How do you start planning a trip?

Maybe it’s based on a feeling, a recommendation from friends, a photo, a video, or a report. Ultimately, we often don’t know where the idea for a destination, sightseeing opportunity, or way of traveling came from. We are bombarded with so many impressions daily that it’s difficult to identify what triggered a travel decision. However, you can influence this and commit to sustainability from the beginning.

Find inspiration in places where sustainability is a priority

Surround yourself with information and impressions from social media, travel reports, and blogs that reflect your values and desire for sustainable travel. With so many creators, blogs, and sources of information, it’s easy to find a sustainability-conscious travel community.

If you’re still looking for inspiration, be sure to browse our blog 😀 Rest assured that all of the featured partners and accommodations are genuinely committed to sustainability.

Who’s coming with?

The first step in travel planning is asking: Who will be traveling with you? Is it a solo trip just for you? Or will it be a family vacation with children? Would you like to bring your dog, or is it supposed to be a romantic getaway with your partner?

• Out of the box:You might not always want to travel the traditional way with your family or partner. So, how about taking a trip with your siblings or going on a multigenerational vacation with your grandparents?

Which trip is right for me? Take the test.

City break, culture, wellness… Are you longing for relaxation or adventure? Not quite sure yet? Or do you have so many ideas and destinations that you can’t decide on just one? If so, take our self-test to find out which vacation suits you best (at the moment).

What is the best way to plan a sustainable trip?

We’ve answered the basic questions. Where would you like to go? Who is coming with you? What kind of trip do you have in mind? We will use this information in the next step of the planning process.

#1: Choose an environmentally friendly means of transportation

To make your trip more sustainable, first be aware that the journey usually accounts for the largest part of a trip’s ecological footprint. Therefore, choosing a destination that you can reach without flying, taking a cruise ship, or driving is a significant step. This doesn’t mean we condemn air travel in general. However, if you can reach your destination by night train or long-distance bus, it’s definitely better.

Hotels with a stop

Some of our Green PearlsⓇ accommodations are located right next to a train station. This primarily applies to city hotels, such as the Green City Hotel Vauban in Freiburg, Germany; the zero-emission Milano Scala hotel in Milan, Italy; and the unique Le Pavillon hotel in Paris, France. However, rural accommodations such as the Apipura hotel rinner in South Tyrol’s Ritten region are also easily accessible by public transportation. The historic Ritten Railway takes you directly to the “Rinner” station at the Apipura hotel rinner, and the ride is free with the “RittenCard.”

What are the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation?

1. Hiking/cycling
2. E-bike
3. Train/long-distance bus
4. Electric car
5. Car
6. Air
7. Cruise

(If you’re interested, you can read more about the comparisons between airplanes and cruise ships, and between electric cars and trains, here.)

#2: To avoid overtourism, choose the off-season and discover lesser-known cities.

Would you like to visit Las Palmas on Gran Canaria? Instead of staying at a beach resort, consider a charming boutique hotel in the island’s interior, such as the Casa León Royal Retreat. Are you keen to see Machu Picchu? Then consider visiting during the rainy season (November to March), when the fog can make the ancient Inca city appear even more magical, and when there are far fewer tourists. This allows the World Heritage Site time to recover from the crowds of tourists. Incidentally, the Green Pearls^(TM) Hotel Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo plays a role in ensuring the continued existence of this formerly endangered World Heritage Site. The hotel is committed to waste disposal, water conservation, and sustainable tourism in the local area.

#3: Book sustainable accommodations

Once you arrive at your destination, your choice of accommodations is key to whether your trip can be considered environmentally friendly. Who better to recommend accommodations than Green PearlsⓇ? On each accommodation’s page under “Green Initiatives,” you will find a transparent list of the areas in which they are committed to sustainability. After all, sustainability has many facets. Some Green Pearls® partners are more socially engaged, some are involved in renewable energies, and some promote a vegan lifestyle.

How to make a sustainable booking

Figures from 2023 show that less than 30% of accommodations are booked directly, while over 70% are booked through third-party providers. It’s no secret that booking platforms (OTAs) take a commission. This commission ranges from 15% to 30% of the room price.

It’s fairer and more sustainable to book directly with the accommodation provider. This way, they receive 100% of the room price, and you can support their environmental protection and social engagement efforts. At Green Pearls®, which features small, independently owned accommodations presented by dedicated hosts, you will be redirected directly (and commission-free) to the accommodation’s website when you make a booking.

Is your travel planning complete? Now it’s time to look forward to your trip and prepare for your journey!

Studies show that the positive effects of increased subjective well-being and higher life satisfaction occur even before the vacation begins. In other words, looking forward to a planned trip can make you happy! So enjoy and nurture that feeling. 😉

Here’s how you can build up your anticipation:

• Read books set in your vacation destination. This doesn’t have to be travel guides; it can be novels, crime stories, urban fantasy, and so on. Browse your local library for inspiration!
• Find more inspiration online on sites like Pinterest or YouTube.
• Learn about your destination’s culture, history, and cuisine. Travel guides are useful for this. Consider whether you need a paper copy or if a digital version will suffice. Be honest: How often have you actually picked up a travel guide from a previous trip?
• Learn a few words and phrases in the local language.
• Before your vacation, free yourself from things that are weighing you down. These could be unresolved arguments with relatives, unpaid debts, or a messy apartment. They could also be a messy apartment or glass bottles that should have been taken to the recycling center a long time ago. Take care of these things now so you can start your vacation feeling relaxed!

Preparation: Pack your suitcase sustainably

Sustainable packing means:

• Packing light
• Conserving resources
• Avoiding harmful substances and plastic.

The lighter your luggage, the less effort it takes to transport it, and the less fuel, electricity, and energy you use. For this reason, many travelers create a capsule wardrobe. This means you have only a few items of clothing that can all be combined with each other.

The best way to conserve resources is to avoid buying everything new. For example, would you like to try stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, or snowshoeing on your vacation? You can easily rent all of these items locally. Many hotels also rent equipment such as hiking backpacks and yoga mats. Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol, for example, is a certified hiking hotel that offers free equipment rentals for hiking tours in the nearby Hohe Tauern National Park.

Consider packing your own water bottle, lunch box, and jute shopping bag to reduce waste while traveling. Other zero-waste items include solid shampoo bars, miswak toothbrushes, and reusable cotton pads. Also, buy sunscreen from a certified natural cosmetics manufacturer and make sure it is coral-safe (some countries require this!).

• Here are some more tips for ultralight travel.

And off it goes: leaving the apartment

Before leaving for vacation, make sure you use or give away any perishable food so that it doesn’t go to waste. The refrigerator can be turned off or set a few degrees warmer. Some modern refrigerators have a vacation mode that reduces cooling since the door is not constantly being opened, thus consuming less energy. Unplug all other electrical appliances, and ensure that nothing is left on standby. Water your plants, turn off the water where necessary, and don’t forget about the heating.

• Out of the Box:Could you do someone a favor and let them stay in your apartment for a while? Does anyone you know need a place to sleep, or a quiet place to study or work? Do you live somewhere that others would like to vacation? If you’re going to be away for a while, having someone stay in your apartment will also give you someone to take care of your plants and pets. However, this requires an extra step in your planning. 😉

The best way to start a sustainable vacation is with sustainable travel planning. The best part? This article is your first step! What tips do you have for planning a sustainable vacation? Share them in the comments!

Der Beitrag Sustainable travel planning: From Idea to Implementation erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Sustainable vacation destinations near the equator

As a rule of thumb, the closer you are to the equator (the imaginary line that runs through the center of the earth between the northern and southern hemispheres), the warmer it is. Because of the sun’s position, there are no seasons here, but it is always warm – around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).

#1 The Maldives – 65 kilometers from the equator

The Maldives, with over 1,100 islands south of India, look like they are right on the equator. The closest island, Gan, is actually only 65 kilometers away, while Malé is about 465 kilometers away. They lie in the northern hemisphere.

Weather in Malé in October/November: In October and November you can expect a fairly constant temperature of around 90 °F (30 °C). October marks the end of the rainy season (May to October), with an average of two hours of rain per day during this month.

Sustainable accommodation: At Gili Lankanfushi, you will stay in luxurious villas built on stilts over the water. The coral reefs and colorful fish life make the resort a diver’s paradise. The resort’s sustainable initiatives include a coral protection project, which you can visit with the resort’s marine biologist.

#2 Indonesia – 555 km from the equator

Indonesia consists of over 17,000 islands and is located in the Southern Hemisphere, about 555 kilometers from the equator. The most famous island is Bali, which is 935 kilometers away.

The weather in Bali in October/November: Temperatures vary little and are around 88 °F (31 °C). The water temperature is 80,6 °F (27 °C). The rainy season starts in November. This means that it rains for one to two hours in the afternoon. Shorter showers of about 30 minutes are also possible in between.

When it rains in Bali, you can follow the local trend of “yoga in the rain”, go scuba diving, or visit temples.

Sustainable accommodation: Puri Dajuma Cottages & Spa is a beautiful resort with Balinese villas surrounded by tropical plants, a pool area, a fine sandy beach and direct access to the sea. The resort uses a variety of environmentally friendly measures and offers eco-tours that respect the culture and customs of the area.

#3 Thailand (Phuket and Ko Phi Phi) – 860 kilometers north of the equator

Thailand lies north of the equator, but not far from it. The island of Phuket is about 900 kilometers above the longest parallel, and the island of Koh Phi Phi is only 860 kilometers above it. In total, Thailand has over 500 islands, some of which are uninhabited.

