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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NAPSI)-It's been said that travelers should take only photographs and leave only footprints. These two simple ideas sum up much of what has become one of the hottest vacation trends-traveling green.
Fortunately, thanks to a number of changes in the travel and tourism industry, it's getting easier to travel in a way that is environmentally responsible.
For example, hundreds of hotels now have a linen reuse program, recycling bins for guest use, energy-efficient lighting, low-flow toilets and showers and alternative energy sources. Restaurants, car rentals and other travel service providers are also finding new ways to keep up with travelers going green.
Consider renting an eco-friendly car. If you need a vehicle for taking day excursions far from your hotel, think about using a car-sharing program like Flexcar or Zipcar, which offers eco-friendly cars with low fees and convenient pick-up and drop-off options. You can also reduce car emissions by renting a hybrid car or the smallest car that can comfortably accommodate you.
Many major airlines are taking action to reduce their impact on the environment. You may notice that some have switched over to electronic ticketing, cutting down on paper consumption and waste.
Some leisure and business travelers are now investing in "carbon offsetting" programs. This option allows you to calculate how much CO2 your vacation will produce and purchase credits from emission reduction projects (such as solar and wind). Plan to research the airline or nonprofit organization and its alternate energy projects before you invest any money.
With a growing number of opportunities for responsible travel, many travelers are making a visit to a travel agent who is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) the first stop on their trip. In addition to managing all your travel arrangements, these agents are on top of the latest green trends and have access to a network of environmentally responsible suppliers.
This means they are ready to help consumers travel green without downsizing the quality of their vacation experience. They can also provide information on a hotel's environmental program, attractions that can be discovered by foot and convenient transportation choices.
To learn more, visit the Web site at TravelSense.org.
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