I love to travel, but sometimes the concept of traveling sounds more elegant than the actual practice. We all wish to travel gorgeously – I’m thinking smooth journeys through the airport, luxe flights with room to stretch out, amazing hotels, great outfits, and memories to cherish. The reality is often a little different – airports, airplanes and hotels feel “germy,” cosmetics explode in luggage, traveling can be dehydrating and exhausting … you know the deal. So, ever the optimist, I’m sharing some of my favorite eco travel tips today, because while I can’t promise that face cream won’t explode all over your favorite sweater mid-flight, we can minimize our carbon footprint and travel in style.
My first eco travel tip is to think of your luggage when traveling. As most of my suitcases are on their last legs, I went on a hunt this week to find myself an earth-friendly suitcase. I was more than delighted to find the eco-case by Heys. It’s made of 100% recycled plastic and the shell is guaranteed not to crack. The cute design comes in 7 different colors including green – which naturally I have my eye on. What are some of the other things that I can do this summer to ensure that I’m doing it Gorgeously? When planning my trip, I always call the resort, hotel or spa to ask what their green initiatives are. Beyond the now ubiquitous attempts at water conservation and recycling, I ask them if they use locally produced food, or organic ingredients in their restaurant (especially if it’s a spa.) Check out Green Hotels, as they list hundreds of hotels(including chains,) which meet their green criteria. You can also go to The Green Spa Network to find a green spa near you. I only want to have the spa experience if it’s totally eco-friendly. I can’t imagine paying a bunch of money to soak in a chlorinated hot tub and then get smothered in toxic skincare products!
Here are a few eco travel tips that may help you to save money and the planet:
1. Hang on to all those little sample-size bottles of shampoo and body wash that you find in hotels. You can wash them out and re-use them as travel bottles.
2. Take a small bottle of lavender essential oil on the plane with you. You can dab it on the nasty-smelling blanket to make you feel like you’re a super-deluxe first-class situation. It’s also lovely to rub a few drops in your palms after using the restroom – it’ll take away that “plane” smell and your fellow passengers will love you for it. Alternatively, you can take an Aromatherapy Personals Roll-On with you. I love the ‘Anxiety Relief” as I’m not the most relaxed flyer.
3. Always pack a homemade sandwich and snacks. You’ll avoid those unpleasant dry boxed lunches and snacks that they offer for an exorbitant price, at the airport, and on the plane. I typically prepare a hummus and veggie sandwich on sprouted grain bread, with some almonds and fruit.
4. Take a travel tea or coffee mug with you. Obviously, wait until you get through security, and then whip it out and get it filled at the coffee shop. If you get Chantal’s “Live Strong’ travel mug, your beverage will stay piping hot for up to 8 hours.
5. Make sure you bring along enough healthy snacks and treats to satisfy your kids. My daughter has always got her beady eye out in the airport for some foul-looking candy, so I need to be well-stocked with things she loves. Her favorite is the Mojo bar by Cliff.
6. Make sure you take enough non-toxic sunscreen with you. You always need more than you think, so pack one more bottle than you think you’ll need.
7. Pack a couple of G.G. Chico bags. They take up zero room in your case and you can use one for your dirty laundry, and one the beach/shopping.
Remember that these small changes make a big difference. People around you will be inspired by the way you live and even small steps can have a powerful effect on the most unsuspecting of observers. Happy traveling.
Want more travel tips? Check out my other blogs!
