Five tips for a more sustainable city break
A city break is the ideal way to explore a new city. A holiday in Barcelona, Athens or Riga. Enjoy stately buildings, good food, exceptional accommodation and endless shopping and strolling. That way, you do it as sustainably as possible, and do your bit. We give you five tips for a more sustainable city break.
Sleep in an eco-hotel
Eco-hotels have minimal impact on the environment. They make more sustainable choices when it comes to energy consumption, materials and waste, for example. Think green electricity, waste separation, water conservation and refillable shampoo bottles. They are often also involved with the locals. And did you know that it is a myth that eco-hotels are more expensive than standard accommodation? So, a great start to a more sustainable city break!
Eat local or vegetarian
During a city break, you naturally want to enjoy delicious food! When doing so, preferably choose local dishes, found in the market or in local restaurants. This reduces the transport of ingredients over long distances. Or try eating vegetarian. Nowadays, most cities have a wide range of vegetarian restaurants. For example, use the Happy Cow app to find the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the city where you are staying. You will be surprised at the wide choice!
Take advantage of the sharing economy
In cities, it is easy to participate in the sharing economy. Consider sleeping at a local’s home (Couchsurfing) or renting a property from a local resident (Airbnb). Or how about exploring the city with a shared bike or shared electric scooter. For longer distances, use a shared (electric) car which can be found almost everywhere these days.
Take a reusable water bottle
Although carrying your own water bottle sounds like something small, it has a big impact. You avoid having to buy plastic bottles that you throw away afterwards anyway. That saves money and helps reduce disposable plastic. The handy Water-Map app makes it easy to find water points all over Europe! Tip: take a thermos with you. So you can enjoy hot tea or coffee any time of the day in cold destinations. It also keeps your water cool and refreshing at hot destinations. A win-win situation!
Take a city tour with a local guide
Complete your more sustainable city break with a city tour by a local resident or guide. You will get to know the city in a unique way and discover special places you would otherwise not easily find. In addition, you directly support the local population. Stop by people's homes for a home-cooked dinner with locals too!
Extra tip: travel with hand luggage only
Also, by travelling with hand luggage only, you travel more sustainably. Did you know that if each passenger takes a kilo less luggage with them, together we save the amount of energy it takes for 80 washing cycles?
We also do our bit for a more sustainable world. So, we add 0.9% renewable fuel with your trip. Curious about what Transavia is doing to make your trip more sustainable? Read more on our sustainability page!