Simple ways to be a green traveler

Our recent sustainability survey highlighted just how many of our users are looking to travel in a greener, more eco-friendly way.

With such an incredible group of engaged travellers on our UGC platform - Trip Moments - we wanted you to share your advice with other like-minded travellers to encourage more people to book greener stays, reduce their carbon footprint to minimise waste and help save the planet on their next trip.

To get involved in the campaign, head to Trip Moments to submit at least three photos or one video and 100 words on your green trip tips under one of the following themes:

● #GreenStay - your tips on how to make a hotel stay eco-friendly

● #GreenTravel - how you travel to ensure a reduced carbon footprint

● #GreenLiving - how you minimise waste on your getaway

● And don’t forget to use the hashtag #GreenTrip and tag the correct location of your green holiday!

For your efforts, you’ll also be able to earn participation awards, with 200 Trip Coins being given to those who contribute a minimum of three featured posts, Sustainable Travel Kits for the 10 creators with the most likes and comments and a grand prize of a free one-night stay at a spectacular green hotel for the Editor’s Pick. The winners will be announced on September 30, so keep your eyes peeled to see if you have the winning entry!

To help spark some ideas for your posts, here are a few suggestions of ways you can make your next trip a sustainable one!

1. Inspirations of a #GreenStay

Choose eco-friendly accommodation

When you begin searching for that perfect hotel, do check out their sustainability credentials first. Look for a retreat that reduces its waste, recycles water and employs other green best-practices to reduce its carbon footprint.

Reuse your towels

On your next hotel getaway, be sure to reuse your towels. Huge amounts of energy are wasted by hotels having to wash customer towels on a daily basis, when these can easily be reused for a multi-day stay.

Turn off them lights and sockets

Whether you are at home or on holiday, make sure you are turning off unnecessary lights and sockets, especially when you aren't in the room. This simple change of habit will save electricity and reduce your carbon footprint.

2. What can I do for a #GreenTravel?

Choose cleaner transportations

Try to avoid car hire on your next trip, and instead make the most of public transport or even bikes. If you do have to hire a car, make sure it’s a hybrid or electric vehicle in order to ensure your environmental impact is reduced. And don’t forget to invest in green travel products such as carbon offsetting options on Trip.com.

Offset CO2 emission

You can always give back to the planet by offsetting your emissions, which will help support environmental projects and allow you to invest in forward-thinking solutions to climate change. In fact, Trip.com has partnered with the climate-tech company CHOOOSE, allowing customers to understand and offset their flights’ CO2 emissions.

3. Tips for #GreenLiving

Purchase local products

Buying from local producers will reduce waste on packaging and also reduce the need for transportation. Depending on the product you can also use your own, reusable and refillable container.

Reduce single use product

Invest in a multi-use water bottle for your trips and, if eating out, choose items in recyclable packaging to reduce the amount of waste going into landfill.

Green eating

Eating local produce and choosing plant-based and dairy-free food and drink options will go a considerable way towards reducing the carbon footprint. Most restaurants now have at least one Vegan choice on their menus and fully vegetarian/Vegan restaurants are becoming increasingly more popular.

Less is more

When you are at the hotel buffet, do think about how much food is on your plate. Only take what you need and ensure you don’t leave anything behind, to avoid excess food waste.

Has this blog given you greener food for thought? Then head over to Trip Moments and share your sustainable travel tips with our eco-friendly community!

Be sure to also make your next trip that little bit greener, by using the products Trip.com has to offer. From choosing carbon offsetting options to following our ‘3Rs’ strategy of reducing waste, reusing and recycling resources - together we can make travel green