Worst travel blunders, by ResponsibleTravel.com

October 10, 3:49 PMAustin Sustainable Travel ExaminerShelley Seale

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  Photo courtesy of ResponsibleTravel.com

Just because you're traveling away from home doesn't mean that your eco-friendly habits have to go on vacation too. Responsibletravel.com recently surveyed their readers about which travel faux pas they noticed most often in tourists.

Here's the list:

1. "Littering - especially plastic bags."
2. "Purchasing illegal souvenirs or food produce."
3. "Wasting water in destinations which face shortages e.g. Spain."
4. "Leaving lights on."
5. "Leaving air conditioning on in hotel rooms when you're not in them."
6. "Purchasing mineral water in plastic water bottles when the hotel provides drinkable water for re-fills."
7. "Standing on coral reefs. It takes approx. one hundred years for one inch of coral to grow. By killing it you affect the whole eco system."
8. "Disturbing wild animals by getting as close as possible for a better picture."
9. "Throwing cigarette butts on the ground."
10. "Failing to take advantage of recycling facilities where offered."

For tips on how to stay green while on vacation, check out National Geographic Traveler's Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Travel. Or, for a bit of fun along with your thoughtful travel habits, take their "How Green is Your Road Trip" quiz.