Written by Jenny Catton
We all know that when it comes to travelling, aeroplanes are bad news for the environment. In his book The Rough Guide to Green Living, Duncan Clark says: “Two seats on a return trip from London to San Francisco produces the equivalent impact of around five tonnes of CO₂”. To put that into context, Clark explains that it’s equivalent to driving 20,000 miles in an average car.
But few of us want to give up our annual vacation, so what’s the alternative? Well, the ‘staycation’, which gets its name from combining ‘stay’ and ‘vacation’, is becoming an increasingly popular choice. And although a staycation means staying close to home rather than travelling overseas, it doesn’t mean you have to stay in your own home, doing the same things you do all the time. Here are some ideas for a fun staycation:
- Explore your local area – quite often we forget about the gems on our own doorstep. Pretend you’re a tourist in your own town and visit the places you normally pass by.
- Try new ways of travelling – you don’t have to jump on a plane to see parts of your own country. Why not try a walking or cycling holiday instead?
- Enjoy an activity holiday. There are many holidays that combine a relaxing break with the chance to learn a new skill so see what’s available in your local area. From writing retreats to cookery courses, they are a great way to try something new whilst taking a break from your usual routine.
