondering how to go green as you travel this summer, you’re not alone. More and more, people are looking for ways to explore the world without impacting the environment. For some ideas on how you can be an eco-friendly traveler this summer, keep reading. 

Pick an Eco-Friendly Travel Destination

First off, pick an eco-friendly travel destination. Supporting places that are working to fight climate change and preserve their piece of earth can have a big impact. Places like Vail, CO and Transylvania County, NC have both worked to innovate sustainable tourism. Cities all over the world, from Namibia to Span, have as well. 

Some theme parks are even getting in on eco-tourism. Parks around the world are becoming more earth-friendly by recycling, practicing energy conservation and switching to paper straws. Disney has worked to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and is even looking into the possibility of wind power. Disney’s dedication to preserving the local ecosystem and reducing energy use may mean Disneyland discount tickets are the way to go this summer. 

Be Wise About How You Travel

How you travel can have as much of an impact as your end destination can. It’s no surprise that travel by plane has a big impact on the environment, but it’s the easiest and quickest way to get around. Reduce your impact in-flight by bringing less in your suitcase. The less a plane weighs, the lower its carbon emission is. 

Traveling by eco-friendly car is another option and road trips can be so much fun. Rent a hybrid or electric car as you tour the countryside. This has the added benefit of giving you a chance to try driving an eco-friendly car if you don’t already own one. Of course, not using a car at all is the most efficient option. Can you get along with public transportation at your travel destination? If not, consider looking into rideshare options. 

Choose Green-Friendly Hotels

Where you stay can matter as well. Hotels use a lot of energy, so look for ones that have listed that they are eco-friendly on their websites. While at the hotel, be eco-conscience too. Use your own amenities to reduce waste. Practice leaving the air turned up to closer to the temperature outside. Don’t just run it because you’re not at home and don’t have to pay the electric bill!  Reusing your towel can have a big impact as well. Laundry is a huge part of a hotel’s water bill each month, so help them save and conserve by reusing your towel. 

Leave No Trace

If you’re camping, everything you carry in should be carried out. When living in nature preserves or national parks, the rule is to leave no trace. Use reusable items as much as possible, so you’re not creating a large amount of trash. Throwaway plastics are one of the most harmful things to the environment, so reduce your use of these as much as possible, especially if you’re in a protected area. 

If camping or hiking, remember to stay on trails and dedicated campsites. Wandering off into regrowth areas and protected lands is harmful to the environment. It can also be dangerous, as this is space you’re sharing with wild animals and plants. Some places even have an oath for tourists to take to help protect and conserve these still-wild destinations. Look into if your destination has one and take the oath. 

If preserving the earth is important to you, then you should want to go explore and see the earth you're helping preserve. Just make sure you’re making eco-friendly choices as you do.