How to Go on a Green Road Trip

Save Money on the Road While Staying Green

by Sarra Jackson

Saving money when travelling can be difficult enough, but when you add going green to the mix it can be even harder. Luckily, more and more people are catching on that changes have to be made in order to make our resources last.  A green road trip may seem daunting, but can be simple with a few preparations before and during.

First, look for green hotels that are available on or at least close to the road you will be travelling on. Green Vacation Hub is an excellent online resource as a global guide for green travel. If you plan on looking at attractions along the road, try to find a green hotel close enough for you to walk or ride a bicycle to, so you don’t have to drive a car and burn unnecessary fossil fuels.  Green hotels want to promote healthy living and green practices, so when customers visit they can learn how they can change the way they are living at home.

Now it is time to pack. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks in reusable packages. This will provide numerous benefits: Not only are you saving money from not having to buy snacks along the way, but you won’t have excess wrappers to throw away. It can also help those that want to eat healthy since it can be hard to find healthy snack options at gas stations and convenience stores. Don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle too. You can refill it at any water fountain you find along the way and help prevent more plastic bottles from entering landfills.

Just because you are taking a green road trip, it does not mean you have to stop recycling. Instead, bring some reusable tote bags to store reusable materials in when in the car. One can be for paper, another for plastics, and so on. Then, when you see a recycling bin, just toss the contents of the bags into it and start over.

Proper car maintenance also helps green travelers. Check each tire’s pressure to ensure they are not too low. Low tire pressure wastes gas and burns more fossil fuels than needed. Also, remember to drive carefully and smartly. Following the speed limit, as well as accelerating and decelerating slowly, will increase your gas mileage. Learn other gas mileage tips to optimize your car’s performance on the road.

Once you’re home and the trip is over it is usually time to give your car a good wash. Use naturally derived cleaning products to get rid of the dirt on the car and wheels, as well as any food and drink stains inside it. Then you can upload pictures onto your computer and enjoy the vacation all over again. When it comes down to it, going on a green road trip just takes a little more planning and dedication but is very possible with the right motivation and research.  There are many more hotels turning green and towns with public transportation, so you can not only help burn less fuel, but also save money in the process.