Your workation could look like this. Are you in? Perfect! Because in this blog post, we’re going to introduce you to sustainable hotels for your workation. We will also answer questions you may encounter when preparing for your trip and show you what to look for when choosing your destination.

Sustainable Accommodation for your Workation between Mountains and Sea

In theory, you can have a workation anywhere. That’s the whole idea. But before you pick a remote island and dream of a hammock on the beach, wait a minute. Or at least check to see if you can access the Internet from there. You’ll need it to stay in touch with your colleagues and, if necessary, your clients. Here are some other things to consider when choosing a work destination:

Checklist: Sustainable Workation Accommodation

• • Ideally, you already know your destination and accommodation, what is available, and what you should bring with you.
  • Stable W-LAN or other internet access (min. 4G!)
  • A desk in your room or a co-working space nearby
  • For the latter, there should be places for online meetings and phone calls
  • Kitchenette or similar, or access to drinks at the hotel (preferably included!)
  • Check in advance that the accommodation you choose is sustainable. For example, you can use our 7-Point Check for sustainable hotels.

Sustainable Workation in Erlangen, Germany

With its special atmosphere, the Hotel Luise offers just the right environment to get creative. Not only is there a desk in every room. Outside your “own” four walls, you will also find numerous places that will inspire you and provide the ideal conditions for your work.

Special feature: Room #20 Lounge has had an impressive history, evolving from the office of the hotel’s founders — which allegedly had a back room for card games — to its current incarnation as a lounge. It combines Franconian cosiness with creative vibes, featuring lamps made from old beer barrels and wine bottles. It’s an ideal place for creative sprints, deep conversations, or just a cozy evening after work.

[See image gallery at green-travel-blog.com]  

Work with a Mountain View in South Tyrol, Italy

You will find an extraordinary workation destination in the South Tyrolean village of Sand in Taufers. The OLM Nature Escape is most notable for its unusual architecture. The curved, circular building blends gently into the landscape of the South Tyrolean Alps. In addition to a wild natural garden with a natural swimming pond, the eco-aparthotel offers flexible spaces. The apartments have a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your own meals. Alternatively, you can eat out at the restaurant and sample local specialities.

Special feature: Some apartments offer their own small spa and a separate or partitionable work area with a desk and a view of nature. This is ideal if you are travelling with your family but still need to work for a few hours!

Laptop in the Morning, Baltic Sea in the Evening

You’re dreaming of working on the beach, but don’t want to get on a plane? Europe has beautiful coastlines and just as many destinations to work from. Underestimated: the Baltic Sea! The inland sea offers a varied coastline that is perfect for exploring by bike. So if you like to get on your bike before or after work, the Baltic Sea is your next destination.

At the SANDnature in Timmendorfer Strand, myBoo bamboo bikes are waiting for you. You can easily rent them at the hotel. In addition to your leisure time, you will also be provided with everything you need for your working time. It starts in the morning with a delicious and balanced breakfast buffet. Every room has a desk, and some have a balcony or terrace where you can relax and work. Otherwise, the lobby invites you to spend productive hours.

Special feature: The SAND Sleeping Beach Chair promises a special night’s sleep. Spend the night on the beach, watch the stars rise and set, and start your day with the sun and the sound of the waves.

Sustainable Workation in Tyrol, Austria

After a sunrise hike to one of the surrounding peaks, you sit back at your desk with your coffee and enjoy the view of the mountains. Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? That’s the reality of working in Tyrol. At the Summit Lodges, two log cabin-style vacation homes, you get two bedrooms, a living area, a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, and a private sauna. Perfect if you are planning a workation with colleagues or friends.

Special feature: The W-LAN extends to the terrace, so you can work with the fresh mountain air in your nose when the weather is nice. Who needs fake backgrounds for online meetings when you can have real mountains 😉

Frequently Asked Questions: (Sustainable) Workation

What is a Workation?

The world of work is changing rapidly: it is becoming more digital, more flexible, and less location-based. 9 to 5 in a fixed office? For most employees, especially young people and those just starting out in their careers, it’s almost unthinkable. Maybe it’s the same for you?

A workation combines work with vacation (=workation). It is similar to working in a home office, except that it is more of a home-away-from-home office, located anywhere in the world.

Who can do a Workation?

If all you need to work is your laptop, and you don’t need to be physically present for your clients, you’re ready for a workation. To be effective on your “vacation” you need to be able to organize and motivate yourself even when you’re not in an office. Alternatively, find a co-working space at your destination. The atmosphere there will also help you get into the flow of work.

How do I prepare for a Workation?

Coordinate well with your employer. This will help you avoid discrepancies and misunderstandings during your work assignment. This includes, for example, destination, working hours, fixed dates when you have to be available, fixed times when you can be reached by phone or e-mail, duration of the work, cost coverage, etc. You should also familiarize yourself with the legal requirements, especially if you are going abroad in the EU. International insurance should also be on your preparation to-do list.

What are the Benefits of a Workation?

A workation provides variety and freedom, international networking, and fresh input and ideas for your work. It also offers the opportunity to explore more distant destinations for a longer period of time, as you are not tied to your vacation days.

How do I make my Workation sustainable?

You have already checked off the first point by choosing a workation: You will stay for a long time. Longer than most other travelers. You will also make local contacts and get to know the local conditions better. After all, you’ll be there for weeks, if not months.

So, the same rules apply to being sustainable at work and on vacation as they do at home: conserve water and energy, avoid plastic as much as possible, use public transportation or walk, buy local, and so on.

One point, of course, as with any vacation, is travel. Obviously, the most environmentally friendly way is to avoid flying. However, a vacation offers the opportunity to explore more distant destinations – and to take a flight to do so. The relative environmental impact of flying depends, among other things, on how long you stay at your destination.

Share your Experience

Have you ever done a workation before? If so, where did it take you? Did you fulfill your dream of working in a hammock on the beach, or were you drawn to the mountains? Tell us about your experience in the comments! We are curious.

This is an update from July 25, 2023.

Are you planning a workation right now? Then save the hotels on your Pinterest board!

Der Beitrag Work where others Vacation: 4 Sustainable Places for your Workation erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Riding vacations, trail rides or a vacation with  your horse?

As a horse person, there are many ways to get your money’s worth, even on vacation. However, most people only know about riding vacations for kids. Meanwhile, there are also plenty of opportunities for adults to enjoy a horseback riding vacation. These are especially great opportunities for beginners and insecure riders to develop their riding skills.

Trail rides offer a particularly intensive experience. Whether you do one in your home country or abroad, you spend the day with the horses and your riding group, enjoying real adventures. Depending on the type of ride booked, your luggage will either be brought to the next accommodation by escort vehicles or pack horses, or you will carry it yourself.

However, there are also opportunities to interact with horses outside of sustainable riding vacations. Many horse farms and ranches, for example, offer vacation apartments. This allows you to enjoy horses in the area without going on a riding vacation. Or, you can book individual riding lessons or rides in your vacation region.

Of course, those of you who have horses can also travel with them. One easy way to do this is to start your trail ride right from your front door. Alternatively, you can look for accommodations that have a stable nearby or even run one themselves.

No matter how, where, or with whom you travel, we’ll show you what a sustainable riding vacation looks like and how to make it happen.

Here are five tips for planning a sustainable riding vacation:

Will you be traveling with or without your horse?

The question posed in the title is crucial to your journey. Of course, you can’t bring your horse on the train. This means you will need to use a car and a transporter, which will have a significant environmental impact due to exhaust fumes and particulates. Therefore, consider whether it’s worth driving your horse all over Germany for a week or leaving it in the care of friends at your stable.

However, of course, we understand that you may want to bring your horse with you. After all, what could be better than exploring new surroundings with your horse? If you decide to bring your horse, choose a closer destination, offset your emissions, and drive fuel-efficiently.

The accommodation: Sustainable hotel for horse and rider

You and your horse have to sleep somewhere during your trip. While there are plenty of nice boarding stables, particularly in popular vacation regions, the search for a sustainable hotel is a bit more difficult. Portals like ours (Green Pearls®) help you discover truly sustainable hotels and learn more about their green initiatives.

You can also look at vacation apartments and houses for sustainability and see if they are supplied with renewable energy, for example, or if the furnishings are based on renewable raw materials.

Holidays at the Naturresort Gerbehof

Vacation apartments and hotel rooms like these can be found at the Naturresort Gerbehof at Lake Constance. The comfortable rooms and vacation apartments are ideal for families and the perfect starting point for long hikes, whether you’re traveling with a horse or not. Best of all, your horse can stay with you! Spacious stalls are available for guest horses. There is also an indoor riding arena where you can exercise your horse on rainy days.

