Did you know? Studies show that being active outdoors can reduce stress and promote well-being. Especially on vacation, many people find it easier to consciously unwind, let go of their routines, and take time for exercise, deep breathing, and rest.

Hotels with daily yoga programs

OCEANO Health Spa Hotel – Tenerife, Spain

Located on Tenerife, right on the Atlantic Ocean, the OCEANO Health Spa Hotel enjoys pleasantly long summers. Here, yoga is practiced in the light-filled studio or on the rooftop terrace, accompanied by sea breezes and sweeping ocean views. During the summer, guests can enjoy the outdoor morning program, “Awakening by the Sea.” In addition to yoga, the program includes fitness, stretching, and relaxation exercises.

• More information about OCEANO’s yoga offerings and the Yoga Escape Special
  

Tip: The OCEANO is a great choice for solo (female) travelers. If you’re planning to travel alone, you’ll find plenty of like-minded people here.

LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel – South Tyrol, Italy

The adults-only LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel in Naturns offers plant-based cuisine and a focus on relaxation and mindfulness. One particular highlight in summer: the outdoor yoga deck surrounded by greenery. Set amidst a garden, natural swimming pond, and mountain backdrop, daily yoga sessions take place here and come included with your stay.
The yoga program (back yoga, Hatha yoga, or yoga flow) begins as early as 7:15 a.m. and lasts until 8:30 a.m., and silent and sound meditations, mindfulness walks, and Yin yoga are offered in the evening.

• Learn more about the yoga classes at LA VIMEA
  

ADLER Lodge RITTEN – South Tyrol, Italy

A new highlight awaits here: In 2026, the ADLER Lodge RITTEN built a new yoga pavilion nestled in the heart of the South Tyrolean mountains. Thanks to its large, openable windows, the indoor and outdoor spaces blend together seamlessly, keeping nature ever-present.

“Many yoga sessions are also moved outdoors in the summer,” reports the hotel. Daily sessions featuring elements of Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin Yoga, and Ashtanga are offered. The “Yoga Morning Stretch” is offered from 7:30 to 8:20 a.m. Advance registration is required, and the session is free of charge.

• Click here for more information and the schedule for the weekly yoga program at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN.

ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA – Sicily, Italy

Are you looking for somewhere warmer than South Tyrol? Would you rather stay by the Mediterranean than in the Alps? At the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, yoga is also a regular part of the weekly program. Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean landscape and close to the sea, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga sessions are held regularly—some outdoors and even on the beach—at various times, including in the afternoon or early evening.

• Click here for the weekly program at the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA.
  

Tip: The resort also offers childcare services.

Gili Lankanfushi – Maldives

A “Wellness Package” featuring daily sunrise yoga will be available in the idyllic Maldives until December 2026. The package also includes a private session with the “resident yoga master.”

• Here, you can learn more about the Gili Lankanfushi Wellness Package, which includes yoga, and view prices and dates.

Yoga retreat in summer 2026

If you’re looking for a particular type of retreat, we have a few options for you here:

Hotel Das Rübezahl – Allgäu, Germany

The Hotel Das Rübezahl offers yoga amidst the Allgäu mountain landscape. The hotel, located in Füssen (with a view of Neuschwanstein Castle), also includes two mountain huts. At Rohrkopfhütte, the hosts have built a “yoga platform” with a fantastic view that guests are welcome to use.

There are also three yoga retreats this summer, which include outdoor sessions by the lake or in the mountains:

• Summer Light Yoga Retreat featuring Vinyasa and Yin Yoga (June 12–14, 2026)
• Back Health & Balance Retreat (June 26–28, 2026)
• Yoga & Resilience Retreat (July 17–19, 2026)

Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel – South Tyrol, Italy

At the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel, the summer retreats combine yoga, mountain scenery, and plant-based cuisine. Sessions are held indoors and outdoors with views of the Dolomites, and are complemented by hikes and wellness activities.

