Going green in Switzerland
When you’re travelling, how often do you think to yourself, I’m on holiday, why not?
Travelling often combines excess, overindulgence and waste. Maybe you’ve bought yet another plastic water bottle just to throw it out at the airport, or you’ve scooped those little hotel bottle amenities into your toiletries bag.
More visitors are becoming aware of this excess while travelling and searching for more sustainable solutions. It’s also front of mind for Trafalgar when they’re organising their tours. If you’ve been putting off your Europe trip, why not consider booking your place on Trafalgar’s Contrasts of Switzerland fully sustainable tour. Enjoy the sights and attractions Switzerland has to offer, knowing you’re travelling responsibly.
Why Swiss? Why sustainable?
Thank Switzerland Tourism for coining the term “Swisstainable” – the nation’s national benchmark for sustainability – and embodying the sentiment behind it.
When you picture Switzerland, you imagine snow-capped mountains rising high above picturesque quaint villages, lush green forests filling deep gorges and grassy valleys leading to unbelievably clear crystalline lakes.
It’s no wonder the Swiss want to keep their country in pristine condition. At the same time, they want you to experience the bountiful beauty their country has to offer, and for it to still be there for generations to come.
Travelling Swisstainable means:
- Enjoying nature up close and at first hand
- Experiencing the local culture in an authentic way
- Consuming regional products and supporting local producers
- Staying for longer and delving deeper into the life and culture.
What does sustainable travel look like?
There are a few things to think about when travelling sustainably. Reducing carbon emissions is one very important consideration when creating a sustainable itinerary.
Trains are one of the most sustainable ways to travel, producing 80% less emissions than cars. This is because trains move large quantities of passengers and freight, meaning there are less commuters on the roads. The Swiss have mastered rail journeys, with almost 9700 passenger trains operating daily along the 30,000km long rail network. Some of the country’s most picturesque and remote locations are easily accessible by public transport.
Another way to reduce carbon emissions is to support local producers and industries. Not only are you keeping your money in the community where they need it most, but with less travel from farm to plate, there’s also a reduction in emissions.
You may also find that many Swiss hotels, hostels and other accommodation providers no longer supply those tiny one-use disposable amenity bottles. The Swiss are world champion recyclers and take this responsibility seriously. Try to avoid using plastics. Instead, pack your own reusable items including shampoo and conditioner. When you’re at your accommodation, hang up your towel so it’s not replaced every day. You’ll be doing your part to help keep Switzerland eco-friendly.
Why Trafalgar?
Trafalgar has stepped up to the sustainability challenge and is offering the world’s first fully Swisstainable tour. Here’s what you can look forward to on your eight-day Contrasts of Switzerland holiday.
Visiting six cities via rail, you and your luggage will travel comfortably and securely by train from destination to destination. All you need to do is sit back, relax and watch the breathtaking scenery go by your window.
You’ll have the option of experiencing one of Switzerland’s most iconic rail routes, the Bernina Pass, travelling across the enormous viaduct while gazing into the deep valley below. Meanwhile, the world-class Glacier Express – one of the most scenic railway journeys in Europe – is included on your tour as regular transport to get from Saint Moritz to Zermatt.
Enjoy Swiss hospitality with meal experiences including lunch at the sustainable farm La Ferme Enchantée at Lakeside Geneva. Dine on delicious wines, cheeses and breads with the owner of a local vineyard. You’ll also have opportunities to explore Swiss towns along the route with a guide or at your leisure.
With all hotels, experiences, meals and transport accredited by Switzerland’s national benchmark certificate for sustainability, you’ll know you’re making an environmentally minded choice when you travel with Trafalgar.
Don’t forget to watch this space as Trafalgar continues to lead the charge with more sustainable trips just around the corner.