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As beneficial as travel can be for those going on adventures to explore and enjoy new destinations, there’s no denying that there is an environmental impact with each trip taken. While you can’t take care of the ecosystem entirely on your own, every little bit helps when it comes to protecting our planet; after all we only have one!
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Pack light
Keeping your luggage to a minimum can do more than make your travel more convenient. It can help burn less fuel. This is because the weight of your baggage causes the engine of trains, planes, buses and cars to work overtime and use more energy and fuel. By reducing the amount of luggage for your trip, you can help save on fuel and energy costs during your travels.
Purchase Carbon Credits
Offset your carbon footprint as a traveler by purchasing carbon credits which you can donate towards reforestation or renewable energy projects. Check out Sustainable Travel International to see the size of your travel footprint.
Fly non-stop
Depending on your destination, you may have no choice but to fly. While it’s not ideal if you’re looking to travel sustainably since airplanes emit a large percentage of their carbon emissions during takeoff and landing. When possible, booking a non-stop flight can be more ecological and often more convenient.
Stay in green accommodations
Before choosing your lodging, take some time to investigate sustainable options. You can check out sites like Green Hotels Association to find hotels and accommodations that focus on sustainable practices like conserving water and energy, using local food and supporting the local economy. Alternatively, you can check the sustainability policies in place at other hotels you’re interested in.
Go for ground transportation
When possible, opt to travel by bus, train or other ground transportation since they have a lower carbon footprint than flights. While it may not be possible for longer distances and overseas travel, choosing ground transportation for shorter trips can be an impactful travel decision.
Eat in season
Before your trip, take the time to find what food is in season and where you can find locally sourced food at restaurants in the destination you plan to visit. By skipping imported food on the global supply chain, you help save miles on food transportation and other environmental costs.
Go biking
Instead of exploring via taxi or other vehicle, take in the sights using one the most eco-friendly forms of transportation on Earth – the bicycle! Plus, it’s often less expensive to rent a bike for the day rather than taking a cab or renting a car.
Visit during off-peak or less popular destinations
Overcrowding at tourist destinations can strain the local environment through an abundance of waste, overwhelming modes of transportation or cause more wear and tear on outdoor attractions. Instead of traveling during peak tourist season or visiting popular destinations, consider choosing a destination that could benefit from tourism or travel during the off-season. This can also help you enjoy a less crowded experience.
Traveling sustainably doesn’t require drastic changes—small choices can make a meaningful difference. From packing light and choosing ground transportation to supporting local food and eco-conscious accommodations, every step can help reduce your travel footprint. As you plan your next adventure, consider how your travel habits impact the places you visit. And before you depart, consider a travel insurance plan that may help protect your trip investment if unexpected issues arise along the way.
Ready to plan a sustainable vacation?
Don’t forget to pack a travel insurance plan for your trip.
Questions?
Call us at: 800-826-5248
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Coverage available to residents of U.S. states and the District of Columbia only. This plan provides insurance coverage that only applies during the covered trip. Similar travel insurance coverage, offered by Travel Guard or another insurance provider, may be available through a variety of other sources, but may be subject to different terms and conditions (i.e. benefits, limits, exclusions, etc.). You may wish to compare the terms and conditions of this policy with those of your existing life, health, home and automobile insurance policies, as well as any other coverage which you may already have or is available to you, including through other insurers, as a member of an organization, or through your credit card program(s). If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker. Coverage is offered by Travel Guard Group, Inc. (Travel Guard). California lic. no.0B93606, 3300 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482, www.travelguard.com. CA DOI toll free number: 800-927-HELP. This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance may be underwritten by American Zurich Insurance Company, a New York company (NAIC No. 40142), Zurich American Insurance Company, an Illinois company (NAIC No. 16535), each having its principal place of business at 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196, or National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa. (NAIC No. 19445), a Pennsylvania insurance company, having its principal place of business at 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 37th FL, New York, NY 10020-1304. Please review the Plan offered to or purchased by you to confirm the underwriting insurer for your specific policy of insurance. Coverage may not be available in all states. Travel assistance services provided by Travel Guard.