Experience more, use less

Going on holiday whilst being mindful of transport, consumption and waste? This can be done quite easily in many situations. You just need to take a bit of a look at yourself. In my story "Saalbach by Rail", I set off on my journey from Upper Austria to Saalbach using public transport. That was a first step towards testing out the mindful travel project for myself. As an added bonus, some accommodation providers offer a nice gesture or even a special rate on overnight stays if you travel by public transport. Other alternatives include carpooling or ride-sharing platforms.

But what options are there locally to get around without your own car, borrow things and avoid waste? A holiday without your own car is easily possible in Saalbach. That’s because, even within the town, you can get around by the hiking bus in summer and the ski bus in winter. Short and long journeys alike can be covered on foot or by bike, and thanks to the excellent range of Shops and Rentals, I can also hire the latest ski, snowboard, bike or protective gear on site, rather than having to buy it myself for the holiday. Sharing is caring.

Choosing accommodation requires a bit of research. However, with the help of the information team at the tourist board, you can quickly find out which establishments, for example, hold environmental certifications or are implementing specific measures in the areas of energy, cleaning, food and waste. These hotels meet a comprehensive set of criteria covering various aspects of hotel operations. These include, amongst other things, guidelines on energy and water consumption, waste prevention and separation, and the use of cleaning products and operating resources. In this way, specific requirements are integrated into day-to-day operations and regularly reviewed.

In my conversations with the hosts, I learnt that this is a matter close to their hearts, but it also requires a great deal of consistent action, raising awareness and perseverance.

It’s often the many small decisions that can make a difference in everyday life. I’ve therefore summarised your most important suggestions in ten practical tips for your holiday.

10 tips for your next holiday

1. Cosmetics and toiletries
There is no need to buy shampoos and shower gels in small travel bottles, even for a mini-break. Many hotels have handy dispensers on the premises. If you do want to use your own items, it is good to use refillable bottles.

2. Planning your journey
A holiday is often the perfect opportunity to try something new – so why not start on the journey there? Instead of automatically getting in the car, you can plan your trip to Saalbach Hinterglemm by train and bus. Once there, the Guest Mobility Ticket allows you to use public transport throughout the province of Salzburg during your stay. If you’d like to use the ticket for travel within Salzburg on your way there, you can set off on the day of arrival provided your accommodation has registered you in advance.

3. Accommodation check
If you want to take a closer look when choosing accommodation, there are various points of reference in Saalbach Hinterglemm. For example, recognised certifications such as the Austrian Eco-Label, an organically certified kitchen, or transparently communicated measures in areas such as energy, cleaning, waste prevention or food sourcing by individual establishments can serve as a guide.

4. #bringyourown reusable bottle
The quality of the drinking water from the tap is exceptional in Saalbach Hinterglemm! You don't need to buy bottled water here.

5. Regional shopping
In our story "Regional Shopping Tour in Saalbach", you will find some tips about local produce.

6. Buy or rent?
The sports shops in Saalbach Hinterglemm are always stocked with the latest kit. Before you buy a bike or skis, it’s better to hire top-quality equipment locally.

7. Regional, organic, vegetarian or vegan?
Whether you're a meat-eater or a vegan, you can eat whatever you prefer in the Glemmtal. However, question the source of your food and how it has reared or been grown. Quite a few restaurants and hotels provide this information on their menus already.  

8. Rubbish does not belong in the natural environment
Should rubbish accumulate that cannot be avoided, please do not simply leave it lying around in the mountains. Unfortunately, in this case, many people are not so conscientious. We eco-warriors make up for it with a cloth bag in our backpacks and our occasional picking-up efforts.

9. Save on packaging waste when shopping
For a long hike, you often need the appropriate snacks. Pay attention to the packaging, which becomes waste after consumption. Take your reusable snack box to the supermarket and ask for some sandwiches to be made. That way, you can avoid packaging waste when it comes to your snack.

10. Reduce – Re-use - Recycle
According to this principle, you can organise almost everything, even your holiday. Even your holiday. First, think about what you really need and, if necessary, refuse things like disposable straws, useless giveaways, or plastic-wrapped milk for coffee. Borrow things you do not need all the time rather than buying them and letting them gather dust at home. This will save on resources and a lot of money. Try to find reusable alternatives to disposable products and if you do generate waste, separate it. 

According to the motto "progress rather than perfectionism" of the Austrian initiative "POW - Protect our winters", please do not put yourself under pressure.  It doesn’t all have to happen at once: even small changes to how you travel, your use of reusable items, your shopping or your waste habits can easily be incorporated into your holiday.