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How to Save Money on an Eco-Friendly Holiday

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The idea of reducing your carbon footprint has been around for quite a few years now, and it’s made many of us think about the way we take our holidays, and the impact we could be having on the environment. This has led to the publication of many travel guides suggesting ways in which we can be eco-friendlier on holiday, like opting for ‘eco lodges’ instead of hotels and eating at local restaurants with organically-sourced ingredients.

Unfortunately, these choices aren’t always particularly budget-friendly. The good news is that there are many ways to save money on an eco-friendly holiday: all you need is a little extra planning and discussion. This gives us the chance to enjoy a much-needed getaway and discuss important topics with the family, like covering global warming for kids in a simple, enjoyable way that they can get to grips with. Here are some ideas:

Destination

If you’re just starting to cover global warming for kids, now is a good time to explain that planes can give off emissions that contribute to climate change. When choosing your holiday destination, try opting for somewhere closer to home. Although short haul flights are typically more harmful per mile, they are still less harmful overall than a long haul flight, and they’re cheaper, too! There are many fantastic destinations that aren’t too far away – why not relax on a beach in Spain or explore one of Germany’s busy, bustling cities?

Packing

Another way to discuss global warming for kids in a way they’ll understand is to look at unnecessary manufacturing processes. That sounds like a mouthful, but really it just means making large quantities of items that could easily be reused, such as shopping bags. Reusing shopping bags has become the norm here in the UK since the implementation of the 5p charge, so why should we break the habit when we go abroad? Pack a few shopping bags in your luggage before setting off — it could save you money and help you do your bit for the environment, too.

Activities

Forget the city bus tours! Not only are short-distance leisure bus tours harmful to the environment, they’re also very expensive, and you could miss some of the very best bits of your destination. If you’re physically fit, it’s much better to walk or hire a bicycle for a day. You can take things at your own pace (great if you’re travelling with young children!), and head in whatever direction you choose. If you’re travelling a longer distance, consider public transport rather than renting a car — it’s often cheaper, and much more eco-conscious.

Refreshments

Contrary to popular belief, many popular holiday destinations now have safe drinking water, including many places across Europe, North America, Australasia, and Asia. This means you can save money and do your part for the environment by packing a reusable water bottle in your luggage and refilling as you go. If you are heading to a place where drinking the water is not advised, simply pack some sterilising tablets. When you do purchase a drink, check to see if you can return the container for a small payment.

Go Green & Save

Environmentally-friendly holidays don’t have to be expensive. They’re actually a really great way to save money, and they’re also an excellent opportunity to look at topics like global warming for kids and demonstrate how they can make sensible and responsible choices both at home and abroad. Above all, they’re a great way for you to have fun as a family – while doing your part for the environment at the same time.

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