AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain
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The Governor of South Carolina, Mark Sanford, created a media frenzy when he went "missing" for four days last week. His staff claimed they were relaying messages from the governor, saying he was busy hiking the Appalachian Trail and was incommunicado. Alright, fine—a little strange that he didn't properly alert anyone to his departure (his wife had no idea where he was), but there's nothing wrong with a guy getting a little R&R on a hiking getaway for a few days.
Problem is, when he finally did turn up, he had a whole 'nother story to tell—he says he was vacationing in Argentina, hanging out in Buenos Aires (again, a little strange that he never alerted the US embassy there, as is protocol for traveling politicians). But in terms of green, he should've stuck with his initial idea (or whatever it was that gave his staff the idea he was out a-hiking).
Staying local when you travel is a too-overlooked traveling option. As we now know well, jetting off to say, South America for a couple days emits a ton of unnecessary carbon. He would've been far better off taking that legendary hike in the Appalachians. It's what we call a Staycation; exploring the intriguing places right at our doorstep (which there are plenty of) instead of taking a carbon-costly excursion.
Visit a nearby national park, like one of the many that the Appalachian trail winds through, check out an organic farm, and say, schedule a stop at your local orchard. There's a pretty good itinerary right there, even if it doesn't have the allure of the Paris of South America. But outdoors, there's a lot more to do too.
So don't make it a habit of traveling to Argentina on your 4 day getaways—opt for a greener, more local vacation.
More on Traveling Local:
Get Hiking: Start Planning for the Appalachian Trail
How to Go Green: Travel and Outdoors
View and Vote: Eco Hotels
Green Travel Tip: Eat at the Local Butcher's
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
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