It’s simply a fact that vacation travel often has a high environmental impact. Everything from air travel and cruising on a luxury liner to water and power usage at a hotel can dramatically expand one’s environmental footprint. Ironically, many individuals who have been bitten the hardest by the “travel bug” are also some of the most concerned about the environment. How can eco-friendly vacationers balance their wanderlust with being environmentally responsible? Here are five green travel strategies that minimize consumption while maximizing fun and adventure.

Steer Clear of Large Scale Tourism
Cruises and large resorts are among the most ecologically irresponsible options available to travelers. Cruise ships that often carry up to 3,000 passengers and crew members at one time generate copious amounts of sewage, solid waste, and bilge water that when released without proper treatment spill pathogens and toxic substances into the environment that can threaten human health and aquatic life. These vessels’ diesel engines also burn high sulfur content fuel that produces sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, as well as particulates that add significantly to overall air pollution.

Like cruise ships, luxury and destination resorts cater to large volumes of vacationers and subsequently consume and waste significant amounts of energy and water. This can have a dramatically negative affect on local bio-systems and wildlife and quickly deplete natural resources of surrounding communities.

If a resort or cruise is the only option available, choose one that has a “green” program in place. Several large chains including Wyndham, Starwood, and Celebrity Cruises are a few that have taken proactive steps to reduce their emissions and increase their overall environmental responsibility.

Book Locally
Among the most obvious ways to plan an eco-friendly vacation is to work directly with local providers of tours, accommodations, and cultural activities who are concerned about the preservation of their local environments. Not only do these providers offer unique experiences for travelers that are reflective of the culture and landscape of their destination, they also provide the ability to support and empower local communities and their economies.

Prior to the development and growth of the Internet, there were very few options for researching and booking vacations. Most vacationers simply called their local travel agent to coordinate all of the details. The adventurous relied on travel guides. Fortunately, times have changed, and now travelers have a world of travel opportunities literally at their fingertips.

With the Internet being used in even the most remote locations of the world, local service providers are effectively promoting their offerings and communicate directly with potential customers looking for more responsible alternatives to the typical large hotels, tours, resorts, and activities. One company that specializes in connecting travelers with local services is www.stepuptravel.com. They provide a comprehensive travel classifieds site filled with unique activities and accommodations offered by local businesses. Categorized by destination, activities, and accommodations, the site offers detailed service descriptions, photos, reviews, and the ability to contact service providers online.

For those who feel more comfortable talking via phone with local providers prior to booking reservations, voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology is a great way to call long distance for little or no cost. Mediaringtalk.com is one such provider that provides free PC to Phone and free PC to mobile calls to eight countries and extremely low rates for all other destinations. VoIP service is also ideal for making free calls while on vacation.
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