Out of all the modes of transport, flying produces the most carbon dioxide emissions per kilometre. If possible, don’t fly at all and consider taking the scenic route with a train ride, or even go on a road trip. One short flight produces more carbon dioxide than driving or rail travel.

However, not flying entirely may not be entirely possible. So if you do fly, avoid stopovers if you can because those mean longer journeys and more fuel and CO2 emissions. A direct flight not only saves you time, it will also be less taxing on the environment.

You can also consider flying via airlines that are more environmentally friendly, such as Scoot or Thai Airways, which may even offer you savings of up to 47 per cent, according to ValueChampion.

Business Class may be more swanky than Economy Class, but the latter actually produces a smaller carbon footprint. How so?

Firstly, Economy Class is far more efficient in terms of passengers per flight. Business Class takes up more physical space and accommodates not even half as many people.

Secondly, Business Class flights come with Business Class facilities, such as airport lounges and spas, all of which use up lots of water and produces lots of waste.

Also, pack light. A light backpack means the airplane uses up less fuel than if it has to transport heavy suitcases.

READ MORE: 10 Tips For Packing Like A Frequent Flyer On Your Next Holiday

Compared to driving or taking a cab, mass transit is a much greener way to travel, because it uses less fuel per passenger. Even better, explore by foot. It’s a great way to experience any place and make new discoveries off the beaten track, and you get to clock those 10,000 daily steps.

Wherever you plan to go, do your research on the most efficient way to get around to cut down on travelling time and fuel emission. Depending on where you are, public transportation can be a better alternative to renting a car or taking a cab. Doing due diligence will ensure that you pick the most convenient and sustainable mode of getting around.

The tourism industry — especially island resorts and spas — can jeopardise local wildlife and culture, and destroy the land. However, more and more accommodations are becoming aware of the need to preserve the environment and the local communities.

Look for accommodations with eco-certification. Such certifications indicate whether an establishment is eco-friendly, in that it gives back to the community or acts on sustainable best practices such as preserving wildlife and local cultural heritage or employing local staff.

They are typically given by sustainable tourism organisations or non-profit ones that support sustainability in tourism around the world. These certifications may differ in standards from country to country, so it’s best to research on them before booking. In general, hotels with labels like the TripAdvisor GreenLeaders badge are a good place to start.

By supporting establishments with these certifications, you’re helping to develop a travel trend that reflects the growing lucrativeness and sustainability of eco-tourism.

READ MORE: 5 Eco-Friendly And Relaxing Resorts In Asia To Visit

Aside from eco-friendly accommodations, choosing fair-trade travel agencies also helps to ensure that your travels are environmentally friendly.

Design your trip using an eco-friendly, socially aware travel agency such as EXO Travel. It helps you tailor sustainable travel experiences by regularly carrying out assessments and on-site inspections before classifying hotels as Eco-Friendly or Socially Aware, supporting local charities and fair-trade shops, and actively supporting community-based tourism projects such as Cultural Revival in Cambodia and saving wildlife and nature in Indonesia and Vietnam.

It also ensures that its partners such as retail shops and hotels practise everyday sustainability by reducing waste and using biodegradable products.

Instead of using the mini shampoos and body lotions in your hotel(s), pack your own shower products to reduce wastage. Fill them in reusable bottles so you can use them for the next trip too. Also, bring along a foldable cloth shopping bag for your purchases, utensils and a metal straw, and perhaps even a container to pack any leftovers during your meal. With these on hand, you will never have to ask for single-use disposable items such as plastic bags and styrofoam or cardboard containers.

READ MORE: 14 Brilliant Eco-Friendly Inventions That Will Make Your Life Better

After checking in at the airport, we tend to head straight to Starbucks for a coffee while waiting for our flight. That disposable cup would be the first waste we create on our trip. There will undoubtedly be more over the course of our trip. Those disposable cups and plastic bottles are usually non-biodegradable and will be tossed into landfills. Using a reusable water bottle or tumbler is an important change you can make for a much greener trip.

Also, avoid visiting places that may be facing a water crisis as it creates even more strain on the locals.

Animal rides may seem like harmless fun, but it’s common knowledge by now that the animals used as tourist attractions suffer seriously poor living conditions. They are chained, kept in cages, and frequently abused, starved and overworked — and many have died under the adverse conditions.

Skipping the animal rides or other tourist-y activities with animals will show that such inhumane practices have no place in the tourism industry and create a change in protecting local wildlife.

READ MORE: If You Take These TCM Remedies You May Be Unknowingly Killing Endangered Animals

It’s tempting to reach for a bunch of paper fans or keychains as souvenirs when you’re on holiday. But more often than not, those gimmicky items are thrown away eventually and create waste.

Put some effort into buying your souvenirs and look for something that is locally-made and not imported. Find something that is long-lasting, such as ceramics, textiles, or consumables such as local spices or spirits — these will make for more sincere gifts and memorable keepsakes.

READ MORE: Travelling? These Are The Best Souvenirs To Take Home

One of the best ways to explore a country or city is by eating your way through it. But it’s important to be mindful of what you indulge in. Eat less foods that contribute the most to greenhouse gas emissions, like beef and lamb, and opt for local produce and meat wherever possible. This is because buy fresh food by local farmers and producers helps to reduce CO2 emissions, as there’s less carbon footprint from importing over ingredients.

Here are some of the best street markets across Asia to add to your bucket list.