Can you still go on a long-distance trip with a good conscience? Today we show you why a trip to faraway countries is also worthwhile and how our local green pearls are working on various projects to ensure even more sustainability.

Flight shame

Two years ago, the term “flight shame” suddenly appeared everywhere. The term originated in Sweden and describes the queasy feeling some travelers have when they take off on a plane. In some cases, it has led people to choose alternative modes of travel. Of course, long-distance destinations are a hassle to reach without a plane. Research is already being conducted into alternative and more environmentally friendly fuels for aircraft. But as long as there is no real alternative, you can easily compensate the CO2 consumption of your flight. Either you make a compensation payment directly to the airline or to an organization like MyClimate or Atmosfair.

Tourism as a livelihood

Of course, it is good and important to think about how you will get to your destination. But a long-distance trip benefits local communities: For example, the local population usually lives from tourism and you as a traveler will additionally be sensitized to local problems. Our Green Pearls® hotels often are also involved in sustainable projects in their region. In this way, they take on an important role model function.

Commitment to the ocean

At Gili Lankanfushi, you’ll stay in spacious villas right on the water, and the ocean also plays an important role in the resort’s sustainable actions. Since 2014, the Coral Lines Project has been in place, with marine biologists working to advance the regeneration of endangered coral reefs. The hotel has also adopted its sustainability guidelines, which it consistently follows. The majority of staff are locals who receive on-site training and are promoted according to their skills. The resort also pays the salary of an English teacher at a Himmafushi school. There is a free ferry to Malé and Himmafushi for employees. Many groceries have to be brought to the island, but delivery distances are kept as short as possible, and you get fresh fruits and vegetables from the own garden.

Untouched nature in the Seychelles

Cerf Island Resort in the Seychelles also emphasizes local and seasonal organic foods. You’ll also be pampered with an authentic Creole experience at the hotel’s nature spa. The resort also offers you a good deal of great water sports activities. Explore the exciting aquatic world in the surrounding National Marine Park. The island is only 1.5 km long and just under 1 km wide and there is no road, here you can still enjoy untouched nature.

Sustainable from the start

The Tongsai Bay has an exceptional history because the founder of the hotel, Khun Akorn, was a real pioneer. As early as the 1980s, he took care not to harm nature when building the cottages and villas. When building the hotel, he spent several nights sleeping outdoors and thus selected the most beautiful spots. Today, his son and daughter-in-law continue to run the hotel on the Thai island of Koh Samui according to his vision. Many of the staff have worked at the hotel for 30 years, and 95% of the team is Thai. The hotel is involved in various social projects, the local animal shelter and a project that provides food to the homeless daily. So with your stay in this paradisaical place, you also support these important projects at the same time.

Traditional Morocco

Already, the journey to our next hotel is a little adventure. The Kasbah du Toubkal in Morocco can only be reached by foot and by mule from the mountain village of Imlil. The hotel is run by Berbers and located in the High Atlas Mountains. A true and authentic impression of traditional Moroccan life is awaiting you. The hotel is also a co-founder of the Education for all (EFA) project, which provides girls with free accommodation in school dormitories so that they have an opportunity to attend school. Families are often unable to pay for accommodation close to the school, and girls in particular are then denied access to education.

As you can see, there are many important reasons to think carefully about where and how you travel. Traveling to a faraway destination can be really enriching and supports the people in the region enormously.

Read more: SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS WHILE ON VACATION – WHERE IT’S POSSIBLE

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