10 tips for sustainable travel
Numerous studies show: More and more people pay attention to sustainability when planning and implementing their trips. First of all, that means that the topic has reached society. But what does sustainable travel mean and how does it work?
Travel is impossible without an intact nature
For many people, the surrounding nature and landscape play a role when planning a trip. A beautiful beach, green forests and protected mountain areas, where many animals are at home, often contribute to relaxation. Protecting nature and biodiversity is one of the most important features of sustainable travel. Social compatibility also plays a major role. So fair working conditions and wages for the people who work in tourism. Travel is also sustainable if the accommodation is designed to be as ecological as possible and general processes are designed to be sustainable, from food preparation to waste management.And how does sustainable travel work now? - Prior to travel
First, think about your travel destination. Deal with your next travel destination, get to know the local culture. You can find tips and information on beautiful travel destinations in Europe in our Country special on our blog. If you want to go further afield, be the travel portal of fair on the way recommended. There you will find a lot of information about many long-distance travel destinations. Pack the things that you really need. True to the motto "less is more". Ask yourself whether you really need four pairs of shoes or whether it is not enough to take less with you. This not only relieves you by having to carry less, but also the means of transport. The lighter you pack, the fewer emissions are emitted during transport by plane, train or bus.
The Journey is the Goal
Wherever it can be avoided, avoid flightsThis is where most of the CO2 emissions are emitted. Ask yourself whether you might even have time to reach your destination by train, for example. This will make the journey itself an experience you won't soon forget. But: many destinations cannot be reached without a plane. As a rule of thumb, the further away your destination is, the longer you should stay. This way you automatically strengthen the local region. You can also offset your flight. On Good travel you can use atmosfair Calculate how much CO2 you emit with your flight and support global compensation programs with your contribution. Book accommodation that is as sustainable as possible. owner-managed accommodations the big hotel chains. This is more personal and makes your travel experience particularly intense. On Good travel you can already find selected and beautiful accommodations that meet various sustainability criteria.
What can I do on site?
Look out for one at the property conscious use of resources. For example, turn off the air conditioning and lights when you are not in the accommodation. Be open to new culinary discoveries. Try what comes from the region. Fish dishes near the coast, game dishes in forest regions, market vegetables and fruit that are grown locally. Here too, give preference to family-run restaurants. These are usually even cheaper than restaurants in tourist hotspots, as the locals also eat and shop here. The same applies to souvenirs and gifts: buy where the money goes to the people. That could be the farm shop around the corner or the shop that still makes the souvenirs. You shouldn't save at the wrong end here either. Because in this way you support the local people very directly. As a rule, such products are also of higher quality, so that you will enjoy them long after your trip!
Respectful to people and nature
The encounters with the local people are moments that stay in your memory. So treat them with respect. Remember: as a traveler, you are in the everyday life of the people you visit. Treat your fellow human beings the way you would like to be treated.
Be respectful of nature. Leave them as you found them. So many travelers after you have the opportunity to enjoy the natural features of the region. Don't leave rubbish lying around; dispose of it accordingly. If you have plastic waste on your hiking trail or at the beach see, just take it with you and throw it in the nearest trash can.
In a nutshell, that means:
- Get to know your travel destination in advance
- Pack what you really need
- Choose a journey that is as environmentally friendly as possible
- Book sustainable accommodation
- Be careful with the resources in the property
- Try and enjoy regional specialties and specialties
- Buy locally if possible
- Treat the local people with respect
- Leave nature as you found it
- Revel in your memories - even long after the trip
Lisa Klakow
Lisa helped set up the Good Travel Blog and will write for us as a freelance author in the future. She is passionate about traveling and dancing around the world with a small ecological footprint.
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