MileHacker Logo
Sustainable & Responsible Travel

Sustainable & Responsible Travel

Spain

Protected Areas

Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park (including Cíes Islands) is a strictly protected marine-terrestrial national park.

Ría de Vigo

Ongoing work attempts to maintain the ecological health of the estuary. Its health directly shapes the quality of local seafood.

Waste Management

Spain has a well-developed recycling system. Look for colored bins in public areas for plastics, paper, and glass.

Environmental Initiatives

Make choices that benefit the local environment.

Water Conservation

While Galicia receives significant rainfall, water saving is still important, especially during drier summer months.

Practices

  • Be mindful of your water usage, taking shorter showers
  • Turn off taps when not in use
  • Tap water is safe to drink, use a reusable bottle
  • Minimize single-use plastics

Carbon Offset Options

Consider choosing airlines or tour operators that have carbon offsetting programs for your flights to and from Vigo.

Travel Choices

  • Choose Terrapass for carbon offsetting
  • Favor direct flights where possible
  • Train travel generally has a lower carbon footprint
  • Carry a reusable Shopping bag

Eco-Accommodation

Look for accommodations with environmental certifications or those that visibly practice sustainable actions.

Sustainable Practices

  • Energy efficiency is a good sign
  • Water conservation efforts are valued
  • Waste reduction programs are beneficial
  • Explore Ecobnb for eco-friendly options

Ethical Tour Operators

Choose tour operators advocating responsible tourism, specifically for trips to natural parks or sensitive ecological areas.

Responsible Tourism

  • Inquire about their environmental policies
  • Support local communities through fair practices
  • G Adventures is an operator with this focus
  • Their trips often have lower environmental impact

Commitment to the Planet

Sustainable Gear

Selecting outdoor gear from companies with eco-friendly production methods.

Patagonia

Waste Reduction

Utilizing reusable products to minimize your environmental footprint.

Package Free Shop

Conscious Choices

Your selections contribute to environmental protection. Every mindful choice makes a difference.

Cultural Sensitivity

Gain insight into Vigo's people and way of life.

Cultural Preservation

Support local cultural institutions and events. Learning a few phrases in Galician or Spanish shows respect.

Showing Respect

  • Learning local phrases opens doors to authentic interactions
  • Attend traditional festivals to experience local culture
  • Observe and adapt to local customs

Respectful Interaction

Be polite and patient in your interactions. Your attitude shapes your experience.

Guidelines

  • Respect local customs and traditions, like siesta times
  • Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of people
  • Be aware of personal space, which may be closer in Spain

Photography Ethics

Respect privacy. Generally acceptable to photograph public spaces and attractions.

Photo Rules

  • Avoid photographing children without parental consent
  • Be discreet when taking photos in residential areas
  • Adhere to any posted photography restrictions

Religious Site Etiquette

Dress modestly when visiting churches or cathedrals (shoulders and knees covered).

Conduct

  • Be quiet and respectful, especially during services
  • Do not disrupt religious ceremonies
  • Silence mobile phones inside

Economic Impact

Your travel choices directly shape the local economy.

Supporting Local Businesses

Choose independent shops, local restaurants, and family-run guesthouses over international chains.

Fair Trade Shopping

Seek out artisan markets or local craft shops that assure fair compensation for their producers.

Ethical Choices

Your spending directly supports the livelihoods of Vigo's residents.

Mindful Conduct

Your respectful conduct helps create positive experiences for all. Be aware of local distinctions for a harmonious visit.

Economic Impact

Your travel choices directly shape the local economy.

Supporting Local Businesses

Make a conscious effort to buy local products and services.

Spending Choices

  • Dine at traditional Galician restaurants
  • Shop at local markets for fresh produce
  • Use small, independent tour guides
  • Your spending directly supports residents

Fair Trade & Ethical Shopping

Seek out artisan markets or local craft shops that assure fair compensation for their producers. Inquire about the origin of products.

Product Awareness

  • Look for products that support local craftsmanship
  • Ask about the production process
  • Support authentic local artistry
  • Choose ethically sourced goods

Ethical Travel

Avoid harmful practices and support responsibly.

Avoiding Harmful Practices

Be wary of aggressive touts or scams. Shun activities that exploit animals or local communities.

Inform Yourself

Gather knowledge about common tourist traps and make choices reflecting ethical tourism principles.

Charitable Giving

If you wish to donate, do so through established, reputable local charities or non-governmental organizations rather than directly to street beggars.

Important Advisory

Always prioritize responsible interactions and transactions to ensure positive community impact. Research before you buy.

Local Prosperity

Your financial choices contribute directly to the prosperity of Vigo's residents.