Looking for a Greener Holiday: How to Relax Without Wrecking the Planet


 Looking for a Greener Holiday: How to Relax Without Wrecking the Planet

✈️ Jetting Off? Or Just Jet-Lagged Thinking?

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are planning a well-deserved break. But before you click “Book Now” on that long-haul flight to somewhere sunny, it’s worth asking:

Can we holiday without harming the planet?

Spoiler: Yes — and no, it doesn’t mean sleeping in a tent while chewing on organic lentils (unless that’s your thing).

🌍 The Problem with Traditional Holidays

Let’s face it, the carbon footprint of a standard holiday can be massive:

  • ✈️ Flying is one of the most carbon-intensive activities individuals can do

  • 🏨 Hotels often have high energy use (hello, 24/7 air con)

  • 🌴 Resorts can drain water and resources from already stressed local environments

So what’s a weary eco-warrior to do?

✅ Greener Holiday Choices That Still Feel Like a Treat

Here are some ways to have fun and protect the planet:

🚆 Take the Train

Try a scenic rail journey. It’s relaxing, low-stress, and emits a fraction of the CO₂ compared to flying.

🛏️ Book Eco-Accommodation

Look for places with environmental certifications, solar panels, compost toilets (yes, really), or who give back to the community.

🧳 Pack Light

The heavier the luggage, the more fuel is burned. Plus, do you really need 3 pairs of shoes for a beach break?

🍽️ Eat Local, Travel Local

Choose locally grown food and walk, cycle or use public transport at your destination.

🧘‍♂️ Reimagine Relaxation

You don’t have to go far to unwind. A staycation in a countryside B&B or even a solar-powered narrowboat can offer a change of pace without a jumbo jet.

🍃 What We’re Doing This Year

This year, we’re choosing a solar-powered boating holiday closer to home. No airports, no baggage drop drama, and the only emissions come from us huffing as we haul the picnic basket up the jetty.

💬 Final Thought

The greenest holiday isn’t about guilt.
It’s about enjoying the break — without breaking the planet.

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