Trying to decide where to go on your next vacation? Travel has its impacts on the environment and your wallet, but there are options out there that allow you to pursue your sense of adventure with minimal impact on the environment and on budgets that won’t break the bank. After all, traveling is just as much about the journey as it is the destination. If you’re up for something a little different and off the beaten path, here are some adventures that will entertain, inspire, and educate.
1. Explore the Outdoors You need not trek across the globe to enjoy the beauties of nature, especially when there are so many natural wonders to be found close to home. Visiting a national park gives you the chance to embrace the natural wildlife and flora that are practically in your own backyard. National Parks like
Yellowstone,
Bryce Canyon, and
Yosemite are home to an abundance of wildlife and unique geological features. Camping is also a great little getaway and can be done in many local and national parks. Think of it as a chance to get away from bustling city life, to clear your mind, and to embrace your surroundings. Taking the time to explore the great outdoors will also give you a greater understanding of the wonders of our planet and the importance of preserving it.
2. Stay in an Eco-LodgeWhile staying close to home is one way to reduce your carbon footprint, you can also take your green values farther by staying in an eco-lodge. Eco-lodges are built with sustainability, the environment, and community in mind. Costa Rica, a county with rich natural wonders and wildlife, is one destination with an abundance of
eco-lodge options that respect the local environment while offering seclusion and style. If you’re heading toward the Italian Riviera, you can stay at a
medieval village restored and operated with sustainability and preservation in mind. Eco-lodges come in all sizes and prices across the globe, enabling you to make your next trip a little more green.
3. Tour an Eco-Friendly CityYou don’t have to be a nature lover to be a passionate traveler. Portland, OR, is one of the most eco-conscious cities in America. It tops the charts on the list of
bike-friendly cities and is committed to alternative transportation, boasting as an extensive public transit system. Ride a bike or hop on a bus to get away from the tourist crowds and venture into the local market, library, and parks. Bringing your own
water bottle will help reduce the volume of disposables used during your trip. Immersing yourself in the local culture will open you up to the sights and sounds of the city and give you a chance meet more interesting people while minimizing your carbon footprint.
4. Volunteer for the PlanetExplore the wonders of the world and give back to the environment by taking a volunteer vacation. There are a growing number of organizations with volunteer programs that cater to interests all around the world – from studying animal rehabilitation in Argentina, to building art and dance centers in Brazil, to surfing and saving turtles in Costa Rica. You can still do all the things you would otherwise do on vacation (visit sites, sample food, etc.), while gaining a fresh perspective on your destination and making a valuable difference in the environment.
5. Become a WWOOFerIf you’re interested in an educational and inspirational trip and you're not afraid to get your hands dirty, look into a
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) vacation. WWOOF is a world-wide organization that helps you find volunteer work on organic farms in exchange for food and accommodation. On a WWOOF vacation, you will learn valuable tools for the helping the environment, such as various sustainable practices and living an organic lifestyle. It's also a chance to meet some incredible people and get an intimate look at a precious, new environment.
~ Christine Chan
