Arrival
If you are traveling with your children, the distance between home and holiday destination should be reasonable. It's cool for your children if you include them in your travel plans right from the start. Think about how you can make your vacation sustainable.
The accommodation
What about alternatives to campsites? Just look for small owner-managed houses or farms where you can park your camper. If you're lucky, you're sure to find destinations that use alternative energy, water and waste concepts. Smaller accommodations in particular often respond to your special wishes, especially if you are traveling with small children. And you are a little more sustainable and the adventure can begin.
Treating people and nature with respect
An essential aspect of sustainability is respect for people and nature, including the different cultures. Talk to your children about the special characteristics of the respective country, its history and the customs and traditions. Make your children aware of the special features of nature and the beauties of the area during your excursions. Try to get in touch with the locals, even if you don't speak the language at all or only very little. In my experience, people react very friendly and sometimes communication works through gestures. Dare and try it out. This is not only an interesting experience for your children. And always remember: A smile will come back!”
stay on site
On your excursions or when you go to a restaurant to eat, make sure that you support the local people and leave your holiday money in the region. You will definitely find corner shops or weekly markets that sell regional goods and have fresh fruit and vegetables on display. Lidl, Aldi and Plus are certainly also available in many holiday locations. Just remember that you are traveling sustainably with your children. Plastic-free shopping and filling the water bottle you bring with you with drinking water saves a lot of waste. And does it really have to be a fresh towel every day!
Local cuisine
A big additional advantage of shopping in the regional shops is that you can find out which dishes are typical of the country. Surely you will get a delicious tip for the preparation in the corner shop. Don't eat McDonald's on your vacation. Supporting regional farmers prevents long transport routes. Asking a small restaurant what food they prepared for you that day shows your interest in local dishes and often works.
A sustainable family holiday not only offers fun, it expands your knowledge, benefits the locals and you also contribute to international understanding.
