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Become a Greener traveller! Our personal travel managers share their expert advice on how to lighten your tread as you travel, leaving a smaller environmental footprint.
Choose not to have daily room service. It’s unnecessary to have your sheets washed or room vacuumed every day and saying no to this saves a lot of time and energy. If your hotel doesn’t have this option just put your ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door while you’re out.
Using public transport not only benefits the environment, it also allows you to see more of the country you’re in.
When hiring a car, consider choosing the smallest one that comfortably serves your needs and if possible hire a hybrid. A recommended option is Hertz’s Green Traveler Collection. The range is available in selected worldwide locations and includes a number of electric and hybrid vehicles such as Lexus CT, Buick Regal, Ford Fusion and Toyota Highlander among others.
Since your flight emits a lot of carbon dioxide into the air, it’s worth thinking about ways you might offset this. Consider planting some trees when you return home.
Buying local products supports the economy and gives you a more authentic experience. It also reduces the carbon emissions caused by getting the products to you.
Consider spending your next holiday volunteering in a less fortunate country. It will allow you to give directly back to the community you are visiting and to meet many locals. Being educated about that community will help them when you go back home too.
Taking gifts is a nice gesture. Think of useful things that might help the local community such as resources for schools. Your local personal travel manager will be able to suggest something appropriate for the destination you are travelling to.
While it may be normal to barter in certain cultures, remember that vendors depend on this money to survive. What may be a few dollars to you can make a huge difference to the locals.
Don’t just stick to the popular tourist destinations, get to know the local people, ask questions and seek to understand their culture. Your personal travel manager can advise you on local norms and customs – this will also help you to be accepted by the locals as you travel.
Remember to wear appropriate clothing for the culture you’re visiting and ask permission before taking photographs of people or sacred attractions.
The same recycling principles apply when you are travelling as when you are at home. Instead of using plastic bags, take some recyclable bags with you to use when you are shopping.
Where possible, try to turn down the heating or air condition and turn off the lights when you are not in your hotel room.
For more tips and advice on how you can be a more environmentally friendly traveller, ask your local personal travel manager or find one here.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
