6 Sexy Ways to Travel Green

If the concept of “traveling green” conjures up images of bearded hippies backpacking through the jungle, you should know that there are more options.

The bearded hippie in this example is probably taking some extreme measures to make the smallest possible impact on the environment. We can all send major kudos to anyone who can travel this way. It’s not for everyone. There’s a much larger segment of the population that loves to travel in style, but also cares about the environment. If this sounds like you, read on to learn about 6 sexy ways to travel green.

1 – Rent an electric car

When you’re traveling in rural areas, public transportation typically isn’t a good option. The best earth-friendly option would be to rent an electric car. And here’s where you may have some sexy options. Depending on your destination, you may even get to rent a luxury electric car, like a Tesla or a Porsche Mission E. Going green has never looked sexier.

If public transportation and car rental aren’t options where you’re going, traveling with a group may be your greenest option.

2 – Pack reusable bottles and bags

This may seem like a small thing, but think about how many plastic water bottles you could waste during a week-long vacation. Instead, bring a reusable water bottle wherever you go. If you’re traveling to another country, you may want a fancy model with a built-in water filtration system.

And we know that plastic bags are a problem everywhere. So don’t forget to pack your reusable shopping bags. Waste is waste, regardless of where you are in the world. No need to take a break from your good habits on vacation.

3 – Choose greener accommodations

Do you ever feel guilty about throwing towels on the floor every day to be washed? We all kind of do. When you stay a typical hotel, you’ll see waste everywhere, from lights to the continental breakfast. Some of it is an unavoidable part of travel, but there are a few ways you can offset the carbon footprint left by your stay at a hotel.

Stay closer to town – Cut down on transportation emissions by staying as close to your area of interest as possible. Think of all the emissions you’ll spare when you can walk everywhere.

Look for green-friendly statements – Trip Advisor has partnered with Energy Star to highlight the greenest hotels in the U.S. You’ll see them noted with a green button on the page. Other travel aggregation sites may have icons to represent eco-friendly accommodations. And if you’re not sure, just ask. Ask about where their water comes from and what kind of energy they use.

4 – Take public transportation in large cities

Although driving an electric car is sometimes the greenest option, this isn’t the case in a major city. If you’re traveling to a place that has a decent public transportation system, take it.

When one vehicle can transport 30 people, it’s always going to be the greenest option. Not to mention, you’ll be doing your part to keep the traffic flowing well.

5 – Enjoy locally-made foods and drinks

We all have a “safety drink.” These are the ones we know are going to be consistent and we can probably order them anywhere in the world. It’s not necessarily your favorite, but it’s your go-to whenever you’re in doubt. Coors Light is a good example. Or if you drink wine, you may always opt for a Californian pinot noir.

This works well when you’re in the states, but consider your location before you order. If you can try a drink that’s made locally, just think about how much you’re reducing your potential carbon footprint. A Coors Light has to travel quite a way to be served to you in Peru. Instead, try the local Pilsen Callao brand. 

The same principles hold true for food and other drinks when you’re traveling. Buy food from local markets whenever possible, and always drink the local beverage. As a bonus, you’ll live more like a local during your stay, and you might just try something you love.

6 – Volunteer

If you’re really interested in helping the local community, you can probably offset much of the carbon footprint left from your travels by volunteering. Depending on where you go, you may be able to volunteer to help cleanup hiking trails or work on a sustainable farm. Look for volunteer opportunities through reputable organizations like Globe Aware and PEPY Tours.

There are many ways you can travel green, and they don’t all have to be extreme. Make whatever efforts you can to minimize your impact and have an epic vacation.