There are always Trend termsthat crop up around travel. One of them is the so-called "soft tourism". This refers to mindful and sustainable travel. Even if it is not always easy to do without cars and airplanes to get to your desired holiday destination, there are still numerous other ways in which you can actively contribute to protecting the environment.

Here are five tips on how to make your holiday sustainable in the future.

Switch to trains

Not always feasible without a lot of effort, but at least most destinations within Europe can now be reached comfortably by train. Whether Interrail, night train or on several stages; if you decide for a train ride, you can use the often long travel time to familiarize yourself with their holiday destination, enjoy the beautiful views and the different landscapes or simply use the time for things that you otherwise hardly come to. Like starting a new book, flipping through magazines, watching movies and series, listening to your favorite artist's new album, or simply having deep conversations with your travel partner.

Less is more

Who doesn't know this: Often you are tempted to pack things for every unpredictable situation that you don't really need. Less luggage has many advantages: you don't have to think so much, you are much more flexible, you have to carry less and the most important: you use less fuel. The best thing to do is to make a checklist of the most important travel essentials and when you return home, you'll be even happier to be reunited with all your things.

Look for environmental labels

On most travel portals there are already indications that support sustainable travel. Look out for the three established seals of approval that tell you whether your destination is particularly environmentally friendly.

• Blue Flag: If you come across this eco-label while booking your holiday destination, it's a good sign. Because it says that the beaches have been awarded for their sustainability. Water quality and environmental management have passed the control tests.
• Viabono: This certificate distinguishes accommodation, restaurants and travel service providers with regard to their sustainability. The study focuses on water, waste, food, energy and climate.
• TourCert: One of the most important seals of approval in the field of tourism is TourCert. If you find this certificate, it means that your destination shines with sustainability and corporate responsibility. An environmentally friendly offer is a must.

The visit of organic hotels

A holiday in a region with organic hotels or organic farms seems to become more and more popular. Therefore, the offer of sustainable accommodations is also growing more and more. If you book a stay, you can be sure that less plastic waste is produced and that resources are used more sparingly than in conventional hotels. If a hotel receives the addition "organic", then there are strict controls. Care is taken to ensure that guests spend a holiday that is as sustainable as possible, saves energy and water, and uses sufficient regional products.

Support local suppliers

"Support your Locals" is not only especially important during the Corona Crisis. Even otherwise, you should always make sure to consume regional products and support local suppliers when on vacation. Large corporations and fast food chains should be avoided. Instead, visit small, local businesses that depend on tourism and spoil you with authentic products. There are already numerous travel apps where you can effortlessly find out where to find these shops and localities.

Picture Credit: Dorothea Oldani / Unsplash