Sustainable travel has become a hot topic in recent years, as more and more people are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and travel more responsibly. Europe, with its diverse range of destinations and excellent public transport links, is a great place for UK travelers looking to explore sustainable travel options. In this guide, I’ll take a closer look at sustainable travel in Europe, with advice on destinations and booking steps.
Before to start to explore places and tips, it is important to define sustainability. What is that? How can we travel respecting the environment and have fun? I am going to answer these questions. So we can then go deep to the main topic. I will give you some hints about where to go and what to do for your next vacation.
Read also: How to plan the best vacation? 8 tips for you.
What does it mean travel sustainability?
Travel sustainability refers to the idea of traveling in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the environment, economy, and local communities while maximizing positive impacts. It involves making conscious decisions about how we travel, where we go, and how we behave when we get there.
Sustainable travel encompasses a wide range of practices, including choosing environmentally-friendly modes of transportation (such as cycling, walking, or public transit), reducing carbon emissions by using renewable energy sources, supporting local businesses and economies, minimizing waste and pollution, respecting local cultures and customs, and leaving a positive impact on the destinations we visit.
The goal of sustainable travel is to promote a more responsible and conscious approach to tourism, one that respects the natural and cultural resources of the destinations we visit, while also providing economic benefits to local communities and preserving the environment for future generations.
Sustainable travel in Europe: the best destinations
When choosing a destination for sustainable travel in Europe, it’s important to consider a few factors. Look for places with a strong commitment to sustainability, such as cities with bike-sharing programs or hotels with eco-friendly practices. Some destinations that fit the bill include superb capital cities around the continent.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: this city is famous for its cycling culture, with bike paths throughout the city and plenty of bike rental options. Many hotels and restaurants also prioritize sustainability.
- Reykjavik, Iceland: Iceland is known for its natural beauty, and many tourism companies have made a commitment to sustainable travel. Look for tours that prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as minimizing waste and supporting local communities.
- Copenhagen, Denmark: another city with a strong cycling culture, Copenhagen is also home to the world’s first carbon-neutral hotel, the Crowne Plaza.
Let’s discover more about these cities.
Sustainable destinations in Europe
Each place has its own peculiarities and I want to explore them with you. So you will have all the hints to plan your trip.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is considered a sustainable travel destination in Europe due to its focus on environmental protection, social responsibility, and cultural preservation. The city has implemented various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable tourism. Among them there are bike-friendly infrastructure, public transportation options, and sustainable food practices.
Tips for a trip
Here are some tips on how to live a sustainable trip around Amsterdam.
- Use public transportation or rent a bike: Amsterdam is a bike-friendly city, and cycling is a sustainable way to get around. You can rent a bike from one of the many rental shops in the city or use the extensive public transportation network, including trams, buses, and trains.
- Support local businesses: Amsterdam is home to many local shops, restaurants, and cafes. Support the local economy by shopping and dining at these establishments rather than large chain stores.
- Visit sustainable attractions: Amsterdam has many sustainable attractions, such as the Museumplein, which hosts several museums that focus on sustainability and the environment. You can also visit the city’s green spaces, such as Vondelpark, which is a sustainable oasis in the city.
- Stay at sustainable accommodations: Amsterdam has many sustainable accommodations, such as eco-friendly hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. Choose a hotel or hostel that has implemented sustainability practices, such as using renewable energy, reducing water usage, and recycling.
- Participate in sustainable tours and activities: Amsterdam offers many sustainable tours and activities, such as boat tours that use electric engines and visits to sustainable farms and gardens.
Where to sleep
Some sustainable accommodations in Amsterdam include cool structures.
- Conscious Hotel Westerpark: this eco-friendly hotel uses renewable energy and has a green roof that absorbs rainwater. The hotel also has bikes available for rent.
- Cocomama: this sustainable hostel is located in a historic building and has implemented sustainability practices, such as using renewable energy and reducing waste.
- Volkshotel: this hotel is located in a sustainable building and has implemented sustainability practices, such as using solar panels and reducing water usage.
Overall, Amsterdam is a great city for sustainable travel. It offers many opportunities to experience sustainable practices and support the local economy.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a sustainable travel destination in Europe due to its strong commitment to environmental protection, renewable energy, and responsible tourism. The city has implemented various initiatives to promote sustainability. They include geothermal energy, a focus on reducing plastic waste, and eco-friendly tourism practices.
Tips for a trip
Here are some tips on how to live a sustainable trip around Reykjavik.
- Use public transportation or walk: Reykjavik is a compact city, and walking or using public transportation is a sustainable way to get around. The city has a good bus system, and most attractions are within walking distance.
- Support local businesses: Reykjavik has many local shops, restaurants, and cafes. Support the local economy by shopping and dining at these establishments rather than large chain stores.
- Visit sustainable attractions: Reykjavik has many sustainable attractions, such as the Blue Lagoon, which uses geothermal energy and natural resources to create a relaxing spa experience. You can also visit the city’s many museums and galleries, which often focus on sustainability and environmentalism.
- Stay at sustainable accommodations: Reykjavik has many sustainable accommodations, such as eco-friendly hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. Choose a hotel or hostel that has implemented sustainability practices, such as using renewable energy, reducing water usage, and recycling.
- Participate in sustainable tours and activities: Reykjavik offers many sustainable tours and activities, such as whale watching tours that are certified sustainable and visits to eco-friendly farms and gardens.
