Low Carbon Holidays – A round up of findings from January’s Transition Tuesday
Attendees at the Transition Tuesday event about low carbon holidays were asked to think about the best and worst aspects of holidays they’d really enjoyed and also those they’d really disliked. Here were some of the suggestions which came out of our discussions, along with a bit of research done by one of our TTL enthusiasts!
Please let us know in the comments section if you decide to pack a bag and head off to test any of these ideas.
Cycling
The North Sea Cycle Route goes through 8 European countries including England and Scotland. http://www.northsea-cycle.com/
National Cycle Network http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/national-cycle-network
Renting bikes in Amsterdam http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/plan-your-trip/getting-around/rental/bike-hire
Camping Zeeburg & Amsterdam Camping Zeeburg is renowned for its open and friendly atmosphere. They welcome backpackers, families, city hoppers, experienced campers from all over the world and school groups. Besides tents and camper placements the camping has comfy eco-cabins and colourful wagonettes to rent. During the high season, the camping offers a full program of music and film in the café-restaurant. A swimming pool a stone throw away Camping Zeeburg is the perfect option for a delightful stay in Amsterdam. http://www.campingzeeburg.nl/
London to Amsterdam Dutch Flyer train & ferry Leave London or Cambridge by early train to Harwich. Harwich – Hoek van Holland in private ensuite cabin, satellite TV & free WiFi on Stena Line superferry. May need bike reservation on train and pay 6 Euros in Holland for bike. Take a Dutch train to Amsterdam Central next morning. One ticket covers both trains and ferry from £45 each way plus £30 for a single cabin or £43 per cabin for a 2-berth. Ideal for a weekend break or eco-friendly business trip with your emissions cut by up to 80% compared to flight. Also a daytime service, with cabins optional. Fares to Holland start from £59 single for a car and driver or £45 single for a Dutch flyer rail and sail ticket to any Dutch rail station. Check out: http://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry-to-holland http://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry-to-holland/rail-and-sail
Active UK forest holidays Mountain biking, family cycling and walking in Forestry Commission Forests http://www.forestry.gov.uk/england-cycling http://www.forestry.gov.uk/mtbscotland http://www.forestry.gov.uk/mtbwales
The Landmark Trust A charitable organisation in Britain that has gradually acquired a huge range of beautiful and very interesting buildings converted for holiday lets. Tend to be expensive but those ona budget should look at low season which costs less. http://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/
Youth Hostel Association www.yha.org.uk Good, practical hostels around the UK. Most are in areas of outstanding beauty or in cities that will attract holidaying visitors. Prices vary according to day of the week and whether you want a private room or shared dorm. Forget the old days of doing chores and very basic meals. Most have a bar and inexpensive, good menus with more capacity for family and couples’ rooms. Other hostels exist which are not owned by the YHA – many university halls are let out during vacations and these are well worth a look. Additionally, https://www.yhasummercamps.co.uk provide a range of activity holidays with bursaries for children entitled to free school meals.
Caravanning Camper vans and caravans may only be hired by those under 70 years old. Both www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk and www.caravanclub.co.uk offer membership at about £40 p.a. and offer various membership services. Each have 200 sites and their own magazine for members. The sites of both clubs are registered and slightly more expensive than certified sites (which belong to farmers and private individuals) and have – reliably we’re informed – clean, modern services up to a higher standard than certified sites. Your carbon footprint can be lowered by having as small a caravan as possible for your family size and if you tow carefully you’ll keep down your fuel use.
Hill walking weekends Dacorum Adventure Group For hill walking weekends and local walks – both are usually monthly events: www.dag4hills.org.uk. This group of about 40 members enables you to undercut on hostel prices by using camping barns and using shared cars where possible. House Exchange Inter Vac was recommended as providing a good quality of exchanges. Lots of common sense needs to be used for this kid of exchange to work well. For more information go to www.intervac.com