5 Ways to be Eco Friendly on Vacation
August 16, 2022
There’s been a massive surge in tourism since COVID-19 with millions of travelers once again taking to the skies, roads, and vast expanses of ocean to explore new places, cultures, and experiences.
The news on climate change is grim but we can each make small choices to be a part of the solution, not the problem. The good news – eco-friendly tourism is one of the top travel trends for 2022! Travelers are making more conscious and mindful choices about where (and how) they travel and seeking out destinations for a fun vacation experience while at the same time practicing sustainable travel.
As we lighten the load on planet earth and reshape the way we travel, there are small, simple choices we can make that leave a big impact and ensure an enriched and eco-friendly vacation experience.
Choose an Eco-Friendly Destination
The first step in choosing a destination is deciding the most suitable mode of transport for your vacation. Nearly one-third of US greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation so if your goal is to travel green, choose wisely! Taking a road trip closer to home reduces your carbon footprint, if you have to fly, reduce your “flying footprint” by contributing to your airline’s carbon offset program.
Explore in a greener, cleaner way and choose a destination that embraces an eco-friendly lifestyle over popular travel destinations suffering from over tourism. Seek out an eco-conscious destination that prioritizes sustainability, protects the cultural landmarks, preserves the natural beauty, and offers eco-friendly tours and activities to enhance your “green” vacation and explore your destination like a local.
Here’s a few of our favorite eco-friendly destinations that will satisfy the wander lust of every sustainable traveler and reduce your impact on planet earth.
National Park Destinations: The increase in eco-tourism has substantially increased visitor numbers at National Parks (44 US National Parks broke visitor records in 2021!). Choosing a National Park destination for your eco-friendly vacation ensures your dollars go towards preservation and conservation activities and provide income for the local communities.
The Hawaii Islands: Hawaii has a strong tradition of environmental preservation and caring for the land (Malama ‘Aina) is deeply ingrained in the culture. From sailing adventures and underwater snorkel experiences to e-bike adventures along the scenic Maui coastline, it’s easy to experience the local culture and live in harmony with nature on the islands of Hawaii.
Hilton Head Island: Nestled on the southern tip of the South Carolina coastline, Hilton Head Island is an Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community and one of the most bike-friendly destinations in the US. When you’re not exploring the 60+ miles of paved nature trails, there’s an abundance of eco-adventures on offer. From dolphin cruises, nature tours and environmentally friendly watersports to day trips to Daufuskie Island, Hilton Head is a destination worthy of your wish list
Pack Smart
Pack smart with the mindset of a zero-waste traveler to reduce your impact on planet earth during your travels and vacation. If you’re needing to fly, pack as light as possible and consider renting your gear on arrival. Every pound you carry counts towards your carbon footprint.
New research shows that 90% of plankton has vanished from our oceans due to chemical pollution mostly from plastics. Over 480 million plastic bottles of water are sold annually with 8 million tons of plastic ending up in our oceans!
Skip the disposables and single use plastics and pack your own reusable water bottle, insulated flasks for cocoa and coffee, coffee cup (you’ll receive a discount and a reward on your refill!), and reusable shopping bags. If you’re planning a beach vacation, reduce your impact further with biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellants, and personal products that don’t wash off in the ocean impacting the coral reefs and ocean life further.
Support the Local Economy
Your eco-friendly travel adventure begins with being conscious of your direct and indirect impact on the community you’re visiting. Support locally-owned and locally-operated businesses that give back to the community ensuring your hard earned travel dollars stay local and don’t leak out to big name brands.
Supporting the local economy means thinking like a local on vacation! Grocery shop for fresh produce and seasonal ingredients at farmers markets, skip the touristy souvenir shops and buy handcrafted gifts from local artisans, forget the fast-food chains and dine local, and seek out unique tours and activities with a local guide to experience the best of your eco-friendly destination.
Choose Ocean & Earth Friendly Activities
Xplorie partners with over 600 activity providers with a wide selection of eco-friendly tours, activities, and experiences included FREE when you stay at a participating Xplorie property. Here’s a glimpse at the free, eco-friendly fun experiences that await when you choose to travel green, reduce your carbon footprint, and stay with Xplorie.
Ocean Friendly Water Sports: Sailing Excursions, Snorkeling, Surfing Lessons, Paddleboarding & Kayak Tours, Lowcountry Eco-Tours, River Rafting, Marine Parks & Aquariums, Dolphin Eco Tours, and more!
Earth Friendly Activities: Bike Tours & Rentals, Hiking Tours, Ziplining, Golfing, Horseback Riding, Nature Museums, and more!
Live Like a Local
Where you stay on vacation has a huge impact on your carbon footprint. Travelers are taking fewer, longer trips opting to slow down, stay a while and live like a local. The best way to live like a local and limit your impact is to find a locally-owned and operated vacation rental property manager who’ll consider your personal needs as a guest and find the best vacation rental for your eco-friendly vacation. Here you can reduce, reuse and recycle without the worry of the huge carbon footprint.
