Earth-Friendly Vacation Tips: Public Transportation to Hotel Supplies

Earth Day arrives on April 22. You can think of it as the environment's chance to take a vacation. But what about your vacations? How can you take some time off and travel in a way that doesn't hurt the earth? In this article, we'll show you four easy ways to travel green and take vacations in an eco-friendly style!

Travel Green Tip #1: Lighten your suitcase.

Most airlines tell you you can bring suitcases that weigh up to 50 pounds, but just because there's a luggage maximum doesn't mean you have to meet it! Every pound in your suitcase costs more fuel to transport, filling the air with more pollution from the burning of fossil fuels. Cut the weight and pack as little as you can, because every pound helps!

Travel Green Tip #2: Use public transportation, or rent a fuel-efficient car.

Most major cities and vacation destinations have great public transportation systems. Hawaii, long known for its sunny beaches and swaying coconut trees, also has one of the best bus transit systems in the United States. For example, on the island of Oahu, you can catch a bus every 4 minutes from Waikiki Beach to every major city on the island.

Other cities have great public transit, too! My recent Philadelphia vacation gave me a chance to explore the historic city by walking and, when the distance was too long from my Philadelphia hotel, by subway, train or bus. I didn't even miss having a car because a little careful planning made public transit easy and a lot cheaper than having to pay for a car, gas and parking.

If you must rent a car, choose a fuel-efficient car or a hybrid rental.

Travel Green Tip #3: On your vacation, eat and drink locally!

We already know how bad plastic water bottles are, not just for your health but also the health of the environment. All that plastic ends up in the landfill, and it also costs a lot in terms of fuel to ship crates of plastic water across the world. Tap water is safe and fine to use, so get kick your plastic habit!