How to Plan an Earth-Friendly Vacation This New Year

The new year is a perfect time to travel. It's the off-season in most destinations, so accommodation and airfare are relatively affordable. There are fewer tourists than in the high summer months. And it's often at this point of winter, after months of bundling up inside, when we feel the strongest urge for somewhere warm, exotic and exciting. 

But the new year is also a time for self-reflection, a time to re-evaluate our personal and collective impact on the world. And a common, modern resolution is to try and be more eco-conscious. 

How does one reconcile these two urges? How do you get the exciting trip you're dreaming of while still staying true to your earth-friendly goals for the new year? In this article, let's explore a few tips for making your next trip as respectful, efficient and minimal as possible. 

Purchase Carbon Offsets

Let's not beat around the bush. The single least earth-friendly aspects of international travel are those flights. Yes, they pale in comparison to industrial practices and freight logistics - but leisure travel does burn a lot of fuel. 

Until some enterprising engineer gets the first electric airplane off the ground, all you can really do is mitigate the carbon load by purchasing offsets. Essentially, carbon offsets are monetary donations intended to compensate for personal emissions; they often go toward renewable energy investments, forestry and carbon removal technology. 

They aren't perfect, but they're better than nothing. 

Ride the Rails

Once you reach your destination, you're faced with a choice: you can take more airplanes or gas-powered ground travel to get around, or you can ride the rails. 

Most modern trains run on electricity (with the exception of some diesel-powered freight trains), making them an ideal choice for the emissions-conscious traveller. Plus, riding the train represents an excellent opportunity to view the natural world you're trying to protect. Train journeys are scenic, thoughtful and relaxing - just what you want from a vacation. 

Pack Natural Travel Clothing

A lot of travel clothing is made from either synthetic materials or green-washed natural fibres that do more harm than good. (See: cotton, bamboo and rayon). If you're looking for a new travel wardrobe, choose a natural, renewable choice like merino wool. 

Not only is merino wool easy on the environment, but you don't need much of it for a trip. Because underwear, shirts, hoodies and sweaters made with merino wool are antibacterial and sweat-wicking, they last a long time between washes. You really only need to pack one of each item (maybe two for the underwear). Just look for mulesing-free merino wool, an indication of non-cruelty. 

Follow the "Look but Don't Touch" Policy

It can be tempting to pluck that flower or stow that little piece of dead coral in your swim trunks, but even seemingly innocuous disturbances can have profound knock-on effects for the local environment. As you travel in a natural setting, follow the "look but don't touch" policy. 

Local populations rely on these natural ecosystems year-round, so it's unfair for tourists to tamper with them. As always, your role as a traveller should be ambassador first and foremost; try to be as respectful as possible in everything you do. 

Those are just a few tips to reconcile your dedication to the environment with your natural wanderlust. Consider also supporting local businesses and foodways (i.e., leave the fast-food chains for when you get back home) and consider patronizing eco hotels with a commitment to the local environment. Safe travels!