Weather on the Thai Islands in October/November: The temperature is fairly constant at around 86 °F (30 °C). October marks the end of the rainy season, although the rainy season means that it rains an average of 20 days a month with short, heavy showers. After that, the sun often shines, and since it is lush and green due to the abundance of rain, this is a great time to take beautiful landscape photos. November marks the beginning of the high tourist season.

Sustainable accommodation in Phuket: An extraordinary resort awaits you in the treetops of the Enchanted Forest at Keemala. There is also a large garden with local fruits, vegetables and herbs used in the cooking classes.

Sustainable accommodation on Koh Phi Phi Leh: Zeavola is a luxury dive resort offering PADI scuba diving courses. You stay in Thai-style bungalows surrounded by a true garden and forest paradise. Bird watchers will love it here.

Excursion: How much does it rain at the equator and when is the best time to travel?

The high levels of solar radiation at the equator throughout the year cause clouds to form and rain to fall. The “seasons” of the tropics are rainy seasons. There is a rainy season and a dry season.

The common assumption that the dry season is the “good season” and the rainy season is the “bad season” is not true.

By definition is the tropical rainy season

• in the Northern Hemisphere (e.g. Maldives) from May to October
• in the Southern Hemisphere (e.g. Bali) from October to May

But the rainy season can be cancelled. Or it can be stronger, weaker, earlier, later, shorter or longer than expected. (You know how it is with weather forecasts.)

Holidays on the Canary Islands in October and November

If you are looking for a vacation destination that is pleasantly warm (around 82,2°F (28°C)) and has many hours of sunshine in October and November, but not quite as far away as Thailand or Indonesia, then the Canary Islands are perfect. Generally it rains very little in the canaries – only a few days a year!

Warm and dry

Located off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands are about 3,000 kilometers from the equator. Due to their geographical location and the Gulf Stream, it is warm and dry all year round. Let’s look at two islands as examples: Gran Canaria, perhaps the best known of the archipelago, and Tenerife, the largest.

Weather in Gran Canaria in autumn: Gran Canaria is considered the warmest island in the fall. Even in November, the air temperature is usually between 73 ( 23°C) and 82 ( 28°C) and the water temperature is around 70 ( 20°C).

Green PearlsⓇ Hotel on Gran Canaria: The small boutique hotel Casa León – Royal Retreat is located inland and is surrounded by 10,000 square meters of gardens with native plants. There is a daily (free) shuttle to the beach and you can enjoy a wonderful break here.

Weather in Tenerife in October and November: “At this time of year you can spend the whole day outdoors, swimming in the sea and enjoying the gentle sun”, says the team of the OCÈANO Health Spa Hotel. In the fall, the temperature is between 62 and 70 °F (22 and 26 °C) and, as in Gran Canaria, the water temperature is around 80 °F (20 °C).

Sustainable accommodation in Tenerife: The OCÈANO Health Spa Hotel is located in the north of the island, directly on the Atlantic Ocean. The large panoramic windows offer an uninterrupted view of the sea. The health hotel offers an extensive sports and nutrition program.

Sicily: Hot summers, mild winters

Another recommendation for a warm autumn vacation is Sicily. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and is located southwest of the Tip of the Boot. It is about 4,000 kilometers from the equator.

Weather in Sicily in October and November: In late summer it is still warm (around 77°F (25°C)) and the water is still pleasant for swimming. You can also expect many hours of sunshine. However, it rains more often during this time (expect about 8 days of rain per month).

Sustainable hotel in Sicily: The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA will open in the summer of 2022 and is a beautiful, luxurious resort located directly on a natural beach protected by the WWF and accessible only from the resort.

Traveling in times of climate change

As you probably already know, global warming doesn’t just mean that it’s warming up a degree, it means that ecosystems around the world, from coral reefs to mountain glaciers, are being disrupted. The consequences are even more extreme. 2023 has been dubbed the “year of climate records” by Geo. In 2024 we had floods in Germany and a heat wave in Southern Europe with extreme temperatures of over 40 degrees (June 2024 was the hottest month in Greece in 164 years of weather records). In Brazil, people died from heavy rains, and in Mexico, water became so scarce from drought that the population, industry, politics, and farmers were drawn into serious conflicts.

The equatorial weather zone will shift

Also interesting (and alarming!) is that climate change will also cause climate zones to shift. At least that’s what researchers in California think. In their study, they predict that the equatorial rain belt will shift north over the Indian Ocean (Asia) and south over the Atlantic Ocean (South America). This could lead to increased flooding in southern India and drought stress in Central America.

To avoid further global warming, we must all work to reduce man-made greenhouse gases. Most of this concerns energy consumption and industry, but the tourism industry also needs to rethink. We addressed this issue in our blog post ” Are we still allowed to fly?

However, because sustainability is not just about carbon footprints, but also about social sustainability, for example in tourism, we believe that travel – even to far-flung destinations – remains important.

Balancing act

We hope that our little essay on climate and the destinations presented here has helped you plan your trip. By the way, being concerned about climate change and sustainability doesn’t mean you can’t plan your vacation based on where it’s “nice” at the moment. But it should encourage us all to make climate-conscious choices when traveling and to support accommodations that have already recognized this.

Still looking for inspiration for your fall vacation in the South? Then save this post to your Pinterest board!

Der Beitrag Heading south – Sustainable travel destinations for October/November (with guaranteed sunshine) erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

#1 Tourism as an economic factor

The tourism industry is an important economic factor – in some countries it is the most important. Your vacation sets your money in motion, helping to redistribute wealth and pay workers. Hotels are often large businesses with many employees, subcontractors, suppliers, etc. who also benefit from a financially successful hotel.

Unfortunately, not all hotels are sustainable and socially responsible, and often your money does not benefit your vacation destination at all. You may travel to a hotel in Thailand and your money ends up with an investor in the US or Japan. Some hotels employ seasonal workers who live in shabby accommodations (I was told this for a German island, for example).

By consciously choosing a hotel that operates in a sustainable and usually fair manner, you ensure that your money really benefits the region and creates fair jobs.

Support fair labor practices in hotels

One example is the Green City Hotel Vauban in Freiburg, Germany. This sustainable city hotel is an integration project, and half of all employees are people with physical and/or mental disabilities. The hotel has deep roots in Freiburg. Its shareholders are the Vereinigung Freiburger Sozialarbeit e.V. and the Freiburger Stadtbau GmbH.

Even abroad, you have many opportunities to use your purchasing power to help other people (instead of supporting their exploitation). At our Green PearlsⓇ partner Farmhouse Smiling Gecko in Cambodia, the luxury resort ensures the financing of the Smiling Gecko NGO’s training centers, school and organic farm, and also serves as a training center and employer itself.

#2 preserving resources

You probably already know this: Planet B does not exist. The idea that we could someday completely deplete our planet of all its resources, destroy all animal and plant species (and perhaps even entire populations), and live on Mars from then on is NOT realistic!

Fossil resources such as oil, coal and natural gas are finite. This means that they are taken from the Earth and then they are gone. Theoretically, these resources will eventually reform, but in the case of oil, for example, it takes at least 10,000 years for new oil to form from dead plant matter and plankton. We should all be aware that what we consume today will not be available to our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and future generations.

Renewable energy in the hospitality industry

In our opinion, one of the requirements for a sustainable hotel is to run on renewable energy. The least you can do is get 100% green electricity (something you can easily do at home by simply switching your electricity provider). But many hotels go further.

For example, our partner Hotel Milano Scala was the first Zero Emission Hotel in Italy. It is powered by geothermal energy, a renewable energy source that “significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions,” according to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy. Other hotels and residences rely on their own combined heat and power plants, heat pump technologies, photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, and heat recovery measures to reduce their own consumption of fossil resources while minimizing CO2 emissions.

Upcycling and organic

Conserving resources is not only about energy, but also about buildings and furnishings. The HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu recently renovated its hotel rooms using a sustainable upcycling concept. Instead of buying new furniture, the existing solid wood furniture in the rooms was simply dismantled, the (outdated) decorations removed and the furniture reworked. The new composition created modern furniture without cutting down any trees! (You can learn more about this in this YouTube video by owner Marc Traubel and interior designer Sarah Stapelfeld)

Throughout Biohotel Grafenast you will find sustainable and natural materials such as solid wood and local stone. The eco-friendly hotel is also committed to organic farming and uses only organic food – whenever possible, directly from the region and from the hotel’s own “Sehnsuchtsgarten” (garden of longing). Short delivery distances mean fewer greenhouse gases, and the absence of pesticides helps preserve biodiversity.

#3 Promote nature and species conservation

Which brings us to the next argument: sustainable travel supports conservation. Take, for example, the Casa León Royal Retreat in Gran Canaria. This small boutique hotel in the interior of the island has created a garden of native plants on its 10,000-square-meter property and uses only natural pest control. Here you can see a variety of small animals, such as the Canary Island bullfinch – the original form of the domesticated canary!

The hotel uses a rainwater cistern system for irrigation. In another sustainable initiative, the family that owns Casa León Royal Retreat has leased a 40,000-square-foot piece of forest in the Balkans that is maintained but still largely untouched. This has created another protected area for animals and plants in this world, which also helps the climate.

