Sustainable tourism: Our recommendations for ecofriendly travel

If you want to reach your destination in an environmentally friendly way, you should avoid using air travel as a means of transport. Trains are much better. And if the service allows bikes to be taken along, as is the case for this vacationer at Münster train station, that's even better.

If it is absolutely necessary to take your own vehicle to a faraway holiday destination, German Rail company DB's Autozug (car train) is the ideal means of transport. Although there are currently only a handful of connections, long distances, for example from northern Germany to Italy, can be covered in a much more relaxed manner by rail than with your own vehicle.

Travelling on a night train is an unforgettable experience. Deutsche Bahn pulled out of the business years ago, but is now offering night connections in cooperation with other European competitors. These trains have become established as important means of transport in countries likes France, Poland and Sweden.

Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is to pack light and leave some room in your bag or suitcase. That way you'll have to carry less. And can even bring home some souvenirs on the way back.

A picnic in beautiful surroundings is to be savored, especially on holiday. To avoid littering nature with plastic or other waste, it's a good idea to bring reusable tableware. And be sure to take your leftovers back home.

All-inclusive deals at large resorts can be appealling and are often comparatively cheap. But often, hotel staff pay the price, earning low wages and enduring poor working conditions, with managers pocketing the profits. That's why it's better to stay at small hotels, for example here in the village of Stavna in Montenegro.

If you're bored by conventional holidays, pick a quirky establishment instead, for example this "barrel hotel" in Razvode, Croatia. Guests stay in old wine barrels with luxurious interiors, each fitted with its own bathroom. Outside, there's a pool for everyone to use.

Travelers who are committed to sustainability should support small businesses. Local craftsmen, hoteliers or fruit and vegetable traders benefit tremendously when you put your money into the local economy.

Vacationers can find out which operators pay tour guides decent wages. Fairunterwegs.org (German for fair journey), for example, lists numerous respectable operators known for their ethical practices. It is a good idea to support such businesses.

If you discover a virtually untouched place on a vacation, you shouldn't broadcast it to the world via social media. There are many examples, such Thailand's Maya Bay, which were hyped as "insider tips" on Instagram, Facebook and then overrun by tourists. So best to keep hidden gems secret!