Guest blogger Samantha Minogue is Editorial Director of The Low Cost Travel Mag. Here, she shares her tips on choosing more environmentally-conscious flights and hotels…
Tips for more eco-friendly flights
The whole issue of air travel and the environment has become the subject of enormous scrutiny recently, but there are times when flying is simply the only practical way to travel. Here’s what you should keep in mind to book more responsibly:
1. Travel economy rather than first class
When you travel first class, your seat size and legroom is substantially larger, perhaps the size of four economy size seats. If you equate space on an airplane to fuel consumption, you see that in order to fly first class, you are in effect using four times the amount of fuel as you would when flying economy.
2. Some airlines are more eco-friendly than others
While it is not always easy or, indeed, possible to pick and choose your carrier, sometimes the opportunity will arise. Low-cost airlines as a whole are more eco-friendly, as they cut unnecessary waste like the plastic used on board for cutlery, containers and headsets.
Tips for more eco-friendly hotel stays
Hotels become your home away from home whether you are planning to stay for one night or a couple of weeks. In the same way that you live out your daily life as a responsible, eco-conscious person you should seek to find travel accommodation that reflects your approach to living.
Thankfully, more and more hotels are recognising the value of eco-friendly business practices. Here are some things to consider when weighing up the eco-credentials of a hotel:
- Energy: do they invest in sustainable energy?
- Water: what is their water source, how do they recycle and dispose of waste?
- Disposal: do they assist recycling or conservation projects?
- Eco-Active: do they aim towards responsible tourism, supporting the local economy?
- Protection: how did they develop the land on which they are built? Do they use indigenous plants, and do they protect their immediate environment?
For further tips and low cost travel ideas, feel free to explore The Low Cost Travel Mag.
Ready to travel green? See our favourite eco hotels for any budget and get more top tips for eco travel.
Thanks to Ivan Mlinaric, UggBoyUggGirl and Byflickr for the images off Flickr.
