Many people don’t give the environment a second thought when booking a getaway at home or overseas. However, you might not realize your much-needed trip could contribute to climate change.
Traveling to and from a destination by plane or ship might be the quickest or easiest option, but they cause considerable damage to the Earth. For instance, the modes of transportation increase water and air pollution and produce greenhouse gas emissions.
If you want to travel guilt-free, you must consider transportation options. Here are four greener ways to explore the world.
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Cycle
If you have a passion for cycling, are physically fit, and love to explore the outdoors, you could lower your carbon footprint by cycling to your desired destinations. It’s ideal if you have booked a break in a nearby town or city.
If you cannot physically reach a vacation spot by bike, you could always bring a lightweight bike with you on your travels. By doing so, you could reduce your reliance on public transport or car rental. Also, it will provide a more authentic vacation experience at your chosen destination.
If cycling sounds like a fun way to embrace greener travel, you must invest in a lightweight, dependable bike that will provide a smooth ride. Choose the perfect single speed or fixed gear bike for your needs at steedbikes.com. The streamlined design and responsive handling will ensure you feel confident when cycling across many terrains.
Walk
If you don’t feel confident riding a bike, you could always explore a destination on foot. Walking to and from one or more attractions on vacation is a great way to burn calories, discover hidden gems, and breathe in the beauty of your surroundings.
While walking isn’t always possible on vacation, you should attempt to reach a landmark, restaurant, or store on foot if it isn’t too far away. You could even visit a destination that offers superb walking trails for a scenic adventure, such as:
- Wales Coastal Path, Wales, UK
- The Great Ocean Walk, Melbourne, Australia
- The Jordan Trail, Jordan
- Bruce Trail, Ontario, Canada
Train
After cycling and walking, trains are the most environmentally-friendly modes of transportation. At present, cars produce 80% more greenhouse gas emissions per kilometer than railway transport. Also, planes rely on a considerable amount of fuel for take-off, cruising, and landing. To put this into perspective, a journey from London to Madrid via plane would emit 118kg of CO2 per passenger, but a train would emit 43kg per passenger.
Public Transport
Once you arrive at a destination, it is a good idea to skip a car rental to embrace public transport. A rental vehicle can make your life easier during a vacation, but it will come at the cost of your finances and, most importantly, the environment.
Hopping onto a bus, train, or subway is a more eco-conscious way to explore a destination. Also, you will not need to worry about paying for parking lot tickets, insurance, or gas throughout your getaway. It is a cheap and eco-friendly way to travel from A to B on vacation.