Sustainability and going green have become buzzwords and important issues in our world today. While many people make sustainability and environmental concerns a priority when they’re at home, they should start thinking about it while traveling as well. It might sound like a lot of work. You know the recycling policies in your own state and town, but what about in a different country, or even a different region?

Keeping up with rules and regulations of wherever you’re visiting can be difficult and overwhelming. The good news is, there are many other ways that you can embrace sustainable tourism.

Think Before You Book a Flight

It’s no secret that airplanes aren’t necessarily the most eco-friendly method of transportation. They produce a lot of carbon emissions, which isn’t great for the environment. If you do choose to fly, or if your destination is far enough that you need to fly, book a direct flight whenever possible. Airplanes actually produce the majority of their carbon emissions during takeoff and landing. By limiting the number of times you have to take off and land, you’re reducing your carbon footprint. You can also look for airlines that are involved in carbon offset programs to help neutralize their emissions.

Use Public Transportation at Your Destination

You’ve made it to your destination in the most sustainable way possible. Awesome! Whether you’re looking for a way to get across town or you discovered an awesome hiking trail in the next town over, you’ll need to find effective ways to move around. If possible, book a train or hop on a bus instead of renting and driving a car. Or, you could even participate in a rideshare. Another option is to meet up with some locals who can not only show you the best places to visit, but also come with you.

Think About Lodging Sustainability

If you’re staying in a hotel, see if there’s any sort of sustainability certification there. In the United States, there’s the LEED Certification. Australia has EarthCheck. And there are many more across the world. Be sure to ask the hotel staff if there’s recycling and how to do so. It’s also a good idea to see how much of a given hotel is “local.” That is, do they use local foods, hire local staff, and use local décor? If a company is investing in the local economy, they are more than likely pretty sustainable as well.

Save Water

Saving water might already be on your list of green initiatives at home. And, it’s an easy tip to apply when you travel. Start by bringing a BPA-free water bottle with you. Not only will you save money by not needing to buy water all the time, but you’ll avoid wasting plastic bottles. This obviously doesn’t apply if you’re traveling somewhere that doesn’t have clean drinking water. Always be safe and buy bottled water if there are any health concerns.

Stick with the old standbys of taking short showers, not baths. And turn off the water while you’re brushing your teeth. Hey, if it works at home, it’ll work abroad, too! Consider hand-washing your clothes in the sink if you need to do laundry, rather than asking the hotel staff to do it.

Save Energy

When you leave your hotel room or Airbnb, treat it the way you would treat your home . Turn off the lights and television. Set the heat/AC to a normal temperature. Also, if you’re in a hotel where cleaning services are offered, consider skipping the service. Chances are you don’t actually need your floor vacuumed daily. And your towels can probably go an extra day without being washed.

You can help cut down on energy use at your accommodations by skipping out on cleaning services that aren’t necessary. Some major hotel chains even offer bonus points toward your account if you opt to do this.

Support the Communities You Visit

These tips for practicing sustainable tourism are great for helping the environment. But sustainable travel is also about the people, culture, and economy of the destinations you visit. Try to buy local souvenirs only and visit locally-owned restaurants. This will help ensure the money you spend stays in the local economy, helping to really boost those travel destinations.

Another great way to help the communities you visit is to find a place to volunteer. It’s a great way to positively impact the culture and economy of the local area, and maybe help the environment, too!

Plant a Tree

A great way to partake in sustainable travel is to plant a tree wherever you go! Many countries allow opportunities for you to plant a tree, from the U.K. to Japan. You can also choose to make tree-planting the center of your trip. You can volunteer in the Amazon rainforest or in the Congo. Planting a tree is a fun and effective way to leave your eco-friendly footprint at your favorite destination. Plus, you’ll get to meet green-minded travelers like yourself from all over the world.

Think we missed some sustainable travel tips? Have you used any of these before? Let us know in the comments!