Sustainable Honeymoon – If you’re getting married this year or next, your focus is probably on the big day.
While this is important and exciting, don’t forget to have fun planning your honeymoon, too.
After all, with the stress involved in organizing a wedding, you’ll need some R&R time once the wedding is over!
Most of the information available about honeymoons isn’t much help to couples who want to travel sustainably, though.
To have an eco-friendly honeymoon you can feel good about, follow a few key steps.
Vacation Closer to Home
Consider taking a vacation closer to home.
If you can avoid a long-haul destination, you’ll significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
Plus, you’ll have less jet lag to deal with!
There are many great destinations within North America that you can drive to within a day or use public transport such as a bus or train to get to.
For instance, Niagara Falls is a popular destination with honeymooners.
It boasts many romantic accommodation options, such as the well-regarded Fallsview hotel, where you can choose a room that gives you a great view over the stunning waterfalls.
Alternatively, check out places such as New Orleans, New York City, Toronto, Vancouver Island, the New England region, Colorado or Arizona for ranch trips, ski resorts in the U.S. or Canada, or even a Mexican resort town.
There are options to suit every taste and budget.
Choose an Eco Hotel for a Sustainable Honeymoon
No matter where you choose to vacation, if you want to have a more sustainable honeymoon, it’s important to stay at an eco-friendly hotel or resort.
This isn’t always so easy to do, though, when many accommodation providers claim to be kinder to the earth but aren’t so upfront about how they actually do this.
As a result, ask hotels a variety of questions to learn what their true eco credentials are.
Finding a LEED Hotel or Green Hotel
Some of this information may be shared on an organization’s website but you’ll probably need to request further details.
Here are some things to inquire about:
- Does your company have a certified, independently audited sustainability program?
- Is the hotel carbon-neutral or working to become so?
- Do you have an energy efficiency plan in place? Do you use renewable energy?
- How does your business conserve water and encourage guests to cut back on water usage?
- What is your hotel’s waste management program?
- What kind of recycling policies do you have in place?
- What is the hotel’s supply chain policy? How many of your suppliers are certified sustainable and/or vegan? Do you purchase non-toxic products?
- How does your organization support the local economy and community?
Reduce Fuel Consumption
Another way to be kinder to the planet on your honeymoon is to reduce your fuel consumption wherever possible.
Apart from vacationing closer to home, you can also choose to walk or cycle while away, rather than continually using cars, cabs, and the like.
Choosing public transport also cuts back on emissions, or you can rent electric cars if you need your own set of wheels.
Do note, though, that most rental companies only have limited numbers of electric vehicles in their fleets, so it pays to secure one far in advance of your honeymoon dates.
When you’re staying at a resort and looking for activities to enjoy, try to choose those that are wind or people-powered rather than gas-guzzling.
For instance, go kayaking, snorkeling, or sailing, rather than using jet skis or powerboats.
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Consider the Treatment of Animals
Those looking to live and travel more sustainably should also consider the needs of other creatures.
When you’re on your honeymoon, make decisions that don’t harm, exploit, or otherwise negatively impact animals.
For instance, never buy products, such as souvenirs, made from endangered animals or that impact their vulnerable ecosystems.
Learn about the types of souvenirs you should avoid, such as anything made from coral, protected plants or trees, or animal skins, furs, tusks, shells, and other parts.
Furthermore, don’t litter, as your discarded plastics and other materials can cause animals harm if ingested by them or trapping them.
Don’t spend money on activities that involve captured and mistreated animals.
Steer clear of circuses with wild animals, paid selfies taken with monkeys or any other creatures, and elephant rides, to name a few.
Also, never feed wild animals (unless they’re in refuges) as this causes a variety of issues longer-term.
Your honeymoon is one of the most exciting vacations you’ll take in your life, so make sure the whole experience is a positive one by making choices you can feel good about.
Follow the tips listed above, and you’ll have a wonderful trip that you remember for all the right reasons over the years to come.