Author: Conscious_Travelista

Welcome to my travel blog, do you love travelling as much as I do? In this blog I would like to provide you with sustainable inspiration from my last and upcoming journeys. I'm passionate about travelling since an early age, because my family owned a travel agency in a little city in Germany. During this time I also realized the negative effects of tourism and during my master program in sustainability management I decided to research on sustainable tourism. Caring not only about sustainable travelling, but about sustainability in general I'm a passionate AIESEC alumna. Beside my fulltime job I volunteer to support and promote the Sustainable Development Goals. So, let' unleash the power about sustainable traveling!
Scenic view from Valletta to the surrounding cities

A Clash of Cultures in Malta

Featured by Conscious_Travelista, posted in Sustainable Travel Adventures 
And how you can make your own movie

🏛️ Cultural Influences in Malta – More Than Just a Week

One told me that you only need one week to explore and see all the important sightseeing. Just to spoil at the very beginning this advice: no, definitely you’ll need more time if you want to learn a bit more about the rich culture and history.

We stayed one week and we were not able to explore everything. How would this even be possible if the Arabs, Italians, and British influenced the Maltese archipelago over the centuries?

Old city in Valletta. Narrow street on a sunny December afternoon.

The Maltese language is the only Semitic language in the whole of Europe, even though we found some familiar words from the Italian influence like the simple thank you which is “grazzi”. OK, my Italian is not good enough, but English works well, of course ☺

🌆 Exploring Valletta – A UNESCO World Heritage Site Full of Secrets

Once you start exploring the main island where we stayed and take some time to walk a walk in Valletta, capital of Malta and UNESCO World Heritage. The city is so impressive that I’ll share only a few highlights we came across, because every corner and palazzo seems to have some secrets to be discovered.

We were strolling along the main street to get the first impressions of Valletta while the Malta Society of Arts which is located in a former “palazzo” caught our attention. It was open to the public and once we entered we saw a spacious inner courtyard where our thoughts could fly away while listening to some piano music someone was playing within the building. We went to the first floor where an exhibition about photography was waiting from beautiful landscapes to different people showing them expressing their different emotions. On the same floor was a small chapel that took us back in time showcasing the rich art of the past, the artwork of this particular space which was dedicated to the La Salle family. The whole place told us of the grandeur of the past in brown and golden colours while preserving art that is open to the public.

🌿 Barrakka Gardens & Grand Harbour – Scenic Views and Movie History

Impressed and inspired we continued our first walk through the city, heading for the Lower and Upper Barrakka Gardens, some beautiful spots of greenery where we lost ourselves in the beauty of the sight of the Grand Harbour and the three cities taking some time to adore the wonderful skyline, the lush greens and the quietness of people who seemed to enjoy the same. While our walk we discovered that there were a lot of signs to inform us about the scenery and the movies which were shot all over Valletta and the forts in the three cities. Maybe you’ll find the scene of one of your favorites?

🎬 Filming in Malta – Game of Thrones, Popeye & More

Below the Upper Barrakka Garden, we found the Saluting Battery, which we visited on another day. It was very interesting with regards to the fact that the saluting was special to state the exact time for astronomical navigation. After visiting this special place, which is also used for ceremonial and military purposes, we took a break in the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where we could enjoy two musicians who played…guess what? The main theme of “Game of Thrones”.

The film industry is super important in Malta, as we learned from friends we met during our stay, stating that the days are long, which reduces the costs of a film shoot. That’s because the natural daylight can be used longer for the film shots. Another important fact is the cultural influence so many cities like Valletta or Mdina have, which can showcase the film set of a Mediterranean city or even an Arabic city. How can you become a movie star, you may ask? Let me tell you later on 😉

🛐 St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral – British Influence in Maltese Culture

Another interesting place we came across was St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral, where we could learn about the British influence in Malta. The Cathedral was founded in the 19th century and commissioned by Queen Adelaide, who wished for an Anglican Church on the Island. Once you enter the Cathedral, you’ll see a portrait of the current King of the United Kingdom. And of course, English is one of the most important languages and a second language besides Italian on the island, which connects locals to tourists, filmmakers, and all those who don’t know the Maltese language to each other.

🍝 Where to Eat in Malta – Local Food Beyond Valletta

Since most of the tourists visit Valletta, you’ll find fantastic restaurants and a rich variety of food from Maltese, Italian, and international food, but also the higher tourist prices. When you would like to have local food, take the bus to some of the places and smaller cities inside the island and look around. I’m sure you’ll find something great. But don’t ask me where we stopped; it was a location with only 3 bus stops ☺ But the food was rich in flavour with lots of vegetables and locals who enjoyed it the same.

🏰 Mdina & Rabat – Stepping into the Silent City

Let’s move on to Mdina and maybe you remember it from somewhere? Well, it was one of the cities they used for Game of Thrones and the set for King’s Landing in the first season. The city is worth a visit since it was founded by the Phoenicians and later on under Roman and Arabic influence. They call it the Silent City and it’s true: once we entered the main gates which are part of the huge wall and even though a few tourists were just as curious as us…we rarely heard a car or the masses of people we saw at Valletta or the Christmas Market in Rabat.

It’s indeed very, very silent, besides a handful of cars and from time to time a bypassing horse-drawn carriage taking interested travelers around the place. It felt like a time travel, hiding us behind the thick walls of the city with its pastel houses and palazzos and less sound than we would expect from such a popular place. Smaller streets led us to even smaller squares which were nearly empty thanks to the rainy weather and the advantage travelling in the off-season brought to us.

🌍 Sustainable Travel in Malta – Nature, Green Spaces & Public Transport

Forgetting time about strolling around the beautiful city we reminded ourselves that after the windy weather, it was time to leave and continue the adventure the other day heading for dinner and back to the hotel. It’s worth mentioning that in Malta they have a fantastic concept to build resilient and sustainable urban spaces: the wall trench of Mdina (and also Valletta) is recreated into a public garden with arts spaces to sit and relax. It looked like a beautiful addendum and natural to the cityscape without disturbing the historical scenery.

Once we were in Mdina, another day we wanted to visit the nearby city, too. Rabat doesn’t only provide you with the best Pastizzi at the Serkin Crystal Palace close to Mdina, but also the Crypts. What? Don’t worry, it’s not getting scary, but one of the most interesting learnings for me was that people with different religious backgrounds were buried at this place, stating that whatever culture and religion we have, we are all the same: humans. And seeing how beautifully Malta was influenced by many cultures, all of them were the foundation for what Malta is today and why it’s so unique and enchanting once we decide to discover it. Probably that’s why it enchanted international movie makers, too.

🎭 Be a Star in Popeye Village – A Fun Filming Experience

As I mentioned before, the Island is popular among filmmakers, and there is Popeye Village, which is the whole movie scenery from the 80s movie with Robin Williams. And yes, I dare to say that he was one of my favorite actors, and I particularly loved his movies in my childhood. The whole “village” was vivid while tourists and actors were buzzing around the place.

Once we entered, it reminded me of the Disney parks, and indeed, the movie was also produced by it. It’s possible to enter some of the houses where the movie characters like Olive Oyl and her family live, and paying attention to the details like the furniture and tableware, she might just come around and say hello to you with Popeye.

And how does it connect to the question of how you can be a movie star? Popeye Village is the place to go because the actors will at one point reach out and ask you to play a scene in the movie! Do you want to be Popeye or discover your inner villain? Then let’s go! The whole scene is shot by the camera and afterward can be seen in the cinema. The staff will let you know when it’s ready, and you can buy it at an affordable price after the show. And no, I never mentioned that you’ll become rich and famous, but a movie star☺. So immerse yourself as the hero of the day or the supervillain. My significant other played a villain, and as a spectator, I admit it was a lot of fun with the bunch of people coming together and getting out of their comfort zone.

🙏 Final Thoughts & Thanks

If you want to discover sustainable inspiration, take some time to stroll along the gardens I already mentioned in Valletta and Mdina. Otherwise, we took some time to explore Ghadira Nature Reserve in Biskara, where we learned that the island is a habitat for migratory birds on their way to the South, offering a little break and a contrast to visiting museums and learning about history and culture.

