At Ravlling, our mission is to help travellers discover Europe through a sustainable lens, making choices that positively impact local communities and the environment. But with so many accommodations and experiences claiming to be “eco-friendly” or “green,” how do we ensure that what we recommend truly meets the standards of conscious travel? The answer lies in a detailed, ongoing process that follows the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) guidelines for sustainable tourism.

The UNWTO's four pillars of sustainable tourism

To determine whether a hotel, tour, or experience qualifies as “conscious,” we evaluate each option based on the four types of sustainable tourism as defined by the UNWTO: economic, environmental, social, and spatial. Each category helps us assess how an experience or stay benefits both the planet and local communities.

Our Conscious Label: more than just a badge

Once we gather the data on a particular stay or experience, we apply a set of predefined labels based on how well it performs in the four categories. Each experience or accommodation needs to meet a threshold of sustainability indicators to receive our “conscious” label.

This approach ensures that when you see an accommodation or activity marked as “conscious” on Ravlling, you can trust that it has been carefully vetted. We’re committed to providing only the most meaningful, authentic, and sustainable travel options, avoiding the all-too-common trap of greenwashing, where businesses market themselves as eco-friendly without truly embodying sustainable practices.

At Ravlling, we’ve taken a conservative approach to our labelling to ensure that our travellers are not misled.

An ongoing effort

While our current focus has been on avoiding disappointment and greenwashing, we are committed to continuously expanding the scope and depth of our criteria. This means that as new technologies, best practices, and sustainable methods emerge, we will incorporate them into our labeling system to better serve both our travellers and the destinations we promote.

Why conscious travel matters

Travel can be a powerful force for good, but only if it’s done with intention. By choosing accommodations and experiences that are economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable, travelers help spread the benefits of tourism while reducing its negative impacts. At Ravlling, we believe that conscious travel doesn’t just help protect the planet; it also creates more authentic, enriching experiences for everyone involved.

With every “conscious” stay you book through Ravlling, you contribute to a positive travel movement that uplifts local communities, protects natural environments, and encourages responsible exploration. Together, we can create a travel culture that values sustainability and mutual understanding across cultures.