The microplastic-free sunscreen and refillable water bottle are on board. You’ve figured out how to reach your destination with as few emissions as possible, and you’re looking forward to your first night in your sustainable hotel or vacation home — let the vacation begin!

In terms of sustainability, that was a good start. But have you thought about the fact that there are also many possibilities to make your vacation sustainable on site? This thought is often missing when arriving at the vacation destination. 

We’d like to include the following 5 tips for a sustainable stay at your destination in your suitcase.

Book locally

There’s so much to discover. And it’s tempting to book tours from home through a tour operator. But in most cases, that’s not even necessary. Just decide what you want to do and book your excursions through local guides or smaller local agencies, then the income goes to locals.

Sustainable active

Think about WHAT you want to do on the spot. Environmentally friendly is the best way to explore a region. Hiking or biking tours or exploring by public transportation are much more exciting than getting on a tour operator’s big bus. And you get the contact with locals right along with it. To race with the kart through the untouched nature, to ‘raid’ a small native village in a large travel group is not eco-friendly. Offers that promote animal suffering, such as elephant riding, dolphin shows or deep-sea fishing, should be taboo anyway.

Sparingly consumed

Whether it’s the water tap or the light switch — it’s up to you. And even if it’s clear that water, lights, and air conditioning should run for as short a time as possible, and towels should only be sent to the cleaning service every few days, it’s important to keep this in mind. By the way, it is not only leaving your everyday life behind. Even a cell phone that is turned off completely more often consumes less electricity. Digital Detox as a resource saver!

Cooked regionally

Okay, we know. Occasionally, the desire for fast food also comes up during vacation. But unfortunately, this is so not sustainable because the double cheeseburger menus & co. are mostly made with imported ingredients — not to mention the tons of packaging waste. Fresh, regional food, whether prepared in the apartment or in a restaurant, is still the most sustainable way to eat on vacation. And it’s also incredibly exciting to discover regional cuisine in one of the many small restaurants, a little off the tourist spots.

Broadening your horizons

You will certainly remember these moments after your vacation. The chat with the alpine farmer in South Tyrol, the attempt to have a market vendor on Koh Samui explain the way to you, or the nice evening in the Croatian village restaurant that never ended having one or the other round of Slivovitz for everyone. Get involved with the local people, listen to them, respect them and also tell them about yourselves, your ideas and needs. With all these tips, you create a truly sustainable exchange.

At Green Pearls® you will find a lot of exciting tips about sustainable travel and of course here on our blog.

Read more: WORKSHOPS ON VACATION: MORE THAN REST AND RELAXATION IN GREEN PEARLS® HOTELS

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