In this episode of AK Compass, we dive deep into what it really means to travel sustainably in a world where tourism both enriches and endangers the places we love. Karolina Czakó, communications and sustainability expert, sits down with journalist Ágnes Gárdonyi to explore how travellers can reduce their environmental impact, support local communities and make more conscious choices—without giving up the joy of discovery.

We start with the foundations of sustainable tourism: choosing greener transport options, spending more time at one destination, and connecting with locals instead of rushing through tourist hotspots. Ágnes shares her own transformation—from quick weekend trips and frequent flying to slow, month-long stays that allow her to “live” in a place rather than simply visit it.

But conscious travel also comes with complex dilemmas. We talk about the effects of short-term rentals on housing markets, and why slow travel sometimes unintentionally contributes to local challenges. From Rome’s proposed Trevi Fountain visiting fee to Venice’s tourist charges, we look at how cities attempt to manage overtourism—and how effective (or ineffective) these measures really are.

The conversation also touches on the environmental side:

• When is voluntourism helpful—and when can it cause harm?
• What happened in places like Maya Bay in Thailand or the Faroe Islands, where tourism had to be paused to let nature recover?
• And how can destinations prevent ecological damage before it’s too late?

We also explore how climate change reshapes travel patterns, from the rise of “cool-cationing” to the danger of “last chance tourism,” where travellers flock to places threatened by rising seas or heatwaves. What responsibilities do tourists have when visiting vulnerable regions? Should we stay away entirely—or support them mindfully?

Beyond individual choices, we discuss what businesses and tourism companies should do to avoid greenwashing or social washing, and why transparency, expertise and honest communication matter more than ever. Ágnes reflects on how companies can use internal or external experts to build credibility instead of just marketing sustainability.

Finally, we address families, school systems and work cultures that influence how and when we travel. Is off-season travel realistic? What about long stays with children? And how can education and policy support more responsible travel habits?

This episode is full of practical tips, personal stories and real-world examples—from Italy to Thailand, Scotland to the Arctic—offering a comprehensive look at how each of us can become a more respectful, environmentally conscious traveller.

Thank you to our sponsor, Sweet Home Studio, whose mission is to bring important social topics to Hungarian audiences and support new podcasters with accessible services. Their Budapest studio makes conversations like this possible.

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