Transportation in one way is sustainable because I can strongly recommend taking the bus to go from A to B on the island. What I can’t recommend is renting a bike if you don’t feel safe without an extra cycle path and with the left-hand traffic, as I did. And yes, people have a special style of driving, and I was reminded that I should go faster several times :D.

I’d like to thank Kiva and her husband Mo for giving us some impressions about Malta and taking us to the place with the wonderful local food.

Reintroduction of Overnight Trains in Europe

Featured by Conscious_Travelista, posted in Sustainable Travel Adventures

It’s time for some new inspiration! Since December is a time where some of us are going home to celebrate Christmas or just have a cozy holiday season with their loved ones. Did you ever think about using an overnight train instead of booking a flight? Get inspired by Gergely who is a dear friend from AIESEC providing you with ideas and some facts, too!

Traveling by air is significantly increasing our ecological footprint. Moreover, Europe is relatively small, you spend more time in the terminal than on the plane. For sure, it is faster, and there are low-cost options, which work well for short distances, however, I doubt that you would go for a long-haul flight on a no-frills airline. When the length is over 10 hours by plane, you have to stay hydrated, and you can only get food on a full-service airline. Some airlines have good food on board with comfy seats. But let’s turn back to trains, more specifically the overnight trains of Europe in various countries. What if you travel at night? What happens is that at night, you are sleeping and waking up in a new country. Therefore you won a whole day at your destination. I think it is a very sustainable way of traveling, especially if you have a dense rail network. If it is electrified, it is even better. Electrification has a longer story than you would expect, attempts have been made as early as the 1900s. What country made tons of efforts to do so? It was Hungary! At that time, Hungary knew that electrification was the future of rail transport. I am Hungarian myself, so I do not know why we aren’t the leaders of electrified tracks. We had a fantastic engineer, called Kálmán Kandó, who invented the electric locomotive and introduced the idea of electrification in Italy. Experiments for increasing the speed were carried out and by the ideas of Kandó, the 25 kV 50 Hz AC (twenty-five kilovolts, fifty Hertz alternate current) have become the standard (for high-speed rails mostly). The first line to be electrified like this was the Budapest-Vienna railroad on the Hungarian side in the early 1930s. This was nearly destroyed in the World War. I know it is expensive to electrify and sometimes the terrain does not make it feasible (like the rocky Dinarides in Croatia).

Figure 1: My PKP, Sleeping compartment between Budapest and Warsaw

Overnight trains are also cost-effective because you have a reservation included in the ticket price. National rail companies also reintroduced such services to nearby large cities. Let’s start with Hungary, from where you can get to Berlin, Zürich and Stuttgart (via Munich) with an overnight carriage operated by the Hungarian State Railways. The compartments are cozy and you can opt for one for yourself for the whole journey. If you are lucky, nobody comes into your compartment. Sometimes you even get breakfast when you wake up. Therefore you saved one night in a hotel. Here I have a personal case. Every month, I am taking the train to Warsaw. This has proven to be very convenient because the train stops right behind the hotel I am normally staying at. I just get off, exit the station, walk for a few minutes and there I am. The workplace is not far from this place either, just 15 minutes by foot. So it is even better to travel here by train, because had I taken the plane, I would have been forced to go by bus to the city center, then change to another bus or tram to finally get to my hotel. For traveling to Poland, I am using the sleeper cars provided by the Polish State Railways. Moreover, these trains leave from the city center and arrive there as well. My train departs from Budapest-Nyugati (Western) or Keleti (Eastern) station, both situated a few minutes from the center. The train’s destination is Warsaw-Centralna (Central), which is right in the downtown. Before boarding, the attendant asks me what I want: coffee or tea. A biscuit for a sweet breakfast is provided in the compartment.

Figure 2: Inside an ÖBB Nightjet couchette

Figure 3: A new, European Sleeper train outside

Textfeld: Figure 2: Inside an ÖBB Nightjet couchetteTextfeld: Figure 3: A new, European Sleeper train outsideTurning back to the issue of overnight trains: these have been immensely popular since the introduction of traveling by rail. Before the introduction of low-cost airlines, it was normal to cover longer distances by rail. Hence, overnight trains were also popular, sometimes even covering distances as large as between Budapest and Paris. This service was in operation until 2001. Then it was discontinued. Long-distance night trains were reintroduced in 2017, in Austria, when their operator ÖBB introduced NightJet. This provided a new link to the nearby larger cities. Of course, COVID put a very long halt to this type of service as almost no international travel became possible. When this was lifted in late 2021, new routes (including Paris and Brussels) were added to the pallet. The loosening of bars opened new routes to other providers. Like European Sleeper, which is a relatively new company, operated in Belgium and the Netherlands. Currently, they only run one route three times a week: Berlin to Brussels via Amsterdam. Next year, they are planning to add Dresden and Prague to their network. Hence it becomes possible to reach Brussels from Prague without having to change trains anywhere. Hopefully, they can fulfill this ambition. By 2025, they would like to reach Barcelona from the Dutch capital. It is worth noting here that Spain uses a different gauge than the rest of Europe. The rest of Europe uses the standard gauge (1435 millimeters), while Spain uses the Iberian one (1668 millimeters). However, there used to be another service, called Trenhotel Joan Miró, between Paris and Barcelona and that was on standard gauge. However, it was discontinued in 2020, due to the pandemic. Even before the pandemic, the sole French destination was the border crossing between Spain and France, namely Hendaye. Making this connection possible would be crucial to reconnecting Spain with international train traffic. These new services and the reintroduction of some older overnight services can make the way towards sustainable traveling. We have seen: that the introduction of Nightjet provided a good connection to further destinations in the morning, for example Budapest. Budapest is accessible from Vienna within 3 hours by train. Most services are done with Railjet, but there are some others as well. This is what I used during my trip to ERAC (European Regional Alumni Conference, which is an annual conference organized by AIESEC[1]) this year. I took the train from Budapest to Vienna by the EuroCity (not Railjet), then Vienna to Milan by Nightjet, and from Milan to Naples by the high-speed railway through the wondrous Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio and Campania. On the way back, I took the high-speed rail to Rome, then to Vienna by Nightjet, then to Budapest by Railjet. Railjet is a fast service providing good connections between Budapest, Vienna, and Munich.

All in all, the reintroduction of overnight trains all around Europe is an excellent step towards green travel and reducing the ecological footprint. Nowadays if you buy a train ticket, they indicate how much carbon dioxide is emitted when you choose planes, cars, and trains. Train wins by a big margin. Especially when it is an electric train. Let’s see it in the below chart examining three routes!

RouteCarPlaneTrain
Warsaw-Sopot34.6 kilograms82.7 kilograms9.5 kilograms
Budapest-Warsaw62.75 kilograms150 kilograms 17.24 kilograms
Budapest-Naples125.52 kilograms300 kilograms34.48 kilograms

Austria also largely electrified their network. They know what the future is. Electric trains, high speeds and comfort for passengers allow them to travel in their sleep for a reasonable price. Often these are a fraction of the airlines, even the low-cost airlines. Moreover, France banned flights between cities which can be reached within two and a half hours. Have you ever heard of banning the trains? Trains have to function all day long, all year long. In many European cities, planes are forbidden to land between 11 PM and 5 AM to allow locals to sleep. You cannot do it with trains. They will go to stations even at midnight.

[1]     AIESEC is the world’s largest student’s organization, founded in 1948, present in 110 countries. The term “alumni” refers to members who were involved in this organization in their active years.

Nighttrain

Figure 4: A Nightjet train from the outside

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The Ups and Downs in Lisbon!

Featured by Conscious_Travelista, posted in Sustainable Travel Adventures

Sometimes digging into new cultures and places is the best thing to refresh my mind!

In this case, we decided to travel to Lisbon since so many people are so fond of the city on the hills! Therefore Lisbon was on our list for a while!

No more excuses, let’s go! Usually, we don’t book packaged tours. But due to the current inflation, it was much cheaper to do so this time. Even though I try to avoid this it was the most economical choice. It’s worth double-checking prices for this kind of journey and the separate parts like accommodation, tours, transfers, flights, or train tickets.

