Getting There With a Lighter Footprint
The journey is usually the biggest part of a trip’s impact. Start there.
Plan a Lower-Impact TripFor most trips, getting there and back is the largest single part of the environmental footprint. That makes the journey the best place to start — and the good news is that many lower-impact options are also more comfortable, more scenic or more relaxing.
A Simple Order of Preference
| Option | When it works well | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Walking and cycling | Within towns, between nearby villages, on dedicated trails. | Many cities have bike-share systems; a walking tour on day one helps you learn a place. |
| Trains | City-to-city trips within a region, especially in Europe, Japan and parts of North America. | City-center stations save transfer time; book early on popular routes for better fares. |
| Buses and coaches | Routes trains do not serve; rural areas; budget travel. | Comfort varies widely; check reviews and luggage rules. |
| Shared car or rental | National parks and rural areas with little public transport. | Fill the seats, pick a smaller or electric car where practical, and park once rather than driving all day. |
| Flying | Long distances and ocean crossings. | Fly less often and stay longer, choose nonstop routes and pack light. |
Smarter Flying
- Take fewer, longer trips instead of several short ones.
- Choose nonstop flights where you can.
- Fly economy; seats in premium cabins take up more space on the same aircraft.
- Pack light — every airline counts weight.
- Use trains for the short legs of a multi-city trip rather than short flights.
When you do need to fly, Airfares for Less lets you compare routes by region and date so you can find nonstop options.
On the Ground
Once you arrive, the most effective choice is often to stop moving so much. Pick one or two bases and take day trips by train or bus. In national parks, use park shuttles where they run; the National Park Service website lists transport options for each park. In cities, buy a transit pass on day one so taking the metro is easier than calling a car.
Road trips can be lower-impact than they sound when the car is full and the itinerary is compact. A family of four in one car covering a small region is a very different trip from a solo driver crossing a continent in a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a nonstop flight better than a connection?
Generally yes. Takeoff and landing are fuel-intensive phases of a flight, and a connection adds distance as well as an extra cycle. Nonstop routes also cut the chances of a missed connection or lost bag.
Should I buy carbon offsets?
Offsets vary enormously in quality, and we do not recommend any particular scheme. If you choose to buy them, treat them as an addition to traveling less and better, never as a substitute for it.
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