On Earth Day last year we were visiting Santa Barbara – a beautiful and eco-friendly destination.  In Santa Barbara hotels, restaurants and a variety of businesses offer discounts to travelers who take advantage of alternative forms of transportation like trolleys, kayaks, the train, bicycles and walking.  Wouldn’t it be great if other cities followed their example?

It’s nice when cities take the initiative, but you can do your part as a traveler as well.  Here are a few suggestions on how to be a green traveler:

1. Adjust the thermostat of your water heater and A/C before leaving on your trip. 

2. Stop your newspaper delivery

3. When traveling, turn off your car’s engine instead of idling

4. Minimize your fast food waste and recycle

5. Participate in the hotel linen reuse program

6. Explore your destination on foot and take advantage of walking tours

7. Use public transportation when possible

8. At the hotel’s wall of travel brochures, read and replace once read

9. Bring a nightlight instead of leaving the hotel bathroom light on all night

10. Rent an eco-friendly car - offered now at many major car rental agencies

Happy traveling! 

Via: Travelsense  |  Green Hotels Assn