#4 Experience the country and its people in an authentic way

Sustainable travel means going off the beaten track and visiting places away from the usual mass tourism destinations. This gives you a real opportunity to experience the country you are visiting and get to know the locals.

Albergi Diffusi is saving villages in Italy

In Italy, the Albergo Diffuso movement has helped save Italian villages from decay. An Albergo Diffuso is a hotel spread over several buildings in a village. You live among the locals.

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner Relais del Maro is a prime example. Owner Elena Scalambrin converted several of her family’s commercial and residential buildings into a 4-star hotel. Guests arrive at the main house with a reception for dinner (and the pool), but otherwise stay in lovingly decorated rooms in the middle of the village community. The hotel has helped keep the village bakery and other local businesses alive. Here you will be able to experience the real Liguria and see the positive effects of sustainable tourism at first hand.

#5 Learning to love nature

“In the end, we will conserve only what we love” – Baba Dioum, Senegalese forestry engineer and conservationist

It is easy to understand Baba Dioum’s famous quote, delivered at a biodiversity conference in India in 1968. As we showed in our blog post on insect extinction, many animals and plants simply do not have a strong “lobby”. We think of some bugs and algae as expendable. It is only when we understand the important role they play that we learn to love them and work to conserve them.

Guided hikes in the Allgäu

At Hotel Das Rübezahl in Füssen, you have the opportunity to discover nature with the hotel’s own hiking guide. “Bergbaschdi” will take you into the mountains and show you the flora and fauna. You are sure to discover things you would otherwise have missed. (Read more in our interview with the hiking concierge)

Experience glaciers live in Switzerland

Glaciers are also very interesting. These “eternal” masses of ice are the largest reservoirs of fresh water on our planet, and they are in danger of disappearing! Fabienne Anthamatten of the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt can tell you all about it. Her hotel has an 8,000-year-old larch tree that she found on a former glacier field. This means that the trunk was preserved in the ice for several thousand years and has now been uncovered.

On a trip to the glaciers, you can admire the fascinating masses of ice (there are still many kilometers left) and better understand the connections to global warming.

#6 Have a vision – and think about the future

Just being in the present moment is a beautiful mindfulness exercise. But you should also have a vision in your life. A vision is a motivating, positive idea about the future. And that’s what sustainable travel is all about.

According to the UN, sustainable tourism is:

“Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts.”

So it’s thinking about the NOW as well as the FUTURE and taking responsibility for it. If you can do that, you’re doing pretty well. And what better way to learn how to do that and develop your own vision of the future than to travel the world sustainably and be inspired by other visionaries? If that’s not a good argument for sustainable travel, I don’t know what is?

Save this article to Pinterest and share it with your friends!

Not just for the environment!” width=”200″ height=”300″ data-kale-share-title=”6 reasons on why you should travel sustainably” data-kale-share-url=”https://green-travel-blog.com/6-reasons-on-why-you-should-travel-sustainable/”>

Der Beitrag 6 reasons on why you should travel sustainably erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Studies show that surfers are more environmentally conscious than non-surfers

First, we want to advocate for surfers. As a global community, surfers are more environmentally conscious than other athletes. Or at least they consider themselves to be predominantly “green”, as this Norwegian study from 2021 shows. A full 69% participate in beach clean-ups and 50% say they eat little (or no) meat. However, only 23% are willing to avoid air travel, which brings us to the first argument against surfers.

Problem #1: Air travel

For big waves and perfect conditions, most people go where they can find them. And for most people, that’s not right around the corner… Unfortunately, there is currently no real alternative to air travel for long-distance travel. However, as we discussed in our article “Are we still allowed fly?”, tourism also has a socio-economic aspect in many countries. Surf tourists also contribute to the national economy – and therefore to the global distribution of wealth.

However, you should be aware that it does not always have to be the waves of a distant ocean, but there are also surf beaches that you can reach (e.g. in Europe) by e-van or ride-sharing.

If you do choose to fly, you can support climate projects based on the CO2 emissions you produce. The World Surf League, for example, has been involved since 2018 and supports certain climate projects according to the emissions caused by their flights. As a private individual, you can offset your emissions with the compensation provider atmosfair (of course, only if you have done everything possible to avoid emissions). We recently took a closer look at the organization and can recommend it with a clear conscience!

Problem #2: Surfing equipment

Like any sport, surfers need equipment. As you probably know, the basic equipment consists of:

1. Surfboard (+ sail or kite)
2. Line
3. Wax
4. Wetsuit
5. Fins
6. Rash Guard
7. Other small items (earplugs, drybag, etc.)

As with most water sports, this equipment is typically made from 100 percent plastic. However, there are some manufacturers that specialize in sustainable surfboards and clothing. For example, there are boards made from wood (although the core is still plastic foam) and wetsuits made from recycled neoprene.

Links to sustainable surf shops (not a cooperation, just a personal recommendation) can be found at:

• EcoSurf Shop
• Langbrett
• Saltwater-Shop
• Wau Eco Surfboards (aus München)

Alternatively, you can rent your surf equipment, which is the best ecological choice. This doesn’t just apply to the board, but to all the equipment. Especially if you are just starting out and are not sure how often you will practice the sport, you should definitely consider renting or buying used equipment.

Issue #3: Sensitive water areas and ecosystems

Windsurfers and kitesurfers, in particular, who also use lakes and inland waterways, can encroach on sensitive water areas and disturb waterfowl.

In our blog article on sustainable watersports, we highlighted eight important rules for protecting aquatic animals, plants and their habitats. The most important is to avoid designated protected areas altogether.

The Wadden Sea in the North Sea will have new rules for water sports as of 2023. Kitesurfing will only be allowed in specially designated zones. As reported by NDR, the rules are welcomed by the surfers themselves and will be adhered to..

Controversial study on the environmental impact of kitesurfing

In 2016, the state of Lower Saxony conducted a study on the environmental impact of kitesurfing. The study concluded that while kitesurfing has a “frightening effect” on birds, it is no greater than for other people and their hobbies such as horseback riding, walking, kite flying, etc. The state considers the designated protection zones to be entirely adequate.

However, the designated protection zones do not go far enough for NABU. Kitesurfers’ kites fly at a height of 30 meters and usually travel at 30 to 40 km/h (the top speed for professional kitesurfers is as high as 100 km/h).

The Wadden Sea, which is unique in the world, contains important bird migration routes and sensitive breeding grounds. Kitesurfing should only be allowed in special areas at the back of the Wadden Sea islands – towards the open North Sea.

👉 If you want to go kitesurfing in the North Sea, find out in advance about the designated areas, special times (breeding and migration) and stick to them.

Sustainable surf vacations at these eco accommodations – our recommendations

If you want to surf sustainably, you should not only choose the right beach and protected areas, but also the right accommodation. After all, it’s no use doing everything you can to minimize your impact during the day if your hotel uses a lot of single-use plastic or worse, exploits the local environment, right?

#1 Summit Lodge Pfunds – Kitesurfing and windsurfing on Lake Reschen in South Tyrol

If you want to learn how to kitesurf, there are several kitesurfing schools on Lake Reschen in South Tyrol, where you can also rent the necessary equipment. Lake Reschen is a reservoir and combines optimal wind conditions with a fantastic alpine panorama – an absolute hotspot for kite and windsurfers!

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner, Summit Lodges, is located in Pfunds in Tyrol, Austria. From here it takes about an hour by public transportation to get to Lake Reschen. The sustainable lodges are perfect for families traveling together. There is space for six people, as well as a private terrace, balcony, and even a private sauna for the evening hours.

#2 Lifestylehotel SAND at the Baltic Sea – Windsurfing at Timmendorfer Strand

If you want to spend a sustainable beach vacation at the Baltic Sea, Lifestylehotel SAND is perfect. It is an adults-only hotel where a relaxed atmosphere and environmentally friendly facilities are important.

The hotel is located directly on Timmendorfer Strand, in the second row from the sea, so it is only a few minutes from the beach. Several surf schools rent equipment. In general, the Baltic Sea in front of the popular beach is mainly suitable for windsurfing and stand-up paddling. Kitesurfing is only possible in certain wind conditions and regions.

#3 OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel – Surfing in Tenerife in the Atlantic Ocean

In the north of Tenerife, where our Green PearlsⓇ partner, the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel is located, you will find optimal surfing conditions. The health-oriented hotel, with daily yoga classes, sits right on the coast, and because the saltwater pools are enclosed seawater pools, there is direct contact with the Atlantic Ocean. From the hotel, you can watch the surfers every day, go surfing yourself, or visit one of the local surf schools.

While beginners can venture into the sea in the summer, it is mainly professional surfers who travel here in the winter. The high Atlantic waves are a perfect challenge for them.

#4 Casa León Royal Retreat – Surfing in Gran Canaria

Surfing and windsurfing are also very popular on the Canary Island of Gran Canaria. The waves are not as high as in Tenerife and the water temperatures are warmer, with sandy beaches.

While the surf schools and equipment rentals are right on the beach, our Green PearlsⓇ partner Casa León Royal Retreat is tucked away inland. The family-run, sustainable boutique hotel is a tranquil oasis set in a large garden with native plants and offers a great balance to the beach action. The hotel’s complimentary shuttle service will take you to Maspalomas Beach several times a day.

Surfing is healthy

According to a 2022 study from Spain and Saudi Arabia, surfing (along with other non-motorized water sports such as rowing and canoeing) has a number of health benefits for you. According to the study:

• improved quality of life (through overall health and well-being)
• better sense of direction
• positive influence on the psyche through leisure activities on the water. “Blue rooms” would promote feelings of “calm” and “revitalization”.

