Four Ways to Be a More Responsible Traveler

The breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon, the unstoppable energy of NYC, the calming effects of the ocean…these are all great reasons to travel the US. However, with the undeniable benefits that come with long-distance travel come cons like increased pollution, decreased familiarity with your surroundings, and more. To help you enjoy your vacation, while also being friendly to the earth and keeping yourself safe, we’ve created a quick guide to traveling responsibly.

Choose Green Transportation: Reduce greenhouse gases and your carbon footprint by choosing eco-friendly modes of transportation. One great form of transportation is a motorcoach. A coach can replace up to 56 less efficient vehicles on the road, reduces traffic, and is up to 4x more efficient than an airplane. Plus, coaches are comfortable, affordable, and offer awesome amenities.

Look for LEED-Certified Hotels: LEED-Certified hotels are lodging establishments that are taking steps to be more eco-friendly. From choosing LED lighting to planting ‘green roofs,’ LEED hotels are doing all they can to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: In addition to caring for the environment, you also need to take care of yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a trip, but you should also focus on your surroundings. Make a ‘pin’ on your Google Maps to show you where you need to meet fellow travelers, share your location with loved ones, look around, and listen to your gut if you feel uneasy. These are all simple things you can do to stay safe and also have a great time.

Inform Family and Friends: Send your itinerary to friends and family so they can keep tabs on you. Check-in often and inform them of any changes. Having multiple people watch out for you is always a good idea, especially when you’re in unfamiliar territory.

When it comes down to it, the pros of travel easily outweigh the cons. Follow these tips to negate the bad and you’ll be sure to have an amazing journey.