How to travel responsibly ?

For us, as for our partner Chamina Voyages, sustainable tourism, also known as ecotourism, isn’t a trend but rather the result of 35 years of eco-friendly commitment. Chamina Voyages, a gathering of passionate outdoor people, mobilizing their energy to create hiking trips that take us away from the daily routine. ‘Agir pour un Tourisme responsable’ certified, they give us some tips and perspectives for travelling in a way both respectful to the planet and its local inhabitants.

Organizing ‘nature’ holidays is also a step towards sustainable tourism. Hiking is an excellent way to travel without leaving a trace and taking time out for discovery. Hiking adventures, on the trail, allow total reconnection with nature, not to mention the benefits of both hiking and fresh air on your health!

“
Several places of paradise are just a couple of hundred kilometres away.
”

©Fabien Voileau

Good news: local travel is becoming trendy (again!) Discovering neighbouring regions and other European countries within reach is an excellent way to reduce the impact of our holidays. Several places of paradise are just a couple of hundred kilometres away. Besides, if we choose less-visited spots, we get to enjoy those quieter moments. Getting there, the train is a great way to minimize our carbon footprint as well. Travelling during mid or low season means not only escaping the crowds but also taking time to immerse yourself in the place and its unique culture. If not, you can always just organize your day to avoid the masses: grab an early start, have lunch later like the Spaniards and stay on the sites further on in the afternoon; just some easy tricks you can use.

One last tip, choose your providers well. Hosts, transport carriers, restaurants … there are numerous certifications identifying those dedicated players. Regarding outdoor travel agencies, the ‘Agir pour un Tourisme Responsable’ certification guarantees committed professionals who respect all these values.