Article

Eco-Adventures: Exploring the Great Outdoors Sustainably

Published on Monday, May 05, 2025
by Kari Tallent

Wellness

Eco-Friendly Travel: How to Plan a Sustainable Outdoor Adventure

As a kid, our family would always take summer vacations and do something that involved the outdoors. Almost all trails would have signs with catchy sayings like, “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.” As a kid I found this annoying because it really put a damper on my pinecone and leaf collection. As I got older, I realized the importance of respecting your environment. To include remaining on the already created path (I may have almost stepped on a few snakes trying to be a daredevil to get a better picture of a waterfall or two). Are you an outdoor enthusiast, but you want to try to do things in a way that reduces environmental impact? One option to consider is sustainable traveling by planning an eco-friendly adventure.

Sustainable Travel: Minimizing Your Environmental Impact

When planning an eco-adventure, one of the first things to consider is your mode of transportation. If you choose to remain local, you can easily consider walking, biking, or using public transportation. Let’s be real: if you are planning an adventure, you are probably looking at a destination that is outside walking or biking distance. Options for traveling across states or countries can be as simple as renting a more economically friendly car such as an electric, flex-fuel, or hybrid one. You can always travel with your bike, so you can use that once you get to your destination and things are within a closer distance.

If renting a vehicle is an expense you do not want to add, consider carpooling if more than one person is going to the same location. Another great option is taking a Train or Bus. Trains offer an added benefit to travel, as you can take a sleeper train that provides transportation and lodging. Buses, such as the infamous Greyhound, reduce the number of cars on the road and save on gas and other vehicle expenses.

Once you arrive at your destination, you want to ensure you are practicing responsible tourism. What does that mean? Respect the local cultures, environment, and conservation efforts. Follow rules when in local parks and cultural areas. Manage overconsumption and waste production when possible. Research where you are staying and make sure the establishment has taken steps to ensure social and environmental responsibility throughout its lifecycle. This includes economic benefits, positive social impact, and meaningful connections between tourists and local people.

Eco-Adventures for Nature Lovers

Hiking and Trekking:

This is a way to combine your love of nature and not have a negative impact on the environment. Make sure you research your route by looking at trail maps ahead of time and downloading them for easy access while out and about. Remember, the trails are there for a reason; they help contain impact on the environment. Also, leave nothing behind by taking all trash and waste without; if it isn’t neutrally found in the area you are hiking, then it doesn’t belong and can cause a significant environmental impact.

Camping and Glamping:

One of the best ways to experience the outdoors with little to no environmental impact. Both options use fewer resources and sustainable energy sources and materials. Both options are eco-friendly, but they each offer a bit of a different experience. Traditional camping involves more work, such as backpacking, hauling equipment, and setting up. Conversely, Glamping is already set up for you, uses solar or wind power, and offers reusable products. It just depends on the type of experience you are looking for.

Wildlife Watching:

This is a great way to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. However, remember that you are in their world and must respect their safety and maintain distance. Don’t feed them, approach them, or scare them with loud noises. Also, don't bring your pets; their presence can disrupt the environment and other people's experiences.

Water Sports:

You can do activities on or in the water using renewable energy sources such as wind or physical strength. Options include windsurfing, sailing, paddleboarding, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, and wingfoiling. Remember to respect sea life and not disturb coral reefs, dolphin pods, spawning areas, or other habitats.

Volunteering for Conservation: Giving Back to Nature

Once you plan an Eco-adventure, consider giving back by volunteering while on vacation or after you return. You can participate in local beach clean-up events, adopt a road or highway, clean-up or maintain trails, or work with local park and recreation departments to see how you can help.

Remember, the first step is planning and considering wanting to have an eco-friendly trip. Other tips to remember are packing reusable plates and utensils, making your own snacks or buying local, keeping extra bags with you to put your trash in, and not leaving anything behind. Happy planning, and enjoy your next Eco-Adventure!