Latest news with #ResponsibleTravel
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
I went to Italy for the first time and left with 5 big regrets
I took my first trip to Italy in October 2022, visiting Venice, Rome, and Milan. I made some mistakes when booking and planning my trip that made it less fulfilling. During the six-day trip, I regretted being an annoying tourist and visiting hot spots. I never thought I'd be that annoying tourist until one afternoon in Venice, Italy. I never imagined I would regret touring the Colosseum in Rome. I couldn't have predicted I'd feel sour about spending one night in Milan. But as I've learned as a travel reporter, I make mistakes every time I visit a new place. My first visit to Italy was in October 2022 during a two-week backpacking trip through Europe. I traveled by train to four countries and spent six days exploring three Italian cities — Venice, Rome, and Milan. I had an amazing vacation, but it could have been even more fulfilling and sustainable if I'd known a few things beforehand. Squeezing three cities into a six-day trip was my first mistake. With three destinations to visit in six days, my trip to Italy felt like a race. It started with a two-night stay in Venice, and before I knew it, I was off to Rome. Roughly 48 hours later, I was on the train to Milan, where I spent just one night before hopping on a train to another European city. Traveling too quickly made me feel like I was always rushing. Going all the way to Milan for a single night didn't satisfy me. If I had selected just one destination, I would have been more present during my trip — and more environmentally conscious. Justin Francis, cofounder of the UK-based sustainable vacation company Responsible Travel, previously told Business Insider that longer stays are better for the planet than quick visits. "Fewer but longer trips mean fewer air miles, more money in local hands, and you'll have a more relaxing trip, too," Francis said. I thought visiting in October would help me avoid crowds. I was wrong. Traveling to Europe in the summer doesn't seem like a good idea. During peak season, the continent's hottest destinations are overwhelmed with tourists. So I thought booking my trip in October, during shoulder season (the time between peak and off-seasons) would help me avoid long lines and obstructed views. Well, I was wrong. In Venice and Rome, I shuffled down cobblestone streets with pedestrian traffic jams. I dragged my feet over tourist-packed bridges. I viewed ancient sites like the Colosseum through the phone screens of people standing in front of me. It seems the word is out about shoulder season. So next time I go to Italy, I'll take a winter trip. In Venice, I shouldn't have booked my stay outside the city. Spending three nights in a castle for $360 was an offer I couldn't pass up. After all, it was a unique opportunity to sleep like a queen in the tower of Castello di Roncade, which was only a half-hour drive from Venice. Though my stay was marvelous and a steal for the price point, I felt regret after learning that daytrippers can worsen overtourism in places like Venice by adding to the crowds without spending on accommodations. By not spending the night in the city itself, I wasn't contributing as much as I could have to the local economy. I should have researched etiquette before my trip. When it comes to tourism etiquette, I was wrong to assume my own sense of common courtesy would serve me well. After a walking tour in Venice, I hoped to sit down for lunch, but all the restaurants I passed were packed. Hungry and hot, I eventually cut my losses and stood in line for gelato before sitting on a shaded step to enjoy it. As I was about to take my first bite, the nearby authorities waved their hands up and down at me — a gesture I could only take to mean "get up." And there I was, committing an etiquette violation that, according to the City of Venice, may result in a fine. If I could do it again, I'd be more aimless. In Rome and Venice, I had a rigid schedule. I booked tours and planned every hour of my day to see as many highlights as possible. Every place I ventured to was one I'd seen repeatedly in films and on Instagram. Seeing these famous places in person was fascinating, but I felt like I was missing out on a sense of wonder. When I got to Milan, I dropped the agenda and walked around the city in hopes of discovering something myself. It paid off. I stumbled upon a 15th-century castle I'd never seen on social media — Castello Sforzesco. Walking through the gate, I felt like I'd stepped into a fairy tale. Brick walls and towers lush with overgrown vines surrounded me. Exploring the grounds of this castle was more fulfilling than the gondola ride in Venice or the Colosseum tour in Rome. And I think that's because I wasn't expecting it. Next time I go to Italy, I'll make time to find more surprises. Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
