What is sustainable traveling? Top 5 travel destinations and tips

Living sustainably can be daunting, but that doesn’t mean you have to make huge sacrifices. In fact, focusing on sustainable travel can ensure that you have a more enjoyable and affordable experience.

Avoiding waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions keeps the world a better place, but choosing sustainable options can also save you money. For example, buying reusable items like sandwich bags means you don’t have to keep buying appliances, and using public transportation will save you a lot of money in gas.

Here are some tips to help you travel more sustainably.

What is the most sustainable way to travel?

1. Use efficient energy transport

Driving is actually one of the least energy efficient ways to travel, so consider skipping the road trip. According to the University of Michigan Transportation Research InstituteTraveling by plane is almost twice as efficient as traveling by car because of the fuel cost per passenger.

However, if plane prices are out of your budget and you are willing to take extra time to travel, consider taking a train to your next destination. According to the International Energy Agencytrain travel is the most sustainable option for long journeys.

When you arrive at your destination, you can continue to reduce your carbon footprint and save your wallet by using public transport to get there. It is cheaper than renting a car or using a taxi or rideshare service, and it also has a lower impact on the environment, for United Nations.

2. Choose sustainable housing

Do some research on accommodations that are doing their part to save energy, use clean energy or otherwise reduce emissions.

Many hotel chains, such as Hilton and Marriott, are committed to reducing their environmental impact. tea Global Council on Sustainable Tourism is a great resource for travelers to find additional hotels, hostels and vacation rentals that are committed to sustainability.

No matter where you are, there are things you can do that will help you use resources wisely just like at home. Avoid taking unnecessarily long showers, turn off the lights when you leave a room and don’t leave the heater or air conditioner on while you’re out.

3. Don’t go over the reminders

Sure, that surfboard-shaped paperweight might be expensive, but do you really use it? If you want it, go for it; if not, put it back. My favorite souvenirs are not just tchotchkes, but have a functional use – a picture I can hang on my wall, or a nice shirt I can wear on special occasions. Choosing to spend your money carefully and on the things you will actually use will save you money and reduce waste by limiting the number of things you end up throwing away.

4. Shop local

While you’re shopping for souvenirs, consider focusing on local businesses. In my experience, the best and most functional souvenirs are not found in souvenir shops with mass-produced glass and magnets, but in small stores with local artisans.

These local products tell a story and support the local economy, but also represent less emissions, for Sustainable connections. Mass-produced goods must be shipped, but locally made items do not require the same transportation.

Top 5 sustainable cities to visit in the US

You can make any trip more sustainable by keeping the above tips in mind, but another great way to do this is to visit places that prioritize sustainability.

If you want to live more sustainably, it’s a good idea to spend time in areas where people have already done so. You can see how people adapt their lives to reduce waste and emissions by learning from their lifestyles.

Rocket Homes analyzed the 66 largest metro areas in the United States and identified 15 most sustainable cities. His study looked at factors such as green space, the production and use of solar energy, the use of energy-efficient transport and the availability of compost. Here are the top five:

1. Berkeley, California.

2. San Diego, California.

3. Portland, Oregon.

4. Washington, DC

5. Denver, Colorado.

Whether you’re visiting these places or elsewhere around the globe, keeping sustainability in mind while you travel can help reduce costs and contribute to a more beautiful world.