Four sustainable practices to remember on your next UK staycation
Holidays present an opportunity to broaden your horizons by exploring new places, but that doesn’t mean you need to leave the UK. The UK is full of incredible sights with unique experiences to offer, such as the fascinating Scottish highlands or one of the many picturesque beaches sprinkled across the Cornish coast.
Staying within the UK for your next break also brings a host of environmental benefits, primarily due to the myriad of transport options that mean you can avoid flying. However, it’s still important to be mindful of your impact on the local climate and do what you can to minimize it. Keep reading to discover four sustainable practices that can help you do just that.
Take advantage of public transport
Instead of driving to your next staycation break, try opting for public transport where possible. The UK has excellent rail connections, and there are also a number of long-distance coach companies, making it easy to reach most parts of the country.
Not only are these options much more environmentally friendly due to their reduced carbon dioxide emissions, but they tend to be more cost-effective too. Especially if you opt for a coach journey, with many trips coming in under £10. The only downside is that travel time is typically longer on a coach, whereas trains typically take as long as it would to drive, if not less.
Pack reusable essentials
To avoid creating excess rubbish on your trip, make sure you come prepared with plenty of reusable essentials. It can be helpful to pack a bag of your favorite reusable items, making it easy to grab when you head on your next adventure. Some essentials to include are a refillable water bottle, reusable cutlery, a travel mug, and at least one shopping bag.
Although these items will cost more initially than their disposable alternatives, they can be kept and reused for years. Every little swap can help the environment, and have a significant impact on the areas you visit, so it’s a worthwhile investment.
Support local businesses
When exploring a new destination, make sure to treat it with the same respect that you would your hometown, and ensure that you support local businesses where possible. One of the main attractions of many UK towns is the high street, so it’s important to do your bit to keep the shops in business.
One of the highlights of a holiday is getting to experience new places and try new things, and what better way to do that than by visiting authentic local businesses? For example, instead of doing your shopping at a supermarket chain, try visiting some local greengrocers, bakeries, and butchers. Your custom could go a long way, and you may even discover a new favorite.
With so many stunning destinations right on our doorstep, there’s no wonder that staycations are growing so rapidly in popularity. They’re often cheaper, less stressful to plan, and require less traveling time, making it easy to pack up and embark on your next adventure whenever the urge strikes you.
Coupled with the various sustainable practices detailed above, you’re bound to enjoy a peaceful and eco-friendly staycation.