1. Choose a non-stop flight

Planes produce most of their carbon emissions when taking off and landing. Lessen your impact on the environment by booking a direct flight rather than changing planes.

2. Book a green hotel

Loads of hotels are trying to be more eco-friendly these days to attract new guests by reducing their energy consumption and recycling more of their waste. Check what your hotel is doing to help. HotelClub UK is a great place to start.

3. Recycle your litter

Find out what your hotel's recycling policy is and sort your rubbish accordingly. Every hotel should be recycling its empty plastic bottles, tin cans and cardboard, and this is something you can be a part of as well.

4. Pack your own toiletries

Miniature shampoos and soaps are energy-intensive to produce and are often thrown away after a single use. Reduce your impact on the environment by bringing your own full-sized toiletries and using them instead. 

5. Save energy at the hotel

Conserve power in your hotel room by turning off lights when not in use and turning down air-conditioning – even one degree can make a big difference. Switching off the TV at the wall will consume 25% less electricity than leaving it on standby, too.

6. Reuse plastic bottles

If the water's safe to drink, fill up empty plastic bottles with tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only will it save you money it'll create less waste.  

7. Choose eco-friendly transport

Explore the area by bike or on foot instead of taking motorised transport. Public transport like buses and trains are a reasonably environmentally-friendly alternative. Only hire a car or taxi if you really have to. 

8. Shop at farmers' markets

Buy fresh meat, fruit and vegetables from local farmers' markets rather than from the supermarket. That way you can be sure that your food is organic and hasn't travelled halfway around the world to get to you.

9. Buy locally-produced souvenirs

Don't buy products made from endangered animals (you won't be able to get them through customs) and avoid mass-produced souvenirs imported from China. Try to support local artisans by purchasing traditional handicrafts like woven or knitted goods instead.

10. Write your hotel a letter

If you were impressed with your hotel's efforts to be eco-friendly, write them an email or letter saying thank you. That will encourage them to keep up the good work and do even more to be green in the future. More eco-friendly travel tips can be found here.

Happy holidays!