I went to Italy for the first time and left with 5 big regrets
I took my first trip to Italy in October 2022, visiting Venice, Rome, and Milan. I made some mistakes when booking and planning my trip that made it less fulfilling. During the six-day trip, I regretted being an annoying tourist and visiting hot spots. I never thought I'd be that annoying tourist until one afternoon in Venice, Italy. I never imagined I would regret touring the Colosseum in Rome. I couldn't have predicted I'd feel sour about spending one night in Milan. But as I've learned as a travel reporter, I make mistakes every time I visit a new place. My first visit to Italy was in October 2022 during a two-week backpacking trip through Europe. I traveled by train to four countries and spent six days exploring three Italian cities — Venice, Rome, and Milan. I had an amazing vacation, but it could have been even more fulfilling and sustainable if I'd known a few things beforehand. Squeezing three cities into a six-day trip was my first mistake. With three destinations to visit in six days, my trip to Italy felt like a race. It started with a two-night stay in Venice, and before I knew it, I was off to Rome. Roughly 48 hours later, I was on the train to Milan, where I spent just one night before hopping on a train to another European city. Traveling too quickly made me feel like I was always rushing. Going all the way to Milan for a single night didn't satisfy me. If I had selected just one destination, I would have been more present during my trip — and more environmentally conscious. Justin Francis, cofounder of the UK-based sustainable vacation company Responsible Travel, previously told Business Insider that longer stays are better for the planet than quick visits. "Fewer but longer trips mean fewer air miles, more money in local hands, and you'll have a more relaxing trip, too," Francis said. I thought visiting in October would help me avoid crowds. I was wrong. Traveling to Europe in the summer doesn't seem like a good idea. During peak season, the continent's hottest destinations are overwhelmed with tourists. So I thought booking my trip in October, during shoulder season (the time between peak and off-seasons) would help me avoid long lines and obstructed views. Well, I was wrong. In Venice and Rome, I shuffled down cobblestone streets with pedestrian traffic jams. I dragged my feet over tourist-packed bridges. I viewed ancient sites like the Colosseum through the phone screens of people standing in front of me. It seems the word is out about shoulder season. So next time I go to Italy, I'll take a winter trip. In Venice, I shouldn't have booked my stay outside the city. Spending three nights in a castle for $360 was an offer I couldn't pass up. After all, it was a unique opportunity to sleep like a queen in the tower of Castello di Roncade, which was only a half-hour drive from Venice. Though my stay was marvelous and a steal for the price point, I felt regret after learning that daytrippers can worsen overtourism in places like Venice by adding to the crowds without spending on accommodations. By not spending the night in the city itself, I wasn't contributing as much as I could have to the local economy. I should have researched etiquette before my trip. When it comes to tourism etiquette, I was wrong to assume my own sense of common courtesy would serve me well. After a walking tour in Venice, I hoped to sit down for lunch, but all the restaurants I passed were packed. Hungry and hot, I eventually cut my losses and stood in line for gelato before sitting on a shaded step to enjoy it. As I was about to take my first bite, the nearby authorities waved their hands up and down at me — a gesture I could only take to mean "get up." And there I was, committing an etiquette violation that, according to the City of Venice, may result in a fine. If I could do it again, I'd be more aimless. In Rome and Venice, I had a rigid schedule. I booked tours and planned every hour of my day to see as many highlights as possible. Every place I ventured to was one I'd seen repeatedly in films and on Instagram. Seeing these famous places in person was fascinating, but I felt like I was missing out on a sense of wonder. When I got to Milan, I dropped the agenda and walked around the city in hopes of discovering something myself. It paid off. I stumbled upon a 15th-century castle I'd never seen on social media — Castello Sforzesco. Walking through the gate, I felt like I'd stepped into a fairy tale. Brick walls and towers lush with overgrown vines surrounded me. Exploring the grounds of this castle was more fulfilling than the gondola ride in Venice or the Colosseum tour in Rome. And I think that's because I wasn't expecting it. Next time I go to Italy, I'll make time to find more surprises. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business Insider
