Recession-proof and green holidays?
16 April 2008 :: Green travel by Laura Burgess
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The economic forecast spells doom and gloom. As talks of recession swamp the media, people are already thinking about how to cut back on spending. But will holidays be the first thing to go from the family budget?
The word on the street says yes. After all, the holiday of 2007 would be too expensive this year – particularly if it’s anywhere in the Eurozone. The cost of the Euro has risen a massive 20% against the pound in the last 12 months which means that a holiday to Europe can end up costing a great deal more. Currently 100 Euros will cost you £80.34. That’s a significant amount to pay. Yet according to the Financial Times of 12 April, the family holiday is the ‘last expense anyone wants to cut.’
So what are the alternatives? Previously, the suggestion of a holiday in the UK to the average British holidaymaker would have provoked a response that it’s too expensive. In 2008, however, the UK is looking like an increasingly affordable option. Already places like Haven Holidays are reporting that bookings are up 30% over the last three weeks for breaks in June and July. ‘The current credit crunch combined with the high value of the Euro is putting people off travelling to Europe – families are opting for UK breaks because they offer such good value for money,’ said Dawn Macey, Sales and Marketing Manager for Haven.
So travelling in the UK is both cheaper and greener. And our economy could do with a boost from green tourism too. If more Brits choose to travel in the UK this year and next, just think of the carbon savings we’ll make and the businesses over here that could benefit.
Our ecoescape guide also contains loads of ideas for budget eco-travel in the UK. Not only are the ideas eco-friendly, but when you’re there, you’ll have greater control of your spending. Below are a few budget family options from the book.
Recession-proof and green holidays in the UK:
1. Cornish Yurt Holidays
Posh camping: the children will love staying in these round tents which offer superb value for money. You can bring your own food or buy some local produce which can be there waiting for you when you arrive. There’s plenty of space for the children to run around on Bodmin Moor and if you bring or hire bikes, the Camel Trail can be a fun and free day out.
Price: From £50 per night for 2 people or £295 per week for up to 4 people
www.yurtworks.co.uk
2. Sandy Balls
Holiday parks with basic but comfortable cabins, can make an affordable week or two week break. Sandy Balls is deep in the beautiful New Forest and there’s plenty of onsite facilities to keep the children happy. The site has a prestigious David Bellamy award for its conservation efforts.
Price: from £199 per week (low season)
www.sandy-balls.co.uk
3. Clippesby Hall
A green campsite on the Norfolk Broads, Clippesby Hall gets the balance right between offering tranquillity and essential facilities like an onsite shop and clean shower blocks. The shop sells local produce and there’s even a pub with lots of real ales. You can visit the nearby attraction of Bewilderwood. Here children’s imaginations can run wild (and it’s green too!).
Price: £23 per night per pitch
www.clippesby.com
4. Eco-Lodge Lincolnshire
Green holidays needn’t be expensive. The Eco-Lodge in Lincolnshire surely proves that theory. This little cabin is nestled in a rural spot in the Fens and offers comfort, quiet and access to the great outdoors. The terrain nearby is flat, so bring the bikes. You can also cook your own food in the impressive wood burning stove and get to know some new eco-friendly technologies.
Price: £340 + £5 per person per week stay (sleeps four people)
www.internationalbusinessschool.net/eco-lodge.htm
5. La Rosa
For adults and children alike, La Rosa in the North Yorkshire Moors is a camping experience out of the ordinