October 2020

Camping, hiking, and pilgrimages can bring us closer to nature. These ways of travelling allow us to be self-determined, to travel to lonely places, in the middle of the wilderness and ‘close to nature’ and to ‘pitch our tents’ anywhere and at any time. However, as romantic and close to nature as these ways of travelling may seem, they can harm nature.

Here are a few tips on how to camp, camp out, hike and go on a pilgrimage in an environmentally friendly way.

CAMPING

Grab a tent and enjoy the freedom. Here are a few simple tips on how you can camp in an exceptionally environmentally friendly way so that we don't damage the beauty of nature.

WHERE TO CAMP?

Opt for a destination that is reachable by train or bike to reduce CO₂ emissions. Learn more about Sustainable Transport →.
Look for camping or glamping sites certified by organisations such as Green Key, EarthCheck, or LEED. These certifications ensure that the sites meet high environmental and sustainability standards.
Consider camping at a campsite or finding a place in the woods where you will not disturb wildlife.
Check in advance if there are special regulations or restrictions in your place of choice for camping in the woods/wild.
Browse the web to find providers that offer eco-camps in Europe. Here is a list to help you start: ecobnb.com, camping.info, ecocamping.de, thejollyturtle.co.uk, or canopyandstars.co.uk.

CAMPING EQUIPMENT

When packing your bags, bring only the necessary things and pack light.
Plan well to ensure you bring what you need to avoid over-purchasing on your trip.
Plan meals to avoid additional packaging and reduce food waste.
Bring Eco-Friendly Personal Hygiene Products →.
Bring lightweight cups and food containers to refill and reuse.
Visit local stores and farmers’ markets, a great place to shop for Local Produce → and Organic Groceries →.
Borrow and rent the missing items to save money and avoid buying new items for use only a few days a year.
- Ask family, friends, or neighbours to help out.
- Check out online shops and stores renting out their camping equipment.
- Browse second-hand platforms for offers.
- Platforms that offer equipment for rent: vaude.com, basecampeurope.com, rent-a-tent.uk, outdoorhire.co.uk, rent-your-camp.de (G), zeltstadt.at (G), outdoorverleih.com (G).

ECO-FRIENDLY CAMPING

Before leaving your camping site, clean up after you and ensure you leave no trace. Check out lnt.org for details.
Dispose of your waste correctly. Have some bags to transport your rubbish to the next bin.
Consider treating human waste properly: If bathroom facilities are unavailable, bring a portable toilet or bury your waste.

For further information, check out: irietoaurora.com, camping.info, rei.com, eco-age.com, veggievagabonds.com.

GLAMPING

Are traditional camping activities not for you? So it is glamping, maybe!? Glamping is a portmanteau of "glamorous" and "camping," which refers to a camping style with amenities and hotel-/ resort-style services. Glamping allows people to enjoy living close to nature without sacrificing modern life's comforts.
For more details, check websites such as canopyandstars.co.uk, glampinghub.com, laienhaft.com or wouldbetraveller.com.

hiking

We hold it with the Chinese philosopher Confucius, who said: "The way is the goal.” Do you have to travel somewhere first to start your holiday there? Maybe you can begin directly from home?

Where to hike?

Get started checking out your home country and neighbouring countries for hiking paths and options.
Next, here is a list of some aspects to consider when looking for the ideal destination:

Check out the following sources for sustainable hiking paths: europeanbestdestinations.com, bookyourtrail.com, and traildino.com.
To ensure your trip is truly eco-friendly, opt for a reachable starting point by bike, train, or bus.
Learn more about Sustainable Transport →.
When choosing your hiking destination, consider not following the mass as some hiking paths already suffer from mass tourism.
Many countries and areas have meticulously developed a network of paths; the routes are marked and sorted by degree of difficulty.
If you decide to take a guided tour, look for sustainable and local tour operators and book directly to ensure your money goes to the locals’ pockets

For more details on sustainable hiking, check out the following sources: earthtrekkers.com, hiking-europe.eu, eurohike.at, wanderbares-deutschland.de (G), lonelyplanet.com, veggievagabonds.com, and experiencingtheglobe.com..

Hiking equipment

If you do not have hiking equipment, prefer borrowing it from friends or renting it before buying.

Bring refillable containers and bottles.
If you go for a day trip, prepare a meal for your hike and bring it in a reusable container.
Also, do not leave any trash along the way. Consider getting a degradable bag to collect your waste and dispose of it once you come along a bin.
When shopping for equipment, prefer second-hand offers over brand-new pieces.
Platforms that offer equipment for rent: vaude.com, basecampeurope.com, rent-a-tent.uk, outdoorhire.co.uk, rent-your-camp.de (G), zeltstadt.at (G), outdoorverleih.com (G).

RESPECT THE (LOCAL) RULES

While hiking, ensure that the experience of nature does not become the destruction of nature and bother the locals; here are a few rules of thumb to keep in mind.

Leave no trace, i.e. do not leave anything lying around (check out lnt.org for many more details).
No touching, please. Take pictures, smell and view souvenirs only.
Here is more info on Sustainable Souvenirs →.
Stay on the marked hiking trails to ensure you do not disturb wild animals or damage local flora.
Plus, always stick to the trail to respect privately owned grounds.