I went to Italy for the first time and left with 5 big regrets
I took my first trip to Italy in October 2022, visiting Venice, Rome, and Milan. I made some mistakes when booking and planning my trip that made it less fulfilling. During the six-day trip, I regretted being an annoying tourist and visiting hot spots. I never thought I'd be that annoying tourist until one afternoon in Venice, Italy. I never imagined I would regret touring the Colosseum in Rome. I couldn't have predicted I'd feel sour about spending one night in Milan. But as I've learned as a travel reporter, I make mistakes every time I visit a new place. My first visit to Italy was in October 2022 during a two-week backpacking trip through Europe. I traveled by train to four countries and spent six days exploring three Italian cities — Venice, Rome, and Milan. I had an amazing vacation, but it could have been even more fulfilling and sustainable if I'd known a few things beforehand. Squeezing three cities into a six-day trip was my first mistake. With three destinations to visit in six days, my trip to Italy felt like a race. It started with a two-night stay in Venice, and before I knew it, I was off to Rome. Roughly 48 hours later, I was on the train to Milan, where I spent just one night before hopping on a train to another European city. Traveling too quickly made me feel like I was always rushing. Going all the way to Milan for a single night didn't satisfy me. If I had selected just one destination, I would have been more present during my trip — and more environmentally conscious. Justin Francis, cofounder of the UK-based sustainable vacation company Responsible Travel, previously told Business Insider that longer stays are better for the planet than quick visits. "Fewer but longer trips mean fewer air miles, more money in local hands, and you'll have a more relaxing trip, too," Francis said. I thought visiting in October would help me avoid crowds. I was wrong. Traveling to Europe in the summer doesn't seem like a good idea. During peak season, the continent's hottest destinations are overwhelmed with tourists. So I thought booking my trip in October, during shoulder season (the time between peak and off-seasons) would help me avoid long lines and obstructed views. Well, I was wrong. In Venice and Rome, I shuffled down cobblestone streets with pedestrian traffic jams. I dragged my feet over tourist-packed bridges. I viewed ancient sites like the Colosseum through the phone screens of people standing in front of me. It seems the word is out about shoulder season. So next time I go to Italy, I'll take a winter trip. In Venice, I shouldn't have booked my stay outside the city. Spending three nights in a castle for $360 was an offer I couldn't pass up. After all, it was a unique opportunity to sleep like a queen in the tower of Castello di Roncade, which was only a half-hour drive from Venice. Though my stay was marvelous and a steal for the price point, I felt regret after learning that daytrippers can worsen overtourism in places like Venice by adding to the crowds without spending on accommodations. By not spending the night in the city itself, I wasn't contributing as much as I could have to the local economy. I should have researched etiquette before my trip. When it comes to tourism etiquette, I was wrong to assume my own sense of common courtesy would serve me well. After a walking tour in Venice, I hoped to sit down for lunch, but all the restaurants I passed were packed. Hungry and hot, I eventually cut my losses and stood in line for gelato before sitting on a shaded step to enjoy it. As I was about to take my first bite, the nearby authorities waved their hands up and down at me — a gesture I could only take to mean "get up." If I could do it again, I'd be more aimless. In Rome and Venice, I had a rigid schedule. I booked tours and planned every hour of my day to see as many highlights as possible. Every place I ventured to was one I'd seen repeatedly in films and on Instagram. Seeing these famous places in person was fascinating, but I felt like I was missing out on a sense of wonder. When I got to Milan, I dropped the agenda and walked around the city in hopes of discovering something myself. It paid off. I stumbled upon a 15th-century castle I'd never seen on social media — Castello Sforzesco. Walking through the gate, I felt like I'd stepped into a fairy tale. Brick walls and towers lush with overgrown vines surrounded me. Exploring the grounds of this castle was more fulfilling than the gondola ride in Venice or the Colosseum tour in Rome. And I think that's because I wasn't expecting it.