Due to a matter of fact that we traveled via airplane we compensated for the CO2 footprint we were causing! The target conflict between taking a train and a flight was very tough with regards to the time. Therefore, we chose against a train journey.

September was the month that we expected to be off-season! What a disbelief! The city was crowded, especially with cruise line tourists. Once more I realized what this might mean to all those who live and work in Lisbon! Public transportation was full of people. Some visitors didn’t even make a place for elderly people who needed a chance to rest their tired bones and catch a breath. Even though we want to relax and have a good time during our holidays, let’s not forget that everywhere we go we are guests! That’s why most of the time I didn’t sit while using public transportation being aware and considerate of the people who live there!

But, during every journey, I learn and adapt, and yes, even though Lisbon is popular: I have some nice advice to share 🙂

Praca do Comérico

The city is built on hills and there are some ways we explored the city while avoiding the crowds!

The best and cheapest way to use public transportation is to buy the Lisboa Card. It includes the metro, elevators, discounts on the most popular sites, and even some free entries like the Torre Belém.

We realized quite fast that the famous elevators like “Elevador de Santa Justa” are very crowded if you want to go up to the Chiado district. We figured out how to avoid most of the crowds! But beware, it takes you up first 😉

We went by foot to Chiado which takes some time, but most of the tourists are too lazy to do so, therefore, you can avoid masses of tourists. Strolling all along the streets discovering some more lovely cafés and shops you might miss if you follow the main paths! We visited the famous Convento de Carmo where thoughts fly high. The former monastery and church lost its rooftop during a massive earthquake. The atmosphere is very unique: my thoughts were free and flew in the open air which gave me the chilling feeling to be connected to a wonderful place called Earth.

Timing is also something to check upon visiting certain sites! As for the elevators, I can advise you to use them in the opposite direction in the late afternoon or early evening: from Chiado down to Baixa! Most people go up and therefore they wait at the bottom of it! This works for most of the elevators and cable cars.

We went through so many districts of this wonderful city that it is hard to describe them all. First of all, let’s take a look at some of the most famous places 🙂

Torre Belém and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos are outside the city center in the Belém district. We reached it via Tram 15 E (Cais Sodré to Lg. Princesa) otherwise Google Maps will be your best friend for orientation 🙂 When we passed the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos which is a deep dive into European and architectural history. It was crowded around 10:30 am, so I advise you to go later in the afternoon. The queue populated by overwhelming many cruise line tourists was long!

We decided to start first with Torre Belém which is an outstanding tower, a former fort, and nowadays a World Cultural Heritage site. The steps are narrow and it will take you some time to take a look since you can only head in one direction to the spacious chambers and light-flooded balconies.

Afterward, we checked the situation at the monastery again and it was still full of people.

Very close by is a huge cultural center which looked quite interesting and offers some less crowded spaces including a small garden with pieces of art. It’s accessible via the main street and caught our attention due to the sheer size and because it looked very interesting. We went into the inner courtyard and discovered a lovely green wall and access to a café-restaurant “Eeste Oste” where we took a small break. Watching the lush greenery and the Tejo with a cold drink outside the terrace was the right thing to do before we jumped back to the crowds 🙂 The time was right and the row not even half of the people were left since our last check at the Mosteiro had dos Jerónimos which is the second World Cultural Heritage. The entrance is included in your Lisbon card. I was impressed by the beautiful artisanal work, the different forms, and the fantastic creatures which guarded the monastery. Directly next to it, we could pay a visit to Vasco da Gama’s grave hoping to get inspired by the world-famous adventurer and traveller.

Ok, so much information and a journey to the past that we needed a little snack and one of the most popular and famous for Lisbon are pasteis de nata! Pasteis de Belém is a well-known pastry shop and indeed delicious! The only disadvantage is that many many tourists go there and due to the close location to the monastery it’s always completely crowded! BUT, I wouldn’t be a pro traveler if I couldn’t offer you a solution 🙂

We followed the street to another pasteis café which seemed a bit quieter without a huge row outside the shop: Manteigathia – Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata. I loved the taste and it was similar to the before mentioned shop. The little difference and why it matched my taste was the little something pinch of cinnamon to give it some spice and warmth!

I won’t take you to all the places we visited otherwise this article will be way too long, but I’d like to give you some of my favorite spots and recommendations to have an urban and less touristy experience with the sense to be a bit more conscious. The two museums we visited were the Museum do Oriente and the Museu Nacional do Azulejo. The first one provided us with a sense of the colonial past of Portugal around the globe and a sensitivity to all those cultures the explorers encountered. Across the city and in the second museum we saw the azulejos: multi-colored artisanal craftsmanship which originated in Islamic culture learning about their history and the way to modern art!

In terms of local food I decided not to give any special advice or name any restaurants we came across, but to share some learnings:

  • Go with local food, if you eat fish try the famous: Bacalhau! If you come across the fish pudding, please give me a shout-out, because I didn’t find it anywhere!
  • Go off the beaten track and check those restaurants with a queue Pardon? Yes, check out those restaurants which are crowded. They are an indicator that the food is fantastic and you just need to be a bit patient while the waiter will put you on a list!

A funny side story is that due to a pang of overcoming hunger, we went to an empty restaurant because we wanted to save some time…it was the worst food during the whole journey. And yet we knew it better! Even though some of the good restaurants have great food and a fantastic ambiance you might encounter some cockroaches which love the climate. Make sure your partner in crime and savior is next to you 🙂

In terms of the weather, I had my personal down when I realized that I was close to a heat stroke. I couldn’t eat for half a day and was too tired to leave the hotel. It could have been worse and I was lucky that I recharged fast, but I lost half a day due to recovering.

There were some spots we enjoyed in terms of sustainability and urbanism. One of them is LX Factory. It’s not a quiet place and is already full of people. But still, I loved it since it offers restaurants for all tastes, beautiful street art across the area, and some nice and alternative shops. In the evening there’s live music in one or the other restaurant and the atmosphere is a mix of local lifestyle, young hipsters, tourists, and artists.

If this is not that interesting around the area are other nice places amid a huge construction site. Via a short distance walk in the direction of the Tejo River, we discovered the Village Underground Lisboa. It’s much smaller and has an atmosphere of creativity, and style, and seems to be a place for people who drive innovation! I enjoyed the less messed-up atmosphere and the restaurant during a cold beverage!

Village Underground
Street Art at LX Factory
LX Factory

It might seem unusual, but seeing the huge Oceanário de Lisboa in the district of Parque das Nações looks out of place. The metro station which took us to the area already offered lovely artwork and once we crossed the huge mall the area provides a wonderful promenade and public art. The huge aquarium didn’t seem to be a sustainable place at first glance. It revealed itself to be at least very conscious about informing in terms of the different species which live there and the level of danger they are facing in wild nature. Art exhibitions made out of recycled trash raise indeed more awareness of how we should cope with nature and the sustainable ocean shop gave me a feeling that they care about the maritime environment. I loved this place because it showcased the vulnerability of the oceans but also provided small steps to a personal solution with the products they offered (plastic-free cleaning products, vegan & organic closing, etc.).

A place we didn’t want to miss is this craft beer brewery which of course offers some non-alcoholic drinks called Dois Corvos Marvila Taproom. We visited it on our return to the city center once we came back from our ocean dive. It’s outside the historical city, in a peaceful street where we relaxed for a while and where local people love to hang out, too.

Lisbon offers so many parks and famous viewpoints that a recommendation is hard to make for me. The best thing we did was just to go with the flow where fewer tourists could be found.

To take a small break from city life and of course to see the ocean, we decided to pay a visit to Sintra. Including a ride with the historical cable car, we got some fresh wind around one’s nose and listened to the ocean waves.

Our hotel was close to the greenest boulevard I ever saw: Liberdade Boulevard.

The hotel Portobay Liberdade provided a local and delicious breakfast, even local music which we missed out on one evening, and the building itself fit perfectly into the local architecture. The hotel was green key certified which is ok, but a standard nowadays. The part that worried me a bit was the huge amount of waste we produced with the amenities like tea or coffee in our hotel room. My suggestion would be a premium and sustainable instant coffee and tea leaves instead a coffee machine that needs aluminium capsules or even biodegradable ones.

