There’s no place like home for the holidays, and for many of us, celebrating with family and friends means traveling. Whether that calls for hopping in a car, getting on a plane, or choosing another mode of transportation, each holiday travel method has an impact on the environment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the modes by which people travel—and how frequently, too. According to Deloitte’s 2021 Holiday Travel Survey, 42% of Americans plan to travel between Thanksgiving and mid-January, taking an average of at least two trips.
Across the board, the holiday season is known for its traffic. This holds true if you’re on the street in a car, bus, ride-share, or braving the crowds before taking to the skies. 2021 is projected to be a rebound from the quieter 2020 holiday season that most people had.
In general, transportation generates harmful emissions, degrades air quality and water resources, and also exacerbates the effects of climate change. Globally, transportation makes up between 15-20% of annual emissions.
Choosing how to get home for the holidays generally depends on your personal preference and what’s easiest for you. No matter which method you choose—be it by car, plane, or train!—there are plenty of simple steps you can take to better the planet while you’re on the road.
We cannot control the carbon emissions of the planes we fly in, the chemicals used by the hotels in which we stay, or the plastics used in the souvenirs sold in the destinations we visit. But we can choose more eco-friendly transportation, hotels, tour operators, and shopping tactics that do less damage to the environment, and create more benefits for local people.
If you’re buying new luggage, consider options from sustainable brands. As you’re packing, avoid single-use products whenever possible, like travel-size plastic toiletries. You can also bring a reusable water bottle and cutlery along, reducing waste during your trip. Even the smallest steps can make an impact this holiday season.
SO, HOW CAN WE TRAVEL SUSTAINABLY?
Including our usual sustainable habits like turning the lights off, not wasting food, avoiding creating trash, there’s a ton you can do to reduce your impact and do good whilst on tour.
HERE IS SOME QUICK LINKS FOR SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL TIPS AND IDEAS
Take your own travel mug / flask / water bottle
Support eco-friendly, local tour companies
Have a Happy and safe Holidays !!