Daily Mirror
30-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits urged to avoid 'beautiful' tourist location that's 'killed' by crowds
Tourists have been warned to avoid the city of Dubrovnik in Croatia during the summer months, after holidaymakers have said the area has been 'killed' by huge crowds Brits jetting off to Croatia for their summer holidays have been warned about immense crowds that have dampened the spirits of some travellers. The travel advisory concerns Dubrovnik – renowned as a key filming hotspot for blockbuster hits like ' Star Wars ' and 'Game of Thrones'. However, it seems that Dubrovnik's allure extends beyond cinephiles and TV buffs, with early birds who've visited the city during peak season warning of overwhelming throngs that are tarnishing the charm of the locale. A Reddit user lamented the swarms of tourists, labelling them "insane" and indicating that Dubrovnik might only appeal to those who can "handle the crowds". The commenter said: "We did a lot of Croatia some summers ago, it was REALLY crowded! Not even the cities, but places like the Plitvice Lakes were insane; also very hot! But there is a reason they are all there, it is worth it if you can handle the crowds!" Despite its picturesque scenery and coveted coastline, Croatia is often knocked for being overpopulated, especially during tourist season. The experts at Responsible Travel offer advice on how to avoid the crowds of tourists in Dubrovnik, stating: "Anyone who's timed their holiday to Dubrovnik just wrong will know that sinking feeling of standing on the city walls, watching as a sixth cruise ship rocks up to the horizon. "Like Venice and Barcelona before it, Dubrovnik has become synonymous with over tourism." It's worth noting that the city now imposes restrictions on the number of cruise ships that can dock within a certain timeframe. The travel firm further clarified that the notion "tourism has ruined the city – or that you shouldn't visit at all – isn't quite right" as "Dubrovnik is still one of the prettiest cities in the world, spun with impossibly picturesque streets." However, they advised against visiting the city during the peak summer months. Responsible Travel continued: "Thanks to its location in the deep south of Croatia, Dubrovnik boasts some of the sunniest, warmest days in the country. "Summer sees six ships a day docking in Gruz port, families taking advantage of school and work holidays, crowded beaches and city streets rivaling Venice in terms of crowds. "Putting crowds aside, it's not always the best time to visit the Dalmatian Coast anyway. July and August see temperatures soaring to 28°C, which turns the city and beach crowds into a different kind of ordeal. "Activity holidays often take a break during this period; hiking in heatstroke conditions is no fun."
Euronews
18-05-2025
- Euronews
Is it ever okay to swim with wild dolphins?
Sarah Faith is a senior values writer at activist travel company, Responsible Travel. Few people on earth inspire us to stand up for nature like David Attenborough. The message from his new feature film, Ocean, is clear: the most important place for life on Earth is the sea. Many of us feel the pull to travel the world and experience these awe-inspiring marine ecosystems for ourselves. But knowing whether the choices you make are harming or helping the wildlife you are there to spot can be hard. Here, experts explain how to ensure your next holiday helps protect our precious marine habitats. You can, says Sophie Lewis, CEO of the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA), but don't underestimate the potential impacts and challenges of doing so. 'We have to remember that getting in the water with wild cetaceans (the collective term for whales and dolphins) can disturb really biologically important activities like feeding, nursing or resting,' she explains. If you choose to swim, you'll need to check it's legal in the location you are doing it in and be confident using a snorkel in deep, open water. Choose an operator that openly publishes the guidelines they follow to ensure the animals have control over the interaction and to keep you safe. These include making sure swimmers stay calm and still, not getting in front of the animals' direction of travel and being willing to back out of an experience if it's not suitable. Ultimately, she says, consider whether it's worth getting into the water in the first place. 