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Traveling is fantastic! You get to know new people and places, broaden your horizons, learn to appreciate home more and become more aware of all that you have. This allows you to get to know yourself and that in turn helps you grow as a person. Still, all that traveling has a big impact on the climate, but with these sustainable vacation ideas it remains limited.
It is an enrichment to travel, but all that travel has impact on the environment. Airplanes in particular emit an enormous amount of CO2. But fortunately you can also travel in other ways.
Sustainable vacation ideas
Fortunately, you don’t always have to get on a plane. There are a whole host of sustainable alternatives that also make your trip a little more adventurous.
1. By train
Earlier we made a plea to travel by train more often. Because travel is not only sustainable, it is also a very nice way of traveling. During the trip you see much more of the landscapes that pass you by. Also, you sit regularly among the locals and you get a little more of everyday life.
Furthermore, traveling by train is a perfect form of slow travel, it’s much less hassle with check-in and you don’t have to be there well in advance, and if you take the overnight train, you also save on an overnight stay.
2. By electric motorhome
Admittedly, electric motorhomes are not very common yet. But developments are not standing still and there are plenty of small companies that themselves convert existing motorhomes to electric or, when converting a bus to a motorhome, make it electric right away as well.
A win-win situation Because this way you can make super cool road trips and drive green. The action radius of most motorhomes is getting higher and higher and otherwise you stop at a nice spot to recharge the battery. Also a nice form of slow travel.
3. Hiking
Maybe so the most sustainable way of vacationing: hiking. Pull the door shut behind you at home and follow one of the Long Distance Walking Trails through the Netherlands. Some of these paths are connected to other hiking trails in Europe, so you can get quite a long way. Pack a tent in your backpack and you’re done. Of course you can also stay the night at a sustainable B&B and enjoy.
Do you prefer hiking in the mountains? Then take the train for the first part and then continue hiking from the station.
4. Bikes
Cycling is also a super sustainable way to spend your vacation, so it’s rightfully one of our favorite vacation ideas for a eco-friendly trip. You can also just do this directly from home. Then, depending on your time or the weather, you can cycle into the country or across the border.
If you bring your own tent, you can sleep on the most beautiful small campsites in the middle of nature. Or make use of a bed and shower via Vrienden op de Fiets.
5. Elevators
Last but not least: hitchhiking! While hitchhiking, you make use of cars that are on the road anyway be on the road. Of course, that still creates emissions, but less than if you had gotten behind the wheel yourself. Also, hitchhiking is always a great adventure.
You never know exactly what the day will bring you and meet the nicest people. Perhaps one of the best ways to connect with locals. Of course, hitchhiking does involve a little risk, but as long as you keep listening to your gut feeling, you’ll always be fine.
Green destinations
Where you go next also has a lot of impact on the sustainability of your trip. At these destinations, you’re in the right place anyway.
1. Netherlands
A vacation in your own country is one of the most sustainable choices. You don’t have to drive far for it and certainly not on a plane. In addition, there is a lot to do in the Netherlands and there are many places where you can stay in a green way. We already tested a lot of places for you:
2. Belgium
You don’t have to travel far for Belgium either, which is why it is one of our favorite green destinations. The Ardennes provide some additional shades of green, thanks to its beautiful forests and and mountains. In addition, the cities of Belgium are also sustainable. Especially in Ghent, they have this in high esteem. You can see this in the organic stores and many vegan cafes.
3. Sweden
If you can have a sustainable vacation anywhere, it’s in Sweden. Sustainable living is so ingrained in the Swedes that everywhere you go you good choices you can make good choices. Even in the smallest neighborhood supermarket you can still find a carton of oat milk, you can do plenty of wild picking, waste is always good to separate and we could go on and on. In addition, a road trip through Sweden should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Should you want to look a little closer because it’s more manageable by train? Like Sweden, sustainability is also in Denmark quite naturally.
4. France
For those who don’t have many vacation days left or for those who just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. France is a perfect getaway for a trip to nature, LADIESZINE’s Rosa discovered during a mini-road trip.
Traveling to and through France is very easy by train and you can discover a lot of the country that way. The Vosges, the Alps, the French coast. Here you never have to be bored. Replenish your energy reserves every now and then with the food you buy at the local market and your vacation is guaranteed.
5. Germany
Germany is also not to be missed in this list of sustainable vacation ideas. As in France, travel is by train here very easily. Or step on your bicycle and just ride across the border.
Actually, in Germany it also makes doesn’t matter where you go. The Eiffel, the Black Forest and the Harz area are beautiful because of the nature. The German Alps perfect for when you prefer to look a little higher. In addition, cities like Cologne, Hamburg, Berlin and Leipzig are perfect for a city trip. Every vegan can indulge in these cities. Plenty of choice.
More sustainable vacation ideas?
The coolest vacation ideas for when you want to travel as sustainably as possible