Eco Tips: Travel greener this summer

Published on May 29, 2025

As you plan your summer getaway, consider how your travel choices impact the planet. You don’t have to compromise vacation adventure for sustainability but some planning and thoughtful packing helps lighten the impact on the environment.

• Choose eco-friendly destinations: Many cities and regions around the world such as Costa Rica and Iceland have green certifications or are recognized for their eco-conscious tourism efforts. Such places support local economies, protect wildlife and have good public transit options. You can eat local, shop at farmer’s markets and support communities with your travel dollars.
• Travel off-peak: Not only can it be good for your peace of mind but smaller crowds and less strain on resources make traveling to off-peak destinations a more affordable and sustainable option.
• Take greener transportation: Whenever possible, pick trains or buses over flights. When flying is necessary, non-stop flights are the best choice. Takeoffs and landings are the most fuel-intensive part of flying.
• Ditch single-use items: Pack reusable alternatives like water bottles, cloth shopping bags and reusable travel containers for toiletries. Even better – pick biodegradable soaps and reef-safe sunscreens. Just think about it as practicing the same sustainability habits on the road as you do at home.
• Be energy and water conscious: Reuse towels in hotels, turn off lights and air conditioner when you leave the room and take shorter showers.

Sustainable travel isn’t about perfection. It’s about making better choices where we can. With a few intentional choices, your vacation can be fulfilling as well as gentle on the planet.