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
Local Food in Ponte
Fumerole along the pass to Maronti Beach
Ischia Island, Ocean view
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!

Sustainable Tourism in Benin

July 31, 2022July 31, 2022 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

March 22, 2022March 22, 2022 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.

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.

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!

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

October 27, 2021October 27, 2021 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

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!