- Dave Groebel
Ways That Eco Travel Can Save You Money

It’s a sad fact that traveling to beautiful destinations is not suitable for our planet. Travel typically increases our carbon emissions and dramatically increases plastic and water waste across the globe. Travel impacts not only communities, but the environments that are visited as tourist destinations. What are our options for enjoying Earth’s treasures while being eco-conscious?
Benefits of eco travel
Traveling and being eco-friendly don’t have to be mutually exclusive. With ways to cut back on harmful practices, many are now finding money-saving opportunities amidst our travel excursions.
Choose not to fly
Flying is one of the least efficient and harmful ways to travel as far as carbon emissions are concerned. Just one one-way flight from London to New York can emit as much as one ton of carbon dioxide per passenger. It’s estimated that air travel emits close to 860 million metric tons of CO2 per year; there must be some way to offset this devastating action against the environment.
Planning a fun vacation does not have to put a strain on the environment, and it can also cost you money. Finding places that are accessible by train or car will save you some coin and be less impactful on the environment. Get out the road map and have your family members roll the dice for your eco-destination.
If you must fly, choose economy class and pack lightly. Economy planes carry more people and offer one-stop destinations to places all over the globe. Your ride may not be cushy, but it will be more efficient.
Look For LEED-Certified Accommodations
An LEED-certified hotel stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This is a universal system designed for rating buildings on their level of sustainability. LEED-certified hotels must meet standards by reducing pollution, limiting exposure to chemicals, and improving air quality. In many cases, individuals are hired to oversee sustainability measures; these people are intimately involved in making sure hotel operations are more efficient. They can transfer these savings down to you as you consider your stay.
Use Public Transportation
Renting a car can be quite costly, so many travelers consider using public transportation as they soak up local atmosphere and save a few dollars. Not only is it better for the environment, but it will also put you in touch with local people and customs that will enhance your vacation experience significantly. Public transportation can cause a bit of nervousness, given current COVID-19 statistics, but a bit of pre-planning and precaution will help minimize risk while traveling.
Eat Local
Now would be a great time to soak up the atmosphere and take advantage of quaint little eateries that offer local cuisine and truly unique culinary creations. Enjoying local food and drink offerings is not only reducing your carbon footprint; you’re investing in local communities that can reduce operating costs with your continued support. Consider going veg for a few meals to make your impact even more significant, as the meat industry takes its toll on the environment.
Give Back To The Community
Regenerative travel is a concept that has grown in popularity in recent years. It involves minimizing your footprint while you leave a community better than before your arrival. Programs like Malama Hawaii include opportunities to clean up beaches, plant trees, and assist with reef preservation.
Get Educated!
Eco-travel is most efficient when travelers are educated on how their carbon footprint impacts others across the globe. Alpha Submarine Adventures is an eco-friendly company that in the fall, will offers top-notch education blended with a truly unique experience that will change your life. Deep dives off the coast of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands bring you up close and personal with our coral reef treasures; you’ll learn just how integral they are to our delicate Earth ecosystem and what part you play in protecting this living library of beautiful sea life. Want a vacation experience that you’ll talk about for generations? Visit https://www.eco-alphasub.com/ for more information.