Planning your next vacation but concerned about the climate impact? Fear not: there are more options now than ever before to bring a climate-conscious mindset to international travel. Check out these tips for making the most of your time off while also looking out for the planet!

Embrace sustainable transportation

High-speed rail services are gaining popularity over more high-carbon modes of transport like planes. Thanks to convenient rail lines and low-cost tickets in places like Europe and Asia, travelers are able to get around quickly and easily without having to resort to airports. Likewise, car rental companies are beginning to adopt more sustainable vehicles, including electric and hybrid cars.

Sometimes, it simply won’t be possible to forgo a plane ride, particularly if you are travelling halfway around the world. However, even in those instances, there are steps you can take to limit your impact on the environment, such as purchasing carbon offsets.

Choose eco-conscious activities

The “slow travel” trend is swaying travelers toward longer, more immersive holidays, helping  them both reduce their carbon impact and more meaningfully support local communities. Similarly, nature-based and conservation travel are gaining popularity, with many travelers specifically seeking out opportunities to get involved in conservation and volunteering activities during their time off.

Even more traditional holiday experiences are becoming more eco-friendly. For example, many travelers are opting to dine at local, family-run restaurants over large establishments and visit hidden gem beaches rather than more densely populated ones to help support ocean sustainability.

A cozy cafe in Istanbul. (Mehmet Sütlaş, Pexels)

Book sustainable accommodations

Whether traveling solo or with company, sustainable accommodations like eco-lodges and green hotels are increasingly available. These typically rely on solar power, water conservation systems, and locally sourced produce to provide a holiday experience that’s as sustainable as it is enjoyable.

Sustainability certifications such as EarthCheck and Green Key are very helpful to travelers looking for eco-friendly stays. These ensure that accommodations aren’t just talking the talk but are fully committed to providing eco-friendly experiences.

Be a mindful consumer

Adopting less extravagant holiday habits can go a long way toward mitigating your environmental impact, too. From packing light to opting for local and plant-based food to supporting indigenous and local businesses, there are lots of little actions travelers are taking to make a difference.

Collectively, these small mindful behaviors can amount to big savings on carbon emissions — you just have to plan ahead. By researching local establishments and planning an itinerary centered around attractions and activities that help the planet, you can ensure your getaway is packed with planet-friendly fun.

Seek out lodgings that take advantage of solar power. (Robert Senz, Pexels)

Take advantage of tech

There’s no doubt that taking a sustainable vacation becomes far easier with the help of the latest technological advancements. For example, carbon footprint calculators on travel sites make estimating your individual footprint simple, thereby empowering you to make more eco-conscious holiday choices. Similarly, many travel and tourism companies offer specialized route optimization tools to help travelers map out the perfect sustainable itinerary.

It’s worth mentioning too that, while by no means a replacement for seeing new places in person, virtual travel can be a great quick and easy option for having new cultural experiences without the carbon footprint of hopping on a plane. VR tourism and livestreamed experiences can help travelers explore the places they want to see (or at least scout them for potential future vacations) without negatively impacting the planet.

Do your part to protect the planet

We’re all responsible for caring for our planet — as individuals, as community members, and as employees representing companies. It’s important to remember that all environmentally conscious behavior change, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, helps pave the way to a sustainable future.

With so many ways now available to enjoy eco-conscious travel, it’s imperative to do your research before setting off abroad. Whether you travel by train, spend time aiding local conservation efforts, or dine at local establishments serving seasonal vegan food, you can hold your head up high with the knowledge that you are standing up for sustainability.

Banner and thumbnail images (cropped) courtesy of Genine Alyssa Pedreno-Andrada, Pexels.