Retreat and relax—without damaging the environment. For eco-conscious travelers, green getaways are the perfect choice. These eco-friendly destinations offer the opportunity for visitors to forget their worries and appreciate the beauty of the world around them while minimizing their impact on the planet. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin in the woods or a luxury hotel right in the heart of the city, these green getaways are perfect for any traveler who wants to reconnect with nature while doing their part to protect the environment.
1. Setting Environmentally-Friendly Vacation Goals
When looking for ways to reduce your environmental footprint, there are a lot of options to consider for your vacation. Small steps and conscious decisions can make a big difference in sustainability, and ensure you stay green (and perhaps have an even better holiday)! Here are some tips on how to make your vacation a more environmentally friendly one:
- Reduce plastic and single-use items – Opt for reusable water bottles and cutlery, and refuse plastic straws. This also works for shopping bags; bring your own, or take advantage of stores that offer paper/cloth shopping bags.
- Support local businesses – Purchasing your souvenirs from local vendors and small businesses helps reduce the environmental impact of international goods.
- Pick public transport – Wherever possible, prioritize public transportation. Not only are you reducing your emissions, you get to explore and get a better taste of the local culture!
There are lots of additional ways to make your trip more eco-friendly; such as supporting eco-tourism operators, or opting for digital payment methods. Why not make researching and planning for sustainable travel part of the fun? Taking these considerations into account can open up an entirely new experience to your holiday, as well as the joy of knowing you’re contributing to a greener world.
2. Unearth the Beauty of Nature’s Unspoiled Places
There’s nothing quite like the beauty of nature. From serene mountain vistas to lush forests and rolling hilltops, the world is full of spectacular, unspoiled places to explore.
A hike through a blooming meadow, warding off the morning fog, is enough to make you pause and appreciate the small wonders of a wild, abundant land. On a clear day, you can take in the soft pink-orange hues of a sunset that linger across the sky, as long forgotten species of birds crow away. Nothing compares to being in harmony with nature’s wonders.
Off the beaten path, the beauty of nature’s unknown reaches are all the more evident. Waterfalls, hidden coves, secret forests, quiet valleys – the list of pristine places is endless.
Indulge in the joy of uncovering new and gorgeous natural sanctuaries. Enjoy activities such as bird watching, star gazing, or simply take a walk and observe the beauty around you. With their untouched splendor, these natural places will always have something special to offer.
Here are some of the world’s most captivating natural sites:
- Grand Canyon, USA
- Namib Desert, Namibia
- Kenai Fjords, Alaska
- The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Yosemite National Park, USA
Take the time to appreciate the hidden beauty in the world’s various wild spaces. Unearth the natural splendors that exist in the corners of the earth and find solace in these natural havens.
3. Savor Sustainable Cuisine: Delicious and Responsible
When it comes to sustainable cuisine, the possibilities are practically endless. With the right ingredients and a creative vision, you can craft a plate of delicious dishes with the added bonus of helping the environment. Here are some tips to keep in mind when cooking in an ecologically conscious way.
- Go local. Shopping at local markets will ensure you’re getting fresh, sustainable ingredients. Plus, the shorter the distance between the farm and your plate, the fewer chances for contamination and environmental harm.
- Make mindful purchases. Getting ingredients with minimal packaging and reusable items such as glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic can help reduce your carbon footprint.
- Food share. Allowing friends and family to partake in the meal can help reduce food waste and ensure you’re not over-purchasing ingredients.
- Compost it. Instead of throwing away kitchen scraps, consider adding them to compost bins or sending them to community compost vendors. Kitchen composting is an easy way to help reduce food waste and decrease your carbon footprint.
Cooking with a conscious can be something to savor! Getting creative in the kitchen can help you make delicious and responsible meals. By implementing sustainable strategies in the kitchen, you can make a positive impact on the environment and craft a meal that will make your taste buds sing.
4. Rest, Relax, and Renew: Compassionate Accommodations
Now that you have the tools and know-how to handle an accommodating work environment, make sure to treat yourself with loving kindness and prioritize self-care. Balance compassion and flexibility with rest, relaxation, and renewal. Doing this will help you take care of yourself and your team:
- Reclaim your weekends: Make sure to set aside some time for yourself and enjoy some time away from work — give yourself permission to relax. It’s not only important for your mental health but is also beneficial in allowing different sets of unique skills time to incubate.
- Vacation policy: It’s important to create a sense of trust and respect when it comes to vacation policies. Employees can usually take time off whenever is best for them, just make sure to know the company policy on this, and let your team know their own vacation time in advance.
Providing flexibility and allowing employees to have a level of freedom can lead to successful employees who feel trusted and respected — ultimately creating a well-running and high functioning team. Additionally, cultivating a culture of open communication between a manager and their employees is essential in building a compassionate environment.
Making sure employees feel taken care of can set the tone for a stronger team. Have regular one-on-one conversations to see how your team wants to balance their schedule and what type of rest & relaxation fits best with their lifestyle.
5. Local Inspiration: Experiencing the Natural Culture Around You
Exploring and discovering your own local culture is an excellent way to immerse yourself in contrasting and unique environments. From captivating historical sites to colourful locations, and treasured, old monuments to beautiful natural landscapes, there is something to discover around every corner.
Unearth the hidden gems of your local culture and be amazed by all of the exciting things that pass you by. Uncover the local music scene, seek out art galleries, observe unique architecture, visit interesting festivals and appreciate the local cuisine. Try your hand at activities such as painting, pottery, weaving or sculpting.
If you feel more of a natural culture seeker, go explore the breathtaking national parks, dense forests, iconic beaches, rolling hills and mighty mountains close by. Take a hike in a wild and woolly environment, snap pictures of the magical sights that surrounds you, appreciate the wonder of the natural world, be on the lookout for local flora and fauna, encounter birdsong and surf the waves.
Here are some tips to get the most out of your local experiences:
- Ask the locals for advice on sightseeing and activities.
- Research a variety of places, attractions and activities.
- Check online travel guides for ideas.
- Dress appropriately for outdoor, cultural and social events.
- Bring a camera or phone to capture your experiences.
- Stay safe! Immerse in the culture but be mindful of potential risks and dangers.
6. Heading Home: Taking Your Green Journey With You
It’s time to head back from your green journey, and you don’t have to leave the sustainability progress at home. Making eco-friendly practices part of your everyday routine is one of the best ways to help the planet. Here are a few tips for keeping your green journey alive:
- Reuse! Bring reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, and shopping bags on your travels so you can avoid single-use plastics.
- Upcycle! Creative crafting can make all the difference in decreasing waste. Consider repurposing old clothing, furniture, and baby items.
- Consider local! Consider buying locally-sourced and organic options whenever possible. This cuts down on energy costs and packaging materials.
Another great way to keep going green after returning home is to keep advocating for environmental change. That doesn’t have to mean marching in the streets—it can be as simple as signing petitions, sending emails to representatives, and spreading knowledge to friends and family. We all have a voice, and you can make a difference.
Building eco-friendly habits while traveling is often difficult, but with a few adjustments, you can bring your sustainability goals back home. Small changes like these can make a real difference in creating a sustainable lifestyle and environment.
If you are in search of a retreat unique to your values of eco-conscious living, then you have come to the right place. With a growing selection of green getaways perfect for every eco-friendly traveler, you can experience a conscious journey with a renewed respect for our planet and its resources. So, go forth, enjoy the journey, and discover a healthier and more eco-friendly way to retreat.
