Let's be honest, when you travel, whether it be via plane, train or automobile, your trip will have some sort of environmental impact. While there's no way to completely avoid it, you can lessen the impact your journey has by following some easy guidelines and exercising common sense.

Green travel begins before you even leave your house on the actual trip. This doesn't have to be an added stress if you plan ahead and even go so far as to make a checklist if you don't think you'll remember to do everything.

- If you receive a daily or weekend copy of your local or national newspaper, be sure to contact the provider and them to temporarily stop delivering while you're away. In most cases you can even provide the date you wish to start receiving the paper again without having to worry about remembering to call and reinstate service upon your arrival back home. Check to see if your unused papers can be donated to a local school or organization.

- On that note, before you leave the house, check all appliances and electronics. Unplug the ones that you can and shut of power bars for your computer. Does your TV really need to stay plugged in while you're away? Probably not.

- Don't print your airline, train, boat or bus tickets if you can avoid it. Many companies now offer electronic tickets which not only saves a lot of paper, but is also easier to keep track of. Unless you delete it from email, you should have easy access to your ticket when you need it.

- Get a vehicle tune-up if you'll be traveling by car. If your engine is in good shape and tires are properly inflated, you can improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency and reduce the amount of pollution it causes..

- Book accommodations that are close to public transportation or within walking distance to tourist sites and attractions. You may be able to go without driving entirely, or at the very least, use a vehicle as little as possible. With fuel prices skyrocketing, this could also save you a pretty decent chunk of change.

- If you have a digital camera, make sure you have it with you so you can avoid having to pick up a disposable camera.

- If you have small, empty containers at home already, fill them with your current toiletry products. If you don't, consider buying empty jars or bottles and using the products you already have to fill them. 

» Environmental Protection Agency