The Gerbehof consists of a country hotel, a horse ranch, and an organic farm that provides most of the ingredients used in the hotel kitchen. After hours of riding through gorgeous nature, you can relax in the nature spa while knowing that your four-legged partner is happily munching on hay next door.

Equipment or packing my trunk

Travelling with a dog means doubling the amount of luggage needed. It’s even worse with a horse! You need a saddle, a bridle, a grooming kit, a blanket, and more. Not to mention saddlebags or transport gaiters! Some of these items you may only need for this one trip. So, before buying anything new, ask around at the stable to see if you can borrow certain items. You can also check to see if you can find them used. If you do buy new equipment, look for durable, sustainable materials.

If you’re only planning on taking short rides, you can get by with just a pair of breeches in your luggage, as helmets and boots are usually available to rent locally. However, for longer trail rides, it’s more convenient to bring your own gear. When buying new items, look for durability and sustainability. If possible, borrow or buy used items (except for the helmet!).

At your destination

If you book horseback rides on-site, they are usually guided. This means that you will have a guide who knows the area well and which paths are suitable for riding. Of course, you can still keep an eye out and speak up if you notice the guide riding off-path in protected areas.

In our blog article on animal welfare when traveling, we have described what you should consider when choosing a stable or provider. Take a close look, and trust your instincts. If you have any doubts, it is better to forgo the ride than to support practices contrary to animal welfare.

If you are traveling with your own horse, find out in advance where you can ride to avoid getting into trouble with farmers or landowners. Even after you leave at the end of your vacation, local riders will still have to deal with farmers who dislike horseback riders. The same rules apply to riders as to anyone else spending time in nature: stay on the trails, don’t leave trash behind, and treat nature with respect. But that goes without saying, right?

After departure

Yes, sustainable action doesn’t stop there, nor does a sustainable riding vacation! From home, you can support sustainable hotels, riding providers, and great stables by sharing your experiences. You can do so on Google, on social media, or on blogs like ours. For example, leave a recommendation in the comments section to make other travelers aware of sustainable options. So, what are you waiting for?

Where can I go for a sustainable riding vacation?

Now you know how to plan a sustainable riding vacation! To help you start planning your trip right away, we asked Green Pearls® sustainable hotels for their recommendations. After all, they know best where you can book a horseback ride in their area without worrying.

Icelandic horses in the Black Forest

The Wiesenhof Icelandic Horse Center is just fifteen minutes from the eco-friendly Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. Novice and experienced riders alike have the opportunity to experience the charm of the small northern horses here. The spacious paddocks and loose stables are home to over 200 Icelandic horses.

Wiesenhof’s philosophy centers on a holistic approach to humans and horses. In addition to rides and lessons, the center offers seminars and courses on exciting topics related to horse-friendly training.

Horseback riding on the sunny plateau of South Tyrol

The Weihrerhof is another hotel with a nearby riding facility. Just a five-minute walk away is a stable where you can try “trial riding” to see if you like the sport. You can also explore the Ritten region on horseback and take in the 360-degree panorama of the Dolomites.

Explore the mountains on horseback in Austria

The LENI MOUNTAIN is closely connected to Austria’s horse world. After all, Marco Arnold, the owner, is related to the president of the Haflinger Breeding and Sports Association. Life in Sölden without these blond-maned ponies is difficult to imagine. The ponies spend the summers on the meadows above the valley, so you’re likely to encounter them on your hikes.

Explore Sicily’s Valley of the Temples on horseback!

Visiting this ancient site is one of the highlights of any trip to Sicily. And what could be better than experiencing it from horseback? The ride there is an adventure in itself. Experienced guides from Amici del Cavallo will lead you along narrow paths lined with olive and almond trees to the temple ruins. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner or an inexperienced rider; the horses are calm, well-trained, and well-groomed. The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, a sustainable resort on the edge of a WWF nature reserve and not far from the wild beaches of southern Sicily, recommended this provider to us.

Tip: If Sicily is too far for you, there is also a great provider in Tuscany called “Il Cornacchino,” who take good care of the animals. Current offers include, for example, 8 days of natural Western riding in Tuscany*.

Conclusion: Sustainable riding vacation with or without your horse

Sustainable riding vacations are pretty straightforward. Hopefully, this article will help you plan your next trip in a relaxed, sustainable way. These tips will help whether you’re riding a horse or not!

If you have a recommendation for a sustainable riding vacation, please leave it in the comments. It can be a horse farm, tour provider, or destination. Inspire others. 😉

*For the offer marked with an asterisk, we receive a small commission if you book through the link.

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Der Beitrag A sustainable horseback vacation: how it works and things you should keep in mind erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Here, you will find both. Together, we will take an in-depth look at sustainable travel, explore its background, and establish connections. You will also find useful tips in the article. But enough preface. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents: Sustainable Travel

A Look at Tourism

How does sustainable travel work?

What is sustainability and what does it have to do with our travels?

Sustainability today: Comprehensive and blurry

Environmental protection while traveling

Water consumption as a traveler

Sustainability meets animal welfare

Climate protection while traveling: Do you still fly??

Let’s talk about money – What our money does when we travel

Questions you can ask yourself before you spend your money

Excursus: The Green Pearls® network

Often overlooked: Social sustainability when it comes to travel

An alternative to traditional tourism: Slow Travel

Small steps also make a difference

Sustainable Travel – Different Experience

If you landed on our website, it’s likely that you’re someone who likes to travel themselves, right? Think back, where have you been? It varies greatly among members of the editorial team. Some of us have experienced distant parts of the world. Literally. Some people prefer to stay in Germany and Europe. What we all have in common is that we love discovering new places.

A Look at Tourism

When we’re traveling, and I’m sure you feel the same way, we’ve noticed that we can’t continue like before. It has been evident for some time that tourism is not the white, unsullied industry that it likes to be portrayed as. Mass tourism, short-haul flights, and water scarcity are just a few of the keywords associated with this context.

But, how can we improve? What are some ways we can discover other countries and regions without leaving a damaging imprint on the ground? In summary, how can we travel responsibly?

How does sustainable travel work?

This is the very question we want to explore in this blog article. We will do it in as much detail as we can. That is why we will begin by explaining what sustainability is and how it relates to our travel behavior. Of course, the topic of climate protection and air travel has its place as well. Lastly, we’ll introduce you to an alternative to classic tourism, and in part two of this series of articles, we’ll share with you tangible, tried-and-tested tips on how you might make your trip more sustainable.

Despite all the tips we’ve given you, there is one thing we don’t want you to forget: As a traveler, you will always have higher CO2e emissions and consume more resources than you would if you didn’t travel. Most cases, at least. The most sustainable way to travel would be not to travel at all. But sustainability has now taken on a greater meaning than just environmental protection.

What is sustainability and what does it have to do with our travels?

To answer this question, we must travel back to the Middle Ages. At that time, the term ‘sustainable’ first appeared and meant something like ‘lasting.’ The first proper definition of sustainability in today’s sense came from Hans Carl von Carlowitz. The chief miner faced numerous challenges, such as extreme deforestation, droughts, and bark beetle infestations, in his forests in the 18th century. Does this sound familiar to you?

Perhaps we should take another look at the 300-year-old textbook published by von Carlowitz. In it, he introduced the principle of sustainable forestry, which states that only as many trees should be cut down as can grow back. Von Carlowitz developed this method to ensure that future generations would still have access to wood.

Sustainability today: Comprehensive and blurry

Our approach to sustainability has evolved and changed since then. Forestry’ is a term you probably don’t associate with it anymore, but maybe your cell phone case, clothing, or food. And yes, travel is also part of the equation.

There are many perspectives on what sustainable travel looks like. One definition does not exist. You won’t find one here either. Instead, we want to introduce you to the different aspects of sustainable travel and explain how they work. We’ll start with the most obvious aspect: the environment.

Environmental protection while traveling

As travelers, we should be aware that we can harm the environment. Otherwise, you probably wouldn’t be reading this article. However, our environmental impact isn’t only made up of flights and travel-related exhaust fumes. For example, many people don’t realize that building a hotel can significantly disrupt the natural environment. This environmental damage forces plants and animals to look for new habitats. Therefore, renovating existing buildings is the best solution.

Monastery hotels are a good example of this, such as the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bavaria, and Hotel Le Pavilion in Paris. By utilizing old monastery walls, abandoned buildings are given a new lease on life while preserving the culture and history of the community. If you want to learn more about this trend, you can find out more in our article on monastery hotels.

