If, like me, you love going on holiday, it can sometimes be difficult to balance a passion for travelling with looking after the planet. Let’s face it, constantly jetting off to long-haul destinations is hardly going to help in the fight against climate change. While I’m not saying you should never ever fly abroad again, I think it is worth taking domestic glamping breaks.
Not only are they a fantastic option if you want an eco-friendly getaway, but a glamping holiday means you get to experience some of the most beautiful scenery that the UK has to offer.
Generally speaking, these breaks appeal to those who want to take time out from the strain of modern life (something that I think we all have to do at one point or another), so by going on a holiday in a treehouse, yurt or tipi, you will soon forget about any stress you may have been experiencing. Usually set in the heart of the countryside – often in popular holiday locations such as Sussex, Pembrokeshire, the Isle of Wight and Shropshire – such accommodation enables you to escape the rat race, connect with nature and spend some quality time with your loved ones, all while keeping your carbon footprint low.
I’m sure you don’t need me to remind you, but a common source of frustration for many holidaymakers who go abroad is queuing up at an airport. Choose a glamping break and this is something you won’t have to concern yourself with, as you can travel straight to your accommodation without worrying about where your passport is or putting up with delays. The fact you won’t be travelling by plane on your holiday also means the carbon emissions associated with your break will be substantially lower than if you were going to a long-haul destination like Dubai or Australia. While you may be tempted to drive to the tipi or treehouse you’ve booked, I think that if you want to really minimise your environmental footprint you ought to see if you can take a train or coach there instead.
No matter how you get to your accommodation, once you have arrived you can relax in a beautiful property that has been constructed with the environment in mind. This may mean that it runs on renewable energy (there might even be a traditional wood-burning stove) or has been built out of sustainable materials; either way, I think staying in low-carbon accommodation will help you to relax.
Another great thing about staying in glamping properties – besides being eco-friendly – is their uniqueness. As you’ll have probably guessed by now, accommodation such as treehouses aren’t ten a penny, so booking one for your break will give a unique travel experience that you’ll remember forever.
Unlike the case when taking a holiday at a run-of-the-mill campsite, a glamping break means you don’t have to go without too many modern amenities. Of course, the particular facilities you will have at your disposal will vary depending on the location and type of property that you book, but as it’s possible to stay in a place that has a private bathroom, digital television and modern, fully-equipped kitchen, I really don’t think you’ll be hankering for home too much.
If you’re planning on taking a glamping holiday as a way to enjoy a chic, yet carbon-friendly, break please leave us a comment and tell us all about it.
