<p>With easy and affordable access to the most isolated islands and the highest mountains, humans are touching every corner of the earth.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" style="width: auto" alt="" src="http://myblogguest.com/forum/uploads/articles/2013/5/authorpic_19.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></p>
<p>Everyone enjoys this accessibility and freedom,</p>
<p>but it comes with a responsibility &#8212; to ensure the protection of the area so that the pristine conditions are kept intact.</p>
<p>This is not only vital for future generations so they can visit, but it is essential for the local community and economy.</p>
<p>With a little thought and planning this is easily done.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" style="width: auto" alt="" src="http://myblogguest.com/forum/uploads/articles/2013/5/depositphotos_5850249_xs.jpg" width="385" height="263" /></p>
<p>When planning a vacation these are five steps that will have an immense positive impact on the carbon footprint that is left behind:</p>
<p><strong>1. Planning &#8212;</strong> Consider the fuel which will be spent for the trip.</p>
<p>With the help of a map, plot the quickest and safest route to the destination.</p>
<p>Instead of flying the whole way, when possible, substitute a portion of the trip by train, bus, boat or car.</p>
<p>This will make for a pleasant change and a great way to see the country.</p>
<p><strong>2. Transportation &#8212;</strong> When renting a car, whether it is to drive to the destination or to get around,</p>
<p>a small comfortable car may do just as well as a large gas-guzzling vehicle.</p>
<p>Sharing a car with fellow travelers, renting a hybrid car, renting a bike,</p>
<p>and using public transport will greatly reduce the carbon footprint.</p>
<p>This will take planning to find out which facilities, such as bike rental, are available and where they are located.</p>
<p>Car pooling and using public transport are some of the easiest and most efficient ways of reducing the carbon footprint left behind.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" style="width: auto" alt="" src="http://myblogguest.com/forum/uploads/articles/2013/5/depositphotos_6776924_xs.jpg" width="385" height="263" /></p>
<p><strong>3. Support Local Business &#8212;</strong> Use local services and buy local produce and products.</p>
<p>This not only helps the local economy flourish,</p>
<p>but reduces the use of food and objects that have been brought from another country.</p>
<p>International brands and food chains carry a heavy carbon footprint.</p>
<p><strong>4. Do Not Litter &#8212;</strong> Trash is the key component that is hurting the beauty of nature,</p>
<p>killing wildlife and hurting the budgets of small towns that are already struggling to improve their infrastructure.</p>
<p>A large portion of their budget ends up having to be spent cleaning up after tourists.</p>
<p>Plastic water bottles are an outstanding portion of the trash; using a reusable bottle will make a notable difference.</p>
<p>Many countries are now offering filter water stations to give people a source of clean trustworthy drinking water to refill their bottles.</p>
<p><strong>5. Book in an Eco-friendly Hotel &#8212;</strong> Stay in hotels which are certified as environmentally friendly. This kind of hotel will use their energy efficiently and use local products.</p>
<p>In addition, ask for towels and bed sheets to be kept a few days longer, and each person doing their own essential laundry cuts the use of water.</p>
<p>Staying in a centrally located place will allow getting around easily without using extra fuel.</p>
<p>Take these five tips and incorporate them as part of your travel planning process to reduce your carbon footprint and help local economies to survive in today’s challenging economic climate.</p>
<h5>Featured images:</h5>
<p><span class="license">License: Image author owned</span></p>
<p><span class="license">License: Royalty Free or iStock</span> <span class="source">source: http://depositphotos.com/5850249/stock-photo-Couple-on-beach-with-travel-bag.html?sqc=41&;sqm=1148474&;sq=15uyij</span></p>
<p><span class="license">License: Royalty Free or iStock</span> <span class="source">source: http://depositphotos.com/6776924/stock-photo-Eco-Friendly-Green-Road-Sign.html?sqc=12&;sqm=11134&;sq=15uz6p</span></p>
<p><em>Sarah Thompson is a journalist who writes for the travel sector. </em></p>
<p><em>She is interested in sustainability and green living and chronicles the developments of the green industry. </em></p>

Sustainable Travel – 5 Steps To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