The retreats are led by Marnie Spögler, a Canadian yoga teacher, among others. We introduce her in more detail in this blog post about yoga teachers who are also hosts.

• July Yoga Retreat: Somatic Embodiment Yoga, Vinyasa, Hikes, and an Overnight Stay at a Mountain Cabin (July 19–25, 2026)
• August Yoga Retreat: Vinyasa, Yin, Somatic, and Restorative Yoga (August 24–28, 2026)

Please note: The August retreat is already fully booked—however, those interested can sign up for future dates.

Puri Dajuma – Bali, Indonesia

Nestled among tropical gardens, rice paddies, and the sea, Puri Dajuma will offer its new “Sacred Sanctuary Retreat” for the first time in summer 2026. This eight-day program includes yoga, Balinese rituals, and stays at two locations in western Bali.

Guests will practice yoga in the mornings and afternoons, first with a view of the rice fields and later right by the sea. The program also includes Balinese massages, hikes, cultural ceremonies, and regional cuisine.

• Dajuma Sacred Sanctuary Yoga Retreat (8 days / 7 nights; available on various dates)

Hotel Korinjak – Island of Iz, Croatia

At the Hotel Korinjak, yoga is an integral part of your stay, included in the room rate. Sonja Jakšić has led the sessions for more than 20 years and guides them according to the island’s natural rhythm.

In early summer, sessions often take place right by the sea, and later in the summer, they are held under shady pine trees accompanied by the scent of the trees and the sound of cicadas. The classes primarily focus on gentle Hatha yoga for all experience levels. The following retreats are also offered:

• Gokul Yoga Retreat (May through June 7, 2026)
• Ivica Pađen – “It’s never too late for yoga” (through June 27, 2026)
• Lea Lončar Yoga Retreat (June 27 to July 4, 2026)
• Gabriele Yoga Retreat (July 4 to 11, 2026)
• Shakti Dance® Yoga Retreat with Nataša Siri Amrit (July 5 to 10, 2026)

Other Green PearlsⓇ hotels offering outdoor yoga classes this summer

Relais del Maro – Liguria, Italy

The Ligurian Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro does not offer regular yoga classes at the hotel, but yoga instructor Aimee Denkman’s “Healing Arts Garden” is just a few minutes’ walk away. There, she offers classes and sessions in various yoga styles several times a week, always surrounded by Mediterranean nature.

• Information about the summer yoga program at the Healing Arts Garden in Borgomaro.
  

My Arbor – South Tyrol, Italy

Built on stilts among the trees, My Arbor uniquely blends the forest and wellness. In the summer, the program includes forest yoga, forest bathing, and outdoor morning breathing and meditation sessions.

• Click here for the weekly program at My Arbor
  

Naturhotel Outside – East Tyrol, Austria

Located in the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park, Naturhotel Outside offers outdoor yoga sessions once a week in the summer—for instance, by the natural pool, under the large lime tree in the garden, or on the yoga deck.

The combination of mountain air, water, and tranquility makes these sessions especially relaxing.

• Visit the Naturhotel Outside website for more information.
  

Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa – Berchtesgaden, Germany

In the summer, yoga classes are held in the outdoor pavilion of the Klosterhof, surrounded by greenery with a view of the Berchtesgaden mountains. The classes primarily focus on Hatha yoga, which is ideal for beginners. The schedule can be found in the weekly guest program.

• More information about Yoga at the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa
  

Megasaray Club Belek – Turkey

The family-friendly Megasaray Club Belek Resort on the Turkish Riviera offers beach yoga right by the sea. While children are being looked after or participating in the vacation program, parents can practice yoga on the beach—accompanied by the sound of the waves.

• Learn more about the spa and wellness offerings, including yoga, at the Megasaray Club Belek.
  

Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Resort – Tyrol, Austria

The Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Resort also offers outdoor yoga sessions, weather permitting – with a view of the Tyrolean mountains.

