“Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints. Small, environmentally responsible footprints.”

Vacations. We daydream about them. We work hard for them. We aspire to be on them. And going on a green vacation isn’t hard to do, it just takes a bit of planning — but you can do it.

Here are a few tips to consider for your next vacation, and just how you can avoid taking your environmental footprint with you.

Choosing a Destination

How about staying close to home this summer? Become a tourist in your own city! Visit your local tourist information center and be surprised at what you can discover and do on your home patch. There’s likely parks and museums you haven’t visited, restaurants you haven’t tried, a local festival or two to take in.

If you chose to go away, travel to places that are doing their bit for the environment. Search a directory of destinations at Planeta.com.

Where to Stay

Once you know where you’re going, look for accommodations that are environmentally friendly. Check their websites or call or e-mail to get more details on their environmental, employment and cultural policies. You can also check out The Green Hotels Association. Here are some questions you can ask before booking:

• Does the accommodation try to reduce water and energy consumption (i.e. energy efficient lighting and low-flow showers)?
• Does the accommodation have a recycling and composting program?
• Is the accommodation locally owned, operated and staffed?
• Is the accommodation somewhere you can get to from the airport or train station without having to rent a car?
• Are you close to everything you want to see so that you can walk, cycle, or use public transport to get around?

Before Leaving…

You’re not the only one in need of a vacation; your house and its variety of power-draining appliances could use a little down time too. Before leaving…

• Turn water heater to “Vacation” or lowest setting
• Turn off AC/heat or adjust the thermostat to protect plants, etc
.
• Turn your water off at the outside connection (to prevent flooding should a pipe break)
• Unplug appliances, such as TVs and cable converter boxes, they can draw as much as 40 watts per hour even when they’re off
• Lower the temperature of waterbed heaters at least ten degrees
• Cancel your newspaper subscription.

Pack Light

Don’t bring more than you need. It adds weight to whatever means of transportation you use, requiring more energy, and it also adds weight to what you have to carry.

Image courtesy, Via Rail.

Trains Instead of Planes

Trains emit much less pollution and can carry more passengers than aircraft. Using the train network is a viable option, especially if journeying city-to-city within Canada or to the USA.

Be a Green Guest

Even if you’re not spending the night in a green hotel, there are still practices you can take to make your stay more eco-friendly.

• Keep your showers short, and turn off the water while you’re brushing your teeth When you leave the room, turn off the air conditioning, heat, television, lights or any other electric devices.
• Reuse your sheets and towels instead of having them changed every day.
• Bring your own toiletries and drinking cup rather than using the prepackaged ones provided.
• Know your hotel’s recycling program and sort your trash accordingly
• Give your hotel feedback. Express your appreciation for any eco-friendly programs it currently offers — or if it doesn’t, encourage the management to go green in the future.

Eat Local

Just as you may be committed to eating locally when you are at home, use this same philosophy when on vacation. For example, when vacationing in San Francisco, avoid the temptation to order Nova Scotia lobster for dinner. Your vacation destination will no doubt offer many choices of meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit that are locally grown. Consider the energy you will save while enjoying the freshest food available.

Souvenirs

One of the best parts of travelling is collecting souvenirs to remind you of your trip. When you purchase souvenirs, buy local products — always check labels, and ask the vendor about what it is made from.

As you can see, there are many ways to plan and enjoy a green vacation. With these few, simple considerations, your vacation can truly tread lightly on the places you set out to enjoy and make it a much more restful and peaceful escape — isn't that what it’s really all about?

Wishing you and your family safe green travels!