These ethical vacation ideas in Europe are fun, suit any budget – and help the planet, too!
By Diane Small
With travel often being attributed to ecological damage, be it via an unnecessarily large car or flying frequently across the world, we can be quick to assume all vacationing is unethical. But, that’s just not the case!
In fact, tourism, when it’s done ethically, can actively help communities, regenerate wildlife, and of course, soothe the soul.
Here below, we’ve thought up five ethical European vacations that will not only help you to relax, but will also help to improve communities and nature, too!
5 Ethical Holidays In Europe
1. Walking holidays
Walking holidays eliminate transportation emissions by quite some way. In fact, depending on how close your are to your destination, they can be essentially zero emission vacations. And there are so many places you can see!
For example? Malta’s many coastal paths offer not only incredible views of the sea, but they also generate income for archaeological site maintenance. Plus, by booking with the likes of Orbis Ways, it’s possible to be put in contact with some very rural, local stays along the way.
Switzerland’s alpine trails support mountain communities through accommodation bookings, via guide services and paying to enter national parks. So, vacationing here not only encourages eco tourism, but also supports the locals.
One of the best 5 Ethical European vacation ideas for: Seeing the coast, city or mountains in a slow, healthy way.
2. Supporting regenerative agriculture
There’s no better place for agrotourism than Europe! I mean, we’re talking about some of the best produce and cuisine in the world, be it from France, Greece or Italy. In addition, agrotourism directly boosts the transition from industrial monoculture to more regenerative farming practices.
In particular, biodynamic vineyards are growing in popularity in Spain, France and Italy, and these are having measurable benefits on the planet. Namely, 40% higher soil organic matter, 60% greater microbial diversity, and 30% improved water retention.
Italy’s walking tours often venture through vineyards, and for around €100, you can also sample and learn about the wine.
One of the best 5 Ethical European vacation ideas for: Foodies who want to help local farmers survive.
3. Community-owned tourism cooperatives
Community-owned tourism enterprises are also another way to see Europe ethically, as they retain 85% of revenue within local economies. This number is only around 15% for multinational hotel chains, which is made even worse since their profits are usually siphoned out of the country and towards overseas shareholders.
Did you know that Scotland’s community-managed islands operate through collective ownership models? Residents hold voting shares in accommodation, transport, and even activity providers. So, you can rest assure that the tourism developments are aligning with community wishes.
The Hebrides’ community-run accommodations are a great example of this. Islanders collectively own and operate tourism infrastructure. Profits funds the schools and healthcare services, meaning they’re happy to see new faces.
Visitor capacity remains naturally limited due to accommodation availability (they’ve voted to block large, unsustainable developments), meaning if you manage to get a spot, no harm is being done.
One of the best 5 Ethical European vacation ideas for: Helping local communities.
4. Urban rewilding
Urban rewilding projects are another way to use tourism revenue for good. This time, to fund habitat restoration and create measurable biodiversity gains.
For example? Berlin’s urban forests have managed to increase bird species diversity by 45% over just five years through visitor fee-funded habitat management. And Amsterdam’s green corridors have also supported 120 native plant species while generating €2.3 million a year from conservation tourism.
Plus, it’s super fun planting trees and flowers in cities – especially if you can go back in a few years’ time to see the benefits of what you’ve done!
One of the best 5 Ethical European vacation ideas for: Bring back birds and bees to our cities.
5. Glamping
Sure, Europe is home to some of the finest hotels in the world. The Ritz in Paris. The Savoy in London. But it’s summer! So why not enjoy luxury – and the great outdoors? You can easily do so by glamping.
You’ll find glamping sites everywhere from the forests of Germany to the Lake District of England. You can stay in everything from a treehouse to a yurt. All the fun of being outdoors – but with hot showers, cozy beds, and in some cases, even excellent restaurant and room service!
One of the best 5 Ethical European vacation ideas for: Enjoying nature, in comfort.
These five ethical tourism initiatives are ways to not only feel better about yourself for visiting beauty spots, but to actively engage in conservation and support for local producers.
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