A Lil Holiday Planning Inspiration
As the daffodils bloom and the days grow longer, many of us are already dreaming of summer adventures. The excitement of planning a getaway is palpable – but what if this year, we could make our holidays even more memorable, and kinder to the planet? Welcome to your comprehensive guide to planning low-impact holidays that don't compromise on fun or experiences.
Before diving into the 'how', let's briefly touch on the 'why'. Every time we travel, we leave a footprint on the places we visit and the planet as a whole. From the carbon emissions of our journey to the resources we consume at our destination, our holidays can have significant environmental impacts. It’s also kinder to ourselves - Slow travel is all about taking your time. Instead of rushing from one tourist hotspot to another, you're encouraged to slow down, relax, and truly enjoy each moment. By reducing the pace, stress levels decrease significantly, making your holiday genuinely restorative and enjoyable. Imagine leisurely strolling through charming towns, cycling along scenic routes, or taking a gentle train journey through beautiful landscapes—these experiences offer deeper relaxation and genuine happiness compared to hectic itineraries.
The elephant in the room (or airport)
Making changes to our holiday habits isn’t always easy. We’re creatures of habit, and the allure of exotic, far-flung destinations can be strong. I feel it too - last year we visited The Maldives. All the pressures of the desire for an epic adventure, children leaving home - last chance experiences, life stress at an all time high, the scuba divers dream destination, it all added up to a Yes to the life experience. It’s not that we can’t do that occasionally, we just can’t do that every year or more and not expect the climate consequences. So it comes down to your values. Have a think about those benefits and consequences and what motivates you and keep those in mind as you plan.
Any data gathered through this form is anonymous and only used to help us understand your motivations, and how we might be able to help. Please do pop any other thoughts in the comments below :-)
Top Lil Holiday Planning Tips
For me, the planning of a trip is almost as good as the actual holiday. I love doing the research, reading the guidebook, imagining the places we’ll see, the food and the experiences. We’re not all the same though right? Not everyone want the hassle or just doesn’t have the time. Life is busy! That’s where travel services like Byway can step in and take all that stress away. Check them out for flight-free travel itineraries.
Choose your destination wisely
Embrace local adventures
One of the simplest ways to reduce your holiday's carbon footprint is to choose destinations closer to home. The UK is brimming with diverse places. Consider exploring a region of the UK you've never visited before. Some are well known - the wild beauty of Scotland's Highlands, the charming villages of the Cotswolds, or the dramatic coastlines of Cornwall or Pembrokeshire but others are well kept secrets. Take a row boat ferry to Walberwick in Suffolk, or a solar-powered catamaran to check out the wildlife from Chichester Harbour. Cycle from Worcester to Oxford, stay in a Cotswold village on the way and catch the train back . "Staycations" not only reduce your carbon footprint but can also be easier on your wallet – a win-win in these cost-conscious times - or free up funds that would have been spent on a flight to do more here.
If you’re going further afield
If you do decide to travel abroad, consider destinations that are committed to sustainable tourism. Many countries and regions are now implementing measures to protect their natural environments and support local communities.
Look for destinations that:
Have strong environmental protection policies
Support community-based tourism initiatives
Invest in renewable energy and waste reduction
Getting There – Choose Sustainable Transport
How you get to your destination can have the biggest impact on your holiday's carbon footprint. According to Atmosfair, "Short travel distances significantly contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions as they require less energy for transport".
For UK holidays, consider these options:
TOP TIP: Ask your employer to sign up to Climate Perks - it’s an incentive scheme which encourages slow travel, happier staff & a healthier planet by offering employees additional leave in the form of ‘journey days’ as a reward for choosing a low-carbon holiday travel.
Train Travel: The UK's rail network connects most major towns and cities, and many scenic routes offer stunning views you'd miss from the air or motorway. Plus, train travel gives you time to read, chat, or simply watch the landscape unfold. Book in advance, utilise Railcards (if you are a Tesco shopper you can use Clubcard points to purchase Railcards).
