As we stuff suitcases, car and coolers, remember to pack some travel tips this holiday from our eco-travelling experts.

Jim Fausel, CEO of meetGCA, global travel planning and management services, suggests:

• When booking the hotel reservation, find out if the property uses green practices, such as linen recycling, low-flow water heads or motion sensitive thermostats.
• Inquire on the hotel’s website whether its on-site restaurant uses locally-sourced food or has a food-donation program.
• Shared airport transportation not only reduces carbon footprint, but is a great way to save money without compromising any time schedule.
• It sounds basic and simple, but you’d be surprised how many people rely on taxis in major cities, even though public transportation in markets like Tokyo, San Francisco, New York and almost all European gateways is easier and cheaper to use!  Start walking and start using public transport.  You’ll be amazed at what you experience!
• Instead of buying travel books, there are apps available for your cell phone that can provide maps, event schedules, restaurant suggestions and things-to-do at your destination.

Carrie Simmons of Travel with Kids TV suggests:

• Stay in locally-owned places.
• Seek out local craft/farmer’s market for lunch and/or souvenirs.
• Research environmental ethics in national parks (i.e., don’t drop anchors in coral areas, stay a good distance from wild animals like dolphins or turtles).
• If your hotel has an environmental policy like not washing towels that are hung back up, or sheets that have a card placed on them, be sure to follow it.  If they don’t have such a policy, suggest one to the manager.
• Support organizations, activities or hotels that make efforts to protect the environment or the local surroundings.