• Learn more about the yoga classes at the Stanglwirt here
  

Hotels for independent yoga retreats and unique yoga locations

“While we don’t offer guided yoga classes, we do have what might just be the most beautiful spot for your own practice,” says host Klaus Pichler of the Hotel Weihrerhof. “Our dock right on the lake. Early in the morning, when the sun rises over the water and everything is still, a natural space for movement, breath, and mindfulness emerges. No class, no program—just the lake, light, and tranquility.”

OLM Nature Escape – South Tyrol, Italy

The OLM Nature Escape in Arnthal, South Tyrol, also describes itself as a great place for yoga practitioners. The suites include a designated yoga area (complete with a mat), and the Wild Garden offers “many quiet spots for outdoor yoga and meditation.” There is also a dedicated yoga room.

Naturresort Gerbehof – Lake Constance, Germany

The Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance attracts many guests who are interested in alternative healing methods. The resort offers fasting retreats, wellness programs, and bioenergetic massages. Yoga enthusiasts enjoy practicing in the stone circle or outdoors in the garden. Yoga mats are provided upon request.

Yoga at hotels committed to sustainability

Summer 2026 offers plenty of opportunities to rediscover the joy of outdoor yoga, whether at a retreat, during a morning session by the sea, or on your own on a wooden deck by the lake. What sets Green PearlsⓇ hotels with yoga programs apart is their commitment to nature. On the hotel websites, you can learn how each hotel is dedicated to organic cuisine, renewable energy, species conservation, waste reduction, and more.

After all, when you practice yoga in nature, you’ll truly appreciate how beautiful and worthy of protection the natural world is.

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Why Turkey fascinates so many travelers

Turkey has been one of the world’s most popular travel destinations for years, and for good reason. For one, it brings together many different landscapes, cultural influences, and travel experiences within a small area. The country’s diversity is evident from its 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 48 national parks alone.

The region, located between Europe and Asia, has long been a hub for trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Remnants of this history are still evident today in the region’s cities, architecture, cuisine, and everyday life.

At the same time, Turkey is a country of contrasts:

One morning, you’re in a bustling metropolis like Istanbul, surrounded by mosques, markets, and modern cafés. In the afternoon, you’re swimming in the Mediterranean Sea or hiking through ancient ruins. A few days later, you’re exploring rugged mountain landscapes and vast plateaus.

This diversity makes Turkey appealing not only for classic beach vacations but also for other types of travel.

• Cultural tours with a historical focus
• Tours through different regions
• Active vacations, such as hiking, sailing, or cycling
• Deliberately slower trips, with more time spent in one place
• Culinary tours that showcase the diversity of Turkish cuisine

Opening question: Is it even politically “correct” to take a vacation in Turkey?

In Germany, Turkey’s political leadership, namely Erdogan, is very unpopular. You often hear people say that they won’t travel to Turkey so as not to support the “regime.”

In the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Prof. Dr. Harald Zeiss (who specializes in sustainability and international tourism) refutes these claims, arguing that, particularly in Turkey, the money does not flow into the coffers of those in power but rather into the pockets of people whose livelihoods depend on tourism.

Zeiss does not believe tourists should engage in know-it-all politicking or punish people for their governments. Instead, he emphasizes that travel is an exchange. In other words, it is more beneficial for tourists to bring their personal ideas about democracy and seek dialogue with local people..

Experience Diversity: Regions, Landscapes, and Types of Travel

As you travel through Turkey, you’ll quickly realize that there’s no such thing as “Turkey” in the strict sense. Each region has its own unique landscape, culture, and cuisine.

The Turkish Riviera: More than just a beach vacation

For many, a trip to Turkey starts on the Mediterranean coast. Unfortunately, most visitors don’t venture beyond the beach. However, the Turkish Riviera, particularly the areas around Antalya and Belek, has much more to offer than a typical beach vacation.

