Summer is coming up and I bet you will be taking a vacation. I know I will be. Vacations for me are to get away from the world and be pampered a bit and spend some time bonding with my family without interruption. Does that mean we can’t be green? Heck no! Here are some ways we can choose to be green while on vacation.
Preparing to Leave
- Pack your own toiletries especially if you use eco-friendly items
- For summer vacations don’t forget the organic sunscreen
- Grab that reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Pack any of your organic or eco-friendly clothes or shoes
Hotels
- Turn the lights off when you leave or leave them off until the last possible minute
- Limit the length of your shower
- When you leave make sure the AC/Heat is off
- Don’t ask for maid service everyday. You use the same towel and bed sheets at home for day, do the same on vacation.
The last point regarding maid service is wonderful. I used to work for hotels and not only is this green but it helps the housekeeping staff make their day shorter to spend with their family. Hotel housekeeping is not a glamorous job, so skip a day or two and make their day!
Out and About
- Walk or rent a bike to do your tourist things
- If you have to rent a car, make it a hybrid
- Make sure to not litter
- When buying souvenirs try and see if they are eco-friendly
We will be going to Chicago soon for our vacation. We will travel there by bus and plan to either walk or take the bus or train while we are there. Planning out our day will also be important. Since we will be taking the bus everywhere I will plan it so we are in one area for the day. This will avoid multiple trips to the same area and saves us time. Another good idea is to visit companies that are eco-friendly. If my son was older this would be a great learning trip. I will for sure not that for when he is. Remember that before you leave your house to make sure you have turned off computer’s, lights and have the AC/Heat adjusted.
While we may not be able to do ALL of these things on our vacation, it’s a start right? Remember that doing something is better than nothing at all. Above all, enjoy your vacation and time with your family and have fun!
#1 Nice to meet you!
Good ideas, I really like the idea of conserving energy even when you’re at the hotel. I believe in not being wasteful with hot water, even though it’s free. You also mentioned about the maids, if the rooms clean its always a nice gesture to leave a tip.
“Limit the length of your shower”
Not showering at all and take a bath in the sea/ocean/pool is another way I guess
The pool might not be that eco, but I least alot of people use it so it should be more eco then a shower in the long run.
And btw, what you eat might be one of the most important things also.
[...] many of you know, I just got back from vacation from Chicago. I wrote a guest post awhile back at Dinker and Giggles about having a green vacation. I thought I would give it a try and tell you how some of them [...]
When staying in a hotel, keep your room as litter-free and clutter-free as possible. Avoid eating on the bed so it is free from food crumbs and spills. Just because there is maid service doesn’t mean they would always be there to clean up after you.
[...] so your party will be a blast. Have fun and go green! You might also enjoy the following posts: Planning a Green Vacation How to Put on a Belle Baby Carrier How to Care for Mother-Ease Cloth Diapers image credits: [...]