Review:

I love the people who are always friendly, caring, and helpful and, who offered support when I got sick and coughed without stopping!

Hope to come back learn more about this unique city and at least dig into some Fado music!

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A Sustainable Travel Journey – Gateway to Authenticity

Featured by Conscious_Travelista, posted in Sustainable Travel Adventures

One of my friends from AIESEC is an expert in sustainable tourism and gave an alumni talk about community-based tourism.

Have you ever heard about this special part of sustainable tourism?

Let Jana take you on a trip to the wonderful island of Ischia where the ocean breeze calms your mind and lush greenery already inspired many movies and writers.

Thank you, Jana, for your time and your precious insights about community-based tourism and one of my favorite travel gems.

Impressions from the Island of Ischia in Italy

As summer approaches, the allure of tourism beckons once again. But in a world awakened by the pandemic, there’s a growing need to rethink our travel habits and embrace sustainable tourism. In this article, join us on a journey to a captivating Italian island, in a context that embodies authenticity and fosters genuine connections amidst the changing dynamics of the tourism industry.

Our adventure begins in Naples, Italy, a city that offers a refreshing break from the usual checklist-driven journey. As we make our way to the port, we’re pleasantly surprised by the absence of long lines and overwhelming crowds. Naples serves as a gateway to a different kind of experience, one that values cultural exchange and genuine human connections over bare commercial transactions.

Boarding the ferryboat, we leave the mainland behind and set sail for the island, eagerly anticipating the mesmerizing views and atmosphere. Before the opening of the main tourist season, Ischia felt like a step back in time, with its castle, palaces, and picturesque villages scattered across the landscape. Unlike popular tourist destinations, this island has managed to preserve its character.

The locals here have chosen to stay true to themselves and the local customs. Their commitment to authenticity shines through as they continue to live their lives in harmony with their cultural heritage. Engaging with warm-hearted islanders gives us a chance to learn from them, understand their traditions, and create meaningful connections demonstrating the island’s dedication to preserving its way of life while embracing visitors with open arms.

  • The beach of San Angelo, Ischia
    The beach of San Angelo, Ischia
  • Local food grown in Ischia
    Local Food in Ponte
  • Steam mill in Ischia
    Fumerole along the pass to Maronti Beach
  • Ischia Island, Ocean view
    Ischia Island, Ocean view
  • Wonderful garden in Forio, Ischia
    La Mortella Garden, Forio

Our journey to this island served as a speculative exercise of sustainable tourism—a concept that seeks to balance economic, social, and environmental impacts while meeting the needs of travelers, the industry, and local communities. It’s a form of travel that not only benefits us as visitors but also protects our planet and ensures a better future for generations to come. I’d like to see it as a pathway to well-being.

The complex implications of sustainable tourism require a thorough approach to stakeholder involvement, particularly in low and middle-income countries. An approach is required which focuses on conserving natural areas and improving the well-being of local communities. It also recognizes the importance of economic viability, ethical considerations, and social equity for the host communities. Over time, the concept of sustainability has expanded to include green tourism, responsible tourism, and other related ideas, widening its scope to cover environmental, social, community, and economic concerns.

To fully embrace sustainable tourism, we need to distinguish between weak and strong sustainability. Weak sustainability proponents believe that natural and manufactured capital can be exchanged, assuming that any decline in natural resources can be compensated for by technological solutions. On the other hand, strong sustainability acknowledges that without nature, there can be no people, and without people, no economy.

The weak sustainability approach, which echoes past beliefs in limitless resources, gambles on the assumption that scientific and technological progress will save the day. However, strong sustainability reminds us of the fundamental interdependence between humanity and nature. It urges us to take a more cautious and holistic approach, valuing our natural resources as essential foundations for a thriving society.

In our voyage to the Italian island, we witness firsthand the positive outcomes of sustainable practices. From locally sourced and organic food to eco-friendly accommodation options, the island takes pride in its commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, the island’s economy thrives through support for local artisans and small businesses.

As we conclude our voyage to this enchanting Italian island, we are reminded of the immense potential for sustainable tourism to shape the future of travel. Embracing strong sustainability, we can foster a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, prioritizing the well-being of both.

To continue on this path of sustainable tourism, it is crucial to be aware of the concept of a double materiality assessment. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness between environmental and social aspects, as well as economic considerations. By assessing the impacts of tourism on both the natural environment and local communities, we can make informed decisions that promote positive change.

In the case of Ischia, the non-financial materiality encompasses the preservation of historical sites and buildings, ensuring their cultural value and integrity are maintained, as well as the protection of the island’s sea water and thermal springs, which offer unique recreational and wellness experiences. On the other hand, financial materiality sees the above as assets in driving tourism and economic growth. Historical sites in Italy are some of the most important globally and are ceaselessly sustaining cultural tourism, while the sea water and thermal springs contribute to maritime tourism, water-based activities, wellness, and potentially medical tourism. By embracing sustainable practices and balancing economic considerations with the preservation of Ischia’s natural and cultural heritage, the destination can thrive as an authentic and responsible tourist destination.

As travelers, we have the power to make a difference. By choosing sustainable practices, supporting local businesses, and engaging with communities on a deeper level, we contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage, the protection of ecosystems, and the overall well-being of the destinations we visit.

Let us remember that sustainable tourism is not just a passing trend but a mindset that shapes our experiences and leaves a positive impact. As we explore the world, let us cherish the unique charm of each destination while striving to be responsible travelers, embracing authenticity, and nurturing a deep respect for the delicate balance of our planet.

Together, we can pave the way for a future where sustainable tourism flourishes, strong sustainability guides our actions, and the beauty of our world is cherished by generations to come.

Buon Viaggio!!

If you’re curious to learn more and get in touch, please reach out to Jana on LinkedIn!

Like a local in București

Featured by Conscious_Travelista, posted in Sustainable Travel Adventures

Here we go again! Apologies for such a long time without new content, but sometimes you have to catch up with your professional life and it was a bit turbulent in 2022.

Now, I’m happy to be back with some fresh inspiration and impressions from this year’s travel.

I dedicate this article to all the wonderful people I met at ERAC 2022, our wonderful hosts and the organizing committee, and all those who helped me when technology failed!

As you already know, besides blogging, I am very active in AIESEC Alumni which once more provided a reason to travel after a two-year’s break due to COVID. This time, beautiful Bucharest was already awaiting the AIESEC Alumni European conference and a great study tour. Due to the current situation, we are facing here in Europe, the program focus shifted to Leading for Peace, even though sustainability was still a part of it.

Fitting to the change in program, a guided tour through the Palace of the Parliament (Romanian Palatul Parlamentului) was included. It is an astonishing building with spacious halls and ceilings. From the outside, you get an outstanding impression of the size of the second-largest administrative building in the world since it looks like a whole city district in itself. And believe me, it is enormous. During the one-hour-long tour, we saw less than 10% of the whole building. After taking some pictures on the balcony where usually politicians and VIPs speak to the people of the Romania at the end of our tour we leisurely strolled through the close-by “Parcul Izvor”. I can strongly recommend going there for sunset when the Palace shows itself in the beautiful light of dawn reflecting in bright pink.

The before-mentioned panel on “Leading for Peace” provided us with new personal, but also political thoughts and perspectives. This lead to further reflections and deeper discussions within the group.

Besides fantastic workshops about storytelling and an abundance versus fear mind-set, the whole atmosphere of the conference provided me with even more positive energy which kept me energized for a few more weeks after my return. Another highlight for me was sharing a personal story about my time in school. Receiving very good feedback, even the comment this is a “real leadership story”, helped me enormously to put my personal development into perspective and continue my growth. This was in retrospect one of my most important learnings of the year.

At some point, the conference has to end. And after many wonderful conversations and discussions and revivals, unfortunately, some of us had to depart. The ones who stayed for the voluntary Study Tour typically allow the participants to dive deep into the local customs and life of the host country after the big AIESEC conferences. So, off I went to explore the vibrant city life of Bucharest for two days even if I had to pass on the chance to hike through Transylvania.

