Ciao!
I’m back from a week in France, where we stayed in Antibes, Cote d’Azur. I’ve already been there a couple of times, and enjoyed the beautiful nature and views, so I did this time, too.
I’ve to say that we went there by car, since it’s about 4 hours far from home. For the whole trip, plus some drives during the week, we calculate total Co2 emissions of 60 kg per person. This wasn’t the most ecologic choice at all, I know.
The alternatives were: train/plane/train + 1 week using bus = 248 kgs Co2 emission; or take 3 trains + 1 week using bus = 32 kgs Co2 emission per person. This was our first option, but the trains prices were unfortunately out of our budget.
On the other hand, we’ve done our best to balance it with walking and walking and walking, to get almost everywhere. We walked enough to save almost 10 kg of Co2 emissions per person.
So… What is this post about?
It’s about the research of the hotel/apartment, based on its location. Because the location can be the key of a good holiday, in many ways!
What do I do, when I search for a place to stay at?
- study the territory
maps.google.com is one of my favorite places on the net, as I can save there all the spots I’m interested in, and I organize them divided per trip. I’m a visual person, it helps me a lot to see on the map all the dots and flags, so I can understand fast how the places are distributed, and how big the distances are.
What next?
2. virtually explore
I virtually explore the most dotted/flagged zone, to understand if I can find the basic services over there. Google Maps is still my best friend, with the Explore function, do you use it? I usually look for metro stations, train stations, markets and restaurants, but you can set your research as you prefer.
Now ask yourself “Do I have everything I need, in the hood?” Yes? Great! So, here is where to look for your room.
3. set your preferences
I usually start with Booking.com, where I can easily set my preferences, and also I can look at the hotels on the map. My settings usually go by price and rates, then I look for a couple of services I may need (in Antibes, it was the availability of frigo bar in the room, as eating at restaurants is extremely expensive in the zone).
Booking is just one of the tools, as there is plenty of websites and apps, and everyone has a preferred method. I personally suggest you to also have a look at a couple on websites specialized in Ecologic sustainable stays; the choice is not as wide as on the mainstream platforms, but is something that you can easily do, so don’t miss this opportunity! Here they are: EcoBnb and Green Pearls are my favorites, but also the very well known AirBnb is usually more sustainable than staying in a big hotel, as you can control your consumptions.
Here it is, it may sound odd, but this simple 3 steps research can save a whole week of Co2 emission. You can easily avoid the use of polluting taxis or buses, and just walk. I have to say that this tips are definitely more applicable to a European trip, due to the little distances that characterize most of its territory, especially if you are visiting a city.
By the way, walking is usually the best way to get to know a place, to meet people and discover new things. Also, if you are into photography, is much easier to take good pictures while walking, then from a transport.
If you are a fan of the natural way of moving, I’ll may prepare a post with a list of the best “walk-sized trip” in the Old Continent. Let me know.
Baci!
The Beauty of EcoTravel 