Spring break is just a few days away. If you haven’t sorted out a vacay yet, do consider a sustainable one.
Save Money
You can have a holiday on a budget and it is a better idea than going all out on a vacay that you don’t really need. Some options may seem a bit expensive at the onset, but there are several ways to save money once you get there: take the public transport if possible; bring or cook your own food and have picnics by the lake or beach; bring or hire bikes to get around; or better yet, walk around or go hiking; check out the local culture and scenery; go fishing and cook what you catch.
Opt for Eco-Friendly Tourist Sites
Around Australia, there are heaps of eco-tourism options for you. Check out the Green Travel Guide 2012/2013 or Nature Tours in New Zealand and Australia for what’s out there, waiting to be discovered by you.
All-Inclusive
Want a bit of pampering and luxury? Not a problem. There are several eco-inspired resorts to cater to your every needs and they’re not too far away. So you can get that extra T.L.C. without causing harm to the environment. Check out Eco Lodges Australia, the Luxury Eco-Lodges in New Zealand, or the Eco Lodges in the Pacific Islands.
Carbon Offsets
If you’re flying to and fro your holiday destination, consider carbon offsets in purchasing your tickets to help lessen the carbon dioxide output you will generate. How? The Carbon Neutral Calculator helps compute your total carbon emissions. For example, if you will travel from Brisbane to Fiji on economy class, you will emit 0.67 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Most airlines carbon offsets with the purchase of a ticket, including Virgin Blue, Qantas, Jetstar, British Airways, and SAS.
Flights from Australia sold by Intrepid Travel have a carbon offset payment included in their rates. The money goes to projects run by Origin Energy that strives to lower carbon emissions. Flight Centre has also teamed up with Cleaner Climate to allow travellers to offset their carbon dioxide emissions from air travel.
Volunteer
Not only is this the most sustainable way to spend a holiday, but it also helps you see the world in a different light. One example is GoEco, that was created by experienced volunteers, who are keen on travelling and making a contribution to the community, wildlife, and environment of their destination. Organisations like Habitat for Humanity also come up with volunteer opportunities for college and university students or with local community groups to paint schools, plant trees, or other noteworthy green activities. National Geographic, for its part, lists the Top Ten Volunteer Vacations here.
So what are you waiting for? Go have that experience of a lifetime with friends or family. Go have a sustainable journey!
Image: Cudo