Water consumption as a traveler

At this point, there’s no reason to sugarcoat things. As frequent travelers, we use a lot of water.

• According to the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA), a tourist consumes approximately 350 liters per night in a hotel (compared to around 130 liters at home).
• The 2030 Report even estimates up to 2,425 liters per night for a tourist. This includes personal water consumption (showers, toilets) as well as swimming pools, golf courses, green spaces, etc.

Even if sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels and accommodations use water-saving faucets and use rainwater and gray water for garden irrigation, every guest still uses more water on vacation than they would at home. Not just for brushing teeth. That accounts for the least amount. Indirectly, we also use the water that is consumed in the restaurant, for the pool and for cleaning.

It’s cool when the hotel uses a natural bathing pond instead of a classic chlorinated pool, as the STURM in Mellrichstadt, Germany, does, for example. Furthermore, it provides a habitat for numerous animals. If flowering meadows with bee- and insect-friendly flowers are also planted, the hotel garden becomes a small, biodiverse paradise.

Sustainability meets animal welfare

Traveling and experiencing animals in their natural environment is one of the top experiences, especially for children. Whether they are wild animals on safari or domestic animals, seeing them in their natural habitat is incredible. However, travel can have a negative impact on animal protection. Visits to national parks ensure that they can continue operating. Our visits also demonstrate to the local population that protecting animals can be financially worthwhile. On the other hand, tourism can encourage practices that are not in the animals’ best interest, such as elephant riding or lion petting.

If you are interested in learning more about animal welfare while traveling and how you can make
your trip animal-friendly, you may want to check out this blog article. We’ve covered the topic in
detail here.

Furthermore, our article on wildlife on vacation provides specific vacation offers where you can experience safaris, diving, or national park animals in a sustainable way.

Climate protection while traveling: Do you still fly?

Travel and accommodation have been found to be the areas with the greatest environmental impact when it comes to tourism. That means that adjusting these adjustment screws has the biggest effect. You can find a selection of sustainable hotels and vacation rentals on our website. We not only present each hotel with its rooms and offers, but also with its sustainable initiatives and measures. This will give you an opportunity to get an overview in advance and actively contribute to protecting the climate by making environmentally friendly choices when it comes to accommodation.

By now, we are all aware that flying, especially short-haul flights, is immensely detrimental to the climate. Flight shame has become a term for when you get on a plane even though you feel bad about it.

How you can deal with flight shame, we have already discussed in tis blog article.

Other alternatives to flying are driving a car, taking a bus or train, cycling, and wearing walking shoes. Yes, we count the car as well. Although we wholeheartedly agree that car traffic must be reduced, if you look only at carbon dioxide emissions, then a fully occupied car with four or five people can sometimes even have the better balance than an empty train. However, the train still runs, and in addition, it offers the opportunity to spend time together with family or friends without having to concentrate on road traffic.

An alternative that many people are unaware of is the long-distance bus. In recent years, companies such as Flixbus have established a huge network across Europe, and their environmental friendliness is on par with that of trains! Find out more about sustainable vacations by long-distance coach here.

It is even more environmentally friendly to travel by foot or by bicycle rather than by car. The journey itself will become an adventure, and you will develop an entirely new perspective. By the way, this principle is the foundation of the Slow Travel movement. You can read more about it in the article below.

Let’s talk about money – What our money does when we travel

When we travel, we incur expenses. On accommodation, food, souvenirs, activities, and events. It is not without reason that tourism is one of the most important, sometimes even the most important, industry in many countries. It offers a lot of potential, if done right.

“Right” in this case means that our money benefits the country and the local population, and does not flow back abroad or to large, international companies. Experts here speak of the percolation rate, which indicates how much of the profits from the respective destination seep back out again. This happens, for example, through staying in international hotel chains, buying imported goods and eating at global franchises.

Another aspect is that we determine what we support through our purchasing or consumption behavior. What practices and behaviors do we support with the money we spend while traveling? Keywords here are production conditions, supply chains, payment of employees, exploitation of nature, and child labor, just to name a few.

Questions you can ask youself before you spend your money:

• Who owns the hotel or lodging I want to stay at? Is it family run? Locally owned?
• Who owns the restaurant? Who does the cooking? How are the employees treated?
• Where does the food come from? Was it grown locally? Or imported?
• Where do the souvenirs come from? What material are they made of?
• Does the event benefit the local population? Or is it cultural appropriation and exploitation?

Additionally, a sustainable economy also refers to the entrepreneurs in tourism. They should take care not to work only for short-term profit, but to think in the long term. That means taking into consideration the impact and responsibility of their own company, hiring local employees, and investing in environmental and social measures.

Excursus: The Green Pearls® network

At Green Pearls®, we want to advocate for more sustainability in tourism and help you do the same. That’s why we work with various partners around the world who offer sustainable hotels and vacation rentals. After prior verification and only if they meet certain sustainable criteria, which concern environmental protection as well as economy and social issues, they are allowed to be part of the Green Pearls® partner network.

This means that when you choose a Green Pearls® hotel or vacation home, you can be confident that your accommodations are sustainable. You can read exactly what makes each hotel or vacation home sustainable on its respective Green Pearls® page. For example, you can learn how the five-star Der Birkenhof Spa & Genussresort hotel in Bavaria is a pioneer in sustainable hospitality despite its luxury orientation; how the Aparthotel OLM Nature Escape in South Tyrol generates all of its energy from its own sources; how 50 percent of the employees at the Green City Hotel Vauban are disabled; and how the Hotel Luise in Erlangen makes its hotel rooms entirely from recyclable materials.

Often overlooked: Social sustainability when traveling

Both the economic and environmental aspects of sustainability are socially oriented. At first, this may sound very abstract, but imagine the following: You travel to any country, or even just another city. You arrive there, stay in a hotel, eat in a restaurant, and walk through the streets. You can also buy some souvenirs. Likewise, you drink water, swim in the pool, throw away your garbage, drive boat, cab, car. Then you leave again. If you tried to spend the money locally, then the money you spent stays there. What also stays there is your environmental impact, the missing water and the garbage.

And now imagine thousands, in some places even millions, doing the same. What do you think the effects will be on the local people?

Let’s take a look at the social impact of man-made climate change, which is not entirely innocent when it comes to tourism. The people who are affected by it are the ones who don’t contribute to it. People who don’t travel around the world three times a year.

Furthermore, there are also clear abuses in tourism, such as the exploitation of seasonal workers. You can find out more about this in this article on social sustainability in tourism.

An alternative to traditional tourism: Slow Travel

You might have heard of Slow Travel before, right? Over the last few years, countless books, articles, and podcasts have been published about it. The idea behind it is simple: Slow travel. The journey should be made to the destination. Putting achieving your goal above arriving at your goal. In this way, Slow Travelers are returning to the old definition of travel: being on the way from A to B.

Slow Travel grew out of the Slow Food Movement, which promotes the conscious cultivation, handling, and enjoyment of food. It was founded as an alternative to fast food. Slow Travel can be similarly compared with conventional travel.

Instead of considering the journey as a mere tool to reach the destination, Slow Travel considers it an essential part of the trip. On foot, by bike or by train, you experience the first adventures already before your destination.

The main thing, when you’re walking, is to stay in one place for longer. Because the longer we stay, the greater the benefit to the local economy. You’ll also get to know the local people in an entirely different way and discover places that other tourists miss. Perhaps the locals will even share with you one or two insider tips. 😉

Read this blog article for more information about slow travel and how a slow trip can look like. Furthermore, join us on an adventurous journey by train through Thailand!

Small Steps also make a difference

You might be thinking that’s okay, but there are just too many things to consider. Where do I even begin? That’s precisely how everyone started who is involved in sustainable travel today. The key is to take small steps initially. If the issue seems too large to tackle right now, start by booking sustainable lodging in your destination. Stay longer in one place instead of spending each day somewhere else. Actively choose vegetarian or even vegan meals. These are all small steps you can take to move in the direction of more sustainable travel.

Sustainable Travel – Different Experience

Travel is indeed a wonderful thing. We meet new people and discover nature. Unfortunately, however, our travel has an immense impact on the environment and people around the world.

It would, therefore, seem logical to say that, even if it’s difficult, we’ll give up traveling if we have to.

However, that is too narrow-minded. Tourism impacts thousands of jobs and livelihoods around the world, and many people rely on us travelers for their livelihood. Especially in countries like the Maldives, there are very few job or income opportunities outside of tourism. Sustainable hotels like Gili Lankanfushi provide a stable income for locals, which encourages a change in mindset. Whether it’s local or foreign visitors, the mindset will be changed. Read here to find out what sustainable vacations in the Maldives can look like and how you can actively participate in a coral conservation project as a diver, for example.

