The classic American road trip is a rite of passage. There is nothing quite like the freedom of the open road, the shifting silhouettes of the Sierra Nevadas, or the sun setting over the desert floor of a National Park. However, as lovers of the great outdoors, we have to face a difficult reality: traditional road tripping—with its long miles and heavy fuel consumption—carries a significant carbon footprint.
At Incredible Adventures, we’ve spent over 30 years (since 1993!) perfecting the art of the eco-friendly journey. We believe that exploring the wild lands of America shouldn’t come at the cost of preserving them. From our San Francisco roots to our custom tours across all 50 states, we’ve learned that “going green” doesn’t mean doing less—it means doing better.
If you’re planning your next Great American Road Trip, here is how you can travel carbon-neutral and ensure these magnificent areas thrive for future generations.
1. Revolutionize Your Fuel Choice
The single biggest contributor to a road trip’s environmental impact is the tailpipe. While electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining ground, the infrastructure in remote wilderness areas can still be a challenge.
At Incredible Adventures, we took matters into our own hands. We power our fleet with sustainable, petroleum-free biofuel from our own company, Dogpatch Biofuels. This fuel is crafted from recycled cooking oil and renewable plant-based stocks. By utilizing a “closed-loop” energy system, we dramatically reduce the net CO2 released into the atmosphere.
Pro Tip: If you are driving yourself, look for rental agencies offering hybrids or EVs, or research where “B20” (a biodiesel blend) is available along your route to help lower your carbon output.
2. The Power of the “Small Group”
It’s simple math: one vehicle carrying twelve people has a much lower carbon-per-capita footprint than six separate cars driving the same route.
Beyond the environmental benefits, traveling in a small group—like those we curate at Incredible Adventures—enhances the experience. Our groups are large enough to be social and fun, but small enough to remain agile and low-impact. You can skip the stress of navigation and parking logistics, allowing you to focus entirely on the scenery while your expert guide handles the “green” logistics.
3. Dine Local, Drive Less
Sustainable travel extends to your plate. When you stop for a meal, bypass the national fast-food chains. These corporations often have massive carbon footprints due to global supply chains.
Instead, seek out local “farm-to-table” eateries. Supporting local farmers and small-town businesses reduces the “food miles” associated with your meal and pumps money directly into the local communities that surround our National Parks. Our guides love sharing their “local hotspots”—the hidden gems where you can get a world-class meal that supports the local economy.
4. Sustainable Stays: Camping vs. Green Hotels
Where you lay your head matters. To stay carbon-neutral, your choice of lodging is key:
- Camping: This is the gold standard for low-impact travel. By sleeping under the stars, you utilize minimal electricity and water.
- Green-Certified Hotels: If you prefer a real bed (we get it!), look for properties with LEED certification or those that participate in water conservation programs.
At Incredible Adventures, we specialize in “hybrid” itineraries. We can design trips that mix rugged camping with stays at eco-conscious boutique hotels, giving you the best of both worlds without the environmental guilt.
5. Practice “Leave No Trace” Plus
The goal of carbon-neutral travel isn’t just to “do no harm,” but to leave the places we visit better than we found them. This includes:
- Waste Management: Carry reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, and cutlery. Single-use plastics are a major pollutant in wild spaces.
- Trail Integrity: Stay on marked paths to protect delicate crusts and native plants that act as carbon sinks.
- Carbon Offsetting: For the emissions you can’t avoid (like the flight to get to your starting point), consider a reputable carbon offset program that invests in reforestation or renewable energy projects.
Why Sustainable Travel is the Future
We believe that tourism can be a powerful force for conservation. When we visit these magnificent areas sustainably, we provide the economic incentive to keep them protected. Our mission is to prove that you don’t have to choose between a high-octane adventure and a low-carbon lifestyle.
Whether you are looking for a guided hike through the redwoods, a wildlife viewing expedition in Yellowstone, or a custom-designed experience for a large corporate group, the sky is truly the limit.
Ready to design the trip of a lifetime? Let’s collaborate on a custom itinerary that reflects your commitment to the planet.
- Explore our tours: incadventures.com
- Learn about our fuel: dogpatchbiofuels.com
