Air travel and other forms of transportation comprise the largest portion of tourism’s carbon footprint. Did you know that taking just one flight can produce more emissions than some people produce in an entire year? Take for instance a round-trip flight from Chicago to London which produces roughly 2.2 metric tons of CO2 per passenger. That’s double the number of emissions that the average person in Guatemala generates over an entire year. 

While some believe the answer is to never fly, we realize that tourism is a key driver of economic growth in many destinations that can only be reached by plane. Eliminating air travel would be devastating for all of the people that depend on tourism for their livelihoods. Thus, we don’t advocate giving up flying altogether; however, it is best to contain air travel to only those destinations that are farther away.  

When vacationing closer-to-home, there are many opportunities to replace air travel with more sustainable modes of transportation. As a general rule, charter buses and trains tend to be the most climate-friendly options. What about driving? One of the big factors to consider here is the number of passengers that will be in your vehicle. If you’re traveling solo, then driving a car may actually have a higher carbon footprint than flying on a plane. But if you’re traveling with the whole family then a good old fashioned road trip is likely the better choice.

The graph below compares the number of emissions produced by an individual passenger on a 200 mile trip based on their mode of transportation. For reference, 200 miles is approximately the distance of a flight between New York City and Washington D.C.

If you do travel by plane, one way you can reduce carbon footprint is by booking a non-stop flight. Because non-stops take the most direct route to the destination, they require less fuel than itineraries with multiple legs. Consider a trip from Los Angeles to the Philippines. A non-stop flight directly between the two destinations travels 7,292 miles. However, if you add in a layover in Taiwan, the journey comes in at about 7,600 miles. Those 300 extra miles tack on about 163 pounds of CO2 to each passenger’s carbon footprint. 

The shorter distance isn’t the only reason to book a non-stop flight. One lesser-known fact is that planes release the most carbon during take-off and landing. It’s better to book one long flight rather than multiple shorter flights so that you only have to take off and land one time. If you can’t find a non-stop, choose the itinerary that takes the most direct route and makes the least stops.

Hike'n Sail's note: Turkish Airlines provides the best global connections. 

These days it’s easy to find ourselves constantly busy, rushing around, and operating at a fast pace. Travel should be an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle, yet all too often we plan vacations that are even more hectic than our day-to-day lives. 

Slow things down by spending more time in one destination rather than trying to cram in visits to every “must-see” place. Consider taking one longer vacation each year instead of multiple shorter trips. Doing so will allow you to more fully experience the destination and build deeper connections. Slowing things down also decreases the amount of emissions that you would be generating by traveling between numerous places. Trust us, you will thank yourself when you return home feeling refreshed, rather than like you need another vacation! 

Getting to your destination is just one part of the equation and there is room here to reduce carbon footprint. Unless you brought your car, you will need a way to get around the destination once you’ve arrived.

Instead of hiring a driver or renting a car, be adventurous, and opt for public transportation (as long as health experts deem it safe to do so!). Ride the subway. Hop on a bus. Take a streetcar. Just note that the efficiency of public transport modes can vary from one destination to the next. While many cities’ bus and rail systems are powered by cleaner fuels or alternative technologies, others still run on diesel or natural gas. In some places, visitors can even hop in electric tuk-tuks to weave through traffic jams. Research the different options in the destination you are visiting to make an informed decision.

If you are up for a more active experience, spend the day exploring by bicycle or on foot. If you do rent a car, opt for a hybrid, electric, or smaller car instead of an SUV, pickup truck, or van.

From kinds of seafood to curries to kinds of pasta to vegetables, every destination offers unique delicacies and tasty bites. When eating abroad, take advantage of the opportunity to try all of the local dishes that you can’t get at home. Learn about the traditional cuisine, shop at local food markets, and dine at restaurants that source their ingredients from local farmers and fishers. Do your best to avoid imported foods that must be transported from far away and require more packaging and refrigeration to preserve them along the way.

By eating local foods instead of imported ones, you’ll reduce the carbon footprint of your meal while also supporting the local economy. Plus, you’ll get to experience the local food culture and enjoy some of the freshest cuisine out there!

How many times have you returned home from vacation wondering why you purchased a particular souvenir? Many visitors fall into the trap of buying tacky items that seem fun at the time or clothing that they wouldn’t ever wear at home. But everything that is produced has its own carbon footprint, be it a t-shirt, mug, keychain, or purse. 

Before purchasing an item, consider whether it’s something that you will actually use at home. Are you really going to wear that sombrero? Is that snow globe going to collect dust in the back of a drawer? Choose practical items that you’ll actually use. Buy meaningful souvenirs crafted by local artisans rather than mass-produced items imported from abroad.  Invest in high-quality products instead of poorly made items that you’ll have to trash after one use. 

There’s only so much that you can personally do to reduce your carbon footprint. But as a traveler, you have the power to drive hotels and other businesses to take climate action and change their practices. When booking a hotel, opt for one that is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint. There are many things that hotels can do to cut their emissions such as installing energy-efficient fixtures and appliances, utilizing renewable energy, automating temperature control, sourcing products locally, or buying carbon offsets. 

To identify if a hotel is taking climate action, start by visiting their website. Most hotels that are doing something to combat their carbon footprint will be talking about it on their website. To identify those hotels who are actually walking the talk, look for specific practices they have in place or data on the reductions they’ve achieved. If you can’t find information online, ask the hotel what they’re doing. During your stay, you might notice additional practices or processes that they could put into place. If so, be sure to share your ideas on the guest feedback card. Simply asking questions and providing feedback is a great way to show hotels that their customers are factoring sustainability into their purchase decisions.  

Or why not try a cultural experience for a few of your vacation nights? Staying in a homestay gives you the opportunity to live like a local and find some of the best spots to explore that tourists might not usually hear about. And a bonus to this? Homestays with more basic amenities tend to be less carbon-intensive than luxury resorts with pools, spas, golf courses, and fitness centers.