At home, you’ve adopted small eco-friendly habits in your daily life—so much so that, for your holidays, you’d like to continue this more responsible approach? Then sustainable tourism is made for you! In this article, we explain what sustainable tourism is, which destinations and activities to choose for your family vacation, and share all our tips for disconnecting and recharging with your little tribe in the great outdoors.

What is sustainable tourism and ecotourism?

For many years, the concept of sustainable development has significantly changed the way many families live. Concerned about traveling more responsibly, they advocate for sustainable tourism in order to reduce their impact on the environment . Their guiding principles? Preserving natural resources, managing waste, protecting local cultural and traditional heritage, and ensuring fair compensation for local stakeholders.

There are several forms of sustainable tourism, with eco-tourism leading the way. Indeed, depending on their desire to reconnect with nature and take a break from the fast pace of everyday life, many families are turning to environmentally friendly stays that respect natural spaces. Observing nature and taking the time to discover local heritage and culture are wonderful ways to disconnect. Today, it’s becoming increasingly easy to organize eco-friendly trips, so there’s something for everyone’s tastes and, of course, every budget. Whether you’re tempted by an educational weekend on a farm, a week in an ecolodge in the heart of the French countryside, or a discovery trip beyond our borders, you’re sure to find an exciting adventure to experience as a family.

Which destinations should be prioritized?

For several years now, green tourism initiatives have been steadily growing. Many countries and local communities are investing in them to attract travelers eager to combine holidays with eco-responsibility. In France, the world’s leading tourist destination, many stakeholders are going green. Our country is full of beautiful places with diverse natural landscapes where you can reconnect with nature. Whether you prefer the sea, mountains, countryside, or a natural park, you’re sure to find what makes you happy. And traveling close to home also means reducing your carbon emissions!

Of course, it’s also possible to enjoy wonderful holidays more responsibly beyond French borders! Among the top sustainable destinations is Costa Rica, which relies on its rich ecosystem to attract tourists and raise awareness about environmental protection. The country implemented biodiversity preservation programs very early on to avoid mass tourism. More recently, Thailand has taken radical measures and now offers immersive stays within local communities. European countries are not left behind; Finland and Portugal, for example, have established programs that incorporate sustainability. These labels can help guide you in choosing your green destination.

Which means of transportation to prioritize?

Transport is generally the most polluting part of a trip. Depending on your destination, try to choose the mode of transportation that emits the least CO2 to reduce your carbon footprint.

• Travel by train : it’s the least polluting means of transportation. It’s also a great way to travel peacefully, especially with young children. During the journey, you can enjoy the scenery, play with your little one, color, have a snack, or even meet new people. The SNCF even provides families with a dedicated space just for them. You’ll also find a nursery corner, perfect for changing the couches of your little adventurer. Want to travel with peace of mind? Take advantage of the luggage delivery option.

• Traveling by car : the advantage here is the flexibility it offers. It also allows you to bring everything you need. The more people you travel with, the smaller the carbon footprint per person. If you have one or two free seats left, why not offer them on carpooling platforms?

• Traveling by plane : if you’ve chosen a destination beyond our borders, flying is probably unavoidable. However, to make your trip a little greener, you can contribute to CO2 offset programs that invest in climate protection projects. Many airlines even offer this option when booking tickets. For your travels, follow this golden rule: favor direct flights, as planes consume the most fuel during takeoff and landing.

During your stay, choose the right means of transportation, too: a bike will take you on all your adventures near your accommodation. On a road trip, why not opt for the bus? It’s a great way to mingle with the locals!

Which types of housing should be prioritized?

The choice of your accommodation also impacts the sustainability of your vacation. In general, accommodations closer to nature, such as farms, holiday cottages, and ecolodges, are more responsible than hotel complexes. That said, in recent years, many hotel chains have made significant efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. Moreover, you can check the efforts made by the establishment you’ve chosen by looking at its labels . For example, « la clef verte » is a certification label indicating that the professional has implemented a responsible environmental and social policy in their establishment. As for the « chouette nature » label, it guarantees that the accommodation offers activities and services that are environmentally friendly. Finally, the « Hôtel au naturel » label signifies that the hotel is small-scale, integrated into its environment, and away from mass tourism.

If you and your tribe are craving adventure, treat yourselves to camping, a forest cabin, or a caravan in the countryside.

Which activities to prioritize?

Traveling is a wonderful way to discover new cultures, marvel at the great diversity of landscapes, and make meaningful connections. Whether it’s on the other side of the world or just a few steps from your hometown, you can choose eco-friendly activities:

• Bike ride

• Hikes

• Visit to the local farm

• Have a picnic

• Organize a treasure hunt

• Savor local products

• Visit the national parks

• Pedal boat ride

Your activities can also be a great opportunity to raise awareness about environmental protection.

What are the actions to take during your green holidays?

Whatever your destination, you can help make your holidays even more responsible by adopting a few simple eco-friendly habits.

Before leaving, try to anticipate your needs by preparing everything necessary for your family vacation. That way, you won’t have to buy on-site items you already have at home. Did you know? LILLYDOO offers delivery in many European countries: Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Vacationing in one of these destinations? Remember to adjust the delivery address to receive your favorite diapers at your holiday location and travel lighter.

On site, take the opportunity to discover regional dishes. Not only will you awaken the taste buds of your whole little family, but you’ll also eat locally and seasonally. In your accommodation, try to be mindful of the resources you use. This includes reusing the same towels for several days and bringing your own toiletries to avoid using samples that are often packaged in plastic. Energy-intensive appliances should also be used sparingly. If you use air conditioning, remember to turn it off when you leave your accommodation—especially if you’re vacationing in a hot destination.

When hiking, remember to bring reusable water bottles to avoid buying plastic bottles (unless the country you’re in recommends it). Finally, green holidays also mean respecting wildlife and plant life. This means, for example, not walking in protected areas, picking up your trash, and not lighting fires in nature.

As you can see, traveling more sustainably is within everyone’s reach! Often, a few small gestures make all the difference and help make your stay a little greener. Enjoy your family break to refocus on what matters most: have a wonderful holiday!