Its the holidays and you want to see your family! You understand the effects of travel on the environment, but you look forward all year to jumping on that plane to see the cousins, grandparents, aunts, in-lawswhoeverthat you havent seen in far too long. You cant always choose how you get somewhere and what sort of carbon footprint that will leave, but you can choose a travel company that keeps the environment in mind, therein counteracting your holiday carbon footprint. These 5 companies have a reputation for planning great green trips and giving back to the environment:
Photo: Microsoft Images Cabin in the Woods
Natural Discovery
This company seeks out and promotes eco friendly accommodations of all shapes and sizes including large resorts, bed and breakfasts and even small, rentable cabins across England, Wales and Scotland. If you book your vacation through the company, Natural Discovery uses multiple methods for offsetting the carbon footprints it encourages like donating energy efficient light bulbs to many of the properties listed on the site. The company also offers a Discovery Break package, which includes information on local history, culture and cuisine.
Nature Travels
Get ready to spend all your time outdoors as this company takes nature enthusiasts canoeing, timber rafting, horse riding and kayaking through Sweden. During the winter, adventurers can enjoy cross-country skiing and dog sledding. Nature Travel donates 4.15 Euros per patron to Climate Care, as well as 2% of its profits to conservation efforts. Only local, small-scale service providers that meet sustainability criteria are used in the packages.
National Geographic Expeditions
This company caters to the adventurous, offering eco-tours, eco-expeditions and National Geographic Expeditions on all seven continents. 100% of the proceeds from the site go to National Geographic research efforts. Tours often include schools, workshops and markets where local artisans sell their products.
Photo: Microsoft Images Rainforest
Small World Journeys
This company organizes trips to some of Australias least-touched natural destinations in groups of no more than 10 people. Not only does the small group make for an intimate, up-close experience, but it also lessens the environmental impact of the excursion. The company plants a tree in the Australian rainforest for every single person that books a tour with them and donates 2% of net profits to conservations organizations.
Photo: Microsoft Images Mountain Biking
Pure Mountains
This quaint company hosts patrons in its very own farmhouse located in the Sierra Nevada Natural Park in Andalucia, Spain. Cycling enthusiasts can mountain bike through some of the most pristine mountain regions in Spain by day, and experience fresh meals made from local ingredients by night in the farmhouse.
Learn More About Eco-Friendly Travel
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