More than half of Germans want to make a more sustainable and conscious holiday, but the reality is different: Only 4% actually travel "green". It belongs to the climate-conscious travel just a rethink. With a new approach, really every traveler can go to Climate protectors become: gentler Tourism distances itself from mass tourism and appeals to travelers to take responsibility.
The new sustainable travel philosophy thus takes ecological, economic and socio-cultural criteria of the target region into account in order to minimize the climate impact of global tourism.
Gentle tourism means conscious travel
The share of tourism in the world CO2 emissions is 5%. Cheap flights, package tours, one-way plastic and import souvenirs are endangering the ecological and social systems and cultural traditions of many travel regions. If you want to go on holiday with a clear conscience in the future, you can already make small changes to help protect the environment and support the local economy in your travel region. The decision for conscious, climate-friendly travel lets us see the world through explorers' eyes again. There is therefore hardly a more valuable way to broaden our horizons.
How to plan for sustainable travel international
Each trip consists of the following building blocks, which have different effects on the climate:
- Destination and Mobility
- Accommodation and catering
- Activities and excursions
With the help of these points as well as the following tips, you can plan your holidays climate-conscious in the future:
Sustainable travel international - 8 tips for climate-friendly tourism
1. holiday destination
Where should it go? Sustainable travel does not limit the variety of places. The website bookitgreen helps to find suitable and sustainable accommodation. Whether by the sea, in the mountains, in the city, in the country in a holiday home, B&B, hotel or on a campsite - gentle tourism goes where it should.
However, it doesn't have to go far, because nearby travel destinations mean short journeys. Take advantage of the wide range of extraordinary holiday destinations in the region, for example. at We are elsewhere find original accommodation for sustainable tourism. The most extraordinary Tiny houses, tree houses and cabins can be found here.
2. Mobility
Do you prefer bus or train? Night trains save travel time. If you cannot do without your own car, you can offer a lift. As an alternative within Europe, there is also a road trip with stops in between. Seriously weigh the sense of flying. If a flight to your holiday destination cannot be prevented: Then pay attention to little luggage and prefer non-stop flights, because take-offs and landings are particularly harmful to the climate.
Compensate also caused by flights CO2 to Atmosfair and thus support climate protection projects. You can also explore your holiday region emission-free by bike or on foot and use local public transport or even Carsharing.
3. accommodation
Choose your accommodations for environmental friendliness and resource management. Certified Bio-Hotels often cooperate with environmental protection organizations, for example. Even Microhouses are often a sustainable option as they save energy and focus on the essentials. You should also set a good example: If your property does not have a recycling program or single-use plastic is used, please do not hesitate to make friendly suggestions for improvement as a guest.
4. food
Enjoy regional specialties with local cuisine in Organic restuarants or get to know the specialties of your travel region in a cooking course. Also take a BPA-free water bottle to refill, a breakfast box and a dish brush to avoid single-use plastic bottles. Here you will find 20 easy go green tips.
5. Save resources
Save water with short shower times and, for example, do that water pollution when washing your hair. Do not use the hotel cleaning service, as guests' laundry is cleaned individually. The laundry can be easily washed with hand detergent and is dry the next day. Also, avoid changing towels every day and hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to save electricity (vacuum cleaner). When leaving the room, switch off all electrical devices, including the air conditioning.
6. Culture, activities and excursions
Find out about the culture and religious customs in advance. For example, learn the most important everyday terms in the national language. You can also book eco-friendly excursions to learn more about the regional nature. Get to know the country, people and places outside of package tourism. You can book an individual travel experience at, for example The Evolved Traveler.
7. Experience nature and protect nature
Soft tourism means experiencing nature. Get to know and respect nature and animals in your travel destination. Nature conservation organizations often offer guided hikes in holiday regions. If you also pick up and dispose of plastic waste washed up on the beach, you show respect for nature and save marine animals in the process.
8. Shopping and souvenirs
Discover local products at weekly markets and give preference to handicrafts that you can acquire by visiting artist studios to help support the local economy. In addition, do not buy any animal or plastic products and always take your own shopping bag and cloth bag with you to avoid plastic bags.
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