When leaving on a family vacation, it is a common practice to turn off the lights and appliances before leaving the door of the house. Applying the same energy-conscious habits while on your trip can help to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Here are a few easy steps you can take to travel greener while away from home.

• Turn off the lights when leaving hotel rooms.
• Turn down the heat or air conditioning.
• Bring a reusable water bottle instead of frequently buying new plastic bottles.
• Carry tote bags or backpacks instead of taking new bags everywhere.
• Instead of driving everywhere, you may get a better sense of the place by traveling on foot, by bicycle, or the public transportation available.
• Packing lighter reduces the amount of fuel needed to travel.
• Eating local foods gives visitors the local flavor and saves energy on transport.
• When choosing a rental car, try going with a smaller, fuel-efficient model. Many car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Budget offer renting a hybrid as an option.
• Try visiting more outdoor locations, such as national parks.