10 tips for environmentally conscious and more sustainable travel

10 tips for environmentally conscious and more sustainable travel

The world is diverse, and so many diverse and fascinating travel destinations await us. However, many of these wonderful places are threatened by mass tourism and climate change. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to travel as gently and sustainably as possible. We have compiled 10 tips to make your next vacation more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Minimalist packing

Sustainable travel begins before you even leave. It's important to pack only the essentials when packing. Smart packing (e.g., rolling clothes instead of folding them) can help you use a carry-on suitcase instead of an XL suitcase . The lighter the suitcases, and thus the aircraft, weigh, the less kerosene is needed for air travel and the lower the CO2 emissions. The heavier the luggage, the higher the fuel consumption on arrival and departure, and this also applies to car, bus, and train journeys.

Produce less waste

For cosmetic products, it's a good idea to buy reusable travel-sized containers and fill them yourself with shampoo, shower gel, creams, etc. One option is to choose particularly sustainable products that don't require plastic packaging: e.g., solid shampoo, shower gel, deodorant creams, etc.

The most environmentally friendly way to travel

Good things are so close. We definitely recommend a vacation within Germany or Europe. With a little research, you can find some hidden gems worth visiting even without a long flight. Generally speaking, distances of up to 1,000 km can easily be covered by bus, train, or car. If you're traveling alone or as a couple, traveling by public transport (Flixbus, train, etc.) is the most environmentally friendly option. However, with four people sharing a car, the CO² emissions are put into perspective.

CO² emissions and compensation for air travel

If you do decide to take a long-distance flight, you can also be mindful of your CO² emissions. Generally speaking, direct flights are more environmentally friendly than flights with multiple stops, as fuel consumption is particularly high during takeoff and landing. Through various climate protection organizations such as atmosfair, greenmiles, or myclimate, you can offset the CO² emissions of your trip with a donation. The money donated is invested in various climate protection projects.

Choose environmentally friendly accommodation

You can also consider various aspects when choosing accommodation to make your trip more environmentally conscious. More and more hotels are focusing on common eco-standards, resource conservation, and sustainability. With a little research, you can quickly find certified organic hotels. If you want to travel sustainably, you should avoid all-inclusive trips. Due to the wide selection and abundance of food and drinks, a lot of products are unfortunately thrown away. Therefore, it's better to consume local and regional products whenever possible and visit smaller, local restaurants. Another plus: this way you'll get to know the country and its people even better and more authentically!

Be resource-efficient

Water and electricity consume a lot of energy. Therefore, only use air conditioning when needed and turn it off as soon as you leave your room or accommodation. Towels and bed linens don't need to be changed every day, which can save some resources.

Environmentally friendly holiday activities

If possible, use bicycles to get to attractions and get around your vacation destination. Activities like jet skiing and banana boating require a lot of energy and are not recommended. Alternatively, there are many eco-friendly activities you can do locally, such as canoeing, hiking, or cycling.

Respect flora and fauna

It's especially important that you respect the local nature conservation guidelines and rules. Respect nature reserves, stay off marked hiking trails, don't pick rare exotic plants, don't leave trash, etc. It's best to find out about the rules before your trip or directly at your hotel and adhere to them. Often, with very little effort, you can protect the local ecosystem.

Sustainable & coral-friendly sunscreen

Did you know that many commercially available sunscreens contain substances that cause long-term damage to corals, causing them to die? The UV filters used cause coral bleaching, hinder recolonization and reef recovery, and much more. But conventional sunscreen not only harms the reef, but also other marine life. Therefore, use mineral sunscreen from natural cosmetics manufacturers instead of chemical sunscreen.

Integrate clean-ups into your trip