Green Your Getaway

Explore the many ways to travel, eco-guilt-free.

October/November 2008
By Laura Evers 
Green Luggage
Image Gallery
Today’s travelers have lots of options to lessen their trip’s impact on the environment.
ISTOCKPHOTO/FRANCK BOSTON
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

With a little careful planning, you can go on a dream vacation without worrying about being wasteful. If you’re organizing an escape, here are four greener options:

RELATED CONTENT

Today’s travelers have discovered that vacationing can be more than just lounging on some island beach. A volunteer vacation is a great way to see new places and make a difference — you can help researchers study endangered species in Costa Rica, or help build homes and communities in New Orleans. For more information on how to plan a volunteer excursion, visit Earthwatch Institute or Charity Guide.

To get to your desired location, try traveling by train. This lower-carbon alternative lets you relax and enjoy the scenery on the way to your destination while releasing fewer greenhouse gases than flying or driving. If you can’t avoid flying, consider countering your trip’s impact on the environment by donating to a carbon offset program. To learn more, read Tips for Eco-friendly Travel.

You also can take advantage of green lodging. Located in several countries throughout the world, these establishments offer on-site features such as recycling bins, energy-efficient light bulbs, solar-powered electricity, water-saving practices and more. Visit the "Green" Hotels Association to locate one.

When you arrive, consider walking or taking public transportation. Alternatively, you can rent a hybrid or high-mpg car in many cities. Some rental car companies offer these options, such as Hertz and OZOcar.

Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

Comments

Add Your Comment

Please note that there is currently a problem with the comments function and your comment may or may not post successfully. We are working to correct the problem and thank you for your patience. 

You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Mother Earth News readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page.  E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to Mother Earth News?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 66% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).

You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.