Taking a vacation or getting away for a holiday is the reward for hard work and a well-deserved break from regular life. Making your holiday one that helps the planet rather than harming it is increasingly challenging in a culture that values traveling afar. But there are ways for you to cut your vacation’s impact…

• If you’re able-bodied and looking for an active getaway, why not try an eco-volunteer vacation? They’ll put you to work cleaning-up the planet so you can leave feeling good about your holiday. Many require you to “rough it” a little, which often means lower vacation costs. Search online for “eco-friendly volunteer vacations” to find options near you.
• Whether you’re going off for a long weekend or are going to be away for a month, you can reduce your travel footprint by saving energy at home while you’re away. Turning down the air conditioning or heating, making sure lights are switched off, lowering the temperature on your hot water heater—these are all great ways to reduce energy consumption and save a bit of money while you’re out of the house.
• Instead of flying to your destination, look into taking the train or traveling via motor coach (bus). These options produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than flying and depending on your destination, may just be more affordable, as well.

If you’re open to new possibilities, why not explore a sustainable vacation with a tour provider that’s got the planet’s best interest in mind. While these aren’t always less expensive than traditional options, good deals can often be found. Try out: Green Globe, Sustainable Travel International, or Rainforest Alliance’s Sustainable Tourism for unique and earth-benefiting getaways.