5 Sustainable Travel Options
That Can Teach Children
About Climate Change
in North America

Did you know that the travel industry has a major impact on the problem of persistent climate change? According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation and travel sector account for over 29% of total emissions in the country. GHG emissions in the transportation sector have also increased more than any other sector between 1990 and 2021. There has also been an influx in the number of travelers this year, as more and more families catch up on lost travel time.

If you too are planning on going on a trip with your children, it’s a good opportunity to choose sustainable travel. To take it a step further, you can choose to go for these sustainable travel destinations that can also help your kids learn more about climate change.

1. Wild Excursions in Alaska

Alaska is one of the top locations for ecotourism with its well-preserved surroundings and friendly people. There are plenty of day-trip excursions to choose from, depending on the specific type of wildlife or culture your family wants to experience. You can go fishing for Salmon, Northern Pike, and Arctic Grayling, or take on snow machines to view muskox, caribou, bears, and whales in their natural habitats. Depending on the season, there are a lot of unique experiences waiting for you in Alaska.

2. Camping at the Grand Canyon

Love Holidays highlights that traveling can motivate your children to learn, increase family bonds, and encourage socialization with other people. But traveling can be expensive, which is why we recommend traveling locally to skip expensive airfare. The Grand Canyon is a great option if you want to go camping with your family. You can choose between the very accessible South Rim or the less crowded, more relaxing North Rim. Encouraging local travel will teach them that you don’t need to spend a ton of money to see more of the world.

3. Explore California’s Parks

Yosemite Park is well-known for its gigantic ancient sequoia trees, granite cliffs, and the iconic Bridaveil Fall. It’s also filled with wildlife – bird lovers, especially, will be glad to know that over 262 species can be found in the park! The state of California also has a lot of eco-friendly camping options. Alter Experiences and its multiple locations practice greywater recycling and provide biodegradable plastics to guests, so you don’t have to worry about your family’s carbon footprint as you enjoy hiking, horseback riding, or biking.

4. Help Protect Mesoamerica’s Pacific Slope

If your children are willing to play a more active role in the conservation of the environment, the Paso Pacifico Junior Ranger program might be perfect for them. The program combines classroom instructions with outdoor field trips and community service projects to integrate ecology, biology, and environmental values in children. It’s also a great way for you and your child to connect and learn more from local communities and partner organizations. The best part is that you’ll also be able to help restore and protect their habitats.

5. Visit the World-Class City of Chicago

As one of the first green cities in America, Chicago is the place to go if you’re not one for beaches or mountains. Here, you’ll find Hotel Felix and InterContinental Chicago, both of which are Green Seal certified for having net-zero carbon emissions. Chicago is also home to the largest network of bike lanes in the country, and the Chicago City Markets are always brimming with fresh produce brought in daily. Your kids are also sure to enjoy themselves in the many museums and galleries the city offers.

Promoting Ecotourism Within the Family

Ecotourism is an increasingly popular activity for families who are longing to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. At a young age, it’s important to encourage your children to explore nature, discover new cultures, and engage in activities that benefit both the environment and local communities. By promoting ecotourism within the family, you can enjoy quality time together while also teaching them to preserve the natural world around us.

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