Happy Holidays!

Millions of people travel for the holidays every year. Many families take advantage of the time they have off from work or school to go on vacation during the holidays, often seeking warmer weather. For whatever reason you choose to leave home this holiday season, there are many ways you can help protect the planet while you travel!

Transportation
Trains, buses, and other forms of public transportation are the most energy-efficient way to travel. If you're traveling by plane, try to take a direct flight--in addition to being more convenient, it uses a lot less fuel. You can also participate in a carbon offset program that will help mitigate the impact of your trip. And if you just can't get around driving, make the effort to travel during off-peak times and take your car for regular maintenance before your road trip. Changing oil, properly inflating tires, and driving the speed limit can make a huge difference in fuel efficiency.

Lodging
Going on vacation for the holidays? Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America are all popular destinations for those looking to escape to warmer climates during the cold winter months. Do your research and book at a hotel that has made a commitment to protecting the environment and supporting the local community. Remember - all of the hotels, tour operators, and other tourism businesses in the SustainableTrip.org directory have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability with clearly outlined environmental and social initiatives (described in every listing's "Making a Difference" section).

Happy Holidays from the SustainableTrip.org team!