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Travel — whether it's a drive to see grandma or a grand world tour — can be rewarding for the traveler but hard on the home planet.

A careless excursion could damage natural resources, waste energy or even harm the very lands and cultures we journey to see.

The good news: We can take steps to cut the environmental impact of our travel — without spoiling a good time.

Here are some tips for "green travel." Our sources include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Web sites focusing on environmentally conscious travel, and interviews with Daniel Grotta and Sally Wiener Grotta, co-authors of "The Green Travel Sourcebook: A Guide for the Physically Active, the Intellectually Curious, or the Socially Aware."

• Consider limiting the distance you travel. You'll reduce your fuel or airfare expenses — and help cut pollution in the bargain.

• Make sure your vehicle's engine is tuned and its tires are properly inflated for maximum mileage per gallon.

• Unplug home appliances. They can use power even if they're turned off.

• Adjust heating and cooling systems and water heaters to limit energy use.

• Temporarily stop newspaper deliveries or donate your papers to a school.

• Consider buying or renting a hybrid vehicle or a highly fuel-efficient conventional car.

• Drive to reduce fuel consumption by sticking to the speed limit and maintaining a smooth pace.

• Once at your destination, park the car and walk, ride a bike or use public transportation to reach nearby sites.

• Use electronic tickets instead of paper when booking a flight. They generate less waste and cost less to replace.

• Look into buying carbon emissions offsets, which help "make up" for the emissions caused by your flight through contributions to sustainable energy programs.

• Carry newspapers and other disposable items off the plane for recycling rather than tossing them in the trash.

• Look for hotels and tours that participate in "green industry" associations such as Green Seal or Green Leaf.

• Inform the staff that it's not necessary to change sheets and towels every day.

• Turn off lights and heating or air conditioning when you leave for long periods of time.

• Close the drapes to keep out sunlight in places with hot climates; open them to let the sun warm your room in chilly climes.

• Use water sparingly.

• Pick up only maps and brochures that you will actually use. Share them when possible.

• Use electronic checkout programs to reduce paper waste.

• Leave a light footprint — literally. Stay on marked trails and walkways, avoid walking on fragile terrain and take care not to trample crops or gardens.

• Avoid disposable cameras and other disposable products, which contribute to waste.

• Don't disturb wildlife.

• Never buy products made from endangered species.

• Buy local produce when possible. This helps reduce the pollution stemming from the transport of goods.

• Pack your food and drinks in reusable containers and vacuum bottles.

• Don't litter. Bring a bag to carry out your trash and recyclable items.