In rural areas, they offer opportunities for sustainable development. The travelers staying at Relais del Maro, located in the small Ligurian town of Borgomaro, not only ensure the preservation of the historic buildings that house the family-run “Albergo Diffuso” hotel, they also support regional farmers, winemakers, and artisans.

In other words, we don’t have to stop traveling. We need to travel differently.

Sustainable travel does not eliminate these impacts. But when we travel sustainably, we make more conscious choices and don’t just accept our effects. We make conscious decisions to forgo flights, take more time to explore a country or place, and search for sustainable accommodations and activities. We strive to help you do that here on the Green Travel Blog and over at Green Pearls.

What’s your favorite way to travel? Do you travel sustainably? And what aspects of your trip are particularly important to you? You are welcome to share your thoughts and experiences below.

This is an update from September 27, 2022.

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Der Beitrag Sustainable travel at a glance: Background, facts and tips erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

In this article, you will find 15 proven tips for sustainable travel, collected by our travel-savvy editorial team and supplemented with insights from long-standing partner hoteliers who practice sustainability daily. Expect tried-and-true strategies and inspiration from real-life travel experiences. Make your next trip truly green!

Ready? Then let’s begin our sustainable journey!

If you are interested in the topic of traveling sustainability in general, we recommend this blog article. In here, we took a closer look at what sustainable travel is and why it’s so important.

Traveling sustainably from planning to returning home

Creating a sustainable trip is a big undertaking.  At first glance, it appears that way. Therefore, we have divided our tips into three major categories. This way, you can jump straight to the part that matters to you right now.

Are you in the middle of preparing for your next trip?? Do you know that sustainable travel starts at home when planning your trip and want to know what to look out for? The first part is perfect for you.

Are you sitting on your suitcase or already in the travel vehicle of your choice, and you would like to get in the mood for your sustainable stay on site? Would you like to take a moment to remind yourself of the most important things? To answer your question, we can go to the second part of the guide, where we help you make your trip more sustainable.

Are you returning home with a heavy heart and wondering how you can support sustainable accommodations, the people at your vacation destination, or a beloved organization back home? Or did you just return from a trip and find yourself thinking about how you can do better next time and apply the experiences you had? If so, take a look at the third part. Sustainable travel doesn’t end when we get back home.

Just here to gather inspiration? Take your time to look around, and feel free to leave a comment about what you liked.

Our 15 tops for sustainable travel (and a bonus tip at the end)

Sustainable travel planning

1.) Be honest about the purpose of your trip.

By this, we mean, before you even start planning, be aware of why you want to travel. Are you interested in learning about a particular country or culture? Are you interested in experiencing nature and wildlife, admiring special buildings or formations? Or is it mainly to get away from home or just to relax?

If you tend towards the latter, then maybe it doesn’t have to be a plane trip to the Canary Islands or Egypt, right? In that case, a nice and sustainable wellness hotel or vacation home in your region or country might even be a better choice.

Tip from Mara from the editorial team: Forget the bucket list

It is often hyped, especially in the social media, if you have an eternally long bucket list. I’m not a fan of that at all, because it tempts you to visit places just because you want to make a checkmark. So when planning a trip, you should always ask yourself: Do I want to go there because I want to see it? Or because others told to me that I have to go there?

2.) Pay attention to environmental seals and certificates during your research.

However, you should not trust them blindly because in principle, each company, each hotel or each provider can design its own eco-label and put it on its website. So, have a look around the site, too: Are the initiatives and sustainable measures clearly named and documented? Is the seal awarded? How transparent are the criteria?

Seals that are generally recognized in the tourism sector include TourCert, Viabono, GSTC, Swissstainable, and the Blue Flag for beaches and bodies of water.

There are additional certifications for accommodations: GreenSign, for example, as well as the EU Eco Label and various organic certifications. At Green Pearls®, you will also find sustainable accommodations that have been certified and must meet an extensive list of criteria to be accepted onto our information platform. Learn more about our criteria and what we look for in our partners on this page.

3.) Utilize expert knowledge

This tip seamlessly builds on the previous one, and you’re already implementing it. Finding out how to travel sustainably before your trip is the first step.

This includes researching how to travel sustainably at your destination. For example, what is the quality of the drinking water? What about public transportation?

If you feel overwhelmed, you can also turn to experts. Many travel providers are focusing more on sustainable travel, and social media is a good place to connect with other travelers and learn from their experiences.

4.) Get to know the culture and the language before

If you know where to go, you should also begin to engage with the country and local customs. This way you avoid (unintentional) disrespectful behavior and know in advance what you can and should be prepared for.

Tip from Nina from the editorial team: Hello, Please, Thank you.

I think you should at least try to know and use “Hello / Please / Thank you” in the local language. This shows respect for the people and you are more likely to get into contact.

Preparation is everything: packing, documents, arrival

5.) Plan your journey and avoid flights whenever possible.

By now, we are all probably aware of how harmful flying is to the environment. That’s why avoiding flying is often recommended in tips for sustainable travel.

Top tip from Hotel Klosterbräu, Tyrol: Green travel pays off

Some sustainable hotels offer special rewards to guests who travel by public transportation. At Hotel Klosterbräu, for instance, guests who travel by train can use e-scooters and e-bikes free of charge for the duration of their stay. Additionally, you will be picked up from the station for free by an e-shuttle. Incidentally, Seefeld station is the highest ICE station in the world, only three minutes away.

Think outside the box and see if there are other ways to get there. For example, how about taking the night train or a long-distance bus?

Here’s a tip from Mara in the editorial department: Find European train connections easily

Rather than searching for connections with individual providers in each country, you can quickly and easily search for and book train connections throughout Europe via The Trainline.

If you can’t do it without a flight, follow a simple rule of thumb: the longer the flight, the longer you should stay on site. That way, you also support the local population and economy in a more sustainable way.

Keen to explore Europe by train? Then take a look here!

6.) Less is more: about packing lists and zero waste

Yes, indeed: It makes a difference how much your luggage weighs! The less weight, the less fuel you use, no matter if you travel by car or plane. And your nerves are spared, too.

Tip from Katharina from the editorial team: Capsule Wardrobe

I actually go with a “Capsule Wardrobe” when packing – few pieces, all can be combined well with each other in terms of color and style. Depending on the length of the trip, I intend to wash out certain pieces. Find one-piece suits so practical and space-saving when packing (jumpsuits or dresses). I also like to hang up worn clothes and air them out—that works amazingly well, and the things then sometimes smell almost “fresh” again

And speaking of saving on luggage: Gone are the days of binders and folders full of notes and tickets. In most cases, tickets only need to be available digitally, itineraries can be saved on a cell phone, and important documents can be photographed or scanned and are always available via a cloud.

Tip from Stefany from the editorial team: Zero Waste Travel

Always on hand: a plastic bottle, a reusable coffee mug, a basket, and a jute bag. For car trips, we prepare food so that we don’t have to resort to packaged sandwiches or similar items.

Sustainable Travel: Tips for on the road

7.) Book sustainable accommodation

Apart from the journey itself, one of the most important aspects of sustainable travel is choosing your accommodation. Opting for sustainable accommodations can have a significant environmental and social impact. This is because sustainable hotels pay attention to renewable energies and water-saving measures. They also support the region, employ local staff, and are committed to environmental and social projects.

Top tip from Naturresort Gerbehof: Do without room cleaning and do good

Sustainable hotels are increasingly foregoing daily room cleaning and frequent towel and bed linen changes. Find out why this is important here. At the Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance, however, foregoing room cleaning has another effect. For each cleaning that guests choose to skip, the hotel donates four euros to the children’s project Kinderdorf der Liebe – Sternenland (Children’s Village of Love – Land of Stars). The Klosterhof — Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Berchtesgadener Land — also generates many donations this way. For every room cleaning not requested, five euros go to the regional mountain rescue service.

8.) Use public transportation, ride a bike or walk.

Not only does your journey to your destination play a role in your ecological footprint, but so does your mode of transportation there. Try to use public transportation whenever possible. You could also rent a bike and explore the region on two wheels. As an added benefit, you’ll experience your destination in a completely different and more immersive way than if you were driving through it. You’ll also get to talk to the locals and experience their everyday life instead of staying in your tourist bubble.

Tip from Nina from the editorial team: Explore cities by foot

I walk a lot in cities. Depending on how long I stay, I can even start to feel “at home” because I get to know the area around my accommodations.

