Ecotourism has many names: green travel, responsible travel, ethical travel, nature travel. It's all the same idea though: you don't leave anything behind (other than footprints) and you don't take anything with you (other than pictures). Ecotourism doesn't ask you to stay put at home for the sake of decreasing your carbon footprint. Instead, it suggests that you travel responsibly in order to preserve wildlife, nature, and indigenous cultures, all of which rely on local ecosystems. Becoming conscious of how you travel won't cost you any extra money. In fact, it can actually cut down your budget.
Pack Light and Reduce Your Footprint
Pack light to save on baggage fees and help increase fuel efficiency on your flight. Choose items that you can wash in the sink and that are quick-drying. You'll be able to wear them several times during your trip, which will cut down on your luggage's weight.
Conserve Water and Energy
Save water by taking short showers, turning off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving, and reusing towels. Avoid using the hotel's laundry service — they wash each guest's laundry separately, which results in a huge amount of wasted water. When leaving your hotel room, turn off the TV, lights, and air conditioning. Leave the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door to prevent daily housekeeping, which cuts down on harsh cleaning supplies and frequent vacuuming.
Choose Fuel-Efficient Rental Vehicles
When searching for rental cars, ask the agency for a vehicle that has great fuel efficiency. Consider renting a hybrid car to further reduce your environmental impact. Learn more about how to rent a hybrid car while traveling to make an eco-conscious choice.
Leave No Trace and Give Back
When you return your rental car, also return any maps you borrowed from the agency. Return brochures to the hotel lobby, too. When hiking, stick to marked trails so that you don't disrupt any flora. Bring along a trash bag so that you don't leave garbage behind. Give something back — for example, if you're going on a tour of a nearby village, bring along school supplies for the children.
Green travel isn't about making grand sacrifices — it's about making smarter choices that add up. From packing light to choosing a fuel-efficient rental, every decision helps preserve the places we love to visit.
Find fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicles from independent agencies committed to greener travel.