Trying Out Some Greener Vacation Habits
Alright, let’s talk about going on vacation. We all love getting away, but I started thinking more about the impact, you know? All the flying, the waste… So, for my last trip, I decided I’d actually try to make it a bit greener. Not perfect, just better. Here’s how I went about it.
Planning Stage: Thinking Ahead
First off, I looked at where I was going. Instead of automatically booking a flight to somewhere far away, I searched for destinations reachable by train. Found a lovely spot just about five hours away. Booking the train ticket was easy, and honestly, the idea of just watching the scenery go by instead of dealing with airport stress sounded good.
Next up: packing. I used to be terrible, packing way too much stuff “just in case”. This time, I was strict.
- I laid out only the clothes I knew I’d wear.
- I focused on versatile items.
- Packed travel-sized toiletries in reusable containers, not buying new tiny plastic ones.
The suitcase was noticeably lighter. Felt good. Less hassle for me, and less weight for the train, which I guess helps a tiny bit with fuel.
I also made sure to pack my reusable water bottle and my travel coffee mug. Always seem to end up buying bottled water or takeaway coffee, so figured this was an easy way to cut down on single-use plastic.
During the Trip: Putting it into Practice
Once I arrived, I made a conscious effort to walk as much as possible. The place I visited was pretty walkable, which helped. For anything further out, I checked the local bus schedule. Using public transport felt more local, and it was way cheaper than taxis everywhere.
Where I stayed – I looked for a smaller, locally-run guesthouse. Read some reviews, tried to find one that seemed to care a bit about sustainability, like mentioning water-saving measures or using local products. Can’t always be sure, but I went with my gut.
In the room, it was basic stuff, really.
- Turned off lights and air conditioning when I went out.
- Reused my towels for a couple of days. Hotels wash constantly, it’s crazy.
- Tried not to waste water with super long showers.
Small things, but they probably add up if everyone does them.
For food and drinks, I actively used my water bottle everywhere. Refilled it whenever I could. Same with the coffee cup for my morning brew. I tried to eat at local cafes and markets. The food seemed fresher, and often had less packaging than big chain places. Found some great local food this way.
When looking for souvenirs, I deliberately avoided the cheap plastic stuff made miles away. Looked for crafts or food products actually from the region. Better quality, and supports the local folks directly.
Wrapping Up: How it Felt
So, what’s the verdict? It wasn’t hard work, honestly. It just required thinking a bit differently before and during the trip. Choosing the train was more relaxing than flying. Walking more was healthy. Using my own bottle and cup quickly became second nature. It felt good knowing I was trying, even in small ways.
It didn’t feel like I sacrificed anything major. In fact, focusing on local transport and food probably gave me a more authentic feel for the place. Will I do it again? Definitely. It’s just about building these little habits. Every bit helps, right?
