With sustainable tourism gradually gaining grounds, many travel destinations are making efforts to offer experiences that are both enjoyable and environmentally responsible. Europe too offers a range of eco-friendly destinations that combine the best mix of breathtaking natural beauty with green initiatives. From car-free cities to preserved natural reserves, here are five must-visit destinations for the eco-conscious traveler. These destinations show how some of the places serve as an example of sustainability, offering travellers the chance to explore while minimising their environmental footprint.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

Often regarded as the world’s most sustainable city, Copenhagen leads the way with many eco-friendly initiatives. The city has an extensive cycling network, with bikes being the preferred mode of transport for locals and visitors alike. Its commitment to green energy is evident in landmarks like the offshore wind farm visible from the iconic Nyhavn harbor.

2. Ljubljana, Slovenia

This well-known travel destination was awarded Europe’s Green Capital in 2016, because of its initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The ancient centre of this quaint city, which is mostly powered by renewable energy, is car-free. Paddleboarding and kayaking are great eco-friendly activities on the Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city. Triglav National Park is a magnificent natural region just outside the city boundaries that is ideal for trekking and wildlife observation.

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is synonymous with cycling, making it one of the most eco-friendly urban destinations in Europe. Beyond its bike-friendly streets, the city prioritises sustainability through initiatives like eco-friendly houseboats and solar-powered ferries. Amsterdam’s sustainable food scene is growing rapidly, with many restaurants focusing on locally sourced and plant-based menus. Visitors can also explore green spaces like Vondelpark or take a guided eco-tour of the city’s canals.

4. Freiburg, Germany

Freiburg, dubbed Germany’s “Green City,” is a shining example of sustainable urban living. It has a football stadium and municipal hall that are powered by solar energy. Its vast public transit system powered by a combination of solar energy and electricity is noteworthy. The sustainable architecture of Freiburg’s neighbourhoods, like Vauban, is evident in the presence of community gardens and energy-efficient residences. Hiking routes and nature conservation trips are among the environmentally friendly activities available in the neighbouring Black Forest.

5. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is a leader in renewable energy, with nearly 100% of its power coming from geothermal and hydroelectric sources. Visitors can indulge in eco-friendly activities such as soaking in natural hot springs or exploring volcanic landscapes. Sustainable whale-watching tours and locally sourced Icelandic cuisine are highlights for travellers who care about preserving the environment.

Holiday travel can be stressful, but smart planning and preparation can make it enjoyable. Booking in advance, traveling during off-peak times, and packing light are key. Be prepared for delays, stay organized, and utilize travel apps. Most importantly, practice patience and enjoy the journey.

Holiday travel is exciting, but sometimes it can get overwhelming. Crowded airports and the possibility of getting delayed in a long flight can bring stress. Do not let the noise and crowds ruin your holiday spirit. With simple hacks, you will be stress-free and filled with fun during Christmas and New Year trips. Here’s how to navigate the holiday rush like a pro.

Plan ahead, always

The earlier one starts planning, the smoother everything will be. Booking flights and accommodations with a good amount of advanced notice will get you more deals and avoid last-minute hassles. If you are driving somewhere, map out your trip and keep an eye out for traffic conditions. You’ll also want to make some sort of packing list for essentials like gifts, chargers, or medications early on.

Travel smart with timing

Traveling at the appropriate time makes all the difference. Flying or driving on a day or two preceding the peak holiday dates is going to save you loads of stress in terms of hours. Flights or drives during early mornings have fewer chances of getting delayed since airports are not usually bustling at dawn.

Pack light and efficiently

Packing light, especially during the holidays, is a game-changer. Many airlines are strict on how much luggage you are supposed to carry, and carrying too much can be tedious. Carry clothes that you can mix and match together. Packing cubes can organize your bag and save more space. If you’re carrying gifts, you can send them ahead of time instead of carrying them in your luggage.

Be prepared for delays

Holiday travel rarely goes off as planned and often brings along some surprising delays. It is therefore wise to be prepared for long waits with snacks, water, and entertainment like books or movies downloaded in advance. Your devices should never run low on power during such situations; therefore, a portable charger is essential. Flexibility is the key; mentally, prepare yourself for delays and don’t let them dampen your mood.

Stay organized

You can save a lot of stress when keeping all your travel documents in one place. You can have your tickets, IDs, hotel reservations, and other important papers kept in a travel wallet or even in a digital app. Before you leave, double-check your bookings so everything is in order. For international travel, confirm your passport validity and visa requirements.

Make the most of technology

Travel applications can be lifesavers in the holiday season. Flight tracker apps can update you on the actual schedule and delays. On the other hand, navigation apps can help you avoid traffic jams, while hotel apps can assist in last-minute bookings. In addition, you should sign up for airline or hotel alerts to be informed of changes or special offers.

Practice patience and kindness

Everyone is stressed, whether they are travellers or airport staff during the holiday rush. A little bit of patience and kindness go a long way. Be pleasant to fellow travelers and thank the staff when frustrated situations arise. Attitudes can make a trip full of stress, memorable instead of frustrating.

