How to reduce your carbon footprint when going on holiday

Today is predicted to be the busiest day on record for Britain's airspace, air navigation services NATS has said.

An anticipated 9,000 flights are set to take off, 2,000 more than the 7,000 daily average.

The rise can be attributed to an increase in the number of private jets expected to depart for the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, as well as commercial flights on account of the Bank Holiday weekend and start of the school Half Term break.

The global aviation industry produces 2% of all human-induced CO2 emissions, according to the Air Transport Action Group. And if this is something that plays on your mind, you might want to look at greener ways to travel.

Here are some options to think about.

Consider holidaying at home

From the sandy beaches of Cornwall, to the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, the serene beauty of the Lake District and the green gardens of Kent – there is so much to see here in the UK it is well worth considering a holiday at home.

With a Family and Friends Railcard, you can travel by train to such locations for up to a third of the standard price, plus it offers good deals on museums, hotels and more.

Travel abroad by train

Whilst diesel fuelled trains are heavy on the carbon emissions front, they are considered a greener way to travel than aeroplanes because they transport more people. If you are considering holidaying somewhere that is accessible by train (in Europe, for instance) it makes for a more eco-friendly trip to use one.

A useful resource when considering how to get to your holiday destination, are websites like Eco Passenger, which enable you to compare the CO2 emissions of your proposed mode of transport.

Use public transport when you get there

Whilst the temptation is to hire a car or jump in a taxi when you land at the airport, looking into the public transport options on offer would make for a greener trip. Is there a bus or train service you can use for your onward journey? And when you arrive, is it possible to hire a bicycle to get around? You'll see much more of your locale than you will do from a car, and it's a good way to work off those culinary indulgences too.

Just remember to pack a helmet.

Think about pitching a tent

It may not be the most practical option, but green it certainly is. Not only that, but spending time in nature has been found to lessen the impact of some mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.

With less access to power points, there is ample opportunity for a digital detox – arguably what a real holiday is all about.

And if you need further convincing, a study conducted by the Camping and Caravanning Club found that 93% of campers said camping can make you happier.

Get pitching!