When taking city tours, you can ensure that they are led by locals or that the proceeds benefit the local community.

 

9.) Support the local population

When it comes to the local population, sustainable travel isn’t just about minimizing environmental impact; it’s also about social sustainability and supporting the people who live there. They don’t benefit at all if you only go on guided tours with foreign guides, eat in hotels or chain restaurants, and buy imported souvenirs.

Our money supports our values.

That means that every cent you spend is a choice for sustainable travel or against it. For environmental protection and local culture or foreign corporations. You have to be aware of that.

How you can sustainably support local people:

• Go to local restaurants and restaurants run by locals.
• Buy your food at markets, street stalls or directly from farmers.
• Sleep in family-run accommodations instead of big chain hotels.
• Move away from the popular tourist attractions. Not only will you experience new things there, you’ll also spread the benefits and positive effects further afield.
• Book tours with local guides. They know better and can tell you one or two insider tips 😉
• Tip.

Tip from Stefany from the editorial team: Do like the Romans

This means seeking out restaurants outside of tourist hotspots and enjoying local, fresh cuisine and traditional dishes. It’s also a great way to strike up conversations with locals.

10.) Conscious use of resources

The things that have become second nature to us at home (turning off the lights, turning off the water, etc.) are all too easily forgotten on vacation. But depending on the region or destination, it is particularly important to save water and energy. So: Turn off the light, shut off the tap, and switch on the air conditioning only when you really need it.

11.) Respectful treatment of people and nature

Part of sustainable travel is also respecting nature and the people whose home country you are visiting. This mean respecting the culture and following the rules of conduct. Here, for example, we’ve looked at how you can travel respectfully and appropriately in Thailand.

A tip from Hotel Luise in Erlangen: Zero Waste at the Hotel

Sustainable accommodations can help make your trip as environmentally friendly and respectful as possible. They may even inspire you to make improvements at home. The Hotel Luise in Erlangen, Bavaria, for example, has built rooms using completely renewable and recyclable materials. The hotel also offers “astronaut showers,” where the water is filtered and immediately reused. You can eat at tables made from recycled refrigerators, and the breakfast buffet is optimized for zero waste. Only a few grams of food waste per guest are produced.

Just like at home, you should also be mindful of nature and not leave any trash (no, not even banana peels!) behind when you go hiking. Even better, leave places cleaner than you found them!

Tip from Mara from the editorial team: Learn to say “no”

In some of the countries I’ve traveled to, it was nearly impossible to live a zero-waste lifestyle. Every purchase was wrapped in plastic bags. Sometimes, only one or two items were placed in a bag before the next one was pulled out. Learn to say “no” here. You’ll get the hang of it quickly. The same goes for straws, plastic cutlery, etc. If you’re friendly and do it with a smile, no one will hold it against you! If you’re too slow, just use the bag a second or third time!

12.) Get involved!

There are many ways to get involved during a sustainable trip, such as participating in beach clean-ups, visiting an animal sanctuary, or lending a hand with environmental projects. Ask your accommodations if they know of any initiatives or organizations you can participate in. Exercise caution when visiting animal sanctuaries. Our article on animal welfare while traveling covers what you should look out for.

However, you don’t need an organization to get involved. All you need is a trash bag and a little motivation. Simply pick up any trash you see while walking or hiking. If you don’t have a large trash bag, take the bag from your last shopping trip or at least one piece of trash with you and dispose of it. Small steps also lead to achieving your goal.

And then? What you can do from home

13.) Spread the Word!

A sustainable trip doesn’t stop when you leave your vacation spot. When you travel sustainably, the experiences are more intense, so you may need more time to process them.

You can use the awareness and energy you brought back from your trip right after you return. Often we have little time during the trip to truly recommend organizations and accommodations in detail. Now you can do that from home and reminisce all over again automatically.

Ways to endorse sustainable organizations,  vendors, and accommodations from home:

• Write Google and TripAdvisor reviews
• Tell family and friends about your trip
• Support the provider on Instagram, TikTok, and Co.
• Hotels usually have their review platforms: Take the time to leave a positive review there, too, if you were satisfied.
• Make recommendations among postings and blogs

14.) Compensate your emissions.

Your trip will not be completely emission-free. Sometimes, it is difficult or impossible to avoid CO2 emissions. However, you can offset these emissions through providers such as Atmosfair. This means you pay a certain amount, which these initiatives then pass on to sustainable projects that save or bind CO2. Pay close attention to how transparent the compensation company is. Caution is advised, especially with tree-planting offers. Other areas, such as renewable energy and switching to CO2-saving technologies, are often more effective contributions to climate protection.

However, “offset” does not mean that your emissions and resource consumption are actually reversed. Therefore, it is best to cause as few emissions as possible, or ideally, none at all. Only emissions that are truly unavoidable should be offset by you or the organization of your choice.

15.) Keep a lasting record of your travel experiences.

At the end of a trip, you too probably have tons of photos sitting on your memory card. What used to be photo albums are now professionally printed photo books for most people. Here, too, you can look for a sustainable production method, after all, keeping the memories is also part of a sustainable trip. The paper, for example, should be FSC-certified or even recycled. There are now also more environmentally friendly alternatives to the classic, mineral oil-based inks. By the way: If you already keep a travel journal during your sustainable trip, it will be easier for you to sort it later 😉

Tip from Katharina from the editorial team: Digital photo albums

I save my travel photos in a separate album and share them with my travel companions and family. This allows me to easily display my travel memories on my friends’ smart TVs or on my phone in a café.

Why you don’t have to be perfect—A final word

After hearing all these tips, you may feel like sustainable travel is an insurmountable challenge. Maybe you think that with everything you have to consider, traveling won’t be fun anymore. Maybe you’re thinking about all the mistakes you’ve made while traveling.

These thoughts have one thing in common: they slow us down. Instead of getting started, we do nothing. But small steps are enough. For example, you could refuse a plastic bag here or book a tour with a local company there. These actions add up to make your trip more sustainable and improve the world.

Our bonus tip for sustainable travel: You don’t have to be perfect.

Your next vacation doesn’t have to be the epitome of sustainable travel. Neither are ours! We want to inspire you to get started with our sustainable travel tips. Depending on where you are in your travel life right now, we want to help you either get started or keep going. If we all travel sustainably, even imperfectly, it’s better than if nothing changes.

So, what will you do first? Right now, choose one thing that you will do on your next trip. Don’t click away until you’ve decided! No cheating! If you’d like, share your choice with us in the comments or on Instagram!

FAQ: Nachhaltig reisen

“What does sustainable travel mean?”

Sustainable travel means minimizing your environmental impact by choosing eco-friendly transportation and accommodations, for example. In doing so, you demonstrate respect for nature, local cultures, and the people you encounter. The goal is for your trip to have a positive ecological, economic, and social impact on the region.

“Does sustainable travel mean giving up luxury?”

Contrary to popular belief, sustainable travel does not mean sacrificing comfort and luxury. Fine dining can include regional ingredients and vegan options. Spas can use green electricity, and luxurious suites can be made with eco-friendly materials. Natural cosmetics can replace conventional treatments without compromising effectiveness, and they often create an additional connection to the region when local products are used. Almost every travel experience has a sustainable alternative – without having to make any sacrifices.

“How can I reduce my carbon footprint while traveling?”

Choose the most climate-friendly means of transportation possible, such as trains instead of planes. Avoid domestic flights, and plan your itinerary carefully to save on travel. Stay in sustainably managed accommodations. Some Green PearlsⓇ accommodations generate all their own electricity using geothermal probes and solar panels, such as the Eco-Aparthotel OLM Nature Escape in South Tyrol and the Hotel Milano Scala in Milan. Other partners use 100% green electricity, which significantly reduces their carbon footprint even when saunas and luxury amenities are included. When eating out, look for restaurants with short supply chains. CO₂ offsetting can also be a useful final step.

“What modes of transportation are the most environmentally friendly?”

Excluding hiking and cycling, current calculations show that traveling by train or long-distance bus is the most climate-friendly option, as these modes of transportation have the lowest CO₂ emissions per person. Electric and conventional cars follow, but only if several people are traveling together. Air travel performs significantly worse, especially for short-haul flights. Cruise ships are the worst for the climate, causing the highest emissions per capita.

This article is an update to the original published on November 25, 2022.