'It shouldn't be underestimated what a special experience it is seeing these animals from a boat.' Researching before you book is key, says Lewis. Look for trips that stay at least 100 metres away from whales and 50 metres away from dolphins. There should also be limits on time spent with the animals and on the number of boats present. Lewis adds that 'being a responsible operator isn't just about best practice on the water, it's about positively contributing beyond that to the local environment and to local communities.' Look for locally-owned tour operators which support marine conservation projectsand those certified by the WCA or another marine wildlife organisation. A great place to start is the WCA's designated Whale Heritage Areas - communities committed to raising the standards of whale tourism, protecting ocean habitats, and celebrating their shared marine cultural heritage. In places like Madeira, the Azores and Tenerife, you can expect to find tour operators passionate about conservation governed by strict animal welfare regulations, as well as events or museums dedicated to the history of whales in the region. An eight-day holiday in the Azores withResponsible Travel, including up to five whale watching trips run by a marine wildlife specialist, costs from £835pp excluding flights. 'Responsible tourism is about finding a balance where the benefits can outweigh any negative impacts,' Lewis asserts. According to UK environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage, over 11 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year. Leave a smaller plastic footprint trip by holidaying in one of their designated 'Plastic-free Communities' – places with a shared commitment to reduce single-use plastics. Take home your litter (and any other litter you find), but leave natural souvenirs on the beach. 'As tempting as it is to pick up shells or coral, they're all vital parts of the ecosystem,' advises Lewis. 'It might seem like a small thing to you, but when you have hundreds of thousands of tourists every year taking one small thing, it adds up.' Anthony Saner is Director at NGOReef Conservation International, a charity working to protect the Belize Barrier Reef. He strongly encourages the use of reef-safe suncreams. 'Chemicals in sunscreen (most notably oxybenzone and octinoxate) kill developing coral, increase the bleaching of coral and damage the developing polyps.' And with 14,000 tonnesof suncream sliding off bodies into the sea each year, every squirt counts. Saner cautions that beach resorts can be devastating for beach ecosystems. So, before you book, find out how your hotel supports marine conservation and local communities, and what it does with its waste. In the wild, orcas can swim up to 225 kilometres a day, in social groups with complex languages and cultures. Captivity causes distress. 'Whales and dolphins can suffer from chronic stress from these restrictive spaces and artificial environments…and sadly this can lead to illness, aggressive or self-harming behaviour, and an early death compared to a natural lifespan', says Lewis. She recommends that anyone who cares about whales or dolphins should avoid visiting a marine park and instead try to see them in the wild with a responsible tour operator. Hit the beaches of Kefalonia or Zakynthos in Greece, Dalyan in Turkey or North Cyprus this summer, and you'll likely share space with nesting sea turtles. Observing them can be profound and educational, but their nesting process is very sensitive to disturbance. Visit with an experienced guide, steer clear of marked nests, avoid driving on the beach and don't touch hatchlings to make sure you aren't having a negative impact. ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, offers 45-minute beach walks at a number of nesting sites, including the popular Cretan beaches of Chania and Rethymno. You'll learn more about the turtles, their nesting behaviours and how to coexist with them responsibly. A record number of us chose to go on a cruise in 2024, but with issues ranging from whale strikes and water pollution to overtourism, these big ships' environmental and social records are pretty grim. According to theInternational Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), cruise ships emit more CO2 per passenger kilometre than flying and in 2022, the 218 cruise ships operating in Europe produced more sulphur oxides (a gas that harms tree growth and causes acid rain) than1 billion cars. If you want to explore on the water, look for small ships or expedition cruises that work to protect the marine environments they visit, use local guides and source food and drink locally. 'Our conservation work is funded solely through environmentally minded eco-volunteers. Without their help and funding, ReefCI would not be possible', says Saner. While Saner's guests volunteer for a week or more at a time, volunteering doesn't have to be the focus of your entire trip. You could join a local beach clean or take part in an ongoing citizen science project while on a whale watching boat trip. 'Researchers often don't have the funds to get out on the water every day,' Lewis explains, 'but these operators can contribute really valuable data, not only on populations but on the impacts tourists are having on those animals.'
