11 Sustainable Travel Ideas to Consider for Earth Day

This Earth Day we wanted to take a bit of time to think about the impact that our travels have on the planet. That’s why we asked Nick Aster, publisher of Triple Pundit, one of the most well-respected publications on sustainable business, to craft us a list of the companies, organizations and destinations in the travel space who are doing it right.

Traveling to a new place has the potential to open up our minds, build cultural bridges and deepen an appreciation for the Earth’s natural marvels.

But it’s important to be mindful of how we travel. The benefits of travel are far greater when we know that our money is being spent in ways that benefit the people and economies around us. We know that it is important to make an effort to minimize or eliminate any environmental impacts we might have, including our carbon footprint when we travel, but it is often difficult to figure out where to begin.

1. The Un-Cruise

If you enjoy sailing the seven seas, opt for an un-cruise that lets you get closer with nature. (Photo: Peter West Carey/Un-Cruise)

Like cruises? If you’re not wedded to the idea of a five-story water park on deck, there are lots of alternative cruises out there that still offer the luxury of sailing the seas to exciting destinations but tack on a different kind of value. Think: Small ships which get you up close and personal with wildlife and the naturalists who can tell you all about it; shore excursions far away from the ticky tack souvenir shops; and a meaningful connection to the people you visit. Try Un-Cruise for a sail in Alaska, Mexico and more. EcoVentura is the operator to get you sorted in the Galapagos.

2. Backroads

A bike tour is the perfect way to reduce your carbon footprint while soaking in all that gorgeous scenery. (Photo: Getty Images)

Travel by bicycle might sound like a chore to the inexperienced, but it’s among the most rewarding and relaxing ways to travel and, these days, much easier than you think. No other mode of transport will get you as close to the countryside and towns around you at a pace that will let things soak in slowly, relaxing every bone in your body even as you exercise (a bit). To top it off there’s virtually no carbon footprint and you’ll be interacting with people in a way that builds cultural connections wherever you go. There are literally 100s of reputable tour companies that can show you the way. Backroads is one of the oldest and largest.

3. Portland

Portland wins plenty of points for its eco-minded attitude. (Photo: Thinkstock)

At the risk of opening up a box of Portlandia jokes, Portland really is a city we can all learn from. Intelligent and eco-minded urban planning have made it one of the most livable cities in the United States. The culture that supports this is open-minded and committed to sustainability in a way that’ll make it easy for you to enjoy and take ideas home with you. Organic, local food? Getting around by bike? Community minded arts and crafts? You name it, it’s here in droves and waiting for you.

4. Green Empowerment & Altruvisats

You can travel the world and make a difference at the same time. (Photo: Craig Lovell/Corbis)

In the mood for something a little more meaningful than lying on the beach? You can have fun and build deep cultural and economic connections with folks in areas way off the beaten path by joining a “voluntourism” group or cross cultural exchange. These are typically organized trips for a dozen like minded people to work with kids, build homes, set up green energy systems. Green Empowerment and Altruvistas are two of our favorites but there are many more.

5. Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are truly one of the most extraordinary eco-destinations on the planet. (Photo: iStock)

It’s hard to pick an entire country as a green destination above all others, but Ecuador’s recent efforts to brand itself an eco-adventure destination are solidly backed. Nowhere near as developed as Costa Rica, the country boast a mind-blowing array of cultural and environmental treasures. From the Amazon rain forest, to the snowy Andes to the extraordinary Galapagos Islands, topped off by the ancient city of Quito there are few other places that pack so much into one place.

6. Virgin Atlantic

Virgin may be the noblest plane in the sky. (Photo: Findlay / Alamy)

Heading to Europe this summer? All air travel carries a sizable carbon footprint but Richard Branson’s airline has done more than most in the search for alternative fuels and other efficiencies. Outside of the airline, his Carbon War Room has made significant strides to bring more businesses and governments together to deal with the threat of climate change. On top of it all, it’s one of the nicest airlines going.

7. Joie de Vivre Hotels

Joie de Vivre offers green, community-friendly hotels including the Hotel del Sol in San Francisco. (Photo: Joie de Vivre/Facebook)

Most hotels are happy to forgo washing your towels in the name of “saving the planet” but few chains go much deeper. Joie de Vivre is a small boutique chain featuring green buildings, reduced energy use and a strong connection to the local area. It’s not the only hotel chain worth mentioning, however. You can find many more certified green hotels via directories like this one.

8. AirBnb and Couchsurfing

When you think about it, AirBnB really is an eco-friendly choice. (Photo: Lumina/Stocksy)

How is AirBnb a sustainable choice? For starters, you’re making efficient use of a room that already exists and would otherwise be unused. But beyond environmental efficiency staying in someone’s home means you’re putting your money directly into a local economy, rather than filtering it up the ladder of a multinational company. You’ll also have the opportunity to stay in a real neighborhood, with easier access to local restaurants & attractions - and most likely - more money in your pocket to spend there.

9. Amtrak

Amtrak is a great eco-friendly way to travel the country. (Photo: Don McCullough/Flickr)

It may not have the romance of the grand trains of rail’s golden era, but Amtrak is a terrific way to see the country in style. As for sustainability, you’re using a fraction of the fuel that an airliner would use. On shorter journeys, say NY to Philly, you’ll likely get there faster than driving and a lot more relaxed. On longer journeys you might take a while to get there but sitting back with a cocktail in the lounge car watching the countryside roll by is a whole lot more pleasant than the monotony of the interstate highway, and you can always rent a car when you get there.

10. Terrapass & Carbonfund

Help offset your carbon footprint through supporting re-forestation efforts and other eco-friendly projects. (Photo: iStock)

Not to be a Debbie Downer here, but carbon footprints are a legitimate problem associated with travel - especially flying. The good news is that companies like TerraPass & Carbonfund can offset your travel footprint for pennies on the dollar. At the same time, they support re-forestation efforts around the globe, economic development programs like the UN’s Code REDD, and even help solve tricky problems like landfill gas and agricultural emissions. You don’t need to get deep in the weeds, just calculate your miles traveled and they’ll do the rest.

11. Your very own National & State parks

Take advantage of all the beautiful State and National Parks – they’re basically America’s giant backyard. (Photo: Michael Kittell/Corbis)

Who says you a have to spend oodles of money on an exotic journey around the world to have a meaningful and sustainable travel experience? Dust off that old tent of yours and head out to your nearest State or National Park for a night or two under the stars. Ditch your electronic gadgetry, cook up some s'mores by the campfire and rediscover interacting with both nature and your fellow humans. There are plenty of parks within a short drive of pretty much every city in the world so you’ve really got no excuse to give it a try!

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Check out our original adventure travel series A Broad Abroad.