Sustainable Travel for Spring Break

Spring break is fastly approaching, if you’re planning on hitting the road, or the skies, there are many ways for you to travel more sustainably. Here are a few quick tips to make your plans more environmentally friendly!

Travel Smart

Flying is probably the quickest way to get to your destination, but it tends to lead to more carbon emissions than other forms of transportation. If you choose to travel, travel smart!

• Choose direct flights, as they produce less carbon emissions than connecting flights, plus you get to your destination faster

• Take advantage of the bus that can take you directly to the airport. The AB bus can take you from campus to the airport, which can save you money, since you don’t have to pay to park your car at the airport. 

  • Check out the RTD Sky Ride

• Look into carpooling. If you and your friends are going to the same destination, look into traveling as a group. This can help reduce your carbon footprint, plus who doesn’t love a good road trip?

Pack Light

Traveling can come with a lot of stress, but your luggage doesn’t have to be one. Choosing to pack lightly comes with many benefits - the biggest one is that you don’t have to worry about hauling around a checked bag.

Here are a few quick tips to help you pack lightly for your trip;   

• Start with the perfect bag

  • Pick the best bag for the length of your trip, and the destination. If you pick the biggest option available, you’re bound to want to pack it to the brim, which can lead to bringing way more than what is needed.

  • If you're traveling for less than a week, pack a duffel bag. If you're traveling for less than two weeks, stick with your go to carry-on suitcase.

• Plan Ahead

  • When it comes to planning your outfits, look ahead to the weather at your destination, and create a packing list. Pick clothing that can be worn interchangeably, or be worn during the day or night. Neutral clothes are a great option. 

  • Look into the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule;

    • 1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 bottoms, 4 tops, 5 pairs of socks & 6 pairs of underwear. This can help you cut back on the total number of clothing you pack

• Share if you can

  • Clothing and toiletries can take up a lot of space in your suitcase, or carry-on bag. If you’re traveling with friends, look into sharing certain items, such as shoes or toiletries. This can help cut back on what you pack

    • If you can’t share all your toiletries, only pack the essentials, and look into purchasing the other items at your destination

No matter your destination, or your mode of transportation, there are many ways for all of us to incorporate sustainable practices into our travels. At the end of the day, we’re all learning how to travel more sustainably, so embrace the mistakes along the way, they will be lessons for your next adventure