Traveling without harming the planet is possible, provided you take a few precautions. Solutions exist to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during your journeys and to reduce your environmental footprint in your everyday actions. We explain everything you need to know to have a successful eco-friendly summer holiday.

Going shorter distances for a longer period

Think traveling closer to home means giving up on experiencing something new? Think again! Some destinations not so far away will transport you to a completely different world. Slow tourism will allow you to truly enjoy your destination and will help you reduce the pollution generated by your trip. Here's how to plan your next summer getaway with an eco-friendly approach:

Go for a longer period if you can

Extending your vacation will not only allow you to enjoy your destination from start to finishbut will also allow you to choose a less polluting mode of transport and reduce the number of flights taken to travel the world. In practical terms, in a single plane flight, you can visit an entire region of the world from top to bottom.

On the other hand, a longer journey also allows you to use a means of transport that generates less CO2, such as the train or the ferryThese modes of transport are indeed slower than flying, but you have time to appreciate the passing scenery, and perhaps make a few stops to visit a city or two during the journey if it includes layovers. Those less in a hurry can also take bus lines which are now open to connect several major European cities.

Choose a destination that is close but offers a change of scenery.

Reducing distances traveled is one of the best ways to decrease...carbon footprint of your vacation. Rest assured, you don't need to travel the world to get a change of scenery. At a few hours by train or plane However, many destinations offer a complete change of scenery.

Some European cities and destinations are indeed directly accessible by train from France. But if you've already explored them, or if you don't have the time to travel by train, it's also perfectly possible to fly for just 2 to 4 hours and discover an exceptional destination.

Here are some examples of destinations that are easily accessible by train or plane, and perfectly suited for an unforgettable summer holiday:

• Lisbon, for its yellow trams that climb the hills, its facades covered in azulejos and its views of the Tagus estuary.
• Barcelonawhere you can go from visiting Gaudí's works to swimming on the beach in the same day.
• Sicily, with its vestiges of Greek Antiquity, its hills dotted with villages and its landscapes shaped by Etna.
• Praguefamous for its cobbled streets, Gothic bell towers and the medieval atmosphere that reigns around the Charles Bridge.
• Ljubljana and Lake Bled, with emerald waters, omnipresent forests and a peaceful atmosphere far from the large tourist crowds.
• Andalousiemarked by Moorish influences, flowery patios, flamenco shows and long, lively evenings.
• The Swiss Alps, thanks to their mountain lakes and peaks accessible without a car.
• Kotor and the Montenegrin coastremarkable for the Mediterranean fjords, the numerous fortified cities and the winding roads with breathtaking views of the Adriatic.

Some Mediterranean islands also offer excellent opportunities for a change of scenery without traveling far. A stay in the Balearic Islands or a trip to Rhodes These trips allow you, for example, to discover historical sites, traditional villages, and secluded coves along a sun-drenched coastline. You can also travel to a different continent and fly to Cape Verde, Morocco, Tunisia, or Egypt. There, the change of scenery is more pronounced, and yet you will have flown less than four hours from Paris.

But the chosen destination is not the only element to consider in order to limit the impact of your vacation on the planet.

Prioritize eco-friendly transportation, accommodation, and consumption.

It is also necessary to make reasonable use of low-polluting internal transport methods, choose environmentally friendly accommodation and consume local products.

Low-CO2 emission modes of transport

Inevitably, once you've dropped off your luggage, you will stringing together visits tourist destinations. But to connect your accommodation to the places you want to explore, be sure to use low-emission transport as much as possible. When feasible, consider walk at the nearest museum or beach. If this is not possible, use the transportTrains, trams, and buses are very convenient means of transport for visiting a city and its various points of interest.

You can also consider opting for carpooling or cycling as an alternative to the private car. In addition to reducing emissions, these modes of transport are also perfect for discovering the most secluded corners of the region. And as a last resort, take your car if necessary, or a rental car, electric if possible.

Local and short-supply-chain consumption

When it's time to eat, prioritize the local and seasonal products This allows you to reduce the transport distances of goods and support the local economy. If you cook, buy your ingredients at markets, from producers, artisans, or small shops in your area.

This will give you the opportunity to taste the genuine specialties regional tourism allows visitors to observe the local expertise that shapes the reputation of each destination. This local consumption benefits both the environment and the inhabitants, and promotes a better distribution of the economic benefits of tourism.

Low environmental impact accommodations

Accommodations integrated into nature, bed and breakfasts, homestays, or certain small-capacity residences often allow access to a accommodation that is particularly respectful of the environment and its resources.

However, you don't have to deprive yourself of a holiday in a hotel or a holiday clubThese accommodations are not incompatible with a responsible approach. Many establishments are now implementing measures to limit their water and energy consumption, reduce waste, and promote local products in your meals. Inquire about the environmental policy of your chosen establishment before confirming your reservation.

Respect the environment throughout your stay

Once you arrive at your holiday destination, it is the small everyday gestures that will complement the attention you have paid to the choice of destination, accommodation and transport.

To begin, prepare a suitcase with a zero-waste approachThat is, with as little disposable packaging as possible. Bring a reusable water bottle and a cloth bag for your shopping and souvenir purchases. Add solid hygiene products that take up little space, won't leak during transport, and also reduce the amount of waste generated over the course of your stay.

Also respect the local rules and protected natural areas. In general, try to stay on marked trails when hiking, don't take anything from nature, avoid disturbing or feeding animals, and don't damage the flora. With these simple actions, you help preserve the ecosystem during your walks and hikes.

Et like at homeSort your waste, take short showers instead of baths, and turn off lights and electrical appliances when not in use. Also use the air conditioning used sparinglybecause it emits a lot of CO2 in addition to consuming a significant amount of electricity.

All you have to do is find activities that are as environmentally friendly as possible (paddleboarding, canoeing, pedal boating, climbing, cycling, hiking…) there are plenty of options to liven up your holidays without disturbing the environment.