Conclusion: Surfing is quite eco-friendly

As you have seen, surfing is relatively eco-friendly. Or at least you can make it quite environmentally friendly. In particular, open-water surfers do not harm the ocean and its inhabitants, and as a community, they even try to be part of the solution by participating in ocean clean-ups and adopting sustainable lifestyles.

When windsurfing and kitesurfing on lakes and in the Wadden Sea, you have to be careful not to disturb the ecosystem. This is especially true for the 30 meter high stunt kites used for kitesurfing, which, according to NABU, disrupt the flight of birds.

Environmentally friendly surfing

For the sake of the environment, we also recommend that you pay attention to small details such as environmentally friendly surf wax and sunscreen that does not harm coral. It is the environmental awareness of individual surfers and the global surf community that has led to the growing popularity of eco-products and eco-accommodation.

Save the article to plan your next sustainable surf vacation!

Der Beitrag Surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing – Are they sustainable? erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Huge hotel complexes might have some amenities, like a few restaurants or shops on-site. But if you’re looking for a more private and intimate atmosphere, boutique hotels with just a few rooms are a better choice. In fact, at our smallest Green Hotel partner, La Casona in Peru, with just 11 rooms, you’ll feel like you’re staying with friends in Cusco. But what does “boutique” and “small” really mean? And are small hotels always more sustainable than large ones?

Sustainable Hotels – Large vs. small

Good, small, rural hotels and bad, big, urban hotels – sounds logical, doesn’t it? But it’s not that simple. We see this very clearly in the Green PearlsⓇ network: every type of hotel – large or small, in the city or in the country – can make its own contribution to sustainability.

Are smaller hotels more sustainable than their larger counterparts?

True, smaller hotels are often more sustainable or have an easier time becoming more sustainable. Many small hotels represent the personal visions of the owners, and many green pioneers have created their own hotels. For most of them, money is not everything. They are putting their heart and soul into their project, their life’s work. It is also easier to make changes in a small hotel with fewer rooms, fewer guests, and less logistical effort.

Small hotels’ environmental advantages

• The personal spirit of the owners:  Decisions can be implemented more quickly and owners are often in close contact with guests and responsive to their needs.
• Local manufacturing: While large hotel chains tend to have international supply chains, small hotels often work with other local businesses.
• Local food: The same is true for the food. Some of the boutique hotels even have their own garden or small farm where they grow the food for the kitchen.
• Your money remains in the destination:  With international hotel chains, your money may not actually arrive at your destination (e.g. you are on vacation in Bali  and the money is collected in the USA)

Big hotel – big impact

On the other hand, when large hotels, or even an entire chain, embraces sustainable practices, it has a greater overall impact than a single small boutique hotel going green.

An example?

• When the Berlin hotel chain A&O told guests in its (then) 39 hotels in 2019 that they could voluntarily refrain from daily cleaning, it saved 75,000 liters of water, 20,000 garbage bags and 708 kWh of electricity in just two months.
• According to research by Focus Online, the Accor hotel group alone orders 100,000 plastic-wrapped disposable slippers each year for its 330 hotels in Germany. A huge amount of waste that could be significantly reduced if guests would bring their own slippers.

On the other hand, large hotels may take a long time to implement environmentally friendly measures (from soap dispensers to photovoltaic systems) due to the hierarchical structure of the company and the sheer number of rooms.

10 sustainable boutique hotels (11 to 38 rooms) – our recommendations

Definition: Boutique hotels are characterized by the fact that they are personally and individually managed and are often found in the luxury segment. The maximum number of rooms is not precisely defined, but we use >40 rooms as a benchmark.

#1 Casa León Royal Retreat, Gran Canaria, Spain (27 rooms)

If you are looking for an authentic and sustainable way to experience the popular vacation island of Gran Canaria, Casa León Royal Retreat is the place to be. The small boutique hotel with pool is surrounded by a large garden with native plants. Almost all of the 27 rooms have panoramic windows with fantastic views.

The hotel takes great pride in maintaining a neat and quiet atmosphere and offers a shuttle service several times a day to the beach, the city, or to one of the nearby golf courses.

Sustainability:

The German-speaking owner family is committed to the environment and has, for instance, leased a forest to offset the hotel’s CO2 emissions. There is also an advanced rainwater collection system, local food, and many other green initiatives.

#2 Biohotel Grafenast, Tirol, Austria (23 rooms)

It’s quaint and cozy at Biohotel Grafenast, which sits 1,300 meters above the Tyrolean Inn Valley. Some of the 23 rooms are specially designed for families, with separate children’s rooms, private terraces, and even private saunas. You can even rent a tiny house on the property.

A vacation here is perfect for experiencing nature in the Tyrolean mountains (with winter sports during the season). The Bio Boutique Hotel also offers courses in yoga and fasting, as well as activities for children. A nature spa with forest sauna and hammam offers relaxation.

Sustainability:

The Unterlechner family’s small organic hotel looks back on over 100 years of family history. The hotel has been organic since the early 1980s. For Peter and Waltraud Unterlechner, organic and sustainability are part of their lifestyle, and protecting the environment is very important to them.

#3 La Casona, Cusco, Peru (11 rooms)

La Casona is a luxurious 5-star boutique hotel located in the ancient Inca city of Cusco and an excellent base for visiting Machu Picchu and other ancient Inca sites. In 2023, the hotel was awarded the Editor’s Choice Award in the “Remarkable Returns” category by the prestigious Hideaway Report. “In this 11-room retreat, guests feel as if they are in their own private villa in Cusco,” wrote the critics. Art lovers will appreciate the restored original frescoes in the rooms of the 500-year-old building.

Sustainability:

La Casona belongs to our Green PearlsⓇ partner Inkaterra, a pioneer of sustainability in Peru. The owner family has already implemented numerous environmental initiatives, such as water conservation and biodiversity (butterflies, orchids), and is involved in social projects.

#4 Relais del Maro, Liguria, Italy (14 rooms)

The Relais del Maro is located in the picturesque village of Borgomaro, in the heart of Liguria, and is warmly run by owner Elena Scalambrin. She and her parents set up the boutique hotel as an Albergo Diffuso. Meaning that you’ll find the 14 rooms in several historic buildings (former family homes and business premises).

Sustainability:

By building the Albergo Diffuso, Elena has made a significant contribution to the preservation of the Italian village. Not only has she found new uses for vacant buildings, but she has also revitalized the last remaining businesses such as the bakery, restaurant, and hairdresser. In addition, the family and local craftsmen lovingly restored the rooms, in some cases using historic techniques.

#5 Keemala, Phuket, Thailand (38 rooms)

The 38 luxurious pool villas are nestled in the treetops of a tropical Phuket forest overlooking the ocean. Within the forest, which has been preserved as much as possible, is the resort’s own fruit, vegetable, and herb garden. A cooking class will teach you about the local plants and how to harvest and prepare fresh fruits and vegetables.

Sustainability:

The Somnam family built the resort without any major impact on the environment and it follows an exemplary zero-waste concept. The siblings Samornpun and Tanapong (known as Tarn and Note) Somnam are very close to nature and thus invite you to explore the “magical forest” barefoot during their yoga retreats.

#6 Hotel Bella Vista, Zermatt, Switzerland (21 rooms)

In car-free Zermatt, Switzerland, the Hotel Bella Vista is located just above the town center with a fantastic view of the Matterhorn. In winter it is right next to a ski slope, and in summer the hiking trails start right outside the front door. The Anthamatten family is running the hotel and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Dogs are also welcome.

Sustainability:
Furnishings are made from local wood and natural materials. You will also get to taste local organic food. The host family is very close to nature and tries to find the most sustainable solution for all decisions.

#7 Waldhotel Fletschhorn, Saas-Fee, Switzerland (13 rooms)

Established in 1906, the Waldhotel Fletschhorn is an oasis of peace amidst the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding four-thousanders. You can have breakfast at your convenience with fresh organic ingredients (without the famous “battle at the buffet”). A fresh coffee or tea, prepared with water from the hotel’s own mountain spring, rounds your breakfast off.

All 13 rooms have a balcony or terrace. The boutique hotel is famous for its à la carte dinners, and each course comes with a wine pairing.

Sustainability:

In addition to fresh spring water and green electricity, the Waldhotel engages in projects regarding animal welfare, the environment, and social commitment. The culinary concept includes the use of regional organic products.

#8 Hôtel Le Pavillon, Paris, France (15 rooms)

Located in the central 7th district of Paris, the small Hôtel Le Pavillon is in the heart of the French capital. The most famous sights such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre are within walking distance.

The German speaking owners have decorated their small hotel in an artistic and individual way and also offer rooms shielded from electro smog. The hotel also has revitalized water and special room air filters.

PS: Hôtel Le Pavillon is a member of the Green Spirit Hotels Paris network, along with Hôtel Malar and Hôtel Amélie.

Sustainability:

The hotel was built from an existing building (a former convent) and focuses on organic products for breakfast and reducing waste. The owners and staff will be happy to give you insider tips on alternative places (e.g. vintage shops, weekly markets or a repair café) where you can experience the metropolis in a sustainable way.

#9 Strandhaus Boutique Resort & Spa, Spreewald, Germany (20 rooms)

The Strandhaus Boutique Resort & Spa has an inviting location, surrounded by the arms of the Spree River. Boat rides start right outside the door.

