Slovenia walking tour, 5 days

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

We reduce our carbon footprint during this trip by favoring human-powered activities over fuel-intensive activities, with hiking as the primary focus. We aim to reduce our environmental impact by avoiding internal flights within a small geographic area, and we strive to balance visiting diverse locations in Slovenia while keeping travel time to a minimum. When driving between locations, we planned our routes to limit travel time to less than 10 hours over 5 days. For travelers flying into Slovenia, we urge consideration of flight emissions and suggest direct flights when available. We assist in arranging public transportation options like buses, trains, or ride-shares to reach the trip's starting point. Packing light is encouraged, and a pre-trip packing list ensures essentials without excess. Energy conservation tips, such as mindful use of air conditioning and hot water, are provided upon arrival and in a digital pre-departure packet.

Accommodations and dining primarily support local family-run businesses, and wherever possible, we partner with businesses that share our goals of reducing the environmental impacts of tourism. Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available daily, with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients to reduce food miles. While traditional Slovenian cuisine often includes meat and dairy, contemporary offerings are notably accommodating to plant-based diets, showcasing fresh produce, grains, and foraged mushrooms.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

At the Global Green Destinations Day in 2016, Slovenia was declared the first Green Country in the World. Since then, the country continues to be recognized for its sustainability initiatives and environmental awareness.

One of the accommodations we'll be staying at during this trip is a family-operated farm, Farmhouse Lenar, sourcing products from their own garden. During the tour, we visit the Logar Valley Landscape Park, which has been awarded the Slovenia Green Park label for its commitment to remaining an environmentally and socially responsible destination. Our entry fees contribute to the conservation of this natural area and the maintenance of infrastructure to minimize the impacts of visitors on wildlife and plant life. Additionally, each traveler receives a digital pre-departure information packet with tips to minimize their environmental footprint and adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

When selecting accommodation for this trip, we avoid large chains and strive to keep tourism income within the local community. We have a few different lodging options in each place that vary depending on availability during a traveler’s chosen dates. The accommodations in which we will stay are locally-owned, family-operated businesses. We recommend visiting farmers' markets where locals sell their products, such as fruits and vegetables, home-made bread baked in a wood oven, home-made biscuits and pastries, various kinds of local cheeses, dried fruit and nuts, local olive and pumpkin seed oil, etc.

During our journey, we'll explore Velika Planina, an expansive Alpine pasture home to one of Europe's few remaining high mountain shepherd villages, where traditional Alpine methods still yield milk products.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Our commitment extends beyond just providing memorable tours. We seek to ensure that everyone involved, from our team members to partners, is fairly compensated, meeting or exceeding the Slovenian minimum wage. We firmly believe in equal opportunity employment, rejecting any discrimination based on race, gender, nationality, or sexual orientation.

A noteworthy aspect of our team composition is the significant representation of women, comprising more than three-quarters of our staff. In an industry historically dominated by men, we're proud to challenge norms by empowering women as guides, not only on this trip, but across our various tours. Their presence serves as inspiration and encouragement for future generations.
Moreover, our tours foster an inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community and welcome travelers from diverse backgrounds. We celebrate diversity and strive to create spaces where everyone feels respected and valued.