At least it feels like our lives are becoming more and more stressful, which is precisely why taking time out is so important. Of course, we know that all this traveling is not good for the environment, so stress is compounded by a guilty conscience. Katharina Bolz, who is studying for a Master's degree in Transformation Design at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, has tackled this problem and developed a travel planner that doesn't focus on prohibitions and abstinence, but simply asks what is really important.
As a reminder, it is estimated that travel and tourism are responsible for around five percent of global CO2 emissions, in addition to other effects that harm the climate, such as cloud formation, sulphur, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and noise, as well as water and land consumption. At the same time, the trend is towards more frequent but shorter trips. This means that more relaxation has to be packed into less time, which increases the risk of being disappointed. This is precisely where Katharina Bolz's master's thesis comes in, inviting us to ask ourselves what we expect from a vacation in the first place. "In our modern everyday lives, our own vacation time is overloaded with expectations, longings and wishes," says Bolz. "According to psychologist Jessica de Bloom, the location and duration of a trip are not important for a good relaxation effect. Much more important is a self-determined daily routine and activities that meet your own needs."
The interactive travel planner "Sustainable travel" encourages you to first think about which activities and needs are important to you on vacation and which are not. Lists and stickers help you to make a selection and, after your vacation, to reflect on which expectations were actually met so that you can make better decisions next time. An information brochure also provides facts and information on how to organize a climate-conscious vacation, for example by trying to avoid using high-emission means of transport for short stays.
The next long weekend might not be spent on a plane to Paris, but exploring your own hinterland by bike. Thinking about what you really want and need before you start planning and whether the trip will do justice to this is definitely a good approach. If you're planning a vacation for next year, you could give it a try.
Click here to go to Katharina Bolz's website. Take a look at our "Mensa" section for more graduation or student projects.
