John is a journalist, environmentalist, and author of 19 books. He has written for The New York Times, Reuters, Bloomberg, and PBS/Next Avenue. In his nearly 50 years of professional journalism, he has won 19 awards for investigative reporting. He always strives to connect readers to a healthier, greener lifestyle and link new readers to lifestyle improvements that will improve their mental, physical, and spiritual well being. Currently he publishes a Substack newsletter entitled “Refinement” that explores these subjects in depth, and he is serializing his latest book The Natural Neighborhood.
6 ways to lower your carbon footprint in retirement and still travel
Fact checked by Katie Scarlett Brandt
It’s still summer, and you need a respite. But is it possible to travel in a way that helps the earth?
First, let’s do a reality check: 2024 was the hottest year on record, and rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are likely contributing to more catastrophic wildfires, floods, tornadoes, and droughts. Popular destinations in Mediterranean countries are experiencing extreme heat, water shortages, and wildfires. Europe experienced its worst flooding since 2013, with nearly half a million people impacted, resulting in 335 human deaths.
As extreme weather events increase across the U.S. and world, many travelers worry about their contribution to climate change. Yet, most travelers don’t know the carbon footprint of their travel choices. Some modes of transportation are worse than others. Domestic flights and diesel cars emit the most carbon dioxide, while electric vehicles and trains emit the least. Cruise ships are among the worst offenders.
As awareness grows, many travelers are seeking ways to explore while leaving less of a carbon imprint.
“Sustainable travel isn’t just about reducing our environmental footprint — it’s about ensuring that the places we visit thrive,” says Bryn Geddes, program sustainability manager at Road Scholar. “It means supporting local cultures, respecting traditions, helping preserve natural and cultural heritage, and minimizing our impact on ecosystems. It’s about traveling thoughtfully — with awareness and care — so that the landscapes, communities, and wildlife we treasure continue to flourish.”
A World Travel & Tourism Council study found that 70% of survey respondents now prioritize sustainability, up from 50% five years ago. While reliable age-specific data on eco-travel is still lacking, “from carbon-neutral flights to community-led tourism, the industry is reimagining how we explore without leaving scars on the planet,” according to Mindful Ecotourism, a company that offers experiential learning excursions.
Despite the sobering news on rising global temperatures and extreme weather, you can still reduce your personal travel footprint. Try these six tips:
Check your carbon footprint when flying.
You can estimate carbon emissions for your flight through platforms like Google Flights. Some strategies are greener than others: Flying direct produces less CO2 than taking multiple connecting flights, and larger jets tend to be more fuel-efficient than smaller aircraft.
Take the train.
Whether riding a commuter train from the suburbs to downtown Chicago or heading to a coastal destination via Amtrak, opt for trains rather than driving — especially during the summer construction season. Although Amtrak doesn’t own many of its tracks (which can cause delays), it’s adding new routes and upgrading many of its cabins. For short trips under 500 miles, train travel offers a more comfortable, flexible option than flying or driving. You can walk around, grab a meal, or chat with fellow passengers in a dining car — all while avoiding airport security lines. Destinations from New Orleans to Seattle await.
Embrace the staycation.
Why hop on a plane and deal with flight delays and cramped seats? A few days exploring downtown Chicago, with its wealth of museums, lakefront parks, and summer events, can be more enjoyable than a short trip to another city. Most urban areas have cultural treasures that can take years to fully explore.
Travel locally on foot or bike.
Chicagoland has hundreds of miles of biking and hiking paths connecting forest preserves. Biking is a good way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and lower your footprint. Even if you don’t own a bike, you can rent one — manual or electric. Many cities now have safe, designated bike lanes. Small towns that cater to tourists can be surprisingly bike-friendly. In fact, Mackinac Island, Michigan, ranks as the most bike-friendly U.S. city according to PeopleForBikes.org. (Brooklyn, New York, is the most bike-friendly large city, landing at No. 73).
Drive green.
If you already own an electric vehicle (EV), you know that its quiet hum comes without tailpipe emissions. Not ready to go fully electric? Consider a hybrid vehicle that automatically switches between electric and gasoline power.
Book green.
Many hotels now have sustainability programs — from reducing laundry frequency to cutting waste. The most committed properties have third-party certifications for their eco-friendly practices. You can also find tours that combine low-carbon travel with hands-on conservation work. Even established tour operators like Road Scholar offer sustainability-focused travel packages for adults 55 and over, while Sierra Club lets you pick service trips or trips based on activities and abilities.
“For older adults, it’s an opportunity to continue learning while contributing to the well-being of the world they explore, leaving it better for future generations,” Geddes says.
No matter how you travel, if you care about your environmental impact, do a carbon count before you book. The math is simple: Public transportation has a lower carbon footprint than cruise ships or private jets. Walking, biking, riding buses, and taking staycations are all more sustainable than driving alone.
The healthiest, least aggravating forms of travel don’t require a reservation — and are virtually free. What’s good for the earth is also good for your spirit and well-being.