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The most important rule for sustainable travel: Planning

Yes, you read that right. If you’re traveling on a budget, or can’t or won’t go overspend, you need to plan and book a lot of things in advance. First and foremost, your transportation and accommodations. Sure, you can get lucky with last-minute bargains, but in most cases you will end up paying more elsewhere. For example: You book a dirt-cheap last-minute flight (never mind that flying is unsustainable!), but you have to pay a lot for your last-minute accommodations because there are hardly any options left, all the low-budget options are fully booked, or only the terrible accommodations are available.

So remember: If you want to travel on a budget, book early! Spontaneous bookings are expensive!

However, that doesn’t mean you have to plan your entire vacation in advance. It’s great to just go with the flow when you get there, talk to the locals, and then decide what you want to do!

Tips for your budget

When planning your low-budget trip, the first step is to determine your budget. How much can you spend? And how much do you want to spend? You should also be clear about what is important to you. For example, if a decent hotel is important to you, plan to spend a little more on that and a little less on activities that cost money. If certain (and expensive) experiences are more important to you, you may want to cut back on your accommodations.

Either way, write your thoughts down! Believe us, it makes a difference to have your budget in black and white next to you as you plan, not just in your head!

Low Budget and sustainable travel: Planning questions

How would you like to travel?

Planning a city trip? Want to enjoy a beach vacation? Go hiking? Experience nature? Think about what is important to you.

Sustainable because: You think about your trip in advance and can make sustainable decisions from the start. For example, you don’t fly to Bali for a beach vacation because that’s what everyone else is doing, but you choose a vacation in Italy or Croatia.

Where do I get what I want?

Some destinations are cheaper than others because, for example, they are not yet overrun with tourists. Or because costs are generally lower than in your home country. Examples of such destinations are Albania, Croatia, or, if you want to go further afield, Vietnam

Sustainable because: By traveling to less touristy areas instead of the popular hotspots, you help spread out the flow of people and counteract mass tourism. You also support the economy of a destination that would otherwise not benefit as much from travelers.

When do I want to travel? Or even: Does it really have to be high season?

Of course, if you are tied to vacation times or the like, you have little choice. But if you have a choice, it’s better to travel off-season. Accommodations and activities are often less expensive and it’s less crowded. In the low season, which follows the high season, almost everything is still open (restaurants, activities, etc.). The further away from the high season you travel, the cheaper the prices will be, but the more restaurants and other places may be closed.

Sustainable because: Similar to choosing a destination, by traveling off-season, you not only help your wallet, but also spread out the tourist traffic over a longer period of time. In addition, you support the usually highly seasonal income of the owners and provide them with a more reliable income.

Travel: Affordable and sustainable options

How do I get to my destination?

The journey is the reward” applies not only to slow travel, but also to planning a sustainable budget trip. Having this mindset is literally worth its weight in gold. If you treat your trip as part of your vacation, you will be more relaxed about the whole thing. Trust us 😉 So plan your trip, check out the trains (if you book early, they are usually not that expensive), or if you drive an (e-)car, plan to drive a little slower (saves fuel and CO2) and make a stopover for long trips. The cheapest option is often the long-distance bus. And since the network is constantly expanding, it has become a real alternative in recent years! According to recent surveys, it is also as environmentally friendly as the train. You can read more about this in our blog article about long-distance bus destinations in Europe.

Sustainable because: Traveling by train and bus is the most environmentally friendly choice. Buses are usually the cheapest, but trains can also be quite inexpensive (if you book well in advance). However, we understand if you don’t want to (or can’t) rely on trains and prefer to travel by car. However, you can still apply the slow travel principle 😉

 
Where and how do I want to stay?

We know where we want to go, when we want to travel, and how we want to get there. The only thing we don’t have is a place to stay. For travelers on a budget, there are many options, from couchsurfing, housesitting and wwoofing to hostels or hotels. It all depends on your personal preferences, expectations and time constraints. Since we know hotels best, we’ll focus on that.

As always, the best time to book is early! Some hotels even offer discounts if you book early! Check out the deals and packages the hotels have available and ideally choose a room with a small kitchenette or opt for an apartment or house with a kitchen so you can cook for yourself. You can often get special rates for longer stays. When in doubt, it is always worth asking the hotel directly (and booking anyway).

Sustainable accommodation for less than 100 euros

Sustainable accommodations are available for almost every budget. Even in the heart of Paris, Green Spirit Hotels offer private rooms and organic breakfasts without breaking the bank. You can also find cozy, family-friendly accommodations at the APIPURA hotel rinner on the Ritten in South Tyrol, where rooms start at €89.00 (including half-board).

Sustainable because: You know us: we firmly believe that choosing sustainable accommodations (along with how you get there) is at the heart of sustainable travel. Whether it’s budget, luxury or anything in between.

What do I really want to experience?

To avoid tourist traps, long lines, or worse, missing out on your personal must-do or must-see, we recommend thinking about it in advance and building it into your budget planning. You can often book time slots for attractions or museums in advance and even get online discounts! (Some museums and similar places now even require you to do this!) You can also check out tourist passes from home and see if they are worthwhile for you, and you can compare tour providers if you want to take a particular tour. Of course, this does not apply to everything, as there are bound to be a number of (local) operators who are not represented on the Internet. Keep this in mind and find a good balance between planning and booking in advance and being spontaneous when you get there.

Sustainable because: Research the area around your destination in advance. This will help you learn when certain attractions are packed so you can avoid those times. You may also find an insider tip or two for local restaurants or tour operators that you would not have found otherwise, and you will generally get a feel for your destination. You’ll also be less likely to be tempted into unsustainable activities once you get there. After all, you have a plan – one that you can and should be flexible with 🙂

Sustainable travel “on a budget” is not complicated

Budget travel in general, and sustainable budget travel in particular, requires a higher level of planning than if you were going on a spur-of-the-moment adventure. In most cases – don’t get us wrong!

With all the planning, there is only one thing to remember: Have fun! Don’t just look at your budget once you get there; stay spontaneous and open to opportunities to experience your vacation spot or destination authentically. You can lay the groundwork for this with sustainable budget travel planning.

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This is the eighth part of our series “Tips for a sustainable weekend trip.” A new green idea awaits you on our blog every three weeks!

Wellness Vacation for your Dog?

Tip 1 for your Weekend Getaway with Dog: Choice of Hotel

Welcome to the dog-friendly Okelmann‘s

Weekend Getaway with Dog: Our Suggestion for a Relaxing Stay

Day 1: Arrive and Feel right at Home

Tip 2 for your Weekend Getaway with Dog: Walking the Dog

Day 2: Exploration Tours and Wellness

Tip 3 for your Weekend Getaway with Dog: Visiting the Restaurant

Sightseeing: Sculpture Trail in Warpe

 Day 3: Yoga and Wellness with your Dog

Weekend Getaway with Dog: Why you should do it!

It doesn’t always have to be a full week. A weekend can recharge your batteries and maybe even give you a new perspective. Plus, a short trip like this is a great opportunity to practice traveling with a dog – for both you and your four-legged friend.

Save this post as inspiration for your next weekend trip!

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We are as alien underwater as we are in space, and as dependent on technical assistance. Moving in slow motion, we are virtually weightless. Almost space-like. Under water, sound, language, and time are essentially meaningless. A diver rarely measures time in minutes. The dive is limited by the amount of oxygen you have left. (And the depth to which you descend, but that would be going too far :D)

As a diver, you are entering a habitat in which you do not belong. The fish around you, the plants, the marine mammals – they belong here, but we divers are guests in this environment. We are allowed to observe, sometimes even be a small part of it, and we are observed. It is always fascinating to see how the marine life is either unaffected by our presence or curiously watching.

These encounters and “guest awareness” are the reasons why sustainability and marine conservation are ingrained in the mentality of most divers. As guests in the underwater world, we can witness first-hand what pollution and the like are doing to this unique habitat. The amount of dirt and garbage we sometimes bring ashore on our dives… Sometimes you really wonder if people see the sea as a dumpster when you pull up tin cans, fishing lines and hooks, glass, or whole plastic posters from the seabed.

Excursion: Diving Safety

By the way, I write “we” mainly because as a diver you never dive alone. You are always accompanied by one or two buddies who can help in case of an emergency. As mentioned in the beginning, we are dependent on technical assistance underwater. If something goes wrong, it is essential that someone is there with their equipment to take over until you return to the surface.

Training, Diving, and Sustainability

Most of us don’t get into diving to clean up the world’s oceans and lakes. For me, I started out of pure curiosity. And because I wanted to watch fish. For most people, it’s the fascination of life underwater and the slowness and silence that envelops you as soon as you go underwater that drives them to the nearest diving club.

