At first glance, you might think that taking an environmentally friendly vacation sounds like a lot of work. But in reality, it is surprisingly easy. Like most good vacations, an environmentally friendly vacation takes a little planning. The sooner you begin making arrangements, the greater your overall benefits and rewards will be.

Environmentally friendly vacations have a range of important benefits. Any traveler looking to lower her or his carbon footprint and save money at the same time will love what they have to offer! In this article we will take a look at six easy to implement tips that will help you plan a wonderful vacation that will make memories you’ll enjoy for years to come. So let’s explore some of the environmentally friendly steps you can take so that your next vacation is both fun and enjoys a lower carbon footprint.

Tip #1 Think About Geography

Nothing increases your carbon footprint quite like traveling. The longer the car ride or air flight, the larger your carbon footprint will ultimately be. But a couple of easy decisions can help point you in the right direction.

At the heart of lowering your carbon footprint is selecting your destination. The closer you stay to home, the more environmentally friendly your travel adventure will be! That means of course that longer flights, such as international flights and cross country flights, have a greater impact than shorter flights or trips. The best place to begin planning your environmentally friendly vacation is to start with a map. Looking for travel adventures close to home will not only lower your carbon footprint but will also help you save money. And look beyond the plane! Taking a train or even driving can reduce the amount of resources that are used.

Tip #2: Take the 1-1-1 Approach

Did that last tip let you down because you’re dreaming of an overseas adventure? Well, you don’t have to give up that dream. If you take a vacation every year why not take a 1-1-1 approach? One year take a vacation close to home, the next year take a vacation a little farther away and then once every three years take that big vacation far from home that you’ve been looking forward to for years.

This approach can be used to dramatically cut your overall carbon footprint and, as an added bonus, you’ll be able to learn more about your own geographic backyard. Now for those of us living in more isolated areas with limited attractions, following this tip may seem a little tricky. But there are workarounds. The key point is to think about your travel and then take steps to lower your overall miles traveled; this simple step will lower the amount of fuel and resources that you use when you travel.

Tip #3: Use Eco-Friendly Vehicles Once You Arrive

When it comes to eco-friendly travel, or any kind of travel, it is important to opt for low energy consumption modes of transport whenever possible. Travel locations that allow for a good deal of walking or biking can be great in this regard.

That is why a trip to a highly walkable city such as New York City can make for an unexpected eco-friendly vacation. Also, your selection of hotel or other accommodations can also play a big role in lowering your carbon footprint. The right hotel choice can translate to less time spent in cabs. Selecting a hotel that is closely situated to a large percentage of what you want to see will help you keep your traveling to a minimum.

Tip #4-Leave Something Good Behind

When you travel to a new part of the country or the world, find out ways that you can help improve the environment of the location you are visiting.

There are many ways to achieve this goal ranging from planting a tree to volunteering for a day or even a few hours with an environmental group such as a water conservation group. Where environmental travel is concerned, the possibilities are almost endless!

Tip #5:  Create as Little Impact on Nature as Possible

If your travels take you into the great outdoors, do what you can to help make the location you visit beautiful. The simple decision to not litter is in fact one of the greenest decisions you can make. Recycling doesn’t stop when you travel. Just as you recycle at home you should also remain committed to recycling while traveling.

When you encounter plants and animals, make sure that you tread lightly. Don’t take plants and avoid feeding critters. Be sure that you stay on all marked trails when hiking.  Knowing that you left a place as nice as you found it will leave you a sense of satisfaction.

Tip #6: Find the Right Hotel

Not all hotels are created equally. With this fact in mind look for hotels that have an eco-friendly approach to how they serve their visitors. A dedication to low water consumption as reflected in low-flow toilets and recycling are two factors to look for when selecting an eco-friendly hotel. When you’re on the road, take showers rather than baths to reduce water consumption.

And remember one of the best eco-friendly choices you can make when selecting a hotel is to look one that reduces your travel time as this will reduce your carbon footprint. Find an eco-conscious hotel that is in the middle of your travel zone and you have yourself a true winner!

Tip #7: Think about What You Buy

Sure, it’s nice to bring home some mementos from your trip. But steer clear of anything that could negatively impact the region you visit. For example, products made from animal hides or parts of endangered animals&7 are a serious no-no.

Make the Most Out of Your Next Vacation

Together these 7 simple tips can help you dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. An eco-friendly and planet friendly vacation doesn’t have to be difficult to plan. Making some simple adjustments can make a big difference. Plus, an eco-friendly vacation can actually help you save a good deal of money in the process!