The hotel with only 20 rooms has a wellness area, a beach café, a restaurant (with authentic Spreewald cuisine), a library, and a beautiful garden with a green beach directly at the river.

Sustainability:

The hotel supports youth welfare, a kindergarten, and the local shooting club in Lübben. It also employs local staff. In general, the Strandhaus is a place where regionalism and the preservation of traditions are very important. Food comes from local farmers and some is growing in the hotel’s own garden.

#10 Farmhouse Smiling Gecko, Kampong Chhnang Province, Cambodia (34 Rooms)

At the Farmhouse Smiling Gecko you can stay in bungalows on stilts (with terraces and rain showers) or in one of the rooms in the Khmer House. There are a total of 34 rooms in 17 houses – the pool with sundeck or the restaurant serve as common meeting points.

The unique feature: The Farmhouse is not just a luxury resort – it is a non-profit project! The Smiling Gecko Project supports the rural people of Cambodia to help themselves. People learn various trades in training centers, and 40 Cambodians are permanently working at the Farmhouse at an above-average salary.

Sustainability:

In addition to social sustainability, you can also experience the farm-to-table concept here. Meaning that the food comes directly from their own organic gardens and the surrounding agriculture.

Hotel categorization by number of rooms

The average hotel has about 150 rooms. As our analysis of available statistics shows, there are slightly fewer in Germany and Italy, and slightly more in Dubai.

If you search the Internet to find out how many rooms a small, large, or medium-sized hotel has, you will find a wide variety of values. So here is our own definition:

According to Green PearlsⓇ, you can divide hotels into the following categories:

< 30 rooms: small hotel

< 40 rooms: boutique hotel

40 to 100 rooms: midsize hotel

100 to 150 rooms: larger hotel

>150 rooms: large hotel

Finally, we would like to know your opinion – do you prefer to stay in large or small hotels? What size room do you think is ideal? Tell us in the comments!

And don’t forget to save this article for your next travel planning!

Der Beitrag Small but Exquisite: Ten unique boutique hotels with a sustainable philosophy erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

People travel differently as they age

Retirees don’t feel “old” in the traditional sense. But they certainly don’t want to take the kind of vacation they would have taken when they were 20. Hitchhiking, sharing rooms, eating bad and cheap food… when you’re young, you do a lot to stretch your limited financial resources.

Young parents, on the other hand, put their children first in their travel plans. There should be children’s programs, playgrounds, water slides, fries and other children. But if you’re not in that stage of life, you can probably skip the mini-club, teen disco, and screaming kids on vacation. That doesn’t mean you don’t like kids! Maybe you even have grandchildren and love them more than anything? But does that mean you have to spend your vacation in a “kid-friendly hotel”? Of course not!

Everyone has their own travel priorities, and we want to help you prepare so you can find the vacation that works for you – now.

7 Green Rules for Silver Nomads

In April 2024, the British travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler created the “Golden Rules for Retirement Travel”. The 17 rules are based on interviews with frequent travelers, such as the blogger behind Traveling Black Widow, who has visited more than 100 countries. However, they did not consider sustainability specifically. We think though, that this is an important consideration for travelers of all ages. So we’ve come up with seven green rules. And if you’re worried about sacrificing amenities, let us reassure you: Fun, authentic experiences, and relaxation go hand in hand with sustainability!

1. Slow Travel
   

   Time is the great luxury of retirement, and you should make the most of it! Instead of driving twelve hours in one day, try to make it three days and include some interesting stops. Also, take your time when you get to your destination, and do not cram too many activities into your itinerary. It’s better for you and the environment.

2. Sustainable Journey

   Traveling to faraway countries has the biggest impact on the carbon footprint of your trip. However, we do not believe that people should stop flying. As tourism is an important source of income for many countries, and this is how wealth is distributed. Read more about this in our blog post “Are we still allowed to fly”. If you do travel long distances, make sure it is for an extended stay and avoid domestic flights or flights within Europe. Traveling by train is a good alternative.

3. Pack and plan ahead for your special needs
   

   One of Condé Nast Traveller’s golden rules is: “BYOTP” (Bring Your Own Toilet Paper). We want to expand on this tip because we know from various Best Agers that their own “quirks” simply become more important over time. Some people bring their own toilet paper, others their reading lamp, extra towel hooks for the bathroom, a travel kettle, an iron, a yoga mat, clothes hangers… If you’re the kind of person who’s annoyed every day on vacation when you don’t have certain things, it’s best to bring them yourself – or ask your accommodation if they can provide them!
   

4. Pack light
   

   Although we recommend that you bring important “extras” with you, you should still try to pack light in general. Light weight and volume are not only better for the environment, but also more comfortable when boarding trains, etc. Retired travel professionals have created a “travel wardrobe” over the years with a capsule wardrobe that can be easily combined.

5. Book appropriate and sustainable accommodations
   

   Sustainably managed accommodations focus on green energy, local organic food, fair treatment of employees, waste reduction, and community involvement. In this way, you can make a positive impact while you travel.

6. Learn a few words of the local language
   

   “Hello”, “Thank you”, and “Please” – even the simplest phrases are received positively and make you more popular as a guest.

7. Do not procrastinate
   

   Your experience of life has surely shown you that nothing is certain. If you were healthy yesterday, you could be sick tomorrow. Or there could be a pandemic, war, or natural disaster – and suddenly travel is no longer possible. So take advantage of the opportunity to travel when it presents itself. Whether you are retired or nearing it!

Visa requirements and international health insurance for retirees

• Check visa requirements well in advance.
• euronews summarized the rules for long-term visas for pensioners in Europe are summarized here.
• As a European, you can travel visa-free within Europe.
• For Thailand, there are annual visas for pensioners (non-immigrant OA visas) from the age of 50.
• In 2024, Stiftung Warentest and Finanztest published a major independent comparison of international health insurance. It showed big price differences. Here you can also check which international health insurance is suitable for traveling with chronic illnesses, etc.

Sustainable Adults-Only Hotels in Europe

Back to the hotels without kids clubs and waterslides. Adults-only hotels have become a global trend. Here, the emphasis is on tranquility, and you will find creative, multi-course delicacies on your dinner plate. The focus is on peace and relaxation. Sounds perfect for you? Then let us introduce you to some sustainable adults-only hotels in Italy, Spain and Germany:

#1 LA VIMEA, Italy, South Tyrol – Vegan hotel with daily yoga

Located in Naturns, LA VIMEA, with its natural swimming pond, barrel sauna, and e-bike rental, is a wonderful place to relax. The adults-only hotel offers a natural atmosphere and daily yoga. The hotel also offers Ayurvedic medicine and treatments. Another special feature is the cuisine, which is exclusively vegan.

#2 My Arbor, Italy, South Tyrol – Exceptional wellness hotel on stilts

My Arbor near Brixen stands on stilts directly in the forest and offers a wonderful view of the Plose. The area is known for its moderate hills, which offer excellent hiking opportunities for all ages and fitness levels.

There is a large spa area with pools, saunas and massage rooms. My Arbor also offers “me-time“. Meaning, the adults-only hotel has a concept of making everything just the way you want it and tailoring the hotel to your needs. For example, you can have breakfast until 2 p.m!

#3 Lifestylehotel SAND, Germany, Schleswig-Holstein – A natural and relaxing vacation

Light, sandy colors, natural materials, COCO-MAT beds and a special attention to detail – these are the hallmarks of the adults-only Lifestylehotel SAND. Located in Timmendorfer Strand, directly on the beach of the Baltic Sea, the hotel has a charm all year round. A highlight of the hotel is the roof terrace with sauna and deck chairs – a wonderful place to relax.

#4 Casa León Royal Retreat, Spain, Gran Canaria – Enjoy and recharge your batteries

On a vacation island as popular as Gran Canaria, you should pay special attention to finding the right sustainable hotel (without a youth disco). The small boutique hotel Casa León Royal Retreat is located in the interior of the island, far away from the beach resorts of Maspalomas. Lovingly run by the German-speaking owner family, the hotel with pool and gardens has only 27 rooms. Sports activities include tennis, aquagym, yoga, hiking and regular (free) shuttles to nearby golf courses or the beach.

#5 Naturresort Gerbehof, Germany, Lake Constance – Adults Only outside school holidays

There are two different times at Gerbehof Nature Resort. A family time, where children are welcome and offered an appropriate program, and a time reserved for adults, where peace and quiet are the order of the day.

The nature resort near Lake Constance is surrounded by the famous apple trees. A feast for the eyes, especially when they are in bloom. If you are a follower of the Philippi Method (bioenergetic meditations and treatments according to Viktor Philippi), you will be happy to know that it is a main focus of the hotel.

#6 STURM, Germany, Rhön – Relaxation in nature

The Rhön, a low mountain range in Germany, is partly a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and offers a beautiful landscape of forests, basalt peaks, and moors. The STURM is located in Mellrichstadt at the foot of the Rhön. Although not a designated Adults Only hotel, the new garden view rooms overlooking the hotel’s natural swimming pond can be booked by adults only. The rooms, made of natural materials, were designed by German architect Matthias Loebermann, who won the “best architects award” for this project in 2023.

Green PearlsⓇ Accommodation for Golden Agers outside Europe

There are also sustainable Green PearlsⓇ partners outside of Europe we can recommend to travelers in the 60+ age group.