Often on vacation, to explore the foreign underwater world with its colorful fish more closely than by snorkeling. Let’s leave aside the question of whether a three-day course qualifies as training. I’m glad I had more time to gain confidence in my equipment and skills.

Diving requirements

In general, almost anyone can start scuba diving. Usually there is a lower age limit (usually from 10 years), but there are hardly any upper limits. The only requirement is a certain level of basic fitness. But before you get your scuba license, you need to see a diving or sports physician for a physical examination anyway.

I didn’t train in the warm south with crystal clear water but in the Baltic Sea. Sometimes with water temperatures of 9 degrees Celsius and visibility of just under two meters. Sometimes less. You can also earn your diving license in lakes.

Respect for the sea, nature, and underwater creatures was taught to us from the very beginning by our instructors (and this happens in most diving resorts and vacation courses as well). Both underwater and on the surface. For example, the handling of corals and how to behave towards them is firmly anchored in the diving training. First of all, you should not touch them with your bare hands.

Excursion: Diving in the Tropics

Some time ago we had a discussion in the editorial office about the careless or disrespectful behavior of tourists and the resulting destruction of reefs. Divers were also mentioned, and although there are certainly black sheep in the diving community, I would like to put my hand in the fire for the majority of passionate divers and say: They know how to behave underwater so as not to destroy or damage anything. On the contrary. They are the ones who bring back the plastic bags and flip-flops that others have “lost” …

Diving while Traveling: Does it always have to be tropical waters?

Now that we are on the topic of the tropics with their brightly colored fish and corals, the question inevitably arises: Do you always have to dive in the tropics?

No, of course not! I haven’t been there either. Instead, I’ve been observing life in the Baltic Sea. Did you know that there are little blue starfish in the Baltic Sea? Or how beautiful fire jellyfish can look in refracted sunlight underwater (and from far away!)? However, there are a few more distant destinations on my personal bucket list. You can read about how to ensure the sustainability of such a trip in our article “Scuba Diving in the tropics” (there are also other tips for diving destinations!).

If you want to experience the Baltic Sea through diving, there are numerous locations along the entire coast. For example Timmendorfer Strand! Barely two minutes from the beach lies the sustainable Lifestylehotel SAND, which works with the WDC (Whale and Dolphin Conservation). The WWF also offers snorkeling tours in the area! Perfect for those who don’t have a diving license (yet)!

When it comes to marine conservation, I think we divers are very prone to greenwashing. Whenever we find an opportunity to give something back to the ocean as a thank you for the wonderful time we regularly spend there, we take it. However, as always, not everything is as green as it looks.

For example, coral planting projects are often criticized because they are not always done by experts, the coral pieces are taken from living coral, or no attention is paid to biodiversity and genetic diversity in the plantings. Especially in the latter case, the fragile corals are likely to die in the next disaster. Researchers say it makes more sense to protect existing reefs and mitigate climate change. That’s why it’s better to clean and restore reefs than to plant coral 😉

Some resorts, such as Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives, offer courses where you can help marine biologists with their work. This way you can be relatively sure that you are not falling for greenwashing, but doing real conservation. The Gili also offers conservation lectures and training for dive instructors.

Read this article to learn more about how and why you should make your diving vacation sustainable!

1. Start with a dive center in your area (lakes and inland waters have their appeal, as well). Dive centers often offer introductory courses.!
2. Borrow equipment until you know you really want to pursue this hobby. The only things you need at first are a well-fitting mask from a specialty shop (no, not a discount store!), a snorkel, and possibly fins. Later, you can look for sustainable manufacturers when choosing your equipment.
3. Travel together to dive sites. Be careful not to destroy the surrounding nature when entering the water.
4. If you want to train while on vacation, look for certified courses (like at Zeavola Resort where you can take PADI courses)
5. Always treat the underwater world and its inhabitants with respect. Don’t touch anything and be careful with your fins (you can also destroy a lot with them)

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Make Travel Memories visible

So, you come back from vacation, unpack your things, and have all these little souvenirs in your hands? I don’t necessarily mean specially selected souvenirs. You usually have a place for those. I’m talking about things like maps, rocks, seashells, postcards, stickers, coins, or maybe a napkin from your hotel or favorite restaurant while you were on vacation. Memories in physical form, but what to do with them? They usually end up in a box at the back of the closet and are forgotten. Or they eventually end up in the bin.

This is not only a shame, but also not really sustainable. Neither for the things you throw away nor for your memories. That’s why it’s best to think about what you want to do with certain things, and whether it’s worth taking them with you at all. For example, why would you want to bring sand that you’re not going to use at home? You’ll probably just end up throwing it away.

By the way: You shouldn’t remove sand from your favorite beach anyway. You can read about the why here. (LINK)

Idea number. 1: Framing

You can frame just about anything. Not only the most beautiful vacation photos, but also the road or hiking map you used on your trip and on which you marked the most beautiful places and destinations during or after the trip. Napkins can also be framed, as can seashells or coins.  For the latter, simply remove the glass from the frame.

Another great idea: If you use a relatively deep frame, such as those available at your local Swedish furniture store, you can even combine your map with small treasures. Simply cut a slightly larger backplate (the outer edge of the frame) and glue your map to it. Glue the glass to the front of the frame. Now you can fill the cavity with all your treasures and glue the backplate on top.

Variation: Tray or Type Case

A type case is the perfect way to display shells or stones. You can either buy one or make your own from strips of wood. Now all those little mementos will find a worthy home. You can also write the place and time of your trip on a small sign or plaque.

Idea number 2: A wall collage

Do you have lots of pictures, map clippings, and other things that don’t fit in a frame? And do you have an empty wall in your house that could use some life? Then this idea from ECO-APARTHOTEL THE DREAMERS’ CLUB in Croatia is perfect for you! Grab some masking tape and start creating a colorful wall collage!

If you want to plan ahead, you can draw a world map on the wall or use ready-made wall stickers. You can also find world maps made from sustainable materials like wood or cork. Simply place all of your memories on and around the world map. Then, use some string and pins to connect the photos to your destination.

Idea number 3: Practical household items with a memory effect

Personally, I hate it when things don’t have a purpose. Purely decorative objects? You won’t find that with me! That’s why I’m always looking for ways to turn “dust catchers” into something useful.

For example, you can turn small objects you brought home, such as coins or even small rocks or shells, into handy pins or magnets. All you need is a hot glue gun or super glue and either small (strong!) magnets or thumbtacks. Use a drop of glue to attach the souvenirs to your chosen “carrier” and now you have a unique way to display them on your bulletin board or refrigerator.

If you have a lot of coins (perhaps accumulated over the years), you can also decorate coasters or even entire tables with them. To do this, simply glue them to the base and then pour epoxy resin over them or grout them, similar to how you would tile.

Create a different kind of memory

Finally, I would like to leave you with an idea for your trip that our sustainable hotel partners gave me. Maybe it doesn’t always have to be a physical souvenir, but an idea to take home with you.

It could be an interior design or decoration idea. Maybe it’s an object, like the Swiss stone pine cubes found at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio. Well, if you want to take one home, it’s probably best to buy it in the hotel shop, but you can definitely learn how to use it at HUBERTUS.

At Hotel Weihrerhof, you can get inspiration for simple and natural decorations from senior manager Zilli. Her favorite idea: an apple in a container filled with water. Add a few fresh twigs and done!

At the lifestyle hotel SAND, many of the guests have been inspired by the key rings made of driftwood. Instead of key cards, there are chips with the aforementioned driftwood on them. “This way the key stays with us and you have something beautiful in your hand,” says the reception team, adding that some guests have already reported taking the idea home with them.

Self-made souvenirs

Also cool in my book: Crafting your own vacation souvenirs. You can do this at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA wellness hotel in Bad Herrenalb, for example. Handicrafts and upcycling are part of the program, especially during the Christmas season. The hotel team also offers upcycling workshops at conferences and other events. But don’t worry, if you’re not a crafty person, you can still buy the upcycled products in the store 😉

Just get started and make your travel memories come alive

If you really want to get started right away, but haven’t found the right thing yet, take a look at the following articles. Here on our blog, we have been sharing DIY projects that we have either tested ourselves or that came from our partners.

• Easy upcycling projects
• Sustainable Christmas decoration (DIY)
• Even more upcycling ideas
• Six ideas for keeping your travel memories alive

Have fun creating! And if you try something out, please share it with us on Instagram! Either use the hashtag #greenpearls or tag us @greenpearls. We are looking forward to it!