Where to sleep
Some sustainable accommodations in Reykjavik include amazing places.
- Ion Adventure Hotel: this eco-friendly hotel is located near Thingvellir National Park and uses renewable energy, geothermal heating, and recycled materials in its construction.
- KEX Hostel: this sustainable hostel is located in a historic building and has implemented sustainability practices, such as using renewable energy and reducing waste.
- Hotel Borg: this sustainable hotel is located in a historic building and has implemented sustainability practices, such as using energy-efficient lighting and reducing water usage.
Overall, Reykjavik is a great city for sustainable travel, with many opportunities to experience sustainable practices and support the local economy.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a sustainable travel destination in Europe due to its strong commitment to sustainability, environmental protection, and responsible tourism. The city has implemented various initiatives to promote sustainability, including green urban spaces, renewable energy, and eco-friendly transportation.
Tips for a trip
Here are some tips on how to live a sustainable trip around Copenhagen.
- Use public transportation or rent a bike: Copenhagen is a bike-friendly city, and cycling is a sustainable way to get around. You can rent a bike from one of the many rental shops in the city or use the extensive public transportation network, including buses, trains, and metro.
- Support local businesses: Copenhagen has many local shops, restaurants, and cafes. Support the local economy by shopping and dining at these establishments rather than large chain stores.
- Visit sustainable attractions: Copenhagen has many sustainable attractions, such as the Tivoli Gardens, which is a sustainable amusement park with a focus on renewable energy and waste reduction. You can also visit the city’s many parks and gardens, which are designed with sustainability in mind.
- Stay at sustainable accommodations: Copenhagen has many sustainable accommodations, such as eco-friendly hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. Choose a hotel or hostel that has implemented sustainability practices, such as using renewable energy, reducing water usage, and recycling.
- Participate in sustainable tours and activities: Copenhagen offers many sustainable tours and activities, such as boat tours that use electric engines and visits to eco-friendly farms and gardens.
Where to sleep
Some sustainable accommodations in Copenhagen include famous hotels and hostels.
- Hotel Herman K: this sustainable hotel is located in a historic building and has implemented sustainability practices, such as using renewable energy, reducing water usage, and recycling.
- Woodah Hostel: this eco-friendly hostel is located in a sustainable building and has implemented sustainability practices, such as using energy-efficient lighting and reducing waste.
- Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers: this sustainable hotel is located near the airport and has implemented sustainability practices, such as using renewable energy, reducing water usage, and recycling.
Overall, Copenhagen is a great city for sustainable travel, with many opportunities to experience sustainable practices and support the local economy.
Sustainable travel in Europe and accommodations
When booking accommodation for sustainable travel in Europe, there are several eco-friendly options to consider. Look for hotels that have received eco-certifications, such as the Green Key certification, which recognizes sustainable tourism practices. You can also consider alternative accommodation options.
- Eco-lodges: these are often located in remote areas and use sustainable materials and energy sources, such as solar power.
- Farm stays: staying on a farm is a great way to experience local life and support sustainable agriculture. Look for farms that use organic or biodynamic practices.
- Camping: camping is a great way to experience nature and minimize your carbon footprint. Look for campsites with eco-friendly practices, such as recycling facilities and energy-efficient lighting.
Sustainable travel in Europe and transportation
One of the great things about Europe is its extensive public transport network, which makes it easy to travel sustainably. Consider options such as:
- Trains: train travel is often the most sustainable option, especially for longer distances. Look for trains that run on renewable energy, such as electric or hydrogen.
- Buses: many cities and regions in Europe have extensive bus networks, and many companies are now investing in low-emission or electric buses.
- Cycling: as mentioned earlier, many European cities have excellent cycling infrastructure, making it easy to explore on two wheels.
Supporting sustainable tourism practices
In addition to choosing sustainable destinations and accommodation options. There are several other ways to support sustainable tourism practices.
- Eat local: look for restaurants and cafes that use locally-sourced ingredients, which support the local economy and reduce food miles.
- Shop local: support local artisans and businesses by shopping at markets and independent shops.
- Respect the environment: take care not to damage the environment, such as by avoiding littering and staying on marked trails.
Booking steps for sustainable travel in Europe
When booking your sustainable travel in Europe, there are several steps you can take to ensure you’re making responsible choices.
- Research: do your research and choose destinations and accommodation options that prioritize sustainability.
- Book directly: when possible, book directly with eco-friendly hotels and tour operators.
- Offset your carbon footprint: consider offsetting your carbon footprint by donating to a carbon offsetting scheme, such as planting trees or investing in renewable energy projects.
Conclusions about sustainable travel in Europe
Europe is home to many sustainable travel destinations. They offer travelers the opportunity to experience responsible tourism practices and support environmental protection. Sustainable travel in Europe can involve using public transportation, choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, and participating in sustainable tours and activities.
Many European cities, such as the mentioned Amsterdam, Reykjavik, and Copenhagen, have implemented various initiatives to promote sustainability. The initiatives such as the use of renewable energy, reducing plastic waste, and eco-friendly tourism practices are improving the cities’ growth.
When planning a sustainable trip to Europe, it’s important to research the destination’s sustainability practices. You should also choose accommodations and activities that align with your values. By making sustainable choices when traveling, you can have a positive impact on the environment. This is also useful to support the local economy while enjoying all that Europe has to offer.