Oguz Mazlum from the Megasaray Club Belek, a Green Pearls® partner near Antalya, has shared some tips about the area with us. Thanks to its mild climate, the region is worth visiting almost all year round, especially for active travelers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Even beyond that, there are plenty of ways to explore the area away from the beaches.

Active adventures between the coast and the mountains

• Many flat coastal stretches that are perfect for leisurely bike rides
• Long walks on the beach with breaks for swimming
• Trips to the nearby Taurus Mountains for hiking, mountain biking, or rock climbing
• Natural and cultural attractions, such as waterfalls and historic structures (e.g., Roman aqueducts).

Culture, Markets, and Crafts

It’s also worth exploring the towns and villages around Antalya, even those beyond the coast. Markets and small workshops offer a glimpse into traditional crafts:

• Handcrafted knives, metalwork, and blacksmithing
• Textiles and woven goods with regional patterns
• Everyday items, many of which are still produced locally

By buying directly from producers, you support local livelihoods and help preserve traditional craftsmanship.

A hotel recommendation for the Turkish Riviera: Megasaray Club Belek.

With the addition of the Megasaray Club Belek, the Green PearlsⓇ network now includes a Turkish all-inclusive resort for the first time. The GSTC-certified resort strives to make your stay more sustainable through a wide range of initiatives.

Located right on the beach, it combines classic all-inclusive amenities with initiatives designed to minimize resource consumption. These include:

• Solar energy from their own solar farm
• More mindful use of water and energy through monitoring and conservation measures
• Regional supply chains and producers
• Use of regional food products
• Promoting vegan alternatives
• Hiring and supporting local employees

The resort considers it important to introduce guests to Turkish culture, offering language courses, for example.

Istanbul: A metropolis spanning two continents

Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, and let’s be honest, it’s probably worth an entire trip. It’s easy to explore the city on foot, by ferry, or using public transportation.

Our editorial team’s favorite picks in Istanbul

With over 15 million residents, this city has just about everything. In addition to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, here are a few of our top picks for places you can explore:

#1 Turkey’s two most famous train stations are located in Istanbul: Sirkeci Station was the terminus of the Orient Express and features impressive Ottoman-style architecture. The Haydarpaşa Station, located on the Asian side, sits right on the waterfront and has long served as the gateway to Anatolia (it was built by a German architect)

#2 Rami Library: A former barracks, now a public library (opening in 2023). A place for students, locals, and anyone who wants to experience a quieter side of Istanbul.

#3 Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi: A traditional coffee roastery located near the Grand Bazaar. It’s the perfect place to buy authentic Turkish coffee to go (it also makes a great souvenir)

#4 Vegan Dükkan Restaurant: A small, modern restaurant and part of Istanbul’s growing vegan scene.

Ancient History and Natural Wonders in Turkey: Where World History Meets Extraordinary Landscapes

Turkey is rich not only in landscapes but also in history. Often, the two are surprisingly close together.

Ancient sites that bring history to life

Places like Ephesus (an ancient city on the Turkish Aegean coast, dating back to ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, now open as an open-air museum), Troy (the legendary city of antiquity, famous from *The Odyssey* and for Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Achilles), Pergamon (an ancient Greek city) or Göbekli Tepe (one of the earliest places of worship in human history) are among the most significant archaeological sites in the world.

These sites demonstrate the impact of various cultures from the Neolithic Age to antiquity. Depending on which part of Turkey you’re visiting, you should definitely include one of these historical sites in your itinerary.

Natural wonders and protected landscapes

In addition to its history and culture, the country is best defined by its natural beauty. If we were to list all the highlights, this blog would turn into a book! Here’s a brief overview of our favorites and highlights:

• Pamukkale: White travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal water — an enchanting place in shades of white and turquoise (a great backdrop for photos) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Cappadocia: Tuff landscapes, cave dwellings, and underground cities (have you seen those influencer photos with hot air balloons? They were taken there. Which doesn’t mean you should only go there for a photo…)
• National parks and protected areas: Turkey has numerous nature reserves with diverse ecosystems.