And what’s the best way to explore a city?

Exactly! By public transportation and walking! And that is how Monica and her friends, our local tour guides, took us around the city. But beware, all public transportation in Romania’s capital works without cash! So make sure your bank and credit cards are working properly. I will tell you later why that’s so important!

By the way, the metro in Bucharest has some wonderful more or less hidden street art to spot when you travel to the different parts of the city.

Of course, we started with exploring the old town, strolling through the centuries of history the city has to offer. Already during my first visit, I noticed much fold of architectural styles that made up the town. It was clearly oriental-influenced Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings are vying with Neo-Romanian and communist-era architecture. At every corner, it seems, the buildings are telling stories of Bucharest’s rich history, which our guides translated into words.

One stopover was at “Maramorosch”, once the most influential bank in Romania, now a hotel. In Bucharest, everyone loves good coffee and there is no better place to have one in style than in this splendorous display of grandeur and a cosmopolitan lifestyle in the spacious lobby of this hotel. Please note it’s also open to visitors. In one of the rooms behind the lobby, there seems to be a place for fine dining. After our coffee or beverage of choice, we left this Belle Epoque-influenced hotel to continue our tour.

In between the most beautiful buildings, you can sometimes spot some which are shabby and look like ruins. Due to my curious nature, I inquired why some of the houses were in such a disastrous condition. Earthquakes are common in Bucharest and if the structural analysis shows the result that the construction is not stable it’s sometimes not worth renovating an edifice.

In the evening, it was clear to all of us: We just had to check out “Hanu Lui Manuc”.

This is a former inn of a wealthy Armenian merchant and it takes you back in time to the Ottoman empire. By preserving its original and unusual architecture, it allows its visitors to enjoy very good Romanian food and if you are lucky enough traditional Romanian music and dances in a unique atmosphere. It’s just a perfect place to end the evening in a city full of contrasts.

The next day started with a ride on the bus and then the metro to meet our guide and her friends. Sounds easy right? Sure, it is…but not if none of your cards is working! And I could not pay in cash either. Guess what? While unsuccessfully trying again and again suddenly two ticket inspectors appeared out of nowhere. My first thought was…yes… the next station is ours and I might avoid them! But again, my hopes were crushed. Despite showing them that none of my cards were working, I had to pay a fine and became a proud owner of a one-day bus ticket! Such a shame. There was little relief when I realized that I had a partner in crime. I was not the only unlucky one with this problem in our group! Finally, we could laugh about the whole situation!

When trying to enter the metro, my credit cards failed to work again and I couldn’t enter it. Thanks again to all the lovely people around me who helped and supported me in this troubling situation. That did not feel at all like traveling like a local!

Anyway, the first attraction of the day was on the menu: a former socialistic flat that has been preserved and turned into a museum. It is located in a typical slab construction and with all the original interior it gave off very old-fashioned vibes. Everything was very alien to me until at least I recognized the lace doilies in the living room and the many crystal glassed bowls which were quite typical decorations back in these times also in the west. While the group visited the other rooms of the flat which were one for officers and very modern in those days, I took some time to figure out why my cards were not working. Well, everything was ok so far, great! There was a system outage back in Germany and the lady from the service had no idea when the problem was supposed to be solved. Awesome way to first-hand experience the brave new digitalized world!  

At least, the next learning was that I could rely on my friends in times of crisis.

We continued our stroll through different areas of the city learning again more about the different districts. After a while, we all needed a break. At Ceai La Metoc, a tea house hidden behind lush greens which probably would have prevented me from discovering this beautiful place on my own, we refueled our bodies, and souls within this green oasis in the middle of the city. On top of that refreshing and calming atmosphere, my cards started working again.

The last station was Obor market, which was very fitting since we all developed quite some appetite from all the walking and exploring. But stop, we first had to earn our food and rest! All of us got different cards with tasks to buy the different ingredients for our lunch. Walking through the market stands full of fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, and honey reminded us of our empty stomachs. Everything looked so deliciously fresh and it smelled fantastic. And it did not help when we discovered all kinds of cheese and sausages from across the country. After a while, we ticked off every product and ingredient on our list. Done! Off to the nearby grill station to have some “mici”, a special kind of sausage, freshly from the grill, a cold drink, and our delicious haul from the market! It was amazing, no journey should be without a visit to a local market! We chatted, laughed, and enjoyed this delicious meal and each other’s company.

And while the mood slowly reached the top we had to bid our first farewell.

We split into smaller groups and I headed back to the city center with some friends and our guide and her friends. We again passed by the Palatul Parlamentului and took some pictures of it in the dusk.

In the meantime, it darkened and the fountains close to Piata Unirii are wonderfully illuminated. After so much walking and exploring we were still a bit hungry and on the search for an evening snack, we discovered that there are many, many restaurants at the Bulevardul Ion C. Brătianu where Bucharest’s vivid nightlife takes place. It’s close to the Dâmbovița and the view of the water is very beautiful.

Afterward, it was finally time to go back to the hotel.

The next day was when I had to say my goodbyes to the rest of the group who were heading towards Transilvania. I stayed one more night before I also had to go back home. There was a feeling of sadness because this amazing journey was coming to an end and everyone just went on. But, there was no reason to be sad but to be grateful for all the wonderful conversations with old and new friends and to be back in one of Europe’s most wonderful cities. So, I decided to visit a part of the city that I didn’t explore yet and that once more showcased a different aspect of the city. It was the nearby Parcul Regele Mihai I (Herăstrău) with a huge lake and wonderful nature to enjoy. I took a very good long stroll and sat down to observe the calm water of the lake while processing my many impressions of the last days. All along the park were a lot of restaurants, but it seemed too early to have a snack so I decided to go back to the hotel. I checked where the next supermarket would be to buy some local souvenirs to enjoy a bit more of Romania at home. The weather kind of changed and from the wonderful mild summer, there was heavy rain. Just hurrying back to the hotel for a change and after a small break, I went to a nearby local restaurant to say goodbye to the wonderful Romanian food.

Some notes at the end of my article: it was a bit different from the previous ones because I didn’t plan everything on my own. The hotel was very good, but in terms of sustainability and waste management improvements can be made and since I booked a package you won’t find any further information about my accommodation in this case. Every journey comes to an end and I decided to take it easy since my flight was in the early morning which meant I had to get up in the middle of my much-appreciated sleep.

But let me be honest, I did what seems to be a charming reminder of a return to Romania as I did in 2017 as well: I kept some of my remaining Lei as a lucky charm. See you next time Romania, it was a pleasure 🙂

If you want to learn more about what we are doing at AIESEC Alumni Europe, please check out our YouTube Channel.

I can strongly recommend Monica’s guided tours if you plan to visit Bucarest [this is not a paid ad].

Sustainable Tourism in Benin

by Conscious_Travelista, posted in Sustainable Travel Adventures

First steps to become a sustainable travel pro

It’s been a while after my last posting, but today I would like to share an amazing guest article from a friend in Benin with you.

Bernis and I work together since two years, since, as you may know volunteer in my leisure time and show my commitment towards the Sustainable Development goals.

By the way: the next articles won’t take so long, there’s enough content, but working in a new job sometimes requires to refocus for a while 🙂

Enjoy the interview!

1. Please give us an introduction about 2Morrow Trip and how you would like to change the world!

2Morrow Trip is a tourism agency located in Cotonou in the Benin Republic. We provide sustainable and authentic travel experiences by jumping into Benin’s rich culture. Benin is a Western African country with a particularity of a stable peace. Our mission is to engage more young Beninese people in tourism by changing their behavior regarding their country. Most of them do not know our history and tourist places of interest. The Tourism sector is an industry that provides jobs to many people. It is also one of the main industries and receives investments from the current government.We are a travel agency that offers different services to help people explore Benin. We offer a variety of trips and tours for people who want to meet new cultures, network with others, and collaborate for a better world.The services we provide, are:

  • Sightseeing tours/excursions: we organize individual/group visits to the best and hidden tourist places in Benin
  • Team retreats: We organize weekend team buildings and outdoor activities for enterprises/organizations in the need to boost their employees’ self-confidence and motivation.
  • Virtual trip to Benin: Visit Benin digitally is a project we are building currently. The aim is to invite the world to Benin by helping them to jump into our rich culture.

