Travel sustainably on a city break
Seven Tips for Exploring Urban Destinations Responsibly and Respectfully
It is often easier to feel like a more responsible “eco” traveler when we’ve packed our backpacks and headed out to a rural escape in the mountains. But what about when you are on a city break in one of your favorite urban destinations? Are you tempted by consumerism? Are you opting for the convenience of a comfortable hotel chain or familiar restaurant? It can feel challenging to make ethical, responsible choices while we travel, especially in a city.
Here are seven simple ways to maximize your experience on your next city break with sustainability and ethical choices in mind.
Take in views on the rooftop at Hôtel des Grands Boulevards in the center of Paris.
1. Sleep like a local
Every day new sustainably focused lodgings are opening and we should do our best to find and support them. Hotels heavily impact the communities in which they are located, for good or for bad. Do your homework to make sure your hotel is a responsible one that supports the local communities and the environment (or check out our favorite sustainable city hotels), and you'll feel good knowing that the majority of your travel dollars are going to the right place. We love that these hotels are typically smaller, unique accommodations where you'll meet the owners and be taken care of like you're family – giving you a personal, local experience.
La Paulowna in Den Haag is one of the sweetest boutique hotels in Holland.
2.How are you going to get there & Around?
Do you have options? Train, car, bus, plane? If you do, opt for the one least impactful on the planet when possible. Planes are often the toughest options environmentally speaking, especially when traveling shorter distances (take off and landing are when the most damage is done). So what if taking to the skies is your only option? There are ways you can lessen your impact by buying carbon offsets (we can do this for you) and choosing as few layovers as possible. Even if it's a little more expensive to fly more direct, your time is valuable...don't waste it on long layovers and increase your chances of delays.
While you may think jumping in your car is a better option, it depends on how many people are in that car and how far you're driving. To simplify it for you….if you can, opt for the train or the bus. They are repeatedly some of the lowest CO2 emitters in transport per passenger per mile. For us, if there's a train, sign us up as we love taking to the rails with a bottle of wine, a book (when we aren't traveling with our small children), and letting someone else find the way while we enjoy the views. Trains for the win!
Once you’re at your destination, use public transit, biking, or walking to get around. You’ll get a better knowledge of the city, enjoy some physical activity, and keep your emissions low while at it.
3.Find the slow food
Once you know where you'll be staying, get browsing to find the organic, slow, local food scene including restaurants and markets (stay tuned as we’re in the process of building Good Guides which will help you find the best places with ease). If you have a kitchenette/kitchen in your accommodation, skip the big grocery store and find a market or a small shop that sells items from local producers including farmers, ranchers, and bakers. Bonus points if you find yourself a farmer’s market––find out when and where they’re happening before you head on your trip so you can plan accordingly. This is where you’ll hit the local jackpot. Small, organic, slow food restaurants and markets are also the places where locals will often be happy to talk you up about what to do in their city/town that's off the tourist track.
Picnic anyone?
Combine your fresh food finds and the urban park scene. Here, you can soak up the true energy of the city while getting a taste of local products. If you haven't already, you’ll need to grab the goods. We always head to an open air market or a farmer's market where we can talk to the producers. Our picnic essentials include a bottle of local, organic wine, a loaf of freshly-baked artisanal bread, and a local farmer’s favorite cheese. We’d add seasonal fresh veg, sliced meats like jamón or prosciutto (depends on which country we’re loving up at the moment), and don’t forget some fruits and nuts. Hop on a bike or walk to the local park or beach, throw down a blanket and enjoy an afternoon of people-watching and genuine relaxation––don’t be tempted to spend all day everyday site-seeing or you’ll finish your trip needing another one just to take it easy. Some of our favorite city picnics have been in Városliget in Budapest, in Prospect Park in Brooklyn overlooking beautiful brownstones, at El Saler beach in Valencia, and watching the sunset in Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo.
4.Get on a bike and move that tush
We think biking is the BEST way to see a city. Cover tons of ground, but at your own pace, stopping and starting when you want to. You're going to work for that jamón and queso you've been eating and familiarize yourself with a new city and its main sites faster than you would on foot.
Before you travel, find a small bike tour and book it. We like to schedule tours for the first day to get the lay of the town early on. Not only do we get a good idea for where we want to spend more time while there, but we also get a better idea of the road rules and how the locals ride to minimize our chances of being the tourist causing the traffic jam.
Look for smaller, private tours that are less intrusive on local residents (this goes for any type of tour). They normally create good relationships with the locals, increasing traveler/local interaction and engagement––better for you and your destination. Ask your guide about the lesser known sites and museums, as well as the small restaurants and shops you should visit.
Once you’ve learned how to navigate the city by bike, you can use this mode of transport during the rest of your holiday by renting a bicycle or using the city’s shared bike programs. No need for taxis or public buses.
5.Don't buy all the crap
When you're on the bike tour, in your small hotel, eating at the markets, or sitting in the park, talk to people. Ask residents where you can buy the goods that are made by local artisans and artists. Every city has their tourist trap shopping area(s). If you're buying some plastic what-nots in the main plaza amongst all of the other tourists eating ice cream, surrounded by a sea of postcards, you're probably in the wrong place. Don't fall in the trap. Keep moving to find where the real makers sell their work. Find something you will cherish while supporting the people that make the city culturally vibrant and authentic.
Grand Pigalle in the lively 9th arrondissement of Paris
6. Visit sites at off-peak hours
One of our favorite tips: visit major attractions at odd hours when possible.
Want to see the Trevi Fountain without the screens of a thousand cell phones in front of you? Try taking early morning walks or runs before tourists are on the streets. You'll likely find yourself among locals kicking off their day.
Many museums and sites also offer private tours, some after hours. These are often using tour guides that have arrangements with the museums. Search for specialized art and cultural guides within your destination or at that particular site. They can be reasonably priced and worth every penny.
Exploring popular tourist attractions at off-peak hours makes for a more meaningful and enjoyable experience. You can take your time to appreciate the beauty of these iconic landmarks without huge crowds of tourists jostling around you. Moreover, when it's peaceful and tranquil, you can discover the true essence of these locations which is hard to experience when they are crowded.
7. Learn the Language
It's wise (and courteous) to brush up on the basics of the language. From "Hello" and "Goodbye", to "Thank you," learning a few key phrases will be extremely useful when ordering your morning drink or inquiring with vendors about purchasing a kilo of your favorite fruit. It's not only beneficial for you, but it will make you a more gracious guest. Even if you only speak one or two sentences, it can significantly affect your experience and how the locals perceive you as a visitor.
I have learned more languages at farmers' markets, cafes, restaurants, and shops than anywhere else. Not only is it a fun way to learn but people are usually forgiving of mistakes. Laughter shared over these missteps can be a great ice-breaker too. MAKE THE EFFORT.
While we love love love getting into nature, we adore urban life and sometimes, it's where we do our best relaxing. Ready for that city break? Remember these Good Trips Tips:
Find a small local hotel that prioritizes sustainability; here are some of our favorite urban hotels
Travel by train if you can, grab some carbon offsets no matter what mode of transit you choose
Become a foodie and get eating with the locals
Schedule a bike tour early on to get to know the city and maximize your time there while pedaling for all of the deliciousness that awaits
Buy local, authentic goods
See sites at off-peak hours
And learn some language basics
Be ready for an immersive and fun way to experience your next holiday when you eat, move and sleep more sustainably. Wishing you a GOOD TRIP.
