Why traveling locally is the new way to love the planet

Locally-inspired, supportive and conscious travel choices WILL ALWAYS BE ON TREND

Back in the year 2000, all the cool kids studied abroad, made friends from everywhere, and used their two weeks of vacation to book holidays to stunning corners around the world. Over the years, access to travel and the ease of hopping continents has carved the path for a world that is more connected than ever before. Although we believe the benefits of international travel can outweigh its negative impact, we understand we need to be more conscious when packing our bags and booking those long-haul flights.

Nowadays, everyone has seemingly “been there, done that” and is in search of hidden locations where the world feels a bit more local and slightly untouched. We feel you. As travel addicts ourselves, we have also been in search of these hidden treasures for years.

The pandemic had some good lasting impacts, leading to an increase in awareness in how we travel. For a time, it made all of us, as travelers, look for and realize the desirable locations within a couple of hours from the places we call home. Let's not forget that spirit and instead enjoy the advantages of exploring areas nearby whenever possible. Here is why you should consider local travel when possible.

It’s Good for the planet

Taking in the views at Hotel Consolación in Castellón, Spain

It’s simple. Local travel has a smaller carbon footprint, than international travel. When considering responsible tourism, it is critical to not only consider how you arrive at your destination, but the choices you make while you are there. Consider where and what you eat, where you sleep and how you shop.

GOOD TRIPS works closely with partners mitigate the impacts of travel through verified carbon removal projects. However, you can still travel and empower yourself to make responsible, earth-friendly choices while you’re at it.

Environmental responsibility is all about our choices while we travel. Road trip! When possible, drive or take the train to your destination instead of hopping on the plane. Use bicycles instead of cars to explore the city or nearby villages. Avoid plastic products while on holiday (or anytime). From the mini toiletries in the hotel, to how you carry your water with you on your excursion. Are the restaurants where you dine serving local (preferably organic) fare? Are the hotels, hostels, or B&B’s you stay in smaller, owned and operated by people who live there? These are all simple, but effective ways to ensure your travel is more sustainable and truly local.

So it seems most people are ready and excited for those far-flung adventures this year, consider jumping in the car or the train and explore the towns within a couple of hours from your home.

Have you been to all of the local wineries in your area? We take advantage of one of our favorites in Valencia, Bodegas Vegalfaro.

It’s Good for the community

Using Spain as an example as that was where GT was birthed :), tourism makes up about 12% of the economy. Spain is frequently one of the most visited countries in the world. Imagine the impact that the pandemic had on the economy of Spain, and similar countries that rely on tourism to survive. Now, imagine the 2.5 million people whose livelihood was directly impacted by their employment in the tourism industry. If we can step away from a global perspective and look more closely at our local communities, we can find ourselves able to have better impact with the people in our own ‘backyard.’

By traveling locally, you build a stronger local economy. You are choosing to support the villages and cities nearby who have mastered authenticity and that highly-desirable “local vibe” while traveling. Your presence in these towns is not only supporting these individuals financially, but it is also boosting morale and vitality from the core. Win-win.

Local, organic wine is always flowing at Mar de Fulles in Castellón, Valencia. Don’t mind if we do…

It’s Good for you

Local travel is good for you in countless ways. Good for your wallet, good for your health, and it feels good too.

Traveling close to home is an opportunity for you to save time and money, while investing in an unforgettable holiday experience. Our own experiences when booking with local hosts has resulted in a warm welcome and an unmatched excitement to share their local expertise and passions with visitors. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to experience authentic and meaningful connections on your trip. When you choose your lodging and meals while traveling, seek out hotels and restaurants that serve foods that are grown locally. Your fresh orange juice has been squeezed from the oranges recently picked from their neighbor’s orchard. Your veggies have been grown locally as well, possibly even at the hotel’s very own garden. It doesn’t get much more delish than that.

Family glamping at Casas Benali in Valencia, Spain

Farm-fresh pizza nights at Casas Benali (GF options available!)

It’s a Good Trip

We are all about those local, thoughtfully designed, organic, zero-kilometer, sustainable, planet-friendly practices. There is no Planet-B, folks. Let’s all be a part of the solution.

So let’s get out and support our local communities by eating awesome meals, shopping gorgeous, handmade souvenirs in the local markets and shops, and taking a much needed holiday in a high-quality, beautifully-designed hotel. Now, that’s what we think makes a good trip.

Jennison and Katy day-tripping in Altea, Spain

Masia Can Pou in Girona, Spain

All recommendations featured in this story are hand-picked by GOOD TRIPS and meet our standards for service, design, and sustainability. However, we may earn a commission through affiliate links.