This time of year the nights are drawing in and it is getting cold. Generally, I choose hot holidays but I really want to see the Northern Lights. More and more people I know are heading off to see the lights and come back with amazing stories.
My brother and sister-in-law are heading off later this month and I am really envious of all that they have planned from seeing the northern lights and visiting thermal spas in Iceland. It sounds perfect!
There are a number of holidays to see the Northern Lights including visiting Lapland which again is a bucket list destination!
Booking a trip provides you with an itinerary to make the most of your time. For example, a four-night Christmas break to Harriniva is a dedicated quest for the Northern Lights. You’ll hunt on foot and on snowmobiles as well as learn all about the phenomenal light show during a workshop. The daylight hours also include some fantastic winter activities such as dog-sledging and a visit to a reindeer farm. It really is the holiday of dreams!
Whether you are going on a adult’s break or a family trip it doesn’t matter there is plenty to do. I like having a trip inclusive of activities as you know nothing will be left to chance. You will be provided with support from booking to enjoying your stay. Activities will be well organised and fully equipped leaving you free to enjoy it all without added stress.
As a family that likes to travel I have recently been asked about sustainable travel so have put together my thoughts.
6 Tips to Travel in a Planet-Friendly Way
With an increasing awareness about global warming and the fast deteriorating state of the planet, going green and choosing environmentally-friendly alternatives to everything is the need of the time. A lot of travellers, however, tend to be a bit skeptical about travelling green, mostly because it is thought to be expensive when it actually isn’t!
Keep reading to discover 6 super valuable tips to help you travel in an environmentally friendly way, and possibly even save some money while you’re at it.
Choose Local
One of the simplest ways to travel green and reduce your carbon footprint is to choose local- whether you’re dining out or going shopping. You might be tempted to grab a meal at a chain restaurant, but remember- most chain restaurants tend to waste more fuel, use loads of preservatives in their food and also use up a lot of packaging and shipping material (and end up wasting a lot of energy and resources) to get you that food on your plate.
Plus, they won’t be able to offer you the complete experience that local restaurants will be able to! Need we say more?
Use Public Transport
There’s no better way than walking, taking a bike or using public transport to discover a place like a local. Use these transportation options as much as you can- you’ll also be saving a good deal of cash when you do that, and of course, be doing a favor for the environment.
Stay Smart
If you’re still making hotel bookings, look a bit deep and try to hunt for those that implement green practices. Once you’ve reached your hotel, make it a point to use your sheets and towels in a way that you don’t have to ask for them to be cleaned every day. You might also want to carry your own toiletries and avoid using the ones that hotels offer to reduce plastic wastage afterwards.
Pick the Right Destination
Yes, you read that right! Visiting nearby countries and countries that focus on environmentally friendly practices is a good idea. Costa Rica, Africa (for its wildlife reserves), Copenhagen, Alaska and US National Parks are excellent examples. If you are going where it is cold make sure you have a good winter packing list.
Pack Light & Smart
Surprised at this one? Don’t be. Carrying around all that extra luggage isn’t just going to be hectic, but it’ll also translate into higher consumption of resources and fuel on your part. Pack light- you’ll not just save on the extra baggage fees but also reduce your carbon footprint. Also, remember to pack a reusable water bottle and some cloth shopping bags for yourself to use on your trip! For some super stylish but easy winter wardrobe essentials read this.
Go Digital
Probably the simplest way to go green even when you’re travelling is to avoid printing papers and documents unnecessarily and instead, go digital. You can easily have your boarding pass on your phone, and take pictures of your tickets, passport and other documents. Easy peasy!