Enjoy the journey

Remember that the holidays are times for joy and togetherness. Do not let travel stress overshadow all the magic in the air. Keep your eyes focused on the destination and on memories with loved ones. The right mindset and smart hacks can make your holiday travels fun and stress-free.

Happy holidays and safe travels!

Hong Kong-based naturopaths explain how to make your next trip safe and stress-free, from packing for emergencies to getting over jet lag

Those planning to travel during the year-end holiday season should take the necessary steps to ensure their trip is a safe and relaxing one.

These travel tips from Hong Kong-based health experts will help you and your travel companions stay healthy and happy and get the most out of your time away in this busy period.

1. Take care of yourself before you go

Besides keeping your immune system strong with balanced meals, regular exercise and good-quality sleep, avoid consuming alcohol in the weeks leading up to your trip.

“Alcohol is dehydrating and can make you feel irritable, give you brain fog and cause problems from heartburn and migraines to anxiety and skin inflammation,” says Ally van de Pol, a health coach and naturopath at Hong Kong wellness centre Dragon Fitness, Coaching & Healing.

Monica Xu, a naturopath at the Integrated Medicine Institute in Hong Kong, recommends taking multivitamins and minerals with zinc throughout the year to bolster the immune system.

2. Pack health essentials

If you fall ill on holiday, it helps to have herbal remedies at hand in dried form, extracts or supplements. Xu says to take them once you start feeling under the weather.

Echinacea, olive leaf extract and astragalus, for example, may shorten the duration of a cold or flu and reduce the severity of symptoms.

If you are not a fan of herbs, Xu recommends N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a supplement with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that helps clear congested sinuses and relieve upper respiratory symptoms.

For stomach discomfort caused by spoiled or tainted food, van de Pol says activated charcoal may be effective as it absorbs toxins in the stomach.

Herbs such as barberry (Berberis vulgaris), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and lobelia, and fennel and garlic, may also help. Irish moss and slippery elm are good for soothing the digestive tract.

Xu says those with chronic health conditions should remember to pack their medications – with enough for a few extra days in case of a delayed return – and learn in advance about the healthcare options at their destination in case of an emergency. Remind any travel companions to do the same.

A survey of 2,000 Americans by Talker Research in August found 18 per cent had forgotten to take their medication on a trip.

The US-based ConsumerMedSafty.org recommends packing medicines in your carry-on luggage, in their original packaging.

Take a list of your medicines along with your doctor’s contact details and those of your pharmacy in case they are lost, confiscated or forgotten and you need to replace them.

The group notes that some medicines go by different names in different countries, and that a product with the same name as the one you need could be a completely different medicine.

Hand sanitiser or sanitising wipes are a must to minimise the spread of bacteria and viruses when travelling in and around busy places.

3. Have a comfortable flight

When it comes to long-haul travel, your sleep will be affected whatever you do, but a few things can help.

Eat only lightly or not at all during flights to minimise stomach upset and bloating, van de Pol says.

She also recommends avoiding alcohol while flying or in transit. A couple of drinks may send you to sleep but you will probably wake up feeling terrible.

“Bring a neck pillow and a change of clothes to sleep in, and clean your teeth, wash your face and moisturise before getting some rest,” she adds.

Wearing socks will keep your feet warm. For those worried about ankle swelling because of fluid build-up, van de Pol says compression socks can help increase circulation.

If you are at risk of developing blood clots in your legs – risk factors include obesity, smoking, age, genetics and use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy – ask your doctor about using compression socks.

“When you’re not sleeping, get up and walk around, or do squats, calf raises or lunges in the cabin aisle,” van de Pol says.

4. Get your sleep schedule on track

The sleep disruptions that commonly go hand in hand with travel can affect your circadian rhythm and weaken your immune system, according to a 2020 study published in the journal JCI Insight.

A recent study by the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom found that disruptions to our body clock, such as from jet lag, can affect metabolism – how the body converts food and drink into energy. So getting enough good-quality sleep, even on holiday, is key.

For those who have trouble sleeping in a new environment, Xu recommends sleep aids such as magnesium glycinate. Magnesium is an essential nutrient and the glycine component helps calm the nervous system.

Melatonin can also be useful, although Xu says for some it may cause a hangover-like sensation upon waking, or they may wake up too soon after taking it.

“Start with a low dose of 1mg or 2mg to help you get to sleep. You can always add another dose if you wake up in the middle of the night,” she says.

Ashwagandha is an alternative to melatonin. This natural herb helps you fall asleep and stay asleep but will not leave you feeling hungover on waking, Xu says.

Try sleep aids ahead of your trip to see what works, but consult your doctor first; ashwagandha is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you would rather not take supplements, create or download a music playlist of slow and relaxing songs to get you in the right head space before bedtime. To get started, consider the Sleep Well playlist from The British Academy of Sound Therapy on Spotify.

5. Eat well, eat safe

“Read the menu before ordering. Pick dishes that include a detailed description of the ingredients and possible allergens,” Xu says.
Fill your plate with unrefined or minimally processed carbohydrate-rich foods such as fruit, starchy vegetables, wholemeal bread and pasta, brown rice and oats, to maintain healthy energy and blood sugar levels. These foods are also high in fibre, which keeps you regular.