Coach Travel: Modern coaches are comfortable and often the most affordable option. Companies like National Express and Megabus serve extensive networks across the UK. Young people can travel for free in Scotland.
Car Sharing: If you need to drive, consider car sharing with friends or family to reduce per-person emissions. Electric vehicles are increasingly viable for UK travel with the growing charging network.
Cycling Holidays: For the adventurous, cycling holidays offer an immersive way to experience landscapes at a human pace. Organisations like Sustrans provide information on the National Cycle Network.
Ditch short haul flights: We can get anywhere we need to go in the UK without flying and as my kids would say, no-one wants Dad in ‘airport mode’!
For International Travel
If you're traveling internationally, consider these options:
Train Over Plane: For European destinations, trains often offer a comfortable alternative to flying. Eurostar connects the UK to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, with connections throughout Europe. There are new train routes being developed all the time. Eurail tickets can offer discounts on prices
Choose Direct Flights: If you must fly, direct flights generally have lower emissions than multiple connecting flights.
Carbon Offsetting: While not a perfect solution, carbon offsetting can help mitigate the impact of flights you can't avoid. Look for reputable offsetting schemes that fund renewable energy or conservation projects.
Choosing Accommodation with Care
Where you stay can significantly impact both your holiday experience and its environmental footprint. Choose accommodation which is committed to sustainable living and minimising its impact on the environment. Try platforms such as Canopy & Stars (an employee owned B-Corp) for great quirky accommodation like Treehouses & Yurts across the UK and some in Europe.
What to Look For
When researching places to stay, look for accommodations that:
Use renewable energy sources
Implement water conservation measures, like limiting laundry services
Provide environmentally friendly toiletries and cleaning products
Refill containers rather than providing individuals bottles & sachets
Source food locally
Have effective waste reduction and recycling programs
If needed, offer EV charging points
Support the local community
Types of Eco-Friendly Accommodation
Camping: Perhaps one of the most sustainable holiday options, camping immerses you in nature and typically uses far less energy than traditional accommodations. Just be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles, taking all your waste with you. Wild camping is an option but check out Hipcamp for sites with more (or less) services.
Caravans, Tiny Homes & Sail boats: These offer a comfortable alternative to camping while still consuming less energy than hotels. Many caravan sites are located in beautiful natural settings, and tiny homes provide all the amenities you need in a compact, energy-efficient space. Or travel from port to port under wind power - boats are the ultimate tiny home!
Eco-Lodges and Green Hotels: Many accommodations now specifically focus on sustainability, from purpose-built eco-lodges to historic buildings retrofitted with green technology.
Farm Stays: These offer insights into rural life and sustainable food production, often with delicious farm-to-table meals included and direct experience of food production, animals and land management. Connect with real people on the land.
Planning Activities and Excursions
Once you've reached your destination, how you spend your time can further reduce your environmental impact while enhancing your experience.
Low-Impact Activities
Walking and Cycling: Explore your destination on foot or by bike. As Atmosfair suggests, "Travelers can stay close to their accommodation and explore the surroundings on foot or by bicycle instead of using motorized vehicles"3. This allows for a more intimate experience of the place you're visiting.
Public Transport: Many destinations have excellent public transport networks. Research local buses, trams, or boat services before your trip.
Local Environmental Projects: "Many destinations offer opportunities for tourists to participate in environmental and climate protection projects, such as tree planting or conservation programs"3. These can be rewarding ways to give back to the places you visit.
Cultural Experiences: Seek out authentic cultural experiences that support local communities – cooking classes, craft workshops, guided walks led by local experts, or community-run museums.
Packing and Preparation
How you prepare for your trip can also reduce its environmental impact.