#1 La Casona, Peru, Cusco – Discover the treasures of the Incas

The Andean region of Peru is one of the most fascinating areas on the planet. As we report in our Green Travel Guide to the Andes, due to the altitude of over 3000 meters, you should allow a few days for acclimatization before starting your sightseeing program with Machu Picchu and other sites from the Inca era. An excellent starting point is the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. The luxurious boutique hotel Inkaterra La Casona is located in a former Spanish colonial mansion. It stands on a former training ground for the Inca army. The rooms feature restored original frescoes and Inkaterra provides expert local guides.

#2 Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm, Nepal – Safari Tours and Authentic Nepal

Another place where Silver Nomads should feel right at home is the boutique resort Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm. It consists of 15 Nepalese-style villas and the owners originally established it to introduce local farmers to organic farming. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery with views of the Himalayas, you will find time for guided yoga and meditation classes, temple excursions, and wildlife safaris.

Accommodations such as Inkaterra La Casona and Pavilions Himalayas offer luxurious amenities for sustainable (long-distance) retirement travel while also committing to sustainability. They strive to preserve both cultural heritage and nature for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren through various projects (see Inkaterra Acociatión).

Save this article for your next journey!

Der Beitrag Sustainable travel in retirement: Green Rules for Silver Nomads erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

“Most people crave relaxation”

Yoga teacher Maren Geisler-Okelmann runs Okelmann’s Eco-Hotel in Warpe with her sister, offering yoga courses and retreats throughout the year. She believes that the main reasons people take up yoga are to relax and treat themselves.

“Most people’s lives are busy these days, and stress is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as back pain. People are hoping to be able to just switch off for a while and possibly relieve their pain.” – Maren Geisler-Okelmann

Which yoga technique is appropriate for beginners?

As a certified yoga teacher, she currently offers classes in Hatha Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, and Sound Yoga, as well as yoga with dogs. We asked her which yoga technique she recommends for beginners. Here is Maren’s assessment:

Hatha Yoga: “Very good as a foundation, as it teaches the proper alignment of the asanas (exercises).”

Yin Yoga: “Also suitable for beginners, as it is mainly about feeling specific target areas in the body in order to address the fascial tissue and the meridians that run through it.”

Yoga Nidra: “Suitable for beginners, focusing mainly on relaxation with sounds and imaginary journeys, as well as chanting mantras, etc. If you are open to this from the beginning, that’s great. However, many people don’t even want to close their eyes and chant the OM in the beginning… but everyone is different 😊.”

‌”The great thing about yoga is that it’s really for everyone and it doesn’t depend on flexibility at all. Yoga teaches you to feel your body, to be aware of your limits and to overcome them little by little.” – Maren Geisler-Okelmann

3 beginner’s tips from yoga teacher Maren

1. ‌The most important thing is to listen to your body as much as possible and take care of yourself.
2. Sense if the exercise is right for you that day. If not, you can always do your favorite asana instead.
3. Try not to look left and right to see what others are doing. Stop comparing and start feeling your own body.

10 destinations for beginner yoga in sustainable hotels

Many of our sustainable Green PearlsⓇ offer daily yoga and special retreats. We asked where beginners can get started.

Yoga for beginners in Germany

#1 HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu, Germany

The sustainable wellness hotel HUBERTUS is located in the mountains in Balderschwang and is surrounded by nature. In the mornings and evenings there is a yoga session (or sometimes Qigong or Tao Yoga) in which all guests, from beginners to professionals, can participate. PS: A yoga mat is included in every room.

Link: Current yoga offers at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu

#2 Boutiquehotel Das Rübezahl, Germany

Also, in the Allgäu mountains is the boutique hotel Das Rübezahl near Neuschwanstein Castle. They recommend beginners to take private yoga classes first. There are also various retreats and the chance to practice yoga in nature. The hotel’s own mountain hut has a yoga platform, for example.

Link: Yoga and retreats at Hotel Das Rübezahl

#3 Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s, Germany

At Okelmann’s, where yoga teacher Maren Geisler-Okelmann runs the hotel with her family, they are happy to advise beginners on which retreat or course is best for them.

Link: Okelmann’s Yoga Retreats Calendar

Yoga for beginners in Switzerland

#1 CERVO Mountain Resort, Switzerland

“No previous knowledge of yoga is required,” says the CERVO Mountain Resort in the Swiss village of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn. Whether Hatha Yoga, Flowing Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, Iyengar Yoga or Yoga Nidra, all levels are welcome thanks to careful instruction.

Link: Yoga and activities program of CERVO Mountain Resort

Yoga for beginners in Italy

#1 ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, Italy (Sicily)

“The yoga classes are suitable for beginners” is the explicit message for the Ashtanga Yoga Retreat taking place in October at the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA on the coast of Sicily. The retreat is led by Elena De Martin. The Italian has been teaching yoga for over 20 years and has received one of the highest accreditations from her training center in India.

Link: Yoga retreats for beginners at the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA

#2 ADLER Lodge RITTEN, Italy

At ADLER Lodge RITTEN, located on a sunny plateau in South Tyrol, there are several retreats you can participate in as a beginner.

Link: Yoga retreats at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN

#3 OLM Nature Escape, Italy

The sustainable aparthotel OLM, which opened in late 2023, has already incorporated yoga rooms. Each unit also has a yoga floor. The yoga retreats are currently being developed with professional yoga instructors and will include options for beginners. The program will be published online soon:

Link: OLM Nature Escape

#4 LA VIMEA, Italy

If you want to try not only yoga, but also the vegan lifestyle, take your first yoga class at the vegan hotel LA VIMEA in Naturns, South Tyrol. As a beginner, you will be supported in “developing strength and intensifying your connection to nature,” they say.

Link: Yoga for beginners at Vegan LA VIMEA

7-day yoga retreat for beginners in South Africa

Of course, we don’t recommend flying to South Africa just for a retreat – but if you’re planning a longer trip through the country, a yoga retreat could be just the thing to give your body and mind a conscious break. The yoga retreat in Knysna* is specifically designed for beginners and is led by Peter Townshend, founder of Vala House and certified 500RYT yoga teacher (Yoga Alliance). In small groups of no more than eight participants, he will guide you mindfully and thoroughly into the world of classical yoga, incorporating elements of Vinyasa Krama and Hatha Yoga.

In addition to daily meditation and yoga sessions, you can expect inspiring hikes in the Knysna Forest and along the coast, an introduction to yoga philosophy, breathwork sessions, and a personal coaching session. You will be staying at Vala House with full board (vegan on request), just 20 minutes from the sea. The retreat is available all year round.

Yoga for beginners in Spain

#1 OCÈANO Health Spa Hotel, Spain (Tenerife)

“ We recommend our morning “Awakening by the Sea” workout, which includes yoga elements and does not require any previous experience,” says the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel. The hotel has a special focus on health and is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean.

“Our yoga classes are held daily, Monday through Friday, in small groups. The level of the classes depends on the participants and is suitable for beginners. – OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel

You can also book private lessons with the hotel’s expert yoga instructors. They also practice yoga outside of work.

#2 Casa León Royal Retreat (Gran Canarias)

Off the beaten tourist track, Casa León Royal Retreat is a small boutique hotel that allows you to experience the unspoiled inland of Gran Canaria. An extensive garden area with native plants provides the perfect setting to relax mentally and physically. Yoga, meditation and energetic sessions are offered daily.

Link: Yoga for beginners on Gran Canaria

We hope we have motivated you to give yoga a try. Let us know how you liked it and whether you want to stick with it or if a “taster” was enough for you.

*the link is an affiliate link. If you book the yoga-retreat through it, we will receive a commission.

Save this article to Pinterest to have it handy!

Der Beitrag Yoga for beginners – Combine your vacation with your first yoga classes at these Green PearlsⓇ accommodations erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Why hobbies boost happiness

Having a hobby is linked to long-term happiness in old age. That’s the result of a global study conducted in 2023. The London-based UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care surveyed 90,000 people in 16 countries (Europe, USA, Japan, China) and found that:

People who have a hobby experience a decrease in depressive symptoms and an increase in life satisfaction and happiness.

According to neuroscientist Ciara McCabe, a professor at the University of Reading, many hobbies also improve our health and prevent disease. Playing a musical instrument improves memory, while reading as well as playing board games helps prevent dementia in later life. So, it’s not just the well-known “health hobbies” like fitness, walking or yoga that promote good health, but also crafts and games.

A hobby traveler’s hotel

Science suggests that the left hemisphere of the brain processes logical and rational thinking, while the right hemisphere processes emotional and creative thinking. “The vast majority of pursuits and hobbies are about getting the left brain to shut up.” British PR guru Matthew Freud says. The producer has recently ventured into the hotel business, opening an experimental luxury hotel for hobby travelers.

At The Bull in Burford, UK, guests are encouraged to take up hobbies. There’s a book club, photography workshops, chess, yoga classes, gardening… not participating is like going to a restaurant and not eating.

But the focus of the hotel is on luxury and community, not sustainability. Moreover, if you study lists of the most popular hobbies in different countries, not all of them are environmentally friendly (e.g., motorcycling or recreational flying).

What are the most popular hobbies around the world?

