A plastic diaper here, a broken flip-flop there. Disposable water bottles and chemical sunscreen. Families know the problem: With small children, there's always trash. How can you travel sustainably?
Sustainable travel means traveling consciously – with consideration for the environment, the local people, and your own family. It's not about being perfect, but about making a big difference with small decisions. Choosing the right mode of transport, eco-friendly accommodation, and sustainable travel habits can help make your family vacation more environmentally friendly and relaxing.
But how do you manage to travel sustainably with children without sacrificing comfort and wonderful experiences? Here you'll find practical tips, a packing list, and family-friendly organic hotels that will make your trip not only more sustainable but also less stressful. 🌿✈️🚆
1. What is sustainable travel?
Sustainable travel, also known as soft tourism , aims to minimize the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and local communities. It promotes environmentally friendly modes of transport, respectful interaction with cultures, and support for local economies. For families, this means making travel choices that both protect nature and promote children's well-being.
In contrast, there is conventional tourism and its devastating, negative effects:
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Environmental impact: The construction of accommodations and tourist infrastructure often leads to the destruction of natural habitats. Furthermore, tourists generate waste and wastewater that can overwhelm local waste disposal systems. The best example of this is overtourism in Bali. The island has even imposed a temporary construction freeze on new hotels and villas to prevent further displacement of the local wildlife and population.
Cultural impacts: Mass tourism can lead to the commercialization and displacement of local cultures, resulting in the loss of traditional customs and ways of life.
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Social effects: Overcrowded places can affect the quality of life of locals, for example through noise pollution and rising living costs.
2. Sustainable travel through the choice of transport
Transportation, in particular, has a direct impact on the environment, which we can prevent in a controlled manner. How can this be achieved? By using sustainable modes of transport.
Comparison of CO₂ emissions from different modes of transport
The choice of transport has a major impact on your carbon footprint:
Coach: About 29 grams of CO₂ per passenger kilometer.
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Long-distance train: Approximately 32 grams of CO₂ per passenger kilometer.
Local train: Around 57 grams of CO₂ per passenger kilometer.
Car (with 1.5 people): Approximately 147 grams of CO₂ per passenger kilometer.
Airplane: About 230 grams of CO₂ per passenger kilometer.
These figures show that buses and trains are significantly more environmentally friendly than cars or airplanes.
3. Checklist for sustainable family vacation planning:
✅ Travel planning:
Choose a destination: Prefer destinations that are known for sustainable tourism and support ecological initiatives.
When to travel: Avoid peak travel times to reduce overtourism and have a more authentic experience.
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✅ Means of transport:
Environmentally friendly options: Use public transport, bicycles or walk to minimize your carbon footprint.
Offsetting: If flights are unavoidable, offset CO₂ emissions through recognized climate protection projects.
✅ Accommodation:
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Sustainable accommodations: Choose hotels or guesthouses with environmental certifications that implement ecological practices, such as all the hotels on our site
Regional cuisine: Make sure the accommodation offers regional and seasonal organic products.
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✅ Equipment:
Zero-waste kit: Pack reusable water bottles, cloth bags, cutlery, and containers to avoid waste.
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Nature-friendly products: Use biodegradable hygiene products and sunscreens that do not harm the environment.
✅ Activities on site:
Nature-based experiences: Go hiking, cycling, or canoeing to discover nature together.
Cultural exchange: Visit local markets, festivals, or workshops to learn about and support the culture of your destination.
4. Family-friendly organic hotels for your sustainable holiday
On your website, you'll find numerous family-friendly organic hotels that are ideal for a sustainable vacation with children. Here are some recommendations:
Bio-Hotel Melter in Bad Laer: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and emphasizes regional organic cuisine. The surrounding area is ideal for hiking and biking, making it ideal for families.
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Hotel Haus Hilmeke in Lennestadt: Located in the Sauerland region, this hotel offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities and is particularly family-friendly.
ahead burghotel in Lenzen/Elbe: A sustainable, vegan hotel surrounded by beautiful nature, offering both parents and children a special holiday experience.
Vegan Resort in Neukalen: Part of a vegan movement, this resort offers sustainable holidays surrounded by nature, ideal for health-conscious families.
Conclusion:
A sustainable family vacation may require a little more planning, but the positive impact on the environment and your family's health is worth it. By making conscious choices, you can explore the world together with your children while contributing to protecting our planet.
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