Nine Tips For Greener Travels || The Tranquil Parent

Ten tips for greener travels

By Mika

December 18, 2008

Photo by wili_hybrid, shared via Flickr

Many of us will be traveling to visit friends and family this holiday season. Here are ten ideas to make your trip a bit greener.

Visiting a new place? Try exploring the city using public transportation or take a walk and explore by foot while getting some exercise as well.

When staying at a hotel, bring your own shampoo and soap in reusable travel containers and resist using the ones provided by the hotel. I used to make it a habit of collecting these small toiletries as little souvenirs, only to find that I eventually ended up throwing them out without using them.

Instead of buying bottled water while out on your travels, bring a reusable water bottle such as a Kleen Kanteen and fill up from the tap. Bottled water is not necessarily more pure than tap water. Bring a reusable mug to have water or hot drinks in your hotel room instead of using their disposable cups.

Many hotels used to wash linens and towels every day, but now only do so every few days unless requested by the guest. Sometimes they automatically will wash the linens and towels unless asked not to. Check the hotel's policy to see how you can be sure they aren't unnecessarily washing items each day.

Many of us will be visiting the homes of family and friends and bringing a gift. Consider a green gift, such as an item off of our Tranquil Parent Gift Guide, or a food or beverage item in a reusable container. This wine tote would make a great gift, along with some wine.

When shopping, look for items that are produced locally. Not only will you be buying something unique, but you'll be supporting the local economy and buying something that didn't have to travel long distances to get there. When purchasing produce, shop at the local farmer's market or shop for produce that is grown in the area. You'll be surprised at how better tasting a piece of fruit is that was just picked off the farm that morning as opposed to being picked a week ago and trucked across the country, and will create more vivid memories of your stay, particularly when you buy food directly from its grower.

When packing for your travels, pack as light as possible. You save energy needed to haul around your luggage, regardless of your mode of transportation. Once you've packed, double check what you have packed to make sure you have what you need to avoid having to buy something later that you already have at home.

Use rechargeable batteries for items like your camera that may need a standard battery. For things like your cell phone or iPod that need recharging, consider purchasing a solar charger like this one from Solio, although if you are traveling somewhere that will be overcast or during winter, you're better off with standard rechargeables.

If you need a rental car, consider a hybrid. Not all companies offer this option, but even just inquiring about the option lets companies know that people are interested. Enterprise is one rental car company that offers hybrid cars at select locations.

Get out and explore nature in your travel destinations! Just remember to leave it the way it was and to make sure you are allowed to walk on unpaved paths before exploring off the beaten path.

Categories: getaways, holidays, travel, vacationing