We looked at lists from different countries (13 in total) to determine the most popular hobbies. Interesting: In 5 countries (including Switzerland and India), “traveling” is the number one hobby. Also among the top hobbies are:

• Cooking / Baking (1st place in France)
• Reading (most popular hobby in England, Canada and Turkey)
• Outdoor activities (for the Swiss, immediately behind travelling)
• Sports / Fitness (2nd place in China)
• Computers/Technology (the most popular hobby in Brazil)
• Meet up with friends (Top spot for Austrians and Germans)

However, there are several surveys with different results regarding hobbies. For example, according to Statista, the “most common leisure activity” of Germans is gardening. Not mentioned anywhere is stamp collecting, which I used to do as a kid (it’s incredible how you can feel so old at the age of 41 🙂 ).

Sustainable hobbies for your Hobbydays

What hobbies do you have? Or what hobbies would you like to have? If you want to spend some Hobbydays (we had to bring in that gurky pun again). We have some nice ideas for you.

Just trying a hobby once on holiday can “kickstart our reward system and subsequently our motivation to do the hobby again,” says Professor Ciara McCabe, an Associate Professor of Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology at the University of Reading.

Sustainability depends on how many resources your hobby uses and how you practice it. Reading is more sustainable if you buy used books, and exercise is more sustainable if it is done without electronics or sports facility (e.g. trail running instead of track running). A sustainable cooking class can teach you how to cook without waste, and a craft class can bring items back to life by upcycling them instead of buying new (and usually less sustainable) materials just for a craft idea.

Below you will find a selection of hobbies we covered on the Green Travel Blog, along with the corresponding “Hobbyday” accommodation. In addition, you will find out about sustainability in each article – just click on the picture!

Did we forget to mention a hobby? Probably! Tell us in the comments about your hobbies and how the perfect Hobbydays would look for you. 

Save the article on Pinterest so you can find it again and again!

Der Beitrag A new travel trend: HOBBYDAYS – Combining travel and a hobby in a sustainable way erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

However, sea levels are rising and many island paradises are likely to disappear in the coming decades. All the more reason why we as travelers shouldn’t rush to plan our next island getaway before it’s no longer possible. Instead, now is the time to take a hard look at what island vacations mean to our planet and how we can make them sustainable.

Islands in peril: sea level rise and climate change

The latest report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) focuses extensively on rising sea levels (GMSL = global mean sea level). It is caused by melting glaciers as a result of rising temperatures. (By the way, we discussed melting glaciers last week in this blog post.) Sea levels are already higher than they were in pre-industrial times. So, the question is not if, but how much the seas will rise?

According to the ICPP report: “GMSL will rise between 0.43 m (0.29–0.59 m) and 0.84 m (0.61–1.10 m) by 2100”. However, experts also acknowledge that uncertainties in climate change-induced sea level rise increase significantly after 2050 due to uncertainties in emission scenarios. Studies show that a GMSL of 2m by 2100 cannot be ruled out.

The Maldives and Other Endangered Islands

The Maldives is the lowest country in the world. It consists of 26 atolls and over 1,000 coral islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean. According to Planet Wissen, their highest elevation is only 2.40 meters. If the sea level rises by 2 meters, the descendants of today’s Maldivians will have no land to live on.

But water levels are not the only climate-related issue facing the Maldives:

• Storms and storm surges, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change, could flood the island.
• Both storm surges and sea level rise are salinizing underground freshwater resources (groundwater in freshwater lenses), causing drinking water supplies to collapse.

Tourism in the Maldives – Helping or adding to the problems?

Tourists produce waste, and the buildings created for them often have a strong impact on nature. For example, in the name of “landscaping,” some islands are altered to better suit the hotel complex. Sand is piled up and reefs are dredged. The long-term impact on the local ecosystem (ocean currents, flora and fauna) is often unclear or ignored in such projects

Nevertheless, tourism is vital to the Maldives as it is the main source of income. According to GIZ, the Maldives derives 90% of its tax and customs revenue from tourism.

Sustainable tourism in Gilli Lankanfushi

To ensure that tourism not only benefits the economy but also preserves nature, we believe it is essential to focus on sustainable tourism. Fortunately, more and more players in the industry see it that way – including those in the Maldives. We are pleased to introduce you to Gili Lankanfushi Resort, a sustainable Green Pearls® partner in the Maldives.

The eco-luxury resort consists of 45 waterfront villas and is committed to protecting the environment in many ways. These efforts include eliminating plastic wherever possible, conserving water and energy, and sourcing local food. Gili Lankanfushi is also committed to its Maldivian employees (training and bus service) and the local school.

The island-saving importance of coral reefs

One hope for islands like the Maldives are their coral reefs. These reefs have the ability to grow with a slight rise in sea level. Furthermore, they act as breakwaters. The 2004 tsunami showed that where intact reefs and mangrove belts were present as a protective barrier, the devastation of the tidal wave was least severe.

But the coral reefs themselves are at risk

Their enemies include:

• Overfishing
• Pollution
• Global warming

You may have heard of coral bleaching. This phenomenon occurs when corals lose their color because they repel the different colored algae with which they actually form a community. It occurs when water temperatures get too high. Bleached corals do not necessarily die but are capable of regenerating when their environment returns to normal. Scientific research has shown this in the Great Barrier Reef (Australia). However, if the elevated water temperature persists, the corals will die.

Speaking to Geo, coral researcher Professor Christian Voolstra says that global warming of 1.5C could kill around 70-90% of reefs.

However, there is hope that corals may be able to adapt to higher temperatures. Currently, coral reefs have at least the strength to regenerate after being destroyed.

Corals on Ko Phi Phi Leh recovered from mass tourism

90% of the coral off the Thai island of Ko Phi Phi Leh were damaged in 2018. Not because of climate change, but because of us tourists. The trigger was the Hollywood movie “The Beach”, in which the dropout Richard (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) finds his paradise – in “Maya Bay” on Ko Phi Phi Leh. As a result, the bay was closed to visitors in 2018. And after only 4 years (2022) many corals had recovered and reef sharks had returned. 

Zeavola Resort on Ko Phi Phi Leh supports reef development

Ko Phi Phi Leh is about an hour’s speedboat ride from Phuket and is indeed a dreamy mix of fine white sand, tropical vegetation and turquoise waters. Our Green PearlsⓇ partner, Zeavola Resort, is committed to sustainable tourism and coral reef conservation.

Over 10,000 coral fragments have already been replanted by Zeavola. In addition, the staff regularly cleans the beach and reefs of marine debris. The luxurious resort offers PADI scuba diving courses and the opportunity to experience the underwater world of the coral reefs for yourself. Trained divers (as opposed to party tourists) are generally not a threat to the reefs, but rather those who are committed to protecting nature.

Is Phuket still an island?

Some time ago we had a lively discussion in our team about whether Phuket is still an island when there are two car bridges connecting it to the mainland. Our final verdict: Yes, Phuket is still an island because the land is surrounded by sea – a car bridge doesn’t count! (Or do you disagree?)

Sustainable holiday at Keemala in Phuket.

The fact that islands are completely surrounded by water means that they are often more difficult to supply and many products have to be imported. Keemala “Villa Wonderland” in Phuket has created a large self-catering garden with fruits, vegetables, and herbs for the hotel kitchen. The resort’s cooking classes include a tour of the Thai plants. In addition, Keemala is part of the zero-waste movement and does not use single-use plastics throughout the resort.

Canary Islands – Europe in front of Africa

The Canary Islands are politically part of Spain and geographically part of Africa – they lie off the west coast of Africa. The islands have a mild and warm climate, beautiful beaches with bizarre rock formations, and a unique flora and fauna with many endemic plants and animals (which you can only find here). These include the Canary Island striped gecko.

There are 8 Canary Islands:

• Teneriffa
• Gran Canaria
• Fuerteventura
• Lanzarote
• La Palma
• La Gomera
• El Hierro
• La Graciosa (seit 2018)

It is impossible to say which one is “the most beautiful”. They each have their own charm!

How climate change threatens the Canary Islands

In 2023, the Ministry of the Environment of the Canary Islands called for a forward-looking policy. The Teide National Park in Tenerife already shows signs of the consequences of climate change.

Speaking at the 2023 Environment Forum in Gran Canaria, Environment Minister José Antonio Valbuena warned of the following developments due to climate change:

• In general, there will be less rain in the Canary Islands …
• … and when it does, the rainfall will be so heavy that flooding can occur.
• The level of the groundwater will drop.
• The Canary Islands will lose their green.
• About 50% of today’s beaches could be swallowed by the sea in the near future.

Water and climate projects of Casa León Royal Retreat in Gran Canaria

Fresh water is already scarce in the Canary Islands. Gran Canaria’s climate is also dry and there are no rivers or lakes. “Getting water is a vital problem,” reports Green PearlsⓇ Hotel Casa León Royal Retreat. The small 25-room boutique hotel is located in the interior of Gran Canaria.

A 10,000-square-foot garden has been planted on the property with native, drought-resistant plants such as cacti, which naturally require little water. In addition, there is a rainwater harvesting system and a water treatment plant for potable water. Small signs in the bathrooms remind guests to conserve water and not to wash towels unnecessarily. In a further commitment to the global climate, the owner family has leased 40,000 hectares of forest in the Balkans.

Sustainable vacation at the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife

On the Canary Island of Tenerife, the operators of the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel are also committed to sustainability. The hotel uses filtered gray water from a local initiative to irrigate the grounds and flush the toilets. Local products are available, and for each guest who books through the Océano website, a tree is planted through the mountain forest project partner.

            Find out more about vacationing in Tenerife in this travel report.

