Now the real question is: how to reduce your impact when flying? First of all, I’d like to stress that cutting down our emissions is one of the only ways to fight climate change. So, before booking your next trip think mindfully about alternative transportation (think train, bicycle, etc). Each individual has his/her own carbon footprint which entails the emissions from our daily tasks, like doing the laundry or by driving. Traveling by plane is a huge contributor to the individual carbon footprint as well as to global warming. The second action you can take is to compensate your CO2-equivalent through funding a green project. This is called carbon offsetting.

This is how you can help:

For example: a KLM flight from Brussels to Accra only requires a 20 euros compensation.

There are many discussions about the effectiveness of carbon offsetting. Obviously, it is not the solution to climate change. It is however a way to raise awareness and a useful tool to start. The only way we’ll be able to fight the current climate issue, we have to cut emissions rather than compensate for them. For more resources on carbon offsetting and its effectiveness, please check the following articles on National Geographic and the Guardian.

Tourism is one of the biggest polluting industries in the world. But on the other hand, tourism creates jobs, income for host communities, infrastructural improvements, etc. Overall, if handled well sustainable tourism can improve the quality of life of host communities. Unfortunately, the current pandemic had a big impact on all activities within the industry. Let’s find a way to make this industry thrive again in a positive way.

More tips about sustainable travel over here. Cheers

The post Flying and its impact – Carbon Offsetting appeared first on Simply By Joy.

History

The abbey was birthed in 1146 when a small group of 17 monks initiated the establishment. As it grew in both size and wealth, but the French revolution let to its downfall. The abbey experienced all styles: from Gothic to Neoclassical… to destruction. Of course, as we can all agree, the ruins of the abbey along with nature and the hills behind it form a romantic scenery. Well, that’s what Victor Hugo thought as well!

Anyway, enough about the past – let’s jump into the now. 

The abbey today

The abbey is easily reachable, both by car (free parking!) and by public transportation (encouraged). Read more here. Tip: take your picnic along and eat it within the walls of the Villers Abbey – Picnic places are provided! 

Dogs are allowed too, as long as you keep them on the leash.

Hiking around the Abbey

This area does not only offer you to see the majestical ruins, but also nature. There are tons of walking routes around the abbey and I tested one of them: a 9,5-kilometer hike in the forest that surrounds the Villers Abbey. My friend found hiking inspiration through the Cirkwi app: not most user-friendly but it has amazing routes available.

Kind reminder: always stay respectful towards nature & heritage sites. Keep your dog on the leash, don’t liter and stay on the path.

Cheers!

More inspiration for the South of Belgium.

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Preparing yourself

• Read blogs & watch vlogs in order to get informed by likewise travelers. 
• Do a try-out trip 
• Choose your bike wisely 
• Make sure you get a comfortable saddle

On the road

• You should know it’s important to plan your day according to the amount of daylight (ex. difference winter-summer)
• It’s not a race. Like Katrien and Kobe say: “The kilometers per day is not what mattered to us; it’s the overall experience. And in the end, the distance you travel depends on yourself and your mood.“

Apps & websites

Accommodation

• Warmshowers: The perfect platform for people who are traveling by bike. According to Katrien and Kobe, the website works better than the app.
• Couchsurfing

Navigation

• Maps.me: Offers basic offline maps 
• OsmAnd: A bit more complicated than Maps.me to use but offers more in-depth (offline) information 
• iOverlander: finding camping spots & other points of interest

Communication

• Google translate: Offers a ‘translate by speech’ function and offline translations

Money

Find yourself a suitable budget-app that allows you to track the amount of money spend on certain necessities (for example Goodbudget).

Info about arranging visas

The website recommended by Katrien and Kobe is Caravanistan.com. There, you’ll find all the needed information and ongoing-forums for traveling to destinations on the Silk Road.

Anything to add? Contact me!

Feeling inspired? Check out the recent article about the adventure of Katrien and Kobe on the blog or learn more about sustainable travel.

The post Long term biking: tips appeared first on Simply By Joy.

Because, hey, we all like to travel from time to time. Look at the following steps as a helping hand for your next travels, or maybe just as useful tips to keep in mind during planning.

Minimize flying

Aviation is, unfortunately, the fastest-growing source of Green House Gas emission. We all know that not flying would be impossible but…

… (try to) choose direct flights

Most carbon emission comes from the act of ascending and descending airplanes. A big step would be avoiding connecting flights. A perfect example would be: flying from Brussels (Belgium) to Chengdu (China) with KLM Airlines. This track usually includes a connection in Amsterdam (the Netherlands). A solution could be: Take the high-speed train from Belgium (Brussels or Antwerp) to the airport in Amsterdam and then continue your flying journey. Think of alternatives such as coach travel, carpooling, or making use of high-speed trains.