2. What kind of negative externalities are caused by traveling?

The tourism industry provided 272 million jobs worldwide and is one of the biggest industries, but it has also had some negative impacts. The negative impacts of traveling are the erosion that occurs because of the depletion and the natural habitat loss due to building development. Tourism can lead to increased consumption.Let me give you some examples. When we build roads and highways, they have an impact on the surrounding environment, because nature has no place in this area anymore. Plants and animals disappear where highways seal off the fertile soil below the cement.The same thing happens when we build hotels and theme parks; this is all just to accommodate people who are traveling.

When we travel, our cars also have an impact on the environment, because they cause pollution from exhaust fumes. This pollution can lead to soil erosion in areas where there are no trees or vegetation to protect it from rainwater runoff. Here are also some examples of the negative impact we cause while we are traveling:

  • Pollution increases: air, water, plastic, noise
  • Increased demand for imported goods for tourists, which can lead to the loss of local products
  • Life is expensive in the areas where tourists appear, increased prices on goods and services
  • The pressure on the resources of the area when too many tourists stay too long in a place
  • Loss of the cultural identity: customs and traditions. Locals want to copy the tourists and behave like them by copying their way of living
  • The exploitation of animals to entertain the tourists

Travel produces short term revenue and is not sustainable for locals

3. What is the main difference between Beninese travelers and European tourists?

European tourists generally expect the same quality services that they have in their home country. The Beninese tourists look to improve their lives and provide a better life for their children. The tourism industry is a key sector of the Beninese economy, but its development is hindered by the lack of facilities and infrastructure. This is where European tourists come in: they offer both a market for products and expertise to develop this sector.

As a result, there has been an increase in tourism from Europe to Benin over the past decade, both from individuals and groups of people traveling through Africa on what are called “safaris”.

Some points must also be considered to learn more about those differences:

  • Budget: most European travelers have the habits of savings to go on holidays
  • Habit to travel outside of their country or discover a city/country
  • European travelers can easily move around the EU and have easy access to other parts of the world. Beninese tourists can get into West African countries without any further VISA procedure but have some difficulties accessing other parts of Africa and the world.
  • Transportation: There are different options to move around with easy access compared to Beninese travelers for whom flight tickets are expensive.
  • Consciousness about the impact of their traveling within most European countries.
  • Beninese and European travelers, both are looking for quality services with Europeans have a different lifestyle living.
  • Beninese travelers do not often complain compared to European ones who have higher life standards
  • EU travelers consider taking insurance before traveling
  • EU travelers have the particularity to travel in family and with their pets

4. What needs to change in the future?

  • Decrease our carbon footprint by taking non-stop flights or eco-friendly transportation
  • Go green and use reusable items made from bamboo, wood, or glass
  • Educate people about sustainable ways of traveling
  • Support local restaurants by enjoying local food and getting to know them and
  • Buy beautiful souvenirs from local stores and support the local economy
  • Walk where possible: During my tour, I used to ask the participants to walk and go to some places without the car
  • Travel more locally: explore your country first
  • Say no to plastics
  • Take care of every place you visited

5. What needs to change in the future?

  • We can travel more sustainably by adopting certain behaviors. Some are easy, some are hard, but we will all benefit from that:
  • Decrease our carbon footprint by taking non-stop flights or eco-friendly transportation
  • Go green and use reusable items made from bamboo, wood, or glass
  • Educate people about sustainable ways of traveling
  • Support local restaurants by enjoying local food and getting to know them
  • Buy beautiful souvenirs from local stores and support the local economy
  • Walk where possible: During my tour, I used to ask the participants to walk and go to some places without the car
  • Travel more locally: explore your country first
  • Say no to plastics
  • Take care of every place you visit

6. Which trends do you see in the future?

The most important thing I see is the rising demand for digitalization and the use of technology. I can put in this point: the growth of contactless payments, virtual tours or virtual reality tourism, safety and hygiene rising. Some destinations may be chosen based on how the country dealt with the increase in COVID-19 numbers, and people will probably choose to stay local than travel abroad.

Do you want to travel to Benin? Reach out to and learn more Bernis!

Getting Lost in Helsinki

by Conscious_Travelista, posted in Sustainable Travel Adventures

Since I have been volunteering for a couple of years now, I’ve had the pleasure to meet fantastic people along my journey with AIESEC. One of them is my dear friend Irina, who I wanted to visit in Helsinki and learn more about the beautiful country of Finland. A couple of years after Irina came to Germany, where we met thanks to AIESEC, it was my turn to visit her home country.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.

In this case, it already started during the boarding at Düsseldorf airport. While I was waiting for the boarding, a kind looking woman was smiling at me, and I was a bit confused at that moment. Have we ever met before, and I couldn’t remember? No, maybe she was one of these enthusiastic individuals who just brighten up your day? After I took my seat in the airplane, the same woman was sitting next to me. She introduced herself as Yuki and had visited friends in Germany. We had a pleasant conversation on how she was strongly connected to Germany since her son studied there, and she just loved the culture and how she made friends who she visits from time to time. She also gave me a glimpse into Japanese culture as she explained the Japanese words for tree and forest to me! She also recommended to me to take some time and visit Tallinn. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the Estonian capital due to a lack of time. But it seems to be a great combination, since the trip only takes 2 hours by ferry. I got literally lost in a delightful conversation and before realizing the airplane was already approaching for a landing.

Finally arriving in Helsinki, Irina and her family prepared a warm welcome, and we chatted all along a fantastic home-made dinner. During my stay I tasted many scrumptious local dishes, so thank you once more for this incredible culinary experience.

But let’s get started with my first day in Helsinki, Finland’s beautiful capital. Mobility first! Helsinki is incredibly easy to explore with public transportation and the tourist ticket a bargain and includes the many ferry connections within the city. Starting at the city center, my friend and I just went with the flow, keeping our eyes open for all kinds of discoveries. Taking in the historic and modern architecture of the city, the beauty of the Senate Square (Senaatinori) and Helsinki Cathedral (Helsingin tuomiokirkko) impressed me the most. This square is a huge open area surrounded by beautiful houses and there I could see the influence of the German architect Carl Ludwig Engel who designed the place. The statue of tsar Alexander II. is overseeing the main plaza.  All around the Senate Square, in the side alleys, countless beautiful shops and cafés are waiting to be discovered. Somehow our walk took us to the harbour where we chose to use the ferry to “Suomenlinna”. Before we ferried over, we had some lunch, because the market at the harbour offers a variety of fresh seafood and other local specialities, which were too tempting to resist.

On the ferry under the clear sky, the wind blowing my hair in all directions. The view was spectacular and the nearer we came to the island the better we could see the beautiful skyline of Helsinki. The sea fortress on the island Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is not just a picturesque place to enjoy with friends and family, but also a place to learn more about history. During summer when I visited Helsinki the view on the Baltic Sea is fantastic. I could have stayed the whole day on the huge walls of the fortress, soaking in the sun shine and the cool sea breeze, engulfing myself in the mesmerizing emerald blue of the sea, but there was so much more to discover.

  • Suomenlinna, Helskinki, Finland

Since Finnish history is rich and heavily influenced by Sweden and Russia, and if you want to learn more about it, there is no better place to start than at the Finnish National Museum where I travelled from prehistoric times to present day Finland. It was also amazing to learn more about the Sámi who live in the Northern parts of the country. For me one museum is not enough and since Finland is also well known for its arts and design, a visit to the famous “Kiasma” was unavoidable. I really loved the digital art and joining an augmented reality installation. Additionally, the museum building is spectacular and provides different perspectives to all kinds of different angles and viewpoints. Sure, after so much stimulating input, it was time to slow down a bit and digest it. Being in Finland, there is no way to come around the Moomins, thus we headed to one of the Moomin Cafés you can find across the city. You do remember the cute little trolls which were invented by Tove Jansson? I loved the animated series as a child. Therefore, I was really excited to revisit these beautiful characters from my childhood while sipping some tea and enjoying some sweets.

