We’re all about eco-friendly travel here on Good Girl Gone Green. After all, it’s a waste cutting your carbon footprint elsewhere if you’re contributing to an airline industry that’s responsible for around 34 million tonnes of CO2 annually. 

Yet, it also remains true that travel broadens the mind, opens you to new cultures, and generally allows you to marvel at the best nature in the world. So, what’s a green girl to do? Well, as we’ve talked about previously, more sustainable solutions like cruising are one option. Or, you could simply do as the millennials do, and delve into the world of sustainable staycations. 

Referring to trips in cities close to home, staycations are undeniably on the rise. And we’ve got a few reasons why you might want to join the trend for the sake of both the environment and yourself! 

# 1 – An Always Sustainable Option

Sustainability is the leading reason to give staycations a go right now, especially considering that this choice can cut your summer CO2 emissions by an astounding 90%. This is true even if you have to catch transport like trains to your chosen UK city, as they release around five times fewer greenhouse gases per kilometer. And that’s not the only sustainability benefit you can see here. Visiting local cities is also generally beneficial because it encourages supporting local businesses, visiting local parks, and even eating in restaurants that serve locally produced food. None of which you’d be able to do half as well if you were in an overwhelmed tourist resort overseas. 

# 2 – Saving on Stress

Travel should ultimately relax you, but is that really what happens when you head overseas? Or, do you end up stressing about everything from airport security to language barriers and unfamiliar surroundings? By comparison, staycations are much lower in stress for various reasons. For one thing, you won’t need to worry about baggage allowances and other travel restrictions. You’ll also be able to easily speak the language, navigate those streets, and even head to familiar shops and restaurant chains. Forget walking endless foreign streets looking for a restaurant that serves the food you’re after; you’ll probably be able to find the same Italian restaurants in Woking or your city of choice as the very same one you frequent back home! 

# 3 – A Chance to Explore Your Own Country

You might have laid eyes on the Eiffel Tower or even the Statue of Liberty, but have you ever visited UK icons like Stonehenge or The Roman Baths? If the answer is no, then here is another clear benefit of staycations – the chance to actually see your home country! From Land’s End in Cornwall to the astounding scenery of the Lake District, the chances are that you’ll discover all kinds of nearby spots you’d love to visit as soon as you start searching on home turf. 

Staycations aren’t just sustainable, they’re a whole lot of fun for you, too. So, scrap the overseas trip this summer, and see what you can discover close to home instead.