Our Green Picks:

• Adventure: Saklıkent National Park is famous for one of the deepest canyons in the world.
• Forest: Yedigöller National Park, featuring lakes, forests, and brown bears
• Mountains: Aladağlar National Park—a high-mountain region in the Taurus Mountains with glaciers and rugged peaks—ideal for (experienced!) mountaineers
• Birdwatching: Wetlands such as the Göksu Delta or the Kızılırmak Delta are considered important stopover sites for migratory birds. Depending on the season, you can observe flamingos, pelicans, or various birds of prey here

Important to note: Many of these areas are sensitive habitats for endangered species. To help preserve these habitats, stay on marked trails and keep your distance from animals.

• Read more about this topic in our blog posts: Animal Welfare While Traveling and Observing Wildlife on Vacation
  

Winter Sports in Turkey: An underrated destination

What many people don’t know: You can go skiing in Turkey. Regions like Erciyes near Kayseri have modern ski resorts with good infrastructure and relatively long seasons. On the volcanic Mount Erciyes, for instance, you’ll find wide slopes and sweeping views, as well as far fewer crowds than in the Alps.

Hotel Recommendation: Megasaray Mount Erciyes

The hotel is located right at the foot of the mountain and offers access to approximately 100 kilometers of ski slopes. In addition to classic winter sports, the hotel focuses on comfort and relaxation.

Like the Megasaray Club Belek on the Riviera, the hotel combines tourist offerings with a more conscious use of resources. For example, its location within the ski resort reduces the need for additional transfers, and its operational processes are more efficient.

Cuisine: Between Tradition and Modern Diversity

Turkish cuisine relies heavily on seasonal vegetables, legumes, and fresh herbs. Jenni, a blogger from Mehr als Grünzeug, describes her 2017 trip, noting that she initially noticed “meat, meat, meat,” but was pleasantly surprised to find that she could easily navigate the diverse selection of fruits and vegetables, even as a vegan. Markets play a central role in this. “In that climate, almost anything seems to grow,” she writes. Even bananas are grown locally.

Nearly ten years later, the culinary scene has evolved. In cities like Istanbul, for example, an increasing number of restaurants offer plant-based dishes or reinterpret traditional foods like lahmacun. Even baklava, which is traditionally made with butter and honey, is sometimes available in a vegan version and labeled as such.

What does Turkey taste like?

Many dishes are based on vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant, or bell peppers, combined with olive oil, garlic, and herbs like parsley, mint, or dill. Turkish dishes are often flavorful but not necessarily spicy. Typical are small appetizers, known as meze, which are often shared, accompanied by flatbread and yogurt as a refreshing side. Well-known dishes like Mante (handmade noodles with yogurt sauce), Dolma (stuffed vegetables), or Gözleme (stuffed flatbreads) are prepared very differently depending on the region—which is exactly what makes exploring the country’s cuisine so exciting.

Traveling to Turkey with a Conscious Mindset: Tips for arrival and mobility

Traveling to Turkey by train – the journey itself is part of the experience

Although it is possible to travel by train and bus, it takes a long time. From Central Europe, expect the trip to take around 40 hours or more—depending on the connections.

Examples of options include:

• Connections via Budapest or Sofia
• The Optima Express from Villach, which even lets you bring your car along.

Diese Art der Anreise ist weniger eine schnelle Option, sondern eher ein eigenes Reiseerlebnis.

Save the date: Travel from Paris to Istanbul on the Orient Express

Have you ever dreamed of riding the legendary Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul? This iconic route has been revived as a luxurious, nostalgic journey featuring original Art Deco train cars. The next departure dates have already been set.