When we visited Stockmann mall, one of the most famous ones in Helsinki, I couldn’t resist buying some Moomin merchandise and blueberry liquorice and blueberry flavoured coffee. By the way, the Fins just love blueberry. Everything is blueberry-flavoured, even coffee. That was really delicious, and wherever I travelled afterwards I couldn’t find anything similar. So, try it out, you’ll be surprised about the combined flavour of coffee and blueberry.

I always enjoy architecture, trying to understand what inspires and shapes a city’s characteristics. A famous place I read beforehand, and I wanted to visit is the Kamppi Chapel of Silence. A wondrous and special building where no sound ever meets the visitor’s ears from the outside. The inner room of prayer was spacious and full of light, a truly special atmosphere. Just standing there for a while and enjoying the sound of the silence together with the other visitors was magical. Everybody tried to avoid making any sounds and interrupt this atmosphere. Despite a loud sports festival on the outside, no sounds entered this haven, and it really provided a place to rest and pray. I was stunned and fascinated by this experience that while taking some pictures from the outside not only did metaphorically get lost at the moment but literally. My dear friend Irina was nowhere to be found in the crowd! I was lost! What to do now? I could not call her, so I summoned my best pathfinder skills and puzzled back the way to her home. Finally, reunited, we continued our sightseeing at the Sibelius monument, which is situated in the park of the same name. Jean Sibelius was the composer of “Finlandia”, the national anthem. I strongly recommend listening to this oeuvre and get an idea of Sibelius’ work while enjoying the park, which provided lush green and the shades of the greens on this sunny day.

Because we lost some time due to my obsession to take the perfect picture, we went straight and without any distractions to Temppeliaukio Church, which is excavated into solid rock. Ok, it’s a hot spot for tourists, but it’s very special, and I’ve never seen a place like this before. And I would have never expected a church from the outside. The air was chilly, but the atmosphere so peaceful and clear. I found a spot to rest inwardly, and somehow it touched my heart. I had the impression to get a bit overwhelmed with this inner peace and rested for a moment. Ok, enough rest, I was in Helsinki to explore the city! So we went up in the air and took a bird’s eye view onto the city at the Atelje bar. Here, we could enjoy the terrific view while planning our next moves.

After walking so much we were getting the munchies and since we were already standing in front of it, we entered Café Fazer. It’s a huge food company which started as French-Russian confectionary. Sure, Belgian and Swiss chocolate is the most famous in the world, but the creamy consistence of Fazer chocolate is worth a try. And I truly enjoyed the liquorice ice cream, which isn’t that sweet but an intriguing flavour to experience. In the closing lights of the day we took a small tour by ferry, that I could learn a bit more about the different islands and districts in Helsinki and enjoy once more the blue of the Baltic Sea before flying home the next day in the afternoon.

  • dav

Summarizing, Helsinki is a fantastic city and very easy to explore thanks to a cheap but efficient public transportation system. With its many connections one is never stranded even once one gets lost 😉. And thanks to my local guide I could really immerse in the city instead of scratching on the surface. Thus, whenever you have the chance to visit your friends across the globe, always say yes and never say no! You will never know what your next adventure will bring?

Kiitos and hei hei!

Sustainable giving – have a merry green christmas time

by Conscious_Travelista, posted in Sustainable Lifestyle

This was an article I already published two years ago during my voluntary engagement, but it’s still something that you can have a closer look at, because it still applies to guide you to some sustainable gifting and inspiration.

Sustainable Giving During Christmas Time Christmas is a very special time of the year for a lot of people.
We are more generous and buy our dear ones precious gifts, which will be nicely wrapped and opened within a festive surrounding.


But have you ever thought about where your gifts were produced and under what circumstances? Do you need to buy more and more, gifting the same stuff you have already gifted for the last couple of years?


If you are considering transitioning yourself to a more sustainable lifestyle, you can strongly support SDG 12 by promoting sustainable production and consumption.
Here is a short guideline to easily choose gifts more sustainably and bring value to the life of the gifted person:

1. Buy Local Products or Sustainable Gifts
Before you order or buy something, use this short guideline to find some useful sustainable gifts.

a) Check if the person you want to gift already has contact points with sustainable themes. How can you support them?

b) Check if there are already sustainable alternatives, like local products, upcycling, etc.

c) If you still have no idea, how about gently introducing the person to sustainable initiatives and projects?

Is it not easy? Yes, from locally produced sweets to workshops on how to save the bees and other sustainable projects, there are no limits to your creativity.
This leads us to the second topic on how to create a sustainable gift, just in case you want to produce something on your own.

2. Self-Made Surprises
d) Check if you can create, cook or bake something!

Some people love to enjoy sweets during the Christmas season.
Why not take some time to bake cakes, crème caramel or create some chocolate cream? Whatever comes to mind, take some time, grab an old family recipe and make someone happy. If you are a creative mastermind, for those dressing for winter, you can also create something special like a scarf, gloves or other useful winter items, or even make board games to play at home.
Self-made gifts are a special way to show that you appreciate someone because you spend some time making the gift yourself.

3. Volunteer Your Time
Do you still have no idea?

e) Check if you can gift some time!
Just in case you are running out of it during the Christmas rush, slow down, take a deep breath and gift some… time! Yes, you may buy a voucher for a nice restaurant you can enjoy with your friends and family or you can create the menu yourself. Go to a comedy show, a workshop or a concert together! Sometimes you do not realize that the year is already over and that you wanted to spend more time with your dear ones. It is a very nice occasion to slow yourself down and show your family and friends that you truly care about them.
We hope that you got some inspiration and ideas for your upcoming Christmas.
Enjoy the season and have a very merry and sustainable Christmas time!


Sustainable Gifting inspirationDownload

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The latest IPCC report and first steps to make a sustainable travel change

by Conscious_Travelista, posted in Sustainable Lifestyle

The current news about the latest reports of the IPCC state that climate change is man-made and the rise of temperature with an average of 1.5C° will be reached 10 years earlier than estimated. Watching the news about the recent events like the flooding in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium quite close to where I live and the devastating fires in Southern Europe and Algeria are worrisome.

This is not only a wake-up call, because our “house is on fire”, but an immediate call-to-action. Otherwise, it is likely, that we will observe more natural disasters across the globe for example more flooding, rising sea levels and fires like these days in Europe.

Personally, I feel scared, because my own little steps won’t help to reach the goal of keeping the temperatures below 1.5C°, but I strongly believe that we all together can and will have an impact. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have recognized that I volunteer as well and focus on living sustainably. And I’d like to share some inspiration to take immediate steps. If you plan to travel, you may use them as well, but you can use it in your daily life for sure.
Two years ago, before the current report was published, I was reflecting upon my own travel behaviour. Am I really travelling sustainably? Do I need to consider concepts of sufficiency to have a sustainable impact? After looking from different perspectives and learning more about sustainable travel and tourism, I really put my previous behaviour to the test. I had to admit that my travelling habits needed to change.

1. Sufficiency is briefly described as an improved consumption pattern, consuming less while acting more sustainable. In terms of sustainable travel, a longer stay is not only much better to learn about the local culture and create a more immersive experience, but it also reduces your CO2 footprint significantly, since transportation is the main contribution to that. But more on that later. Maybe you could even expand your vacation to a staycation and create a unique travel experience, deeper connections to people and their culture, and a change of your perspective if you are willing to learn and open up.
I had to ask myself the question if I needed to travel more often and especially travelling abroad which means that I need to travel by airplane. Therefore, I decided only one long-haul flight every two years but take more time to discover my destination and its people. Personally, the way to go is to travel consciously, not more often, but more intense.