Pay and ‘compensate’ your carbon emission

Initiatives such as Greentipper.com give you the opportunity to calculate your CO2-emission and pay for compensation. The money goes to climate projects that benefit nature/the environment. Conduct wise research or check if the airline you’re flying with provides the option when checking out.

Avoid business class

‘Why‘ you ask? People who fly business class leave a larger carbon footprint because they take up more floor space. I know what you’re thinking “but the business class-area is already provided. It isn’t going to change anything if I don’t fly in that class.” There is not much that I can say or do but give you the information and mention ‘change only starts with you.’

Say no to cruises!

Yes, I know how magical and extraordinary a cruise trip could be… But the impact of the cruise industry is SO DAMN BAD. I am sorry, but this is the hard reality. Cruise ships produce an incredible amount of solid and hazardous waste, which is dumped into the ocean and sea. Aside from the waste, there is also an enormous consumption of portable water, which -after consuming for several purposes- gets contaminated. Guess what happens with that? Yes, correct. It (also) gets dumped into the ocean and/or sea.

Further, regarding the social-economic impact, it’s important to know that tourists who arrive ashore usually do not contribute to the local economy as they have food and drinks on board. Mass tourism origination from cruises indirectly contributes to higher taxes and inflation for the locals.

Certifications for travel organizers

Many travel organizers are certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, which means that they conform with a set of criteria in their management, social-economic -, cultural -, and environmental impact. You can find these companies on the website of GSTC.

Animal Welfare – be critical

A photograph of you holding a tiger cub? Riding an elephant? Holding a snake? Cage-diving with sharks? Yes, it is all amazing and adventurous. But I am sure you and your moral compass know better than that. Obviously, there ARE sustainable wildlife tourism companies. But there are many that only seem to be. Please consider which company you invest your time and money in. Not all companies care much about the lives of an animal. Keep in mind that every interaction with animals, either in their natural habitat or not, will affect their well-being and their physiology.

Support local economies

In many countries, tourism causes the exclusion of local enterprises because of international intervention. Think of big hotel chains such as Hilton, The Marriott group, …. Try to find alternatives by staying at local hotels/residencies and making use of local tourism services. Further, I advise you to buy your souvenirs which are made by the natives. I mean… who travels to Poland, only to buy a souvenir that is actually made in a completely different country?

The tips mentioned above are rather a small portion of possible measures we can take to fight unsustainable practices within the tourism industry. Let’s stand together and help our beautiful world a hand. I (and many others) will be grateful! Thanks for reading.

More tips on traveling? Catch your (solo) travel bugs here. Looking for an alternative & sustainable way of traveling? Find inspiration by reading the story of Katrien and Kobe!

Peace and love!

The post Sustainable travel – who, what, how? appeared first on Simply By Joy.

From the airport of Vilnius to Klaipeda

The commute from Vilnius Airport to Klaipeda takes about 3 hours so I wouldn’t recommend taking a cab. However, you could get there by bus (or more specifically by minivan). I traveled with the company Ollex and had a good experience (tickets are bought online through their website). Once you reach the airport, you’ll walk out and head to your right. There you’ll find a small parking lot for the minivans that are used for this type of transportation.

1. Klaipeda and its beaches

My friends and I visited the Melnarage coast to watch the sunset. HIGHLY recommended! Getting there is rather easy as a public bus takes you right at the entrance of the beach. My local friend also recommends ‘Dutchman’s Cap’, as it shows a great forest and beach. There are lots of beaches to find north of the city, so go ahead and find your favorite one

2. Have dinner @ Friedricho pasažas

A picturesque street with a couple of cozy restaurants. During my trip, I passed by and stopped at the Gurman’s to get myself a delicious bun.

3. Second-hand shopping

I’m a real thrifter, and I minimalize my fast-fashion purchasing. Also in Lithuania, I felt like shopping so my friends and I went to visit the store Humana. I absolutely loved this store. It became one of my favorite second-hand shops of all time.
Address:
– Taikos pr. 29
– Turgaus a. 2
– H. Manto g. 36

4. Stroll along the Dane river

You wouldn’t be able to miss the Dane River. It’s the river that crosses the city and is connected to the Baltic Sea. Along the water, you’ll find a lot of cute restaurants, coffee bars, and shops.

5. Visit the Curonian Spit

The Curonian Spit is a peninsula located 10 minutes by boat from the border of Klaipeda city. The particular piece of land is still Lithuanian country and is bordering to Russia. The easiest way of getting there is by traveling by boat. There are two terminals. Visitors on foot and bike can go to the old terminal, which is the closest to the city. There, you can embark for only 1 euro. Once embarked, you’ll get to the island within 15 minutes.

I haven’t visited the following place myself but my local friend recommended to write about the Nida sand dunes. This area consists of kilometers of sand dunes which offers a beautiful landscape. Can’t give any tips on that, but it’s worth the try

Cheers!

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