Planning a greener getaway

Holidays account for a surprising amount of the energy we use each year, with flights, driving, hotel stays and added extras like boat trips all contributing to our carbon footprint.

If you're reading this, you're probably interested in using less energy, but you might think twice when it comes to compromising on your holiday. Despite wanting to be green, it's tough to sacrifice your two weeks in the sun.

We've got all sorts of ways to lower your energy impact without spoiling your plans - and you might even find some ideas for a really fun, unusual holiday too. From little things like choosing an energy conscious hotel all the way up to opting for an eco-friendly local holiday, here are our suggestions for a low carbon summer...

• Switch off before you go
• Pick your hotel with care
• Travel light
• Try a close-to-home holiday
• Be choosy on eco-holiday packages
• Use buses, trains and boats
• Fly the friendliest way you can

Switch off before you go

It may seem obvious, but some people do forget to switch off their electronic equipment at the wall, and to turn off their heating and hot water when they go away. Also unplug your TV, computer and games console at the wall - this also reduces the risk of fire.

Pick your hotel with care

You care about energy consumption at home, so why should your home-from-home be different? A hotel with air conditioning, floodlit pools and TVs in every room can be a real energy guzzler. Pick one that's at least trying to reduce its environmental impact. When you enquire about booking, ask about the hotel's environmental policy - many hotels will now have a written policy you can look at.

Travel light

Don't pack the kitchen sink - the more you stuff into your suitcases the more fuel it'll take to get them to your destination. You're on holiday, so you don't need every item in your wardrobe. And instead of bringing back heavy souvenirs, invest some time in taking fabulous photos of your trip instead.
If you're taking your own car away on holiday then roof racks are a great idea, but remember to remove them if you're driving around on day trips at your destination, and also once you get home. The extra drag from the air flowing over the roof-rack will only add to your fuel bills, and you'd probably rather be spending that money on something more fun! See our smarter driving tips for ways to cut the CO ₂ levels your car emits.

Try a close-to-home holiday

Get your hands dirty on an organic farm, go cycling through the English countryside or sailing in the Lake District - the UK is full of fabulous holiday options, and you'll find most of them far more relaxing than one involving a 3,000 mile round trip. Find somewhere you love and you can go back year after year without worrying about the impact your holiday is having on the environment.

Be choosy on eco-holiday packages

When looking for an eco-holiday, make sure you pick a reputable company. Again, a written environmental policy is a good indicator. Also, look for ones recommended by independent advisory bodies. Try responsibletravel.com, which gathers together eco-friendly package tours.

Use buses, trains and boats

Don't be fooled - flying's not the only option, and it may not be the most convenient, either. Buses and trains are the best option for energy saving, and ferries and ships are also worth considering. For example, someone taking a flight from East Midlands airport to Charles de Gaulle airport near Paris will emit around 140kg CO ₂ , while someone traveling from Birmingham New Street station to Paris by train and Eurostar will emit only around 30kg CO ₂.

Trains and buses do not have to be the expensive option, either. Good discounts are often available if you purchase tickets in advance, and many can be booked over the internet, so you don't need to worry about trying to buy tickets in a foreign language if you're worried your language skills aren't up to it. Check out the National Express website for tickets from the UK to Europe, and Eurolines has links to bus services connecting over 500 European destinations. In addition, look on the Railcard website for details of rail cards such as 'Family and Friends' or '16 - 25' cards which can save you money on the price of your train fares within the UK.

For travel from the UK and between European destinations it can be quicker and more convenient to cut out airport security and use trains or buses. Websites like The Man in Seat 61 can help you plan a flight-free trip.

Fly the friendliest way you can

Take-off and landing contribute the most to the carbon footprint of a flight, so it's better to opt for a long break using air travel once a year rather than several short getaways. And if you're flying long distance, try to minimise the number of stopovers.

Greener holidays: further information links

• The Man in Seat 61
• Responsible travel
• National express
• Eurolines
• Railcard