Sustainable & Green Travel

The popularity of "Eco-Tourism" is not a passing fad. It is a way of life that's here to stay and the tenets of sustainability go beyond travel: they influence every aspect of our every day lives and inform the decisions we make at home and abroad. The good news is that sustainable travel doesn't require that you completely give up comfortable amenities or that you venture to the middle of nowhere. You can be a "green traveler" by implementing a few simple choices like reusing towels at your hotel, opting to rent a more fuel efficient car and using less electricity during your time abroad.

Another way to "go green" is to make an effort to buy local products whenever it's possible to do so. Shipping products from one continent to the next takes a toll on the environment. On the other hand, when you do buy local products make sure that they were sustainably harvested and aren't made from endangered plants or animals. The simplest way to enjoy green travel? Eat local cuisine that's harvested from local farms and rivers or, depending upon where you're staying, support local farmers by doing some shopping at the farmer's market.

Green Travel Tips

If you're looking for more ways to reduce your carbon footprint try recycling. Most people do a good job of this at home, but it's important to continue this practice abroad. When you check in to your hotel ask them about their recycling program and sort your trash accordingly. You can also search for hotels who have adopted green tourism practices - a business model which values sustainable practices when it comes to energy, water efficiency and waste management.

Selecting and Driving a Green Rental Car

Reducing your carbon footprint involves much more than simply selecting a small, fuel efficient rental car. The way you drive your rental car has a significant impact on your CO2 emissions and how much fuel your car consumes. Driving smoothly without rapid acceleration can greatly reduce fuel consumption. If you're driving a standard pay attention to your engine's RPMs and shift gears to keep your engine operating at peak efficiency. If you're changing altitude or temperature during your trip you should make an effort to monitor tire pressure (under-inflated tires can dramatically increase fuel consumption).

When traveling in a city make an effort to rent a smaller car or a hybrid. Auto Europe works with several suppliers that offer a range of eco-friendly vehicles. Contact us toll-free at 1-888-223-5555 for more information about renting a fuel efficient vehicle during your trip.

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