Green Travel

Green travel, ultimately, is moral travel. Every person on Earth has a vested interest in the continued safety and stability of the environment. But as travelers (and world leaders) grapple with questions of what can and must be done to protect the climate, many individuals have identified a few proactive steps to take in the meantime.EcotourismThe philosophy behind ecotourism is all about responsibility. The International Ecotourism Society defines the practice as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.” Explore Kenya alongside a local Maasai community, walk through Borneo’s diverse but threatened rainforest, tour Norway’s Arctic regions with a pair of huskies, ride a horse across Mongolia’s steppe.Reducing EmissionsThe single most costly carbon decision any person can make is to buy a plane ticket. On average, a plane emits a pound of carbon dioxide per passenger aboard per mile flown. Green travel emphatically does not mean no travel, but it should include drastic reductions, if not total elimination, of air travel. Compromises can be found by looking into nonprofit programs that plant trees around the world to offset carbon emissions, as well as opting to travel by boat, train, or car when possible. Smaller decisions like booking rooms in LEED-certified hotels help conserve energy. Habits like reusing a hotel towel do the same.Travel companies often move with travelers: what the public chooses to consume will be offered in greater (or in this case, more sustainable) supply. Whether you are looking for greener methods of travel, or vacations that celebrate and help protect the planet’s many ecosystems, Travel + Leisure is here to help guide the way.

Most Recent

Traveling Scotland by Train Could Soon Become a Whole Lot Better for the Environment

Traveling Scotland by Train Could Soon Become a Whole Lot Better for the Environment

Scotland is preparing to unveil its first hydrogen-powered train this year.
A Massive Reforestation Initiative Is Under Way in Seychelles

A Massive Reforestation Initiative Is Under Way in Seychelles

How one of Africa’s most stunning archipelagoes is going even greener.
Ikea Is Now Selling Tiny Homes — and They’re As Stylish As You’d Expect

Ikea Is Now Selling Tiny Homes — and They’re As Stylish As You’d Expect

The price on the tiny home starts at $47,550.
United Pledges to Cut Greenhouse Gases 100% by 2050

United Pledges to Cut Greenhouse Gases 100% by 2050

Here's how.
New Zealand Is Inviting People Around the World to Turn Their 2020 Disappointments Into a Forest of Hope

New Zealand Is Inviting People Around the World to Turn Their 2020 Disappointments Into a Forest of Hope

Donate a tree and start off 2021 on a brighter note.
The Dominican Republic's 'Wild Side' Offers a Quieter Alternative to Punta Cana

The Dominican Republic's 'Wild Side' Offers a Quieter Alternative to Punta Cana

On the Samaná Peninsula, innovative eco-lodges are highlighting the region’s untamed natural bounty.

More Green Travel

Norway Is Developing Self-driving Ferries That Passengers Can Summon With the Push of a Button

Norway Is Developing Self-driving Ferries That Passengers Can Summon With the Push of a Button

The country continues to be a pioneer in ferry transport.
The Great Barrier Reef Has Lost Half Its Coral Since the 1990s

The Great Barrier Reef Has Lost Half Its Coral Since the 1990s

The mass disappearance of coral reefs is just another sign that the planet’s ecosystem is crying out for help.
Visit Mayan Ruins, White-sand Beaches, and Unrestrained Rain Forest In Mexico’s Next Eco-tourism Destination

Visit Mayan Ruins, White-sand Beaches, and Unrestrained Rain Forest In Mexico’s Next Eco-tourism Destination

Greenland's Glaciers Are Melting Faster Than They Can Be Replenished: 'We've Passed the Point of No Return'

Greenland's Glaciers Are Melting Faster Than They Can Be Replenished: 'We've Passed the Point of No Return'

How Rwanda Became One of the World’s Great Conservation Success Stories

How Rwanda Became One of the World’s Great Conservation Success Stories

As More Americans Opt for Road Trips, Ford Aims to Become Carbon Neutral By 2050

As More Americans Opt for Road Trips, Ford Aims to Become Carbon Neutral By 2050

The Fascinating History Behind Why We Celebrate Earth Day

Happy #EarthDay50!

