People traveled by train or bus with a tent and sleeping bag, bought food from local bakers or village shops, and very few went on vacation abroad. Today, things have changed significantly. Spending two weeks in Turkey, Egypt, or the Maldives is now accessible to many, largely due to the increase in air travel availability.

Reflecting on the situation, a question arises: is it still possible to have sustainable vacations? Clearly, absolute sustainability is an almost unattainable utopia. However, there are some steps we can take to reduce the environmental impact of our holidays.

Choose a nearby destination

Vacations are a well-deserved break from everyday life. However, it’s not necessary to travel across the globe to enjoy some sought-after rest. In any European country, you can experience a deeply relaxing vacation without spending days traveling. It’s a simple mathematical rule: by shortening your journey to the holiday destination, you extend relaxation time.

There are countless possibilities for vacation destinations: just think of the diverse art cities of Italy, coastal resorts in Croatia or northern Germany, the numerous mountain resorts in Austria or Switzerland, and this list could go on.

Choose the right mode of transportation

Traveling emission-free is nearly impossible nowadays. However, it’s possible to choose less polluting options. Many European destinations that we typically reach by plane are also easily accessible by train. According to a Greenpeace study, one-third of European destinations can be reached within six hours by train, making it possible to forgo short-haul flights. Another 15% of European destinations are reachable via night trains. By opting for these alternatives, it’s possible to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from air travel.

It’s often difficult to give up using the car. How can we minimize environmental impact while still relying on this mode of transportation? For those using an electric car, it’s crucial to opt for green energy usage, avoiding charging with electricity derived from fossil fuels or nuclear power. For those without an electric vehicle and unable to rent one for vacation, simply following a few simple rules can suffice. Firstly, pay attention to speed: traveling around 100 km/h reduces fuel consumption and thus emissions. Additionally, it’s important not to overload the car and avoid traveling alone: excess weight increases fuel consumption, while having more passengers distributes emissions among more people. By following these simple rules and being mindful, emissions can be reduced by 30%. There are also online tools, such as greenly.earth, that calculate emissions from different modes of transport, assisting in making informed choices about travel.

Find suitable accommodations

There are various accommodation options that allow for an environmentally-friendly vacation. For those not seeking excessive comfort, the best and most economical choice is definitely camping in a tent. Another increasingly popular option is home swapping with others. These two choices are certainly the most economical, but those unwilling to forgo certain comforts should consider renting an apartment or house from owners who have made environmentally-conscious choices. Large hotels can be more polluting, often leading to food and energy waste.

Shop consciously

Local expenses should be directed according to regional and seasonal criteria. In many tourist destinations, it’s possible to visit local markets where a variety of goods can be found. Purchasing directly from producers, especially for food items, is also recommended. This approach supports the local economy and allows for enjoying truly local products. When it comes to dining, opt for restaurants that serve cuisine typical of the region. It’s also advisable to ensure the food is regional and includes seasonal ingredients.

The right mindset

We often forget that while on vacation, we are guests in another region or country. Even during holidays, it’s important to respect the environment we are in.

A sustainable option while on vacation is to explore cities of art and tourist spots on foot or using public transportation. Additionally, there are often no trash bins available, therefore it would be suitable to collect your own garbage and take it with you instead of leaving it on the beach or in the mountains.

Furthermore, in many places, summer brings about a water shortage crisis: washing your towels daily isn’t necessary. Energy waste results in high emissions: it would therefore be appropriate to switch off lights and the television when leaving and avoid using the air conditioner for excessively long periods.

Environmental conservation starts and is achieved through small steps that each of us can take, even during times of rest and relaxation. Therefore, wishing everyone a mindful vacation.

Oreste