• September 2026
• May 2027

You can book the train trip at Ameropa. At over 21,000 euros per person, this 6-day luxury trip isn’t exactly a bargain, but it’s certainly an unforgettable experience 😉

By plane – making more informed choices

For many of us, flying to Antalya or Istanbul is the most realistic option. There are a few things you can do here, too, to make the trip a bit more eco-friendly:

• Take direct flights to avoid additional takeoffs and landings, as well as short-haul flights (especially within Europe). Instead, use rail-to-fly options!
• Short transfers (e.g., 30–35 minutes to Belek) reduce emissions further.
• Share shuttles instead of taking individual transfers.
• Stay longer instead of taking several short trips.
• Offset emissions through reputable providers (as a final step)

Traveling more consciously in Turkey: General tips for your stay

• Choose to stay longer in one place rather than taking multiple vacations in Turkey each year.
• Support regional providers and producers.
• Choose accommodations based on specific measures, such as renewable energy, water-saving measures, and transparent supply chains.
• Avoid peak season and travel during off-peak season whenever possible.
• Visit natural and cultural sites respectfully, and be mindful of animals and plants.
• Discover local cuisine rather than favoring imported products and global chains.

Conclusion: (Re)discover Turkey in a new and more sustainable way

Turkey is close by, diverse, and full of contrasts. From coastlines and major cities to ancient sites and mountainous landscapes, there is an enormous range of travel experiences to be had.

If you take your time, look closely, and make thoughtful choices, you can experience the country beyond the familiar clichés and support the local people and regions.

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Der Beitrag Want to explore Turkey in a more sustainable way? Your Green Travel Guide to getting there, the regions, culture, and nature erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Is it possible to tell if a product is sustainable just by looking at the price?

The clear answer is: No, even though we humans tend to equate quality—and sustainability, for that matter—with a higher price. “What costs more is worth more” is a common misconception. And a look at current data confirms that it’s not that simple.

A 2025 study by the Federal Environment Agency shows that there is no clear correlation between travel costs and sustainability.

Sometimes, more sustainable trips are cheaper; other times, they are more expensive. There is no evidence of systematic price increases due to more sustainable measures, accommodations, or activities. This is primarily because sustainability accounts for only a small portion of total expenses. How you travel matters much more: shorter distances, different modes of transportation, and the accommodations you choose often influence the price more than sustainability factors themselves.

Especially interesting is that travelers for whom sustainability is a key factor actually spend less money per day, on average!

“The price isn’t the problem”

Professor Harald Zeiss (research focus: sustainable tourism) shares this view. For him, price is not a reliable indicator. He says gut feelings, such as the suspicion that arises when seeing a “green” 500-euro trip and thinking “something’s not right here,” can be misleading.

Low prices aren’t always the result of poor conditions and indifference toward the environment; sometimes they stem from political or economic factors, such as when countries actively promote tourism.

All-inclusive resorts are not automatically unsustainable either. A large portion of the money often stays in the country. Employees are paid, and in the best-case scenario, food is sourced locally.

With the addition of the Megasaray Club Belek on the Turkish Riviera, Green PearlsⓇ now includes an all-inclusive resort. At first glance, you see a massive hotel complex with every amenity imaginable: plenty of pools, a spa, various restaurants, fitness and sports facilities, and a beach. However, the resort’s commitment to sustainability becomes clear upon further inspection: electricity comes from its own solar park, regional products are sourced, green spaces are largely planted with native, drought-resistant plants, and employees are treated fairly and paid well.

• If you’d like to learn more about their sustainability efforts, you can find them listed under “Green Initiatives” on the Megasaray Club Belek microsite.

So, what is our conclusion? Just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s unethical. And expensive does not necessarily mean sustainable.

But…

… is it really as simple now as looking for the cheapest deal and heading off on vacation? Not quite. Price can certainly be a clue, especially if it’s extremely low for what’s included. For example, consider the €500 package tour that includes flights and all-inclusive meals. But what counts as “extremely low,” and what’s reasonable? To find out, we reached out to hoteliers in the Green PearlsⓇ network and gained interesting insights into how prices are calculated in the hospitality industry.

