Go Green For Your Next Holiday And Cut Your Costs

Sept. 8, 2009 - PRLog -- TRADITIONAL summer getaways can cost the earth – both financially and in terms of their impact on the environment. The ongoing credit crunch and increasing concerns about climate change have brought about the new phenomenon of the `staycation’ with more people choosing to holiday in the UK or, in some cases, even taking a break at home.

According to GreenASAP, the environmental website for products and services, taking a different approach to summer vacations and bank holiday breaks has plenty to recommend it. Although the idea of missing out on an annual dose of summer sun or the chance to visit a foreign destination might seem a high price to pay, there have always been distinct drawbacks to long distance travel. Hours spent hanging around airport terminals, often with restless children in tow, isn’t the most relaxing start to a trip. Fighting to find a free sun lounger beside the hotel pool or a quiet space on the beach is a holiday hassle to be avoided and, as every parent knows, accommodation prices and air fares shoot up during peak holiday times and resorts are at their most crowded.

By comparison, exploring the coast, countryside or towns and cities closer to home could result in a far more enjoyable break for all the family as well as saving money - and reducing carbon emissions - by cutting mileage.

GreenASAP has some helpful tips for making the most of a holiday without putting pressure on your pocket or the planet.

• Consider having day trips instead of a week or weekend way. It will still feel like a holiday but involve far less travel and expense. Draw up a varied itinerary and visit different places like a seaside resort, nature reserve, theme park or woodlands.

• Organise some family fun at home, involve everyone in garden games or sports contests and round off the day with a barbecue as the sun sets.

• Find out more about local attractions. Places of interest on your doorstep are often overlooked but nearby historic houses, museums, leisure centres and water parks have just as much to offer as those you’d probably visit elsewhere.

• If you do want to go away, consider places in a neighbouring county that you haven’t visited before. The journey time will be very short so there’ll be much less chance of getting stuck in holiday traffic, wasting petrol and increasing emissions. It will also leave you a lot more time to enjoy your actual holiday.

• Look for activity-centred holidays or those with lots of amenities on site. You’ll be able to park the car for most of your stay but still be able to take a swim, play sports or dine out with no extra travel involved.

• Remember that the British weather isn’t always bad and plan your activities according to the daily forecast. Rainy days can be spent in cinemas, bowling alleys or leisure centres while warm spells can be enjoyed on the beach, in the park or on a country walk or bike ride.

To find out the latest about a host of environmental issues, log on to http://www.greenasap.co.uk. You can also pass on your own tips and air your views by joining the site’s green forum.

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GreenASAP are commited to offering a greener lifestyle for everyone. The company offer links and information regarding green products and services throughout the UK.