Need an Escape?: 21 Ways to Green Summer Vacation

Another summer is set to kickoff. If you are like a lot of people, you have already settled on your vacation plans, but have you thought about how green they are? You aren't alone if you haven't. There are a lot of steps that go into planning a trip, which is why we have made going green easy for you with this helpful guide of 21 tips to consider before you finalize those summer vacation plans.

Before You Go...

1. How About a Staycation
   One of the greenest vacations you can have, is an adventure within your own town. Visiting your local historic landmarks, museums, zoos, camp grounds, and hiking trails can take you away from your daily grind, without even leaving the boundaries of your own state.


2. Choose an Eco-Destination
   
   Okay, so there are times when a vacation in your own hometown is just not going to cut it. But you can still go green by choosing one of the many eco-friendly destinations available to you.


3. Volunteer, Guilt-Free Vacations
   
   There are many organizations in need of volunteers to help with various nature conservation efforts. Such volunteer trips allow you to see many beautiful parts of the world, while also helping to keep them that way.


4. Use the Internet to Find a Green Hotel
   
   There are a number of websites designed to help you find green accommodations almost anywhere in the world. Look for one with a kitchenette if you want to minimize your carbon footprint by doing some of your own cooking.


5. Find a Green Hotel on Your Own
   
   If by chance you are heading to an area that does not have any official green hotels listed on the Internet, fear not, as with some simple investigation, you can find your own. Use these 9 questions to help discern the green from the not-so-green hotel.


6. Try Swapping Homes and Forgo the Hotel Altogether


7. Lessen the Impact of any Trip by using Carbon Offsets


8. Fly the Green, Friendly Skies
   
   Not all airlines are created equal, especially when it comes to their green efforts. When searching for plane tickets, don't forget to account for their environmentally friendliness, as well as their price points.


9. Book a Direct Flight to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint


10. Don't Forget About the Train
    
    If you can spare the time, traveling by train can be a trip within itself. It is one of the greenest forms of transportation, while also allowing you to see more of the world, rather than just the inside of an airport.


11. Pack Light
    
    Not only will this ease your own burden of traveling, it will ease the energy necessary to get you and all your belongings where you're going.


12. Unplug Everything Before You Leave
    
    Appliances use electricity even when they are turned off. This so-called phantom power can account for up to 10 percent of your electrical bill each month.

While You're There...

13. Rent a Hybrid Vehicle Whenever Possible


14. Better Yet, Walk or Pedal


15. Pay Attention to the Taxi Drivers
    
    Taxi drivers have a knack for taking advantage of vacationers by taking them the long way around. Have a map in hand, pay attention to their route, and don't be afraid to say something if they are taking you off the beaten path!


16. Bring Your Own Shampoo/Moisturizer
    
    Many hotels do not recycle those little wasteful bottles of shampoo and moisturizer. You could always do the honors yourself, but the better idea is to just bring your own.


17. Bring Your Own Towel


18. Eat Where the Locals Do
    
    The local farmers market is a great place to pick-up dinner when traveling.


19. So You Have a Kitchenette, Now Use it
    
    While restaurants can be a lot of fun, they are certainly not always the most green and cost effective way to refuel your energy stores. Cooking while on vacation can be fun if you keep it simple with minimum clean-up, such as this leisurely breakfast recipe.


20. Bring Plenty of Snacks to Fuel You Through the Day


21. Plan Your Trip Around More than Just the Common Tourist Traps
    
    Some touristy areas are must-see places I must admit, but there are also some beautiful places that are not on everybody's to go list. Be adventurous, take a chance, listen to your instinct, and go where the locals do. You just might find one of their best kept secrets!

More on green travel:
Planet Green: Eco-Friendly Travel
Urbanites: Get Out of the City!
Vacation Responsibly: Green Your Hotel Stay
Quiz: Are You A Green Globetrotter?