Getting to Sicily by train

You don’t have to fly to the Italian island of Sicily. There is – get this – a train service to the island! The train rolls at Villa San Giovanni on a ferry and goes in Messina in Sicily back on the rail! However, public transportation on the island is very poorly developed. Most vacationers therefore rent a car locally. There is definitely a lot of work to be done in terms of transport sustainability.

Our Green Pearls® partner, the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA on the protected natural beach, is committed to sustainability. For an authentic experience of Sicily, the resort offers a “Village Experience”. You will visit the picturesque village of Catabellotta and learn about its thousand-year history. As a special, you have a tasting of the local Biancolilla olives and lunch at the home of a local family.

Tips for a sustainable island getaway

To conclude, let’s summarize how you can sustainably travel to the islands and what you can do to protect them:

1. If you cannot avoid flying, plan a longer stay to make the trip worthwhile and the country benefits from your vacation.
2. Offset the flight through Climate Partners (you can read more about the problems of air travel in our article Are we still allowed to fly?)
3. Avoid flights and travel by train instead ( for example, check out our article on train travel in Thailand)
4. Book sustainable accommodations.
5. Avoid single-use plastics wherever possible and reduce waste.
6. Participate in local beach clean-ups or ocean clean-ups. Experienced divers can also clean coral from marine debris as part of a project.
7. Conserve water, e.g. when taking a shower and by not having your room cleaned every day and not changing your towels all the time.
8. Do not take sand as a souvenir.

Can you think of other measures? Let us know in the comments. And at the end, let’s sing together: “I’m ready to protect the islands!” 🙂

Save the article for your next travel plans!

Der Beitrag Ready for the island? But sustainable, please – because they are in danger of disappearing! erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Fun facts about the olive

• The olive is botanically a fruit, not a vegetable.
• Green and black olives grow on the same tree – the black olives just hang on longer.
• Olives are typically harvested in October. Many farmers wait for the first rain to fall.
• The oldest olive tree in the world is not known. There are several contenders in Greece and Palestine, and the trees are said to be between 2,000 and 5,000 years old (as you can see, the information is very imprecise.) One thing is certain: there are still trees in whose shade even the Romans sat!

Olio Olivia Olive harvest festival in Italy

Italy is considered the country with the vastest variety of olives. There are said to be over 500 different varieties, and each region has its own specialties. Now, at harvest time, you can see the fresh fruits on the markets all over the country, the oil presses are in full operation, and you can taste fresh olives oil and, of course, pickled olives in many places.

In Imperia, a small coastal town in Liguria, the Olio Olivia Festival is taking place again this year. Right at the port you will find a long promenade with stalls where you can taste and buy local olive products. Of course, there are also other products such as fresh bread and cheese – and music. In addition, numerous oil presses open their doors for a tour during the event. This will give you a chance to look behind the scenes and learn more about the fruit and the oil.

The Olio Olivia Festival will take place from November 8 to 10, 2024. and is one of the highlights of the olive harvest in Italy.

Taggiasca olives are the pride of Liguria

As an olive variety you will find here mainly the Taggiasca olive, which is grown in the area of Imperia. It is one of the most famous varieties in Italy and the most famous olive in Liguria. It is medium in size, has an elongated shape, firm flesh and thin skin. Its mild and spicy taste makes it popular both as a table olive and for olive oil. You can recognize them by their interesting coloration. They don’t have a uniform hue, but go from green to black with purple hues.

Fun Fact: Nutrition experts recommend olives as a healthy, salty snack in the evening. 100 grams of green olives have about 154 kcal (while 100 grams of potato chips have 536).

Support the locals by staying in an Albergo Diffuso in Liguria

Slightly hidden inland, but only a few kilometers from Imperia, the Relais del Maro is located in the small village of Borgomaro. As an Albergo Diffuso, the Relais del Maro is spread over several former residential and commercial buildings. In this way, the old buildings have been given a new use, and you live among the locals. For sustainable mobility, you can rent e-bikes. Or you can use the public buses that will take you also to the Olive Festival.

Nocella del Belice olives from Sicily

On the southern Italian island of Sicily, the Nocella olive is the star. It is a round, fleshy olive that is harvested while still green and has a nutty, fresh flavor. The olive is DOP protected. This is a seal recognized by the European Union that certifies that the agricultural product is limited to a specific region (in this case, Sicily) and that the entire production process (from harvest to finished product) takes place there. Nocella olives, like Taggiasca olives, are suitable for both table olives and olive oil. The 2024 olive harvest takes place in October and November.

The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is especially beautiful in the fall. The olive groves surrounding the resort and the Mediterranean landscape are bathed in a soft play of colors. The mild climate and the autumn air are ideal for walks along the coast, the WWF protected wild beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily.

The olive harvest is a special highlight every year. You have the opportunity to buy the freshly pressed olive oil directly from an adjacent store (you can also do this online at Patrizia Feinkost.)

Olive Harvest on the Canary Islands

In the Canary Islands, few olives are grown commercially compared to the Spanish mainland. This would hardly be possible in terms of area. Nevertheless, the dry and warm climate is wonderfully suited to the olive tree and you will find it on all Canary Islands.

According to Jörg Kroker, one of the official tourist guides for all Canary Islands, olive production has experienced a significant upward trend in recent years and Canarian table olives and Canarian olive oil are very popular on the markets. As the tourist guide writes on his website, there are 18 oil mills in the Canary Islands that press extra virgin olive oil:

• Nine oil mills in Gran Canaria
• Five in Fuerteventura
• Four in Tenerife

Gran Canaria has about 70,000 olive trees

The largest olive oil producer in the Canary Islands is Gran Canaria. According to Kroker, the island produces around 80 tons of olive oil each year. That may sound like a lot, but when you consider that Spain’s total production of over 1.3 million tons of olive oil per year covers 40 percent of the entire world market, it’s obviously not much. But it is also an island with only 865,000 inhabitants.

So it’s all the nicer to go to local tastings here and buy olives and oil directly from the farmers. This saves CO2 from transport and packaging. (Now if you look at it independently of the vacation).

Sustainable boutique hotel in Gran Canaria

If you are looking for a sustainable way to travel to the holiday island of Gran Canaria, we can recommend our Green PearlsⓇ partner, Casa León Royal Retreat. The small boutique hotel with only 25 rooms is located inland in the middle of a 10,000 square meter estate with native plants – including, of course, olive trees.

Fun fact: Here’s why olives are so healthy

Olives contain many valuable nutrients. They are about 14 percent fat, oleic acid. According to nutrition experts, oleic acid keeps the heart healthy, prevents liver damage, regulates blood lipids, and enriches the gut flora with good bacteria. Olives also contain iron, calcium, vitamins, folic acid, antioxidants, and other healthy compounds. It would be optimal to eat 7 olives a day.

Olive oil from Tenerife comes from a farmers’ initiative

The Canary Island of Tenerife does not have a long tradition of olive cultivation. It was only in 2013 that the first olive oil from Tenerife came on the market. Its name is “Oleoteide“. This is thanks to a farmers’ initiative launched by Manuel Marrero, president of the winery “Cumbres de Abona”. The initiative has planted around 22,000 olive trees of the Picual and Arbequina varieties and processes them into olive oil using its own oil press.

Picual olives belong to the most commonly grown olives for oil production. Arbequina olives are of the most aromatic.

If you are on vacation in Tenerife, you can support the farmers’ initiative by buying “oleoteide”, a local specialty, as a souvenir.

Combine a vacation at the time of the olive harvest with spa and wellness

The OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel is the ideal sustainable accommodation on Tenerife. Located on the Atlantic coast, it has several saltwater pools. For the health-conscious, the Health Spa Hotel offers daily yoga, fitness, and massages. The kitchen uses organic ingredients as much as possible, with a preference for regional products. These include a variety of goat’s milk products from a nearby goat farm, as well as local olive oil.

Reflections on the Olive Tree

Thoughts about the olive tree are popular, especially among educated adults. There are numerous studies on the health benefits of the fruit (from heart health to beauty tips to a sexual enhancer); tiny amounts selling at astounding prices; and, of course, there is a deep historical and religious component to it all. So, what did the dove of peace carry in its beak after the all-destroying flood? It was not roses or laurels – it was a blessed olive branch.

The olive tree is not a remarkable phenomenon in itself, but when you harvest olives, you somehow realize that the fruit is special. Smell, warmth and a pleasant feeling in your hands – that’s what I think of when I think of the olive harvest, which is just around the corner. We pick olives every year, and every year I pickle some.

Here’s how to pickle olives

1. Wash and clean the olives
2. Prepare the brine: Mix water with salt and a little vinegar. To test, put a raw egg in the water – if it floats, there is enough salt in the solution.
3. Dice lemons and chilies and put them in screw-top jars with the chopped olives.
4. Cover the olives with salted water.
   
5. After about three months, the olives are ready to eat.

This is precisely the recipe that everyone (that I know of) uses to prepare their olives here in our area of Jerusalem, and this is also how children in schools and kindergartens preserve the olives. I must say, however, that for some reason I never find my own olives as successful as those of my neighbors and relatives. It just takes (as with good dough) a knack for it, in addition to the recipe. At least that’s what I think – or do you have a tip for me?

This article was updated on September 9th 2024.

Save this article about the olive harvest in Italy and Spain for your next trip!

Der Beitrag A Gourmet’s Journey to the Olive Harvest in Italy and Spain erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.