What factors determine the price of a vacation package?

(Unsurprisingly), a large portion of the cost of a vacation goes toward paying people a fair wage.

Marion Muller from the SANDcollection explains:

“The most significant cost factor is labor costs, followed by the cost of goods sold—that is, food, materials, and products.”

When an offer is extremely cheap, this is often where the low price originates. In other words:

• Lower wages for employees
• Cheaper or imported food
• Simpler, cheaper materials
• Lower quality service and facilities

Host Marion believes that responsibility comes at a price. This belief is reflected in the accommodations, such as the quality of the materials, food, and working conditions. At SANDnature on the German Baltic Sea coast, for instance, guests sleep on handmade (and therefore quite expensive) COCO-Mat beds made from natural materials, enjoy regional organic products for breakfast, and the staff are paid fairly and receive a wide range of benefits and training.

For that reason, Marion Muller does not offer “dumping prices.” Nevertheless, a night’s stay with breakfast at SANDnature starts at just 99 euros—a bargain for such a popular vacation spot as Timmendorfer Strand on the Baltic Sea.

An overview of the main price components for your vacation

The price of a trip usually consists of several components:

• Transportation (air, rail, and transfers — often one of the biggest cost drivers in terms of both price and sustainability)
• Accommodation & Infrastructure (buildings, maintenance, energy, water)
• Staff (service, kitchen, housekeeping, and management—one of the biggest cost drivers in a hotel)
• Food & Supplies (regional vs. imported, organic vs. conventional)
  Sustainability measures (e.g., waste management, certifications, and training)
• Occupancy and business model (quantity versus quality, seasonal fluctuations, pricing strategy)
• External factors affecting price (e.g., government grants or subsidies, global events).

You can either cut costs or make strategic investments in each of these areas. So, when you see an extremely low-priced offer, ask yourself this simple question: In which area are they likely cutting costs to offer this price? Because, as the hoteliers in the Green Pearls® network agree:

The cost doesn’t disappear. It just gets shifted.

Hidden vacation costs: “Someone always ends up paying.”

Caroline Pescoll, the sustainability officer at ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges, says, “Very low prices often suggest that the real costs are being passed on elsewhere.” Sustainability also means paying fair wages, investing in environmental and climate protection, and supporting the local economy.

Johann Steinwender of Schloss Lerchenhof in Carinthia, Austria and the team at Croatian Hotel Korinjak agree: if prices were too low, they would be unable to uphold their commitment to fair labor practices and regional economic development.

“Responsibility comes at a price—not in the sense of being “expensive,” but in the sense of fair and realistic prices that support quality, sustainable business practices, and regional structures.” – Johann Steinwender, Schloss Lerchenhof

Fair wages and quality: Areas where compromises should not be made

As you now know, a large portion of travel costs goes toward staff. Food and other supplies are also major expenses for hotels. This is often where you can see how sustainable an offer really is.

Ursula Wagner of the Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance speaks of “appreciation”: for employees, high-quality food, and the work that goes into producing it. According to her, organic products, fair pay, and quality cannot be achieved at rock-bottom prices.

Alexander Thurm, the owner of Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region, agrees. “Extremely cheap trips can hardly be sustainable,” he says. In addition to fair wages and regional economic benefits, quality is also a factor. Opting for high-quality, durable products that are free of harmful substances is better for the planet, but it’s not cheap.ig.

Quantity over quality: The problem with the “cheap is best” principle

Low prices in the tourism industry often rely on the principle of “quantity over quality.” Marco Spiss of Summit Lodges Pfunds highlights this. His two vacation log cabins (each with a sauna and a fireplace) are nestled in the heart of the Tyrolean Oberland, a popular tourist region. Low prices are usually only possible through high occupancy rates and large volumes. The well-known consequence of this is overtourism. In an interview with us, Spiss discusses how overtourism threatens nature and how we can steer tourism in a more sustainable direction.

