Guest Post - Eco-friendly Tips for Travelling Across Europe

Its culture, art and history makes Europe a fantastic region to travel through. Not only does it attract tourists from the US and Canada, but Europeans themselves will often travel through the region exploring the many different traditions and cultures it has to offer. The fact that there are so many countries with such different traditions and characters compacted into a small region makes this an exciting and interesting part of the world to discover.

Another great thing about travelling through Europe is that it is one of the most Eco-friendly regions in which to travel. If you are planning a trip to Europe soon here are some Eco-friendly tips that will help to reduce your carbon footprint:

Transport

Of course there is no getting away from the fact that if you’re travelling from the US or Canada you’re going to have to fly to get to Europe, but once you are there you will be able to use much more Eco-friendly forms of transport. Trains are a great way to travel, as they allow you to see parts of countries that you would never see any other way, plus they are great for the environment. Europe has a brilliant rail network, which spans across the entire region and connects the majority of the major cities and countries.

When you’re at your location try and use local transport instead of hiring cars and taxis. Cities like London and Paris have a bike scheme that enables you to rent bikes and leave them at any of the many docking stations around the cities. As well as this, the majority of the major cities have efficient underground train systems that are cheap, safe and convenient to use.

Accommodation

Many European countries have Eco-friendly hotels and lodges that make it easy for environmentally-conscious travellers to lower their carbon emissions. If you are on a tight budget and travelling in summer consider camping, as there are many campsites throughout Europe that offer fantastic facilities and which are safe to stay at. Self-catering is another popular option, as it means you can bring your Eco-friendly home habits with you while you travel.

Eating and drinking

Many European countries are famous for their cuisine and as such eating out in countries like France, Italy and Spain is part of the experience of visiting these places. Saying this, constantly eating out is not only bad for your waistline and wallet, but also for the environment. Instead consider buying local foods at markets and picnicking, or when you do eat out try and choose small, family-run cafes and restaurants where the food is usually locally sourced and the owners are more conscious of wasting electricity and water.

Constantly buying plastic water bottles is another huge environmental mistake many travellers make. In many, especially western, European countries water from the tap is safe to drink so instead of continuously buying water simply fill up your water bottles. A bit of online research before you leave will let you know which countries this is safe to do so in.

Respect the local environment

Remember that one of the best Eco-friendly practices you can do when travelling is to respect the local environment. Whether you’re hiking through the Alps or taking in the history in Rome remember to keep all your waste with you until you can throw it away. Also recycling is common in many European countries, so try and make sure you dispose of waste in the right bins.

Written by Derin Clark, a writer, editor and blogger

Image courtesy of Magali M. / Flicker

Also posted at Green Living Thursdays and Small Footprint Fridays

Guest Post - How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint When You Travel

Flying, driving and cruises are known for being bad for the environment but are also the most common and popular ways of travelling. Most of us want to travel at some point in our lives - whether it’s an annual two-week summer holiday, a teenage gap year, or a round-the-world trip when we retire; and it’s easy to see why - meeting new people, seeing world-famous sites, understanding and experiencing different cultures - there are numerous benefits to travelling.

But as the impacts of climate change are starting to be felt, many of us are looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint; so much so that environmental businesses are a rapidly growing industry. So is there a way of travelling that enables you to reap the benefits, but without harming the environment? Luckily, the answer is yes. If you are planning to dust off your suitcase soon and take to the open road, use these five tips to help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Research
Sometimes there is no alternative but to travel by plane. If this is the case try and book your flight through a company that offsets your flight, or alternatively you can look into offsetting it yourself. Also there are many eco-friendly tour operators now available, so if you prefer to travel in organised groups rather than independently consider booking with one of these companies.

Once you have booked your trip make sure you research your destination thoroughly. This doesn’t just mean finding the best places to eat or the must see-sites, but instead look at finding out how to make your trip as eco-friendly as possible. For example if you are planning to drive across the USA, looking into using a car rental company that specialises in renting hybrid cars - with a bit of research you will often be amazed about the options available to you.

Transport
Once you’ve got to your destination you will want to get out and explore. Instead of relying on expensive taxis find out about the local transport there. Many cities have established subway systems and bus services that are safe, reliable and cost-effective. While some places it is better to hire a bike or to explore on foot.

If you are going to multiple destinations, you often don’t need to depend on flights as many places have ferry services and good rail links. If, for example, you are travelling across Europe the InterRail network covers most of the continent.

Be active
Hiking, cycling, sailing and kayaking are great ways to travel that also leave virtually no carbon footprints. Most destinations provide some chance to be active - cycling across the Alps or hiking in South America are just two popular options. Normally, these types of trips will provide you with the chance to improve your health, meet like-minded people, and gives you the chance to escape the stresses of modern living.

Accommodation
There are many eco-friendly accommodation options available for travellers. Camping is great for keeping your emissions to a minimum, just remember to take all your litter home with you. However, if camping isn’t suitable try to find an eco-friendly hotel or guest house. There has been a boom in eco-friendly accommodations over the last decade so you may be surprised about the level of choice available.

