You can do your part this summer and still have a ton of fun under the sun. Eco-friendly vacations are becoming more popular, as the need to protect the environment has become a huge part of everyday life. Taking part in these eco-friendly travel ideas helps to minimize pollution and global warming impact, as well as save on resources. Read on and discover five ways to take an eco-friendly vacation this summer.

Packing

When packing for an eco-friendly vacation, remember to keep it simple and pack as lightly as possible. Packing lightly will cut costs, particularly when traveling by airplane, but will also reduce fuel emissions and require less energy to move your things from one place to another. There are numerous resources on the Internet that explain how to pack as lightly as possible depending on the type of trip you are planning to take.

Traveling

Traveling in an eco-friendly manner is much easier today than it was a few years ago. There are a variety of transportation companies out there that boast about their green travel methods. You can help reduce air pollution by taking non-stop flights when you can and utilizing public transportation whenever possible. You can also reduce your carbon footprint during your stay by walking, biking, or using public transportation at your destination instead of renting a car or taking a taxi.

Staying

Just as there are a plethora of eco-friendly travel methods, there are a variety of eco-friendly resorts and ways to stay while on vacation. A little research can go a long way and help you to find a hotel with green accommodations that use renewable energy or recycling. Many destinations also offer the option to reuse towels and bedding during your stay, cutting back on the vast amounts of water hotels have to use each day.

Activities

While on your vacation, plan activities that leave behind little or no pollution. Speak with a travel agent or a resort representative and find the best places to take a hike and see the local scenery. If biking is more your style, ask for a bike path – you can stay in shape and take part in activities in an eco-friendly way. There is also an abundance of resources online for those looking for eco-friendly activities at a variety of vacation destinations.

Social Impacts

On your eco-friendly vacation this summer, make sure to be aware that you are traveling into someone else’s hometown. Supporting local businesses and respecting locals’ traditions and culture is an important part of traveling in an eco-friendly manner. Stay abreast of local efforts to improve the environment, and participate in those activities when you can. Overall, planning and executing an eco-friendly vacation strategy is easier than you think. There are a number of simple steps to take in planning your travel, accommodations, and activities. Consider these helpful tips this summer, and you will be well on your way to enjoying a trip you and the environment will thank you for. Above image source: Flickr/Kate Ter Haar