Ben Förtsch of the Hotel Luise in Erlangen is very clear about his position:

“Cheap all-you-can-eat-and-drink vacations tend to ruin tourist destinations rather than promote them. Being cooped up in hotel complexes with nothing but fresh air and sunshine, yet never venturing outside, cannot be the point of traveling. Going on vacation should be accessible to everyone. But that doesn’t mean flying should be so cheap. It doesn’t mean cheap, cheap, cheap.” – Benjamin Förtsch, Hotel Luise

Price is one factor to consider in the tourism industry, but it’s not the only one. When planning a trip or choosing accommodations, it’s important to understand the system behind it and pay attention to where your money goes. This is not just a matter of budget travel; it’s a universal principle.

The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb recommends the following approach:

“Instead of asking, “How cheaply can I travel?” ask yourself, “What impact do I want my trip to have?” – SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

“Travel deserves to be affordable”

The Relais del Maro also emphasizes: “Travel should be affordable, but not at the expense of the planet.” Built in the small village of Borgomaro in Liguria, the 4-star hotel is an “Albergo Diffuso.” This means that it is spread across several former residential and commercial buildings in the village. Here, tourism is part of the solution, not a problem. Tourism has prevented residents from leaving the countryside, and the empty buildings have been given new purpose. The village has been preserved.
Despite the sustainable renovation of the buildings and numerous initiatives focused on regionality and the environment, the Relais del Maro’s starting rates are well below the Italian average at 115 euros per night. According to Momondo, the average cost of a double room in Italy is between 159 and 220 euros per night.

Cheap travel at the expense of people and the environment: When should we worry?

Finally, we would like to point out that cheap travel deals can sometimes be a cover for scams or exploitation. According to the Consumer Advice Center, travel is the fourth most common topic in which consumers feel they have been deceived. For example, Oliver Buttler, a travel expert at the Baden-Württemberg Consumer Advice Center, told the Berliner Morgenpost that people repeatedly fall for fake offers. They book and pay for extremely cheap flights, only to later discover that these flights never existed.

This often happens through sites like Skyscanner or other third-party providers that do not accept liability for fraud. Therefore, Oliver Buttler recommends booking directly with the airline or accommodation provider. This ensures that the offers are legitimate.

Direct bookings are fair

At Green PearlsⓇ, a platform that clearly and transparently outlines a hotel’s commitment to social, environmental, energy, and food initiatives, we also recommend booking your stay directly on the hotel’s website.

This ensures that your money goes entirely to the accommodation (i.e., without any commission deductions). In some cases, the hotel will also reward you with a small extra (e.g., a welcome drink at the Relais del Maro, free parking at the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayrisch Gmain, or other benefits).

Red Flags with Low-Cost Offers

When booking a trip, the following factors should prompt you to do some research, especially if you prefer sustainable travel:

• Flight + Hotel + All-Inclusive at an extremely low price
• Unrealistically perfect photos + little real information
• Pressure (“only today,” “last seats available”)
• No information on the origin of food
• No transparency regarding working conditions

We also recommend avoiding tour operators or platforms that promote extremely unsustainable travel options, such as “fly to New York for a shopping weekend,” “skiing in Dubai,” or “elephant riding in Thailand.” Common sense can often help you determine if a travel option is responsible.

Taking responsibility for one’s own decisions

Ultimately, it’s not about the cost of your trip, but its impact. You can spend a lot of money traveling—there’s no upper limit. However, you don’t have to do that to travel more sustainably. You can choose an affordable hotel that supports the environment and the local community. At the same time, you can skip the cheap flight and buy the more expensive train ticket. The important thing is to make conscious travel decisions and not just go for the cheapest option.

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Der Beitrag How Sustainable Can Budget Travel Really Be? A reality check erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.