Eco-friendly vacations start by booking a vacation rental on iTrip.net. When you stay in beautiful iTrip vacation rentals you can continue all the eco-friendly, sustainable practices that make your home life “green.” Well-equipped vacation rentals let you eat more meals in, hang towels to air dry, and sort recyclables just like you do at home. For a “green” vacation, follow these tips:

1. If you’re flying, choose an airline with a carbon-offset program. For a small fee, travel emissions are offset by investment in reforestation projects, organic agriculture or wind and solar farms.
2. Walk or bike wherever possible. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging delicate soils, sands or native plants.
3. Use public transportation. Many tourist destinations offer on-off buses that make continuous stops at major attractions and points of interest. Ticket prices are quite reasonable; save money by purchasing a 2-day or weekly pass.
4. If you need to rent a car, reserve a hybrid vehicle before leaving home.
5. Keep a few reusable shopping bags on hand for carrying groceries back to your vacation rental and for souvenir shopping at local shops. These eco-friendly bags also make handy beach bags, picnic baskets, toy carryalls, and collection bags for the cool shells and rocks your children find.
6. Support local farmers. Shop at the local farmers’ market and plan your meals around in-season produce. Pick up produce at roadside stands you pass. Wear a backpack when hiking or biking so you’ll have somewhere to stash roadside food finds.
7. Eat in organic restaurants and those that buy their food from local growers.
8. Keep your money in the local community. When shopping for vacation mementos, patronize locally-owned shops and look for wares by local artists and crafters.

Have fun reducing your carbon footprint while on vacation!