Food
When you are travelling try and eat as much locally produced food as possible, not only is it normally cheaper, fresher and supports local farmers, but the fact that the food hasn’t travelled far reduces its carbon footprint. To do this, if you are in self-catering accommodation or camping, try and find farmers markets and shops. If you are planning to eat out, research which restaurants use locally produced ingredients. Alternatively, eat at cafes and restaurants where the locals eat, as they will often have meals that use seasonal and locally grown foods.

Written by Derin Clark, a writer, editor and blogger.

Vacations ... The Eco Friendly Way

We recently returned from a wonderful vacation in the Pacific Northwest ... camping and visiting with family. Typically when I leave my home in the North Carolina mountains, I am struck by how wasteful and non-environmentally friendly our society is. But this trip was different.

On this trip, I noticed positive changes ... people carrying reusable water bottles in the airport rather than plastic ones, recycle containers set up in restaurants, signs in public restrooms asking patrons to turn out the lights when leaving and more people refusing plastic bags in stores. I saw less Styrofoam and more recyclable containers at take-out stands. In one public restroom there was a toilet that flushed one way for liquids and another way for solids ... reducing the amount of water used. In more than just a few shops I was asked if I wanted my receipt printed (which, of course, I said "no" to and saved some paper). In my relative's homes, I noticed cloth napkins being used instead of paper and everyone seemed to have a garden and a compost bin. A cousin told me about an Eco-Camp for children. Her daughter attended this camp where the focus was on teaching kids about waste ... specifically the waste on their plate when they take too much food and end up tossing what they can't eat.

Yes, there are still improvements to be made but it is encouraging to see so many people making an effort. It gives me hope!

With the trip and everything I saw still fresh in my mind, I decided to write a few tips on having a "green" vacation. Here are some ideas:

• Plan ahead. For a very good list of green travel resources (tour companies, rental car agencies, transportation, activities, etc.), check out IndependentTraveler.com's Green Travel Resources.
  

• Never take a vacation from your "green" ideals. The same rules that apply at home, apply everywhere. For example, don't use more water or electricity just because someone else is paying the bill ... continue to conserve.

• Have a "Staycation" and play tourist in your own city. Yes ... I know ... I just returned from a vacation on the other side of the country. But I've also spent years taking vacations in my own back yard ... and they have been some of the best times we've had. Not only does it save money, gas and other resources ... there are usually activities to enjoy which typically, in our busy lives, we don't take the time to experience. So play tourist at home ... go to a special restaurant, enjoy a museum, take in a play or concert. For more ideas, contact the Chamber of Commerce in your city.

• Make a few adjustment at home before leaving. Turn off the water heater (or turn down the temperature). Turn off A/C or heating units (or, again, adjust them to the least amount of use). Turn off the ice maker. Unplug as many electrical devices as possible.

• Carefully consider the mode of transportation used to reach your destination. Trains, cars, planes, buses ... they all have their environmental pros and cons. Add in time and money and the choice becomes more difficult. For a short trip, consider public transportation. When driving, make sure that the car is properly serviced (tires filled to proper levels, oil leaks fixed, etc.) and follow speed limits to minimize gas use and emissions. Don't charge cell phones, iPods, etc. off the car battery ... it'll lower your gas mileage. If your car is a gas guzzling vehicle, consider renting an economy or hybrid car. If flying is the option, choose electronic tickets, pack lightly and consider carbon offsetting (for an excellent article on the subject, click HERE). Also consider bringing your own snacks and drinks (fill a reusable water bottle after going through security) ... you'll save money and waste.

• Location, location, location! When choosing accommodations, think about location. Ask yourself these questions: Is it near public transportation (bus lines, subways, etc.)? Are tourist activities within walking distance or a short bus ride away? Are there dining and shopping opportunities close by?

• Choose a "green" hotel (find one HERE).

• Care for a hotel room in the same way as you care for your home. Turn out lights and TVs when not in use. When leaving, turn off the cooling/heating units. Leave a "Do Not Disturb" or "No Service" sign on the door and reuse towels and bedding. If a sign is not provided, leave a note for housekeeping requesting that they not service your room. When possible, use your own toiletries rather than those provided by the establishment. If you find it necessary to use their toiletries, take them with you, use until gone and recycle the container. Bring your own cup and let the hotel's plastic ones remain in their bags. Take short showers.

• At your destination, consider environmentally friendly activities. Take a walking or cycling tour. Take digital photos instead of using disposable cameras. Only take maps and brochures that are necessary and, if possible, return them to the rack after use. Choose restaurants that use local, organic produce. Make sure that purchases (snacks, souvenirs, etc.) are Eco-friendly.

• Let them know. When returning home, be sure to write emails to hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies ... even airlines and pilots ... to compliment them on their "green" efforts or encourage them to adopt them if they aren't currently doing so. I've said this before (perhaps a gazillion times) but I believe that if we ask, providers will accommodate us. So tell them that you want "green" travel options.

Vacations are wonderful ... they recharge our emotional batteries and add excitement to life. And, with a little care and concern, they can be kind to the earth as well.

As always ... I would love to hear from you!