Sustainable travel — How I reduce my footprint

Sustainable travel — How I reduce my footprint

This topic has fascinated me since my first travels. Over the years, I've learned a great deal—through my own experiences, conversations with other travelers, and experimentation. Today, I'm sharing my accumulated knowledge with you.

Everything is based on personal experiences from over 45 countries and 8 years as a full-time traveler and content creator. No theoretical guidebooks—just what works in practice.

Why this topic is important

There are topics one could talk about for hours. This is one of them. It has significantly influenced my daily travel experiences and helped me to travel more consciously, efficiently, and enjoyably. What fascinates me is that there's no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are universal principles that I'd like to share here.

My personal experiences

On one of my first solo trips to Southeast Asia, I realized: I wasn't doing many things optimally. Since then, I've tested and refined countless approaches. What remains are strategies that truly work—tested in practice on five continents.

My most important lesson: Perfection is the enemy of good. You have to avoid major mistakes and be open to new things. The rest will fall into place.

The most important basics

1. Get informed, but don't overplan.

Plan the basic outlines and leave the rest open. The best experiences happen unexpectedly.

2. Quality over quantity

It's better to really enjoy three days in one place than to tick off seven spots in five days.

3. Be open to the unexpected

The most unforgettable moments were never the planned highlights, but spontaneous encounters and detours.

Practical recommendations

Start early in the day — best light for photos, fewer people. Learn local basics (hello, thank you). Keep a travel journal. Invest in comfortable shoes and a good rain jacket.

FAQ

How do I begin?

Just do it. Book a flight, pack your backpack, and go. Details will be sorted out on site.

Do I need a large budget?

No. The best experiences are often the cheapest.

Suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Start with a simple European destination and work your way up.

How to prepare?

Read travel blogs, watch YouTube, join communities — and then gain your own experiences.

About the author: Janet Dannehl is one of Germany's most influential travel influencers with over 2.3 million followers. She specializes in lifestyle, culinary topics, and visual stories from her travels. Cooperation requests here.