If man is not going to pay attention to the very loud warning signals of carbon emissions and greenhouse gasses then nature will step in and take control. The massive chaos caused at airports across Europe and the United Kingdom, not to mention all the flights from far-flung countries halted from entering this air space over the last 5 days, and the hysteria and disappointments of millions of passengers, has, if nothing else, made man consider his options.

The message is clear – we have to slow down, consider seriously our personal contributions to saving the Planet and making a concerted effort in implementing our own resourceful sustainability programmes.

Travel responsibly and consider this checklist when choosing where to travel to for your next holiday or getaway.

Investigate public transportation options. If your destination is a city that you will want to explore extensively, make sure there is a good public transportation system so you won’t have to take taxis or rent a car. Better still have more fun and rent a bicycle using it as your primary means of transport.

Look for environmentally friendly accommodation, which is very often cheaper than the luxurious 4 and 5 star hotels and resorts. Check out the hotels energy/environmental standards of the country to which you are travelling and support those with a sustainable and progressive environmental plan.

Walking is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint – so take that into consideration when planning your dream holiday.

Immerse yourself in local culture and purchase food and excursions from the locals, part of the fun of traveling is to experience new things instead of sticking with what you are accustomed to back home, such as McDonald’s and other big chains that have spread across the globe.

Landfills across the globe are filled with plastic and chemicals so choose a destination that has an established recycling policy in place. And when on holiday use reusable items such as drinking bottles and other containers.

Being a green traveller is striving to understand other cultures and the different people that make up those cultures and its history. So climb out the bubble and touch the communities that belong to the paradise you are visiting. Travel should facilitate cultural understanding but all too often we get caught up in being ‘Tommy the tourist’! It is so much easier that way.

Written by Lindsay Quail
Owner of Computravel