We now know that flying is a no-go if you want to travel sustainably. But that doesn't mean you have to pitch your tent in your own garden this summer to go on an environmentally conscious holiday. We give you 7 tips for sustainable travel.
Tip 1. An environmentally conscious holiday starts at home
Sustainable travel starts at your front door. Before you close the door behind you, check that all plugs are out of the socket and set your thermostat to holiday mode. Do you have a hot water tap? It is also better to turn that off to save energy and money.
Tip 2. Sustainable travel by train, bicycle or on foot
Okay, so we're driving past Schiphol, but how do we get to our final destination? The train is the most sustainable alternative to cover a large distance in a relatively short time. Budget tip: book as early as possible for the best price, because train tickets are not cheap. It is even more fun to combine the train journey with a walking holiday. Let the train drop you off somewhere in Europe and walk the rest of the way or take your bike on the train.
Tip 3. Choose an eco-friendly accommodation
More and more holiday sites allow you to filter on sustainable accommodations with a sustainability label. Check the website of the accommodation itself to see what the sustainability policy is, because such a label does not always say everything. And for those who prefer the convenience of a package holiday: there are also (small) travel organisations that offer only sustainable trips.
Tip 4. Bring reusable tableware
'Paella a la playa' or 'café à emporter' – on holiday we eat and drink a lot 'to go'. So, in addition to your swimming trunks and flip-flops, also take reusable tableware and cutlery. There are plenty of travel-friendly sets available that you can easily take with you in your handbag.
Tip 5. Slow travel
Hopping from hot to her during your holiday is not really eco-friendly and also not conducive to rest. Therefore choose slow travelling : rent a bike upon arrival, find a nice coffee shop, walk to your favorite bakery every morning and imagine yourself for a few weeks in a local in a foreign country. You will see that you will really come to rest!
Tip 6. Choose local
Enjoy local cuisine in small, non-touristy restaurants – so without a menu in 10 languages - where only local, organic ingredients are used. Sometimes you have to search a bit, but those hidden gems are the best (and most eco-friendly) discoveries during a holiday. The same goes for souvenirs. If you really want to take a valuable, sustainable memory with you from your holiday destination, buy something from a local craftsman or woman instead of yet another made in China magnet for the fridge.
Tip 7. Travel lightweight
Traveling light is less taxing on the environment (and your back). Especially when you do decide to fly, packing your suitcase efficiently is a must-do to compensate for the CO2 emissions of your flight somewhat - but still minimally. So taking your liter bottle of shampoo with you is not such a good idea. Pour a small amount into a small bottle or opt for a mini version such as our Argan & Oudh mini shampoo. You can refill this endlessly. Our Argan & Oudh shower gel is also available in a mini version.
Also smart: take a shampoo bar, conditioner bar and/or body bar with you on your trip. These are compact and lightweight.
We wish you a pleasant (sustainable) holiday!
Handy, aren't they, these tips for going on an environmentally conscious holiday?! Do you want to receive even more sustainable tips? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok!
