# Eco-Friendly Vacation Tips for Families

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/11/eco-friendly-vacation-tips-for-families/
- Published: 2018-11-02T21:29:28-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Every year, families throughout the world [travel](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/07/how-to-select-a-green-lodge-when-traveling-part-1/)
to different destinations for vacation. Although fun, traveling can make it difficult
to maintain a low [carbon footprint](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/05/cool-off-app-launches-to-save-you-money-and-reduce-the-carbon-footprint/).
From modes of transportation that create pollution to tourist activities which endanger
the environment. We all know it can be hard to enjoy a family vacation. All while
still being mindful of the environment. Therefore, Here are some tips to consider
for your family’s next vacation. These are tips that will help you make lasting 
memories. As well as while also helping conserve the environment.

#### Travel to “Green” Destinations

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_19541086750315384417401.
jpg?resize=300%2C300&quality=52&ssl=1 "img_19541086750315384417401.jpg - The Green
Living Guy")

Preserving the environment is at the forefront of many people’s minds. However, 
there are certain countries that are excelling at implementing environmentally friendly
practices. So Travel to destinations that are making the environment a priority!
That is a great way to support the tourism industry and environment simultaneously.
The chances of you finding further eco-friendly choices in an already green destination
are also higher. [Costa Rica](https://www.drinkteatravel.com/top-eco-friendly-destinations/)
is known to be a frontrunner. That’s Especially when it comes to protecting biodiversity.
As well as is a stunning destination worth visiting. Other green leaders include
Norway, Iceland, and even San Francisco, California. All three destinations know
that sustainability is key and are actively engaged in being environmentally friendly.

#### Choose Efficient Modes of Transportation

We all know the natural pollution associated with gas related transportation. That’s
why it can be tricky to get around without leaving a mark. So if you are traveling
a long distance, it’s almost impossible to avoid traveling by plane or car. However
once you arrive at your destination, you have more transportation options available.
Traveling by foot eliminates any threat to the environment. Yes, so long as you 
are being courteous of your surroundings. Also it’s an easy way to get the family
active during vacation. Also Biking through your destination is a much greener option
than driving. Most say it’s also another scenic way to travel.

#### Stay in Eco-Friendly Lodging

Most accommodations realize that guests are looking for environmentally friendly
options, but some lodging providers are better than others in terms of what they
actually deliver. Before choosing your accommodations or your[ corporate event center](https://www.baywatchresort.com/groups/meetings-events/),
you should certainly do your research. Look for “green” certifications that hotels
may have such as[ LEED Certification.](https://web.archive.org/web/20190718003019/https://www.usgbc.org/?CategoryID=19)
This certification holds hotels to a certain standard and monitors sustainability
efforts. In addition to staying somewhere LEED certified, you can act on your part
to further ensure environmental consciousness during your stay. Ask that hotel staff
do not wash your towels or linens during your stay to reduce water usage. Limit 
your electricity use and avoid use of plastic items. Depending on your destination,
there may also be environmentally centric lodging options that create less waste
than that of a hotel.

#### **Engage in Environmentally-Friendly Activities**

The cost of environmentally-friendly tours and activities may be higher, but the
impact your family will have on the environment will be minimal. There are many 
options you can explore that will let you explore your destination while still being
cautious of the environment. Consider traveling in smaller tour groups and utilizing
energy-efficient modes of transportation. Participating in activities that connect
your family with nature is a great way to interact with the environment and truly
experience your destination. As long as you plan your activities accordingly, your
family can take advantage of natural exploration without taking advantage of the
environment.

**Respect Local Scenery and Wildlife**

Although ecotourism promotes interacting with natural elements, it is pertinent 
to still be cautious when doing so. If you’re traveling during the summer or to 
tropical destinations, it is likely that you will partake in water activities. A
key way to be eco-friendly while enjoying the water is to monitor the products that
you bring with you. Lathering up on sunscreen that is beneficial to you – but harmful
to organisms in the water – could be detrimental. Instead, use [non-toxic sunscreen](https://www.amazon.com/Two-Pack-Resistant-Biodegradable-Sunscreen/dp/B01MTITQZF/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1495253229&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=ocean%2Bsafe%2Bsunscreen&smid=A2VCZORR5PEYRH&linkCode=sl1&tag=smalfootfami-20&linkId=32ac787313fd84b3616b0784220218db&th=1)
that won’t pose a threat to you or other organisms. Be respectful of the flora and
fauna around you while engaging in outdoor activities. In the water, steer clear
of touching any coral, and when on the trails be sure to avoid endangering other
natural habitats. Certainly avoid activities that put any living creatures at risk,
such as fishing or whale watching.

#### **Support Local Businesses**

While supporting local businesses may not directly impact the environment, there
are many benefits it can have to the locale of your destination. Dining in locally
owned restaurants and purchasing souvenirs made by local residents reduces the demand
for shipping items, which in turn reduces associated transportation emissions. Supporting
local business owners also helps boost the economy. Dining and shopping local also
helps use native resources, meaning your food quality will probably be higher and
more beneficial than something that would be imported. Mindful choices during your
vacation can have a much bigger impact on the sustainability of the environment 
and on your conscious. Researching and properly planning before your next family
vacation will ensure that you make lasting memories while giving back to the environment.

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)