Tourist taxes are popping up after 2017’s overtourism woes. Some are designed to reduce low paying tourists, including stag parties in Amsterdam. But other taxes, including the Balearic Islands tourist tax, are designed to raise funds for ecological projects. Travellers may not understand the necessity of these payments. Calling it a tourist tax doesn’t inform travellers and will never be popular. Simply put, nobody likes paying tax! Replacing the term ‘tourist tax’ with ‘tribute’ may soften the blow, here’s how… Continue reading
Author: conservetourism
Lake District – England
This was a walking holiday to take to get away from everything. The Lake District delivered on a grand scale! It was unbelievably wet when I arrived and I realised right from the start that I had packed too much. The tent I bought, along with camping stove and pots was destined never to be used, it was too wet. Instead, I stayed in YHA’s dorms and took day trips to surrounding mountains. One of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Continue reading
Overtourism – The Industry’s solutions
The holiday season in Europe is about to kick off. This is good news for some but perhaps creating more upset for locals who have been protesting about tourism numbers. Tourism overload is likely to be 2018’s biggest problem and one that has no definitive solution.
Last year, I investigated the causes of overtourism as it approached its pinnacle. This year, governing bodies had time to react and create solutions. I wonder which one of the following 7 implemented solutions to the overtourism problem will be the most successful… If any. Continue reading
Travel is now lost
Today, travel assistants will guide you through countries to the ‘not to be missed’ destinations. You will be guaranteed a bed for the night and reassured that previous visitors have enjoyed their stay with no nasty surprises. All can easily be booked in advance along with accommodation, so people often plan their route even before arriving.
Travel has become easier, safer and less stressful but, to what expense? Perhaps we have lost one of the most exciting elements of travel, ‘chance’ and with it, the sense of discovery, stepping into the unknown with unexpected encounters. Continue reading
Finland
A place full of trees and kind people. I may be a little biased because my girlfriend is Finnish… But, I truly love this country, its language, the fact the floor is covered in mushrooms and blue berries and they know how to cook the best chicken wings! Continue reading
Portugal
Lisbon, in my view the food capital of the world. Eat at as many restaurants as you can, sample their wines and don’t forget their custard tarts since this is where they were invented – Pasteis de Belem. Continue reading
Camino
Like most things, I did the Camino de Santiago a little differently from others. I went from Tui, on the border of Portugal straight up North to Santiago. I arrived only to find the scale of my map was not going to help me find the trail. Continue reading
Turkey
I have been to Turkey a few times but never for an activity holiday. The southern coastline is beautiful, spotted with historical sites and lined with mountains that drop straight into the sea.
Switzerland
If you see mountainous landscapes and green valleys on Instagram, more often than not the picture would have been of Switzerland. The walks between green hills are almost too perfect and are accompanied by a soundtrack of cowbells ringing in the distance. Visit intimate Art galleries housing private collections of works by Picasso, Paul Klee, Giacometti to name just a few. I recommend: Continue reading
Croatia
Croatia has a huge stretch of coastline dotted with hundreds of islands that have little traffic, local vineyards and some of the best seafood. Head inland to the forested national parks with turquoise pools and spend your evenings exploring local towns, hidden lanes, restaurants and bars. Continue reading