Want to save this as an inspiration for your travel memories? Use the Pinterest button at the bottom of the article or pin one of our pins 🙂

Der Beitrag Handcrafts and DIY: Presenting Travel Memories and Souvenirs and Decorating like in a Hotel erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Behind each door, you will find a craft idea, a sustainable recipe, or knowledge for a sustainable holiday season. Just don’t cheat when you open the doors 😉

The Calendar for your Sustainable December

1st December: Craft Inspiration

2nd December: Knowledge

3rd December: Recipe

4th December: Gift Idea

5th December: Knowledge

6th December: Recipe

7th December: Inspiration

8th December: Recipe

9th December: Craft Inspiration

10th December: Knowledge

11th December: Gift Idea

12th December: Craft Inspiration

13th December: Recipe

14th December: Knowledge

15th December: Recipe

16th December: Gift Idea

17th December: Inspiration

18th December: Recipe

19th December: Knowledge

20th December: Inspiration & Recipes

21st December: Knowledge

22nd December: Inspiration

23rd December: Inspiration

24th December: Knowledge

Bonus | 25th December: Inspiration

We hope, this Calendar for a sustainable December was an inspiration and a little break from the stressful everyday life for you 🙂 Let us know in the comments, what you think about it!

Der Beitrag Green Pearls® Calendar for a Sustainable December erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Table of Contents “Vegan Travel”

As-Well-As or Either-Or? Sustainable and vegan travel

Digression 1: What do we mean by “Vegan Lifestyle”?

Digression 2: Is being vegan always sustainable?

How difficult is traveling as a vegan? Or: Where can I even go on a vegan vacation?

Which destinations a especially vegan-friendly?

Where do I find vegan hotels?

Are there vegan all-inclusive hotels?

How can I travel as a vegan without getting stressed out?

How do I plan a vegan trip?

Vegan Travel – All Tips at a Glance

Accommodation

Preparation

Journey

On-Site

Vegan Travel can be easy!

As-Well-As or Either-Or? Sustainable and Vegan Travel

Why should you travel vegan? Or at least try it? Answer 1: It broadens your horizons. When you travel vegan, you usually do some research about your destination beforehand: Where are vegan restaurants? Can I find vegan products at the grocery store, other than fruits and vegetables? Are plant-based milks and other alternatives widely available? You’ll also learn a lot about your destination (whether domestic or international), and you’ll probably even discover an insider tip or two.

And answer 2: It’s better for the climate! Of course, going vegan doesn’t automatically make you a sustainable traveler. But the fact is that in the vast majority of cases (except perhaps if you eat only convenience foods), a vegan diet is more environmentally and climate-friendly than a diet that includes meat and animal products. This is as true when traveling as it is at home. Even if you don’t live a completely vegan lifestyle, one part of sustainable traveling is avoiding meat dishes now and then. Most countries have so many typical vegetable dishes, that you won’t know where to start, anyway. 🙂

Digression 1: What do we mean by “Vegan Lifestyle”?

Strange question, you may ask. But we want to clarify that a vegan lifestyle is more than just a plant-based diet. It includes, for example, not wearing clothing made from animal products such as down or leather. Or using animal-free products in your home furnishings.

Digression 2: Is being vegan always sustainable?

No. Veganism does not always equal sustainability. For example, it is more sustainable to keep wearing your old (but not vegan) down jacket than to throw it away to buy a new, vegan one. Or wearing out your old leather boots before buying a new pair of vegan shoes. Even when it comes to food, fresh, local, seasonal, and “just” vegetarian meals can be more sustainable than a frozen vegan pizza.

How difficult is traveling as a vegan? Or: Where can I even go on a vegan vacation?

One thing right away: You can travel vegan anywhere. Really! It may be harder in some places than others, sometimes the only vegan dish is a plate of salad (without dressing, of course) or fries. But it’s always possible. You can get fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. pretty much anywhere in the world. Even in countries with a very meat-heavy cuisine, like South Africa, we always found something. Or we would ask, and a vegan pizza would magically appear out of nowhere. 🙂

In addition, as mentioned above, more and more restaurants, accommodations, and businesses are catering to vegans and offering the option of a plant-based meal, at least upon request.

Which destinations are especially vegan-friendly?

Great Britain, especially London, is considered a particularly vegan-friendly destination, although vegan travel is usually easier in cities than in the countryside. Thailand is another popular vegan destination. It also hosts one of the world’s largest vegetarian food festivals every year. And where there is vegetarian food, vegan food is usually not far behind. Otherwise, our tips below will also help you plan a vegan trip.

Where do I find vegan hotels?

The easiest way to travel vegan is to book a holistic vegan hotel like Italy’s LA VIMEA. Here, you don’t have to think, you can just enjoy the experience. Vegetarian-vegan hotels are another good option. This is especially true if you or your partner don’t want to give up cheese, for example. Also in Italy, on the Seiser Alm overlooking the Dolomites, we recommend the Paradiso Pure.Living.

Another tip for finding vegan hotels: If you book a sustainable hotel, you can almost always be sure that there is a vegan dining option. As we wrote above: Sustainability goes hand in hand with a meat-free or animal-free diet. On our website, www.greenpearls.com, you’ll find hand-picked sustainable accommodations around the world. From luxury to down-to-earth, from Thailand to Peru.

Are there vegan all-inclusive hotels?

Of course 😉 The ADLER Lodge RITTEN, for example, offers a breakfast buffet, light lunches, coffee and cake in the afternoon, complimentary beverages, and a multi-course dinner menu. Needless to say, vegan options are included. No need to order in advance.

How can I travel as a vegan without getting stressed out?

Preparation is everything: Ask the hotel or lodging if they have vegan options, and if it’s important to you, ask about the amenities in the rooms and common areas. Find out where vegan restaurants are located and if the grocery store carries vegan products. When in doubt, pack your own spreads and snacks. Also helpful: download translator apps and vegan travel apps like Happy Cow and the like while you’re still at home. Whichever you choose: Try it at home and get comfortable. That way, you’ll already know all the features and filters, and you’ll be able to focus on your experience (instead of your phone) while you’re there!

How do I plan a vegan trip?

The previous question almost answered this one. Because the tips for stress-free vegan travel are exactly those you need to plan. The credo is always the same: prepare and research before you go. And for all you spontaneous travelers reading this: You can always deviate from your researched spots once you get there! But if nothing catches your eye at your destination, you will have a backup to fall back on 😉

Vegan travel blogs and those written by local vegan foodies can also be very helpful in planning your trip. Forums, Facebook groups and related Instagram communities are also goldmines for insider tips, knowledge and even contacts.

Vegan Travel – All Tips at a Glance

Accommodation

• Book a (holisticly) vegan hotel.
• Vegan dining options are also available at sustainable hotels. This year, for example, the Hotel STURM in the Rhön region of Germany introduced a “Veggie Wednesday” on which no meat is served.
• Ask about vegan options and how the hotel is equipped when in doubt.

Preparation

• Research vegan restaurants, cafes, and vegan offerings at the grocery store. You can use blogs, search for where you want to go + vegan, or use Pinterest.
• Download apps and test them at home.
• If necessary, prepare spreads, couscous, etc. that are easy to bring.
• Learn important phrases and terms in the local language, or at least write them down. You may also buy a vegan travel dictionary. Then you will be able to look at the ingredients in the supermarket to see if something is vegan or not.
• One more question for your research: Are there any labels for vegan foods that are different from the European labels? Knowing this will come in handy when traveling, too!

Journey

• Pack your own lunch and vegan snacks. Whether you travel by bus, train, car, or plane.
• Remember to book your vegan meal in advance for air travel. This can usually be done while booking online. Otherwise, it’s best to do it by phone right after. Make sure you do not forget.
• Follow food import regulations when traveling abroad.

On-Site

• Probably the most important tip: Just ask nicely! If you want to know where to find vegan food: Ask! If you are unsure about a dish: Ask! If you want to know if there are vegan options available at all: Ask! Again, it helps to know at least “hello” and “excuse me” in the local language.

Vegan Travel can be easy!

Vegan travel is no more complicated than slow travel or sustainable travel in general. Sure, it takes a little more research than packaged or “conventional” travel, but let’s look at it this way: every vegan trip, every demand for a vegan option, shows tour companies, restaurants, and cafes that this is what we want. The number of options increases. So, the next vegan vacation is already going to be a little bit easier 🙂

Do you want to save this article for your next trip? Then use one of the pins or the button at the end of the article to pin it on Pinterest!

Der Beitrag How to Vegan Travel – We answer all your Questions about Vegan Travel, Vegan Hotels, and Vegan-friendly Destinations erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.