Pack Light and Right
The Grain Store Lewes reminds us to "reduce, reuse and recycle" when planning for holidays1. Consider these tips:
Pack light – less weight means less fuel used in transport
Bring reusable items – water bottle, coffee cup, shopping bag, food containers
Choose sustainable clothing – well-made items that will last many holidays
Borrow equipment you'll only use occasionally rather than buying new
Pack reef-safe sunscreen if you'll be swimming in natural waters
Digital Over Paper
Use digital alternatives to reduce paper use:
Download e-tickets and boarding passes
Use map apps instead of paper maps
Keep itineraries and booking confirmations in a notes app or email folder
Setting Goals for Your Sustainable Holiday
Research from the Yorkshire and Humber active travel study shows that goal setting and planning significantly increase the likelihood of following through with sustainable behaviours. Before your trip, consider setting specific goals, such as:
"I will use public transport or walk for all local journeys during my holiday"
"I will buy souvenirs only from local artisans"
"I will try at least three local, seasonal dishes"
“I will only stay is eco-certified accomodation”
For each goal, identify potential barriers and plan how to overcome them. For example, if bad weather might prevent walking, research local bus routes in advance as a backup plan.
Overcoming Common Barriers to Sustainable Travel
Even with the best intentions, challenges can arise when planning low-impact holidays. Here are some common barriers and how to overcome them:
"Sustainable options are more expensive"
While some eco-friendly accommodations may have higher upfront costs, sustainable travel often saves money overall. Staying closer to home reduces transport costs, self-catering saves on restaurant bills, and free activities like hiking replace expensive attractions.
"I don't want to sacrifice comfort"
Sustainable travel doesn't mean roughing it. Many eco-lodges and green hotels offer luxury experiences with a lighter footprint. The key is finding options that align with both your environmental values and comfort needs.
"My family/friends aren't interested in eco-friendly options"
Focus on the experiences rather than the environmental aspects when discussing with reluctant travel companions. Many sustainable options offer unique, authentic experiences that appeal to a wide range of travellers.
The Ripple Effect: How Your Choices Influence Others
When you choose sustainable travel options, you're not just reducing your own impact – you're contributing to a broader shift in the travel industry. As more travelers demand sustainable options, businesses respond by improving their practices.
You might also inspire friends and family through your positive experiences. Rather than lecturing about environmental impacts, simply share the wonderful experiences you had on your low-impact holiday – the charming local B&B, the delicious farm-to-table meal, the stunning views from the train journey. Share with us too @dolilthings and let’s change the way we see (& treat) this beautiful world.
x
TOP TIP: If like me, you are staying #grounded this year, stand up and be counted by signing up to Flight Free
Useful Apps and Tools for Sustainable Travel Planning
Technology can be a great ally in planning low-impact holidays. Here are some apps and tools to help:
For Transport Planning
BlaBlaCar: A ride-sharing platform that connects drivers with empty seats to people traveling the same way.
Trainline: For booking UK and European train journeys, with real-time updates and mobile tickets.
TrainHugger: Like trainline, for UK only rail travel, but you plan trees with every journey booked :-)
Seat61.com - comprehensive rail travel guide, primarily focused on Europe but with advice on destinations further afield as well
Loco2.co.uk - easy pan-European rail ticketing website
Ecopassenger.org - enables comparative estimations of journey length and environmental impact of different travel modes across Europe.
Rome2Rio.com enables comparison and booking of different travel options.
Green Traveller - Green Guides to European destinations.
For Trip Organisation
TripIt: This comprehensive travel planner creates a master itinerary from your confirmation emails, including car rentals and hotel bookings4. It helps you stay organized without printing multiple documents.
ByWay: Take the pain out pf planning and hand it over to the specialists in flight-free fabulous holidays. Byway is a travel b-corp, and first-of-its-kind routing technology that uses two million miles of local expertise to build a trip by land and sea optimised for your enjoyment. They are a 100% flight-free travel platform and a Lil affiliate (so if you click the link in the guide and book through them we earn a wee commission - thanks!)
For Sustainable Choices
Too Good To Go: Helps you find restaurants and cafes selling surplus food at reduced prices, reducing food waste during your travels.
Olio: Pick up local surplus food - particularly good if you’re self catering
HappyCow: Finds vegetarian and vegan restaurants nearby, helping you reduce the carbon footprint of your holiday meals.
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