4 ways to reduce your carbon footprint when traveling

Travel, by its very nature, requires energy. Moving our bodies around the world requires fuel, often in the form of carbon-emitting fossil fuels. According to a 2021 White House fact sheet, aviation generates 11 % of total US transportation emissions. It's a huge number, but it points to another big carbon tax: 89 % of emissions are generated on land. Fortunately, being a more sustainable traveler doesn't require huge sacrifices—or expenses. Reducing the impact of ground travel at your destination is easy and can improve the quality of your trip.

1. Visit transit-friendly destinations

For many destinations, airport signs that refer to "ground transportation" only have a few options: ride-sharing and rental cars. Neither option is very carbon-friendly, according to a 2022 report by the Congressional Budget Office, which estimates that cars emit just under half a kilogram of carbon dioxide per passenger mile traveled. On the other hand, rail transport releases less than half of the carbon per passenger kilometer, so it is much less demanding on emissions. If you decide to visit destinations with a strong public train network, such as New York or Tokyo, you can significantly improve your green transport options. Conversely, visiting destinations that require a rental car, such as the island of Maui in Hawaii, can increase your carbon footprint in addition to the emissions from a long flight. But it doesn't have to be a sacrifice. Riding a high-speed rail across Japan is a tourist attraction in itself, as is admiring the miraculously accurate German railways. Even the D train trip to Brooklyn has its charm.

2. Renting an electric vehicle

Just a few years ago, renting an electric car was something that only the rich or very environmentally minded people thought about. Now the logic has changed as these vehicles have entered mainstream use and charging stations are popping up everywhere from grocery stores to hotel parking lots.

3. Stay put

This opportunity to reduce ground transport emissions is so simple that it is easy to overlook. Instead of trying to visit all of California's national parks (there are nine, after all), consider sticking to one and taking it slow.

4. Traveling in groups

A single car emits almost half a kilogram of carbon dioxide per kilometer of transport. This number changes with the number of passengers, meaning that the more passengers, the less (relative) emissions. That's good news for eco-conscious families, who tend to fill up cars and vans more than couples and solo travelers. And it's a good reason to travel together by car on difficult trips, for example to weddings. (NerdWallet)