There will be no changes to the actual transportion portion of our summer trip, we're flying commercial and renting a midsize car. 

I'm curious though, what mode of transportation or adjustment to that mode would have a "good" effect on the environment when traveling? 

I was just reading that flying is worse than say a car, or any road vehicle, simply because it is closer to the atmosphere.  That makes sense.  So, if you were to ask me,  your midsize car would be the best.  Better yet, if renting a car, make it a hybrid.  Good travels!!

I read that CO2 makes up less than 1/2% of the atmosphere, so I'm not too worried about it honestly.  Additionally, I'm not renting a hybrid, just a steal of a deal on a rental.  If they give me a hybrid for the same price because my car's not available, great.  If not, I'm not paying a premium for one.

;-)

Well I'm not planning on traveling this summer... or any upcoming summer.... at least not out of state. Maybe I'll hit the san diego beaches, which are only an hour or so away, but that's as far as my traveling goes. 

But I guess a way to spend a greener vacation is well, chosing nearer locations to home. That way you can just take a road trip in a small car with good mileage or maybe even a hybrid SUV.

 

Or... what about traveling by ship or train, sounds more fun and adventurous anyway.

 

   This whole thing about flying being worse than riding is referring to the use of private/corporate jets rather than taking commercial flights for the same distance. Riding with your family on a commercial airliner is the flying equivilant of taking a bus. Plus the planes are almost always full now so it reduces the total amount of fuel used for all the people travelling over the same distance over a shorter period of time.

    The one thing I can see to help reduce fuel use on airliners is to pack lighter. Less baggage equals less weight to lug around. Works the same for planes as cars.

Oh yeah, Fireman is right. CO2 makes up 0.38% of the atmosphere on average.

Observe the world as though you were a child and enjoy the wonder of it all.

Thanks for the statistics.  For me, I am planning on going to places that will bring me back to nature.  I'll visit my dad in the Berkshires of Mass, and try and go to the beach near my home with my boys.  I need to drive to my destinations, but am going to try and be more green when I am on vacation.  Eating right, using less paper products, biking instead of driving and just being more healthy in general.

ece...

This article was posted on LIME just today.  It addresses the issue of added airline flights and the problems it is causing.  Take a look. 

Well I've always avoided airplanes, I feel terribly uncomfortable and lately there has been other factors that discourage me enough not to give it a try. From terrorist attacks to Britney Spears throwing big tantrums to get off the plane because of non-leather seats. Scary!

 

As for what I'm doing to keep it green?

 

I'm staying in town to relax and I'll probably go on some camping trips with the family. 

Sounds like you have in under control.  Personally, I've never taken my boys camping yet, although it is something they would probably like.  Do you go really camping or is it the luxury version?  I'm kinda scared of camping outside with all the crazy things you hear about.

When I do travel, I am going to try and bring my own food for the car.  That way I can control what foods my family eats and how I can dispose of it afterwards.  I am going to try and use less paper products and wash out my containers when I arrive at my destination.

What a great idea.  Who can really find anything at those rest stops anyway except a good starbucks.  Maybe even a cooler filled with your favorite food for the roadtrip.  Sounds yummy!

I think one of the best ways to travel green is to make small changes, so to start with i'm trying to reduce my use of alkaline batteries.  I have a wind up camping lantern, and a torch you shake to power up, an alarm clock that uses a water battery, plus i'm planning on geting a solar power recharger for my MP3 player.

I'm doing this to be green, but also because i know that it will save me money in the long run - plus it means i'll never have the problem of my torch running out of juice just when i need it most.

www.jamblemag.co.uk

Another alternative is to buy carbon credits to offset your flights and the driving you will be doing this summer (or whenever).  You can buy credits on http://terrapass.com/,  http://www.carbonneutral.com/ and other sites to make up for the CO2 produced by your trip.  I have offset my yearly driving as well as the energy I use in my house.