ECO TIPS Travel
Since Earth Day is coming up, I thought it was a great idea to kick off my new feature, Eco Tips! I'll be giving you some of my favorite tips on how to stay green.
With the launch of Model Citizen, I've been in planes, trains and automobiles this week. So what better topic than travel, right? Here are my three tips for making your excursions easy and eco.
1. Pack Lightly!
When I am traveling around the world, I try to pack as lightly as possible. The heavier the airplane, the more fuel it takes to get airborne. Plus, I am happier and more energetic when I'm not weighed down by my bags. To cut down on the bulk, I try to pack lightweight clothes like maxi dresses and cardigans that are in the same color family to make mixing and matching easy. I also try to limit the pairs of shoes I bring to three: one comfortable pair for walking and wearing on the plane, one elegant pair for fancy dinners, and a third pair I just know I can't resist bringing. If you're worried about running out of clothes, bring a travel size bottle of laundry detergent. You can wash your clothes in the sink and hang them to dry in the shower during the day!
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Air travel can really dehydrate your body. To make sure that I'm drinking enough water, I bring my favorite refillable water bottle in my carry-on. It needs to be empty to get through TSA, but as soon as I pass through security I go to an airport restaurant and ask them to fill it. Then when I'm on the plane I ask my flight attendant to fill it for me again. It's a great way to keep track of how much water you're drinking. When you reach your destination, you'll be less fatigued and jet lagged.
3. Think local!
One of the best things about traveling is getting the opportunity to experience new environments and cultures. Get out of the hotel and check out the natural wonders around you. Go to the beach, the forest, or the hills. Check out life beyond the city center. It will give you a new understanding of your destination. You should also try to eat locally when you're travelling to get the most out of your trip. If you're in a city with a food specialty, go check it out! If you're experiencing a new country, swap out familiar imported foods for local fruits and vegetables. And visit restaurants run by locals! You'll have an entirely new set of sensory memories to bring home with you, and you'll support the local infrastructure of your vacation spot.
Photos from Simply Bloom, Klean Kanteen, and Ika Bags
Eco Living, Eco Tips, Living + Wellness
Reader Comments (2)
Josie, thank you for Model Sitizen!how can you stay so energetic being travelling while pregnant?! Please take a resttime too! I was a flight attendant 3 years ago, and I also got termos and refillable bottle for travel, cos I like green tea that sometimes not availiable onboard :) Yes,during the 10-hours flight conditioning air is more dry than Sahara Desert!
Thanks for sharing. Indeed, it's hard not to gravitate towards what you're familiar with as you have less time and less energy to endure the squeeze/learn. I think many gamers like us who are getting to "that age" are having similar experiences. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to