2. Transportation is one big topic in travel industry, because it is “expected to account 5% of all man-made CO2” and it will even increase further, because tourism numbers will rise until 2030. The UNWTO calculated that the CO2-emmissions of cars will decrease, but the amount of CO2 that will be emitted by airplanes will even augment until 2030 to 665 million tons of CO2 (compared to 458 million tons in 2016).
So what can you do to minimize your personal CO2-footprint while exploring the beauty of the world?
Choose your transportation to the destination of your choice wisely:

🚅Take a train
🚘Use car-sharing
✈Compensate your flights

How to move from A to B onsite:

👣Walk around and discover those places that are not crowded
🚃 Use public transportation
🚲Take a bike – some countries are a paradise for cyclists and those who want to become one, and you also do some good for your health condition

Another crucial factor is, as mentioned, time, because your CO2-footprint is supposed to be very high while taking the plane for short-term trips. Therefore, in addition to limiting my travels by plane, I will try to travel as much as possible by train and public transport.

3. Accommodation may have a lesser CO2-footprint than transportation with approx. 6% compared to the total amount of all areas within tourism industry, but it also has an influence on the environment and the life of the employees who do everything to make sure you have a good experience in your favourite hotel. And believe me, there are plenty of good case practices across the globe.
So, what can you do to find a sustainable hotel or hotel?
My first advice is that you should check the homepage carefully. Here are some questions I ask myself before I choose to book.

How does the management commit to sustainability?

Is there a separate landing page for sustainability, or do they just mention it for the purpose of greenwashing to appear sustainable?

Do they support the Sustainable Development Goals?

Do they have further information about their sustainable best practices:

  • Do they support local initiatives (women empowerment, community work, disabled people)?
  • Do they use local food suppliers or do they grow their own vegetables?
  • How do they use technology for cooling and heating? Are they net-zero?
  • Are there any information about waste management (use of resources, avoid plastic, recycling, water management, because it’s a scarce resource in some parts of the world)

You can also check, if the hotel or hostel has a certification (Green Grey, GSTC etc.), but in my humble opinion not all hotels providing sustainable best practices have automatically an approval. I also experienced cases with a certification and plenty of plastic waste, so do some research and have fun while learning and enjoying great places while contributing to sustainability.

3. Waste is one great aspect to have a huge influence to reduce CO2-footprint, because plastic “originates from fossil fuel”. The more plastic you avoid and replace with biodegradable items, the better for our oceans and your health, because microplastic is a serious problem for animals and humans alike.
So, what can you do to improve your personal waste management, before your journey starts:

✅⠀Reusable coffee mug

✅⠀Reusable water bottle, check out the availability of tab water and refill stations

✅⠀Shower soap, shampoo and conditioner soap bars, yes, your hair will shine 🙂

✅⠀Sunscreen without nanoparticles

✅⠀Check out for reusable hygiene articles you may find in your local/online zero waste store

Photo by Anna Oliinyk on Unsplash

You can also improve your waste management onsite, because every plastic bottle you can avoid is a win. If no tab water and no refill station is close, just consider taking a small break in a cozy café and enjoy the moment. Sometimes a break is refreshing, and maybe a great conversation is already waiting for you.
If you still have some reusable items, please don’t throw them away, just use them as long as you can before you replace it with a sustainable alternative made from bamboo, wood or steel.
If you’re heading for a beach or places that maybe have a less improved waste management, lead by example: do a beach clean-up, collect some trash and avoid buying items with too many wrappings.


5. Last but not least you will have a sustainable impact with every conscious choice you take, for example:

Enjoy local and fresh food (no, I don’t understand people who complain that their favourite food from home is not served thousands of kilometres away), because this also decreases your CO2-footprint, if you don’t chase after your favourite dishes from home

Buy local products, because you support local businesses and show interest and respect towards their culture

This article was supposed to be published earlier, but after learning about the current IPCC report and some further reading about climate change and the negative impact it can have, if we don’t start to act now, I felt quite frustrated that this little article and the whole project of blogging wouldn’t have enough impact.

I hope you enjoyed reading and got inspired a bit. Feel free to add a comment and share!

How zero-waste stores minimize your amount of waste

by Conscious_Travelista, posted in Sustainable Lifestyle

Here’s an article I wrote for one of my volunteering engagements and I would love to share this one on my blog as well, because it reflects my personal journey towards zero waste.

This month I would like to showcase how zero-waste shops can help you to reduce your amount of waste and work towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

You might have already heard about the concept of zero waste, but let’s have a small recap of its definition:

“Zero Waste is the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse and recovery of products, packaging and materials without burning, and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health ” [1].

Another important topic is circular economy which is closely related to this matter and aims to produce, consume, reuse and recycle products in a way that new products can be created without producing any waste [2]. Circular economy is focusing on production patterns and it requires innovative solutions to face the climate crisis, because for every product energy is needed in the production process. It is important to keep that in mind while making our choices towards more sustainability and our own journey towards zero waste.

This, of course, leads us to the Sustainable Development Goal No. 12 which states:

“Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns” and especially the subcategory 12.5

“By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse”

With a closer look at your consumption patterns you can ensure to make SDG 12 happen! 

Where exactly does one start?

Of course, this is quite a tough topic and when I started my personal journey towards zero waste, there weren’t many zero-waste stores around. Therefore I started with very small steps . The first ones I did were to avoid plastic and the use of alternatives like bamboo or paper packaging.

After a while the first zero waste stores opened nearby and this was a good opportunity to discover new products. But what exactly makes a difference to usual stores?

Zero-waste stores offer a variety of products from organic fresh fruits and vegetables to natural cosmetics and day-to-day products for your home without any packaging. Some products, especially daily care products, still need some wrapping, but usually recycled paper or other materials which can easily be recycled are used. 

My starting point was plastic. Plastic is a very versatile group of materials and in today’s society, life without plastic is unimaginable. But unfortunately only very little of it is recycled, it is simply disposed of into the environment. This has a devastating impact on nature.

So, after a brief reflection on where I produce plastic waste, I decided to start to go towards zero waste in my bathroom.

A product I commonly used in my daily routine was shower gel, which comes in plastic bottles. Therefore I decided to switch to soap which doesn’t necessarily need packaging or only some paper to wrap it in. While familiarising myself with the topic, I became aware of solid shampoo and conditioner, which I incorporated into my hygiene routine. I even switched to solid deodorant. Most of these products I discovered in nearby zero-waste stores. Quite a few of these products are produced by local businesses, which is in line with our above mentioned SDG.

A calculation estimates the amount of waste I was able to reduce per year in my bathroom by just switching to solid soap and shampoo:

Product Bottles per Year

Shower Gel

12

Shampoo

12

Conditioner

6

Total amount

30 

It doesn’t seem to be much, but imagine myriads of people doing so. Still, the journey is ongoing and I am still reflecting and reviewing my habits to make further improvements. There are many other items I use like a wooden brush or reusable make-up remover pads, but it is difficult to estimate how much waste I reduced by using them, so I did not include them in my calculations.

There are still many other occasions to make a sustainable choice when you go out and buy new products. If you have a zero-waste store close to you, have a look. By discovering their products you might identify in which area of your life you would like to reduce waste. In my experience these shops offer very good service and are more than willing to assist you in your decision-making process or answer any questions.

Thanks to these shops and their range of products you come across a lot of ideas which will inspire you to new ways of reducing waste.

Another easy starting point is to avoid unnecessary plastic packaging for vegetables and fruits, because they naturally come with protective coating. Do you really want to buy a cucumber which is hugging its plastic blanket? Exactly, try to avoid it! Sometimes glass offers a good alternative and you can find many products like fresh juices, yoghurt or jams without a plastic packaging, but in glasses and glass bottles.

There is a very useful app that helps you to analyse your plastic footprint.

It helps you to identify your footprint and raises awareness in which areas you can find alternative products.

5 Steps towards zero waste!
Your journey towards zero-waste

Discovering new products can be fun and no one said that zero waste has to be a serious topic!

Enjoy making conscious choices!

[1]: https://zerowasteeurope.eu/what-is-zero-waste/

[2] https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/circular-economy/about

[3] https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12

Authored,& Published by Stephanie Kusemann |Edited by Gergely Lazar Illustrated by Oğuz Yılmazlar |Supported by Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Substack, Twitter & WordPress Publications

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© 2020 WAYSWiFt Works

The opinions expressed by the author and those providing comments are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of AAI (AIESEC Alumni International).