Travel
Travel Differently – When Relaxation Doesn’t Mean Wastel
There are moments when all we want just a little freedom. To break out of the routine, discover new places, flavors, and scents – and finally breathe again. For most people, vacation is a time to recharge. Yet we talk less often about how big of an environmental impact holidays can have if we don’t pay a little attention.
Because while we leave behind work, worries, and to-do lists – we certainly take our carbon footprint with us. And although sustainability often still appears as a serious, “let’s-do-everything-perfectly” message, in reality, it’s much more about conscious choices. Small decisions that may seem insignificant on their own, but together, they matter.
So how can we travel without leaving unnecessary burdens on the planet?
The good news is, we don’t have to compromise on comfort or experiences. Sustainable travel is not about pitching a tent by the water and living on fruit for a week – it’s about the mindful choices we make along the journey.
- Destination – Far or Near?
The farther we travel, the greater the environmental impact – especially if we fly. That’s why more and more people are choosing to discover the hidden gems of their own country, or at least destinations that can be reached without a car. Traveling by train or bus is not only greener but often more exciting: the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
Of course, there are times when flying is unavoidable – but even then, it’s worth thinking about how to reduce its impact. For example:
• Don’t fly just for a few days,
• Choose direct flights,
• Offset your travel carbon footprint where available.
- Accommodation – Where You Lay Your Head Matters
Many people first pick the location, then quickly “grab” the first discounted hotel. But with a bit more mindful searching, you’ll find a surprisingly wide range of eco-friendly alternatives, such as:
• local guesthouses where breakfast isn’t mass-produced,
• eco-lodges using solar panels, water-saving showers, and local produce,
• campsites or glamping sites offering closer contact with nature.
And even more importantly: by choosing local providers, you’re not only supporting the environment but also the local community.
- Food – Local Flavors, Smaller Ecological Footprint
Few things connect you to a place more than its flavors. By shopping at local markets and eating in small family restaurants, you don’t just experience the culture directly – you also support sustainable production.
You can make a difference by:
• minimizing takeaway meals (and packaging waste),
• bringing your own box, water bottle, reusable napkin,
• occasionally opting for meat-free or at least less meat-heavy meals.
These are simple steps – but when millions of travelers do the same, the impact is huge.
- Waste – Don’t Only Recycle at Home
Many people think that on vacation they can “relax” the rules – but in reality, holidays often generate the most unnecessary waste. A discarded sunscreen tube on the beach, a left-behind fire starter, a plastic fast-food container – they all add to the problem.
So even while traveling:
• sort your waste for recycling,
• bring a reusable bottle and cutlery,
• try to buy fewer packaged products,
• and if you can’t find the right bin – don’t hesitate to take your waste back with you.
- Getting Around – On Foot, by Bike, or by Bus
It’s not just about how you get from A to B, but also how you move around once you’re there. Exploring cities on foot or by bike is far more enjoyable than sitting in traffic. More and more cities now offer community bikes, e-scooters, or affordable day passes for public transport.
And if you really need a car? Consider:
• renting electric or hybrid,
• carpooling with fellow travelers,
• or simply planning shorter trips.
- Experiences Over Objects
Perhaps the most important mindset shift: the true value of a vacation isn’t in souvenirs, trinkets, or branded bags, but in the moments you live. An evening walk along the shore, a spontaneous chat with a local, discovering a hidden little café – these are the memories that last.
And bringing fewer things home doesn’t just save money, space, and packaging – it helps the planet too.
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