All Green Travel

Touring Amsterdam’s Canals by Commercial Boat Is Now a Whole Lot Better for the Environment

Touring Amsterdam’s Canals by Commercial Boat Is Now a Whole Lot Better for the Environment

How to Know If Your Sunscreen Is Killing Coral Reefs — and the Brands to Try Instead

How to Know If Your Sunscreen Is Killing Coral Reefs — and the Brands to Try Instead

The Secret to Singapore Airlines' Delicious Meals Is an Indoor, Vertical Farm in New Jersey

The Secret to Singapore Airlines' Delicious Meals Is an Indoor, Vertical Farm in New Jersey

Virgin Voyages Is Swapping Key Cards for Bands Made From Recycled Ocean Plastic

Virgin Voyages Is Swapping Key Cards for Bands Made From Recycled Ocean Plastic

Airbnb Wants to Send Five People to Take a Sabbatical in the Bahamas (Video)

Airbnb Wants to Send Five People to Take a Sabbatical in the Bahamas (Video)

You Can Wash Your Clothes While Sipping on Espresso at This Chic Laundromat-cafe in Brooklyn

You Can Wash Your Clothes While Sipping on Espresso at This Chic Laundromat-cafe in Brooklyn

The Glaciers at This National Park May Still Be There — but the Threat of Climate Change Looms (Video)

The Glaciers at This National Park May Still Be There — but the Threat of Climate Change Looms (Video)

How to Visit the Great Barrier Reef — and Help Preserve It While You're There

How to Visit the Great Barrier Reef — and Help Preserve It While You're There

Why Byron Bay and the Blue Mountains Should Be on Every Travelers' Must-visit List

Why Byron Bay and the Blue Mountains Should Be on Every Travelers' Must-visit List

This European Cruise Line Is Pledging to Be Carbon Neutral by 2020

This European Cruise Line Is Pledging to Be Carbon Neutral by 2020

These 10-Day Bike Tours Were Inspired By Climate Activist Greta Thunberg (Video)

These 10-Day Bike Tours Were Inspired By Climate Activist Greta Thunberg (Video)

Banning Frequent Flier Programs Could Help Combat Climate Change, UK Committee Says (Video)

Banning Frequent Flier Programs Could Help Combat Climate Change, UK Committee Says (Video)

Rick Steves Self-imposes $1 Million 'Tax' to Help Offset the Environmental Impact of the 30,000 People Who Take His Tours Each Year

Rick Steves Self-imposes $1 Million 'Tax' to Help Offset the Environmental Impact of the 30,000 People Who Take His Tours Each Year

This Immersive Exhibit Is Using Instagram Photo Opps to Teach People About Climate Change

This Immersive Exhibit Is Using Instagram Photo Opps to Teach People About Climate Change

Prince Harry Is Taking Over National Geographic's Instagram Today — and He Wants You to Contribute

Prince Harry Is Taking Over National Geographic's Instagram Today — and He Wants You to Contribute

The World's Oceans Are in Serious Danger, New U.N. Report Warns — Here's How You Can Help

The World's Oceans Are in Serious Danger, New U.N. Report Warns — Here's How You Can Help

20 Gorgeous, Green Destinations Where You Can Have an Eco-friendly Vacation

20 Gorgeous, Green Destinations Where You Can Have an Eco-friendly Vacation

Adult Sea Otters Are Adopting Orphaned Babies at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Adult Sea Otters Are Adopting Orphaned Babies at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Global Climate Strike Everyone's Been Talking About Has Officially Begun — Here's What You Need to Know

The Global Climate Strike Everyone's Been Talking About Has Officially Begun — Here's What You Need to Know

Florida's Beautiful Palm Trees Are Under Attack by a Fatal, Insect-borne Disease

Florida's Beautiful Palm Trees Are Under Attack by a Fatal, Insect-borne Disease

Please Don't Treat National Parks Like a Garbage Can, Says Glacier National Park

Please Don't Treat National Parks Like a Garbage Can, Says Glacier National Park

The Recent Heat Wave in the U.S. Is Causing Sunflowers to Bloom Early

The Recent Heat Wave in the U.S. Is Causing Sunflowers to Bloom Early

This Mermaid Festival in Key West Is the Most Magical Way to Celebrate Summer

This Mermaid Festival in Key West Is the Most Magical Way to Celebrate Summer

5 Hotels You Need to Stay at If You Love Sea Turtles and Want to Help Save Them

5 Hotels You Need to Stay at If You Love Sea Turtles and Want to Help Save Them

This Company Is Giving Free Kayak Tours in Europe If You Pick up Trash From the Water

This Company Is Giving Free Kayak Tours in Europe If You Pick up Trash From the Water

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