To minimise the risk of food-borne illness, Xu recommends eating cooked food instead of raw food. Wipe down eating utensils before using them, as they may harbour bacteria.

If you do get a mild case of the runs, stay calm. Switch to bland foods like rice, boiled potatoes, bananas, plain toast and clear soup for a day or so until it runs its course.
Avoid snacking on cookies and sweets, which may cause your blood sugar to spike and crash, leaving you tired and hungry, Xu adds. Instead, snack on nuts and other nutrient-dense foods.

Stay hydrated. If you are not a habitual water drinker, van de Pol suggests setting an alert on your phone to remind you.

6. Stay active

Do not take a holiday from fitness. Take up activities that you regularly enjoy, such as walking or swimming, or try something you cannot do at home, such as skiing or snowboarding if you are from a warm climate.

You can also do simple exercises in your hotel room, says van de Pol. A suspension trainer and bands are lightweight and easy to pack and use, or you can do squats or lunges and use water bottles as weights.

7. Keep travel stress at bay

Travelling can be unpredictable and not everything always goes as planned. It can also feel overwhelming, especially if you have multiple flights and a packed itinerary. If you are prone to anxiety, Xu recommends prioritising rest, scheduling plenty of down time and being flexible.

It is all about making the best of the trip, she says, so try not to worry about what you cannot control, and deal with setbacks as they come.

What to do — and not do — before and during your maiden voyage

1. Prebook activities before you leave home

If you’re determined to enjoy a particular shore excursion, spa service, class or specialty restaurant, book them in advance. “Reservations onboard book quickly — especially during high-traffic times like spring and summer breaks and the holiday season,” says Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor of CruiseCritic.com. An added benefit: You can budget more accurately if you book early, as opposed to making spur-of-the-moment purchases onboard. Note that excursions can be expensive, says Deb Pfeifer, author of Cruising With Confidence: How to Be a First Time Cruiser Without Looking Like One, so make sure to check the price before reserving. “You can spend $29 for a tour of the city or $599 for a bear-watching trip,” she says.

2. Plan to arrive at your departure city a day or more before the cruise

Your ship may leave in late afternoon, but a delayed flight or heavy traffic is not a fun way to start your vacation. If you are late, the ship will leave without you.

3. Pack a carry-on bag

Typically, you’ll board the ship well before your luggage reaches your cabin, so pack any necessities — medication, important documents, phone chargers — in a carry-on bag. If you’ve got room, include items like bathing suits and sunscreen so you can immediately jump in the pool or soak in the sun without having to wait for your other bags.

4. Switch your cellphone to airplane mode

International roaming rates can cost hundreds of dollars, even if you don’t make a call, so switch to airplane mode or contact your cell carrier about travel-worthy phone plans. “Many a passenger has come home to an outrageous cellphone bill because they didn’t understand how it worked on a cruise ship,” Pfeifer says.

5. Don’t assume the cruise is all-inclusive.

Cruise fares typically cover the cabin, meals, onboard activities and entertainment. Expect to pay extra for drink packages, gratuities, internet, shore excursions, taxes and port charges. “All combined, that could add up to hundreds of dollars more than your base fare,” McDaniel says. “For cruisers who aren’t familiar with added fees, there’s often a bit of sticker shock when it’s time to settle the bill.” Her advice: Contact the cruise line before you set sail to better understand what’s included in your fare — and what’s not.

6. Pace yourself

Each day you’ll receive a copy of the ship’s newsletter with scheduled activities and events. The options can be overwhelming — movies, dance classes, arts and crafts, seminars, comedians, bands, shows — not to mention time for meals, swimming and sunbathing. Wondering how to fit it all in? You won’t, so mark your top choices. You don’t want to end your cruise feeling like you need a vacation.

7. Understand automatic gratuities

In the past, passengers placed cash tips in envelopes and delivered them to staff at the end of the trip. Today, most cruise lines use an automatic gratuity system. Gratuities are pooled and distributed among the housekeeping and dining crew, as well as to staff providing behind-the-scenes support. Bar and spa staff members rarely share in the automatic gratuities, so tips are added when you’re served. Whether you’re ordering a martini or enjoying a massage, expect an automatic 15 to 18 percent gratuity.

8. Watch the clock

Some ports are in different time zones than the ship’s clock, so make sure the times match. Passengers are usually required to be back on board 30 minutes before the ship’s departure. And the ship won’t wait if you’re late!

9. Don’t take food off the ship

If you’re planning a picnic lunch and using the ship’s food while you’re in port, forget it. Fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, nuts and seeds, and even baked goods aren’t allowed off the ship, Pfeifer says. “Certain ports have dogs checking every single backpack, bag and purse, just to be sure,” she says. Stick with prepackaged and sealed snacks, such as granola bars.

10. Relax and enjoy

Pfeifer’s motto? “A bad day on a cruise ship is better than a good day at work!”