Although traveling the world does promote intercultural understanding and helps us appreciate the goodies Mother Nature has provided for us, it is while we travel that we pollute the environment the most. Unless everyone is cautious of this, even the most beautiful landscapes in game parks and oceans are on the verge of extinction. Nonetheless, taking all the necessary measures and steps to reduce your carbon footprint can help save the environment in the long run. It all starts with what you bring with you, how you travel, where you stay, and how you leave the game park after a safari.

Taking a few lifestyle changes while traveling can contribute significantly to a reduced carbon footprint. Some of the best ways to save the environment when on a safari are outlined below.

1. Pack a reusable shopping bag and a water bottle

While it may sound like nothing, bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag eliminates the need to buy a plastic bag or bottle of water each time you need one. This therefore reduces the rate at which you will be damping shopping bags and water bottles in the dustbin, or even down the lake. Some of the developed and developing countries have set up public drinking taps and fountains where you can have a refill, hence no need to bring dozens of bottled drinking water with you.

2. Take the shortest, less traveled route

Taking a direct flight to your destination, or even using the train instead of driving not only saves you time and money, but also helps reduce your carbon footprint. Whatever your destination is, consider using the less traveled route, particularly in game parks and reserves. Taking the same route wears down the environment leaving a dusty dry road behind. Taking a different route allows the ground to recuperate easily and for vegetation to grow quickly. Taking a shorter route while driving also saves some gas, which also translates to fewer greenhouse gasses emitted.

3. Stay in a green hotel

More and more hotels in the world are going green by adopting environmentally-friendly initiatives. Serviced apartments in Fremantle such as The Tradewinds Hotel are a great example of this. Most of these hotels offer Eco Rooms, Eco Suites, etc. which help reduce their carbon footprint. In addition to this, they use the highest rated energy-star systems to reduce their energy consumption. Only make bookings with hotels with the Green Seal indicating they take global warming seriously.

4. Stick to designated paths (in national parks) and use a green tour company

In the quest to preserve the environment, governments are spending a fortune to build boardwalks and hanging pathways around game parks and over swamps. These paths are not only designed for your safety but also protect the fragile ecosystem from tramping and extended wear. How you get to the parks is subject to discussion as well. You can reduce your carbon footprint even farther by making bookings only with a green tour company. Green tour companies use the most efficient and less polluting methods to get you to these parks. Some of these companies use hybrid or even purely electric cars to drive around. Electric tour cars cut down carbon emissions by up to 100%.

In the quest to shrink your carbon footprint, consider purchasing carbon offsets each time you buy an air ticket. Carbon Offsets work by injecting part of the ticket money to a global program working to reduce carbon in the atmosphere by using renewable energy.