How to reduce your holiday carbon footprint
A little planning can make a difference. Explore practical ways to reduce the impact of getting there, staying away and travelling around.
Start with the journey
Make more considered travel choices
Your destination, transport and length of stay all shape your trip's footprint. Compare the options that work for you before booking.
If you need to fly
- Compare rail or coach options for shorter journeys.
- Consider a direct flight and economy seating when flying.
- Consider fewer trips with a longer stay, where practical.
Explore closer to home
- Look for destinations you can reach by train or coach.
- Plan walking, cycling or public transport into your stay.
- Compare the full journey: a nearby trip still has a footprint.
Choose your accommodation
- Ask about energy use, waste reduction and water management.
- Look for specific evidence behind environmental claims.
- Choose a location that reduces the need for daily car journeys.
Small habits, wherever you go
Keep the good habits on holiday
Use heating and air conditioning thoughtfully, switch off unused lights, and reuse towels where suitable. Carry a refillable bottle where safe drinking water is available and avoid unnecessary single-use items.
Choose activities that respect local wildlife and communities. Follow local guidance, use marked routes and leave natural places as you found them.
A useful pre-trip checklist
- Compare your route and transport options.
- Check how you will get around at your destination.
- Ask your accommodation about its environmental practices.
- Estimate your emissions before you finalise your plans.
Put a number to your trip
Use our separate holiday calculator to work through your journey and estimate its carbon footprint. Have your travel and accommodation details ready.
Reduce first, then consider your next step
Start with the emissions you can avoid or reduce. If you choose to support carbon projects alongside those reductions, explore the carbon credit marketplace and our guide to carbon credit standards.
Carbon credits support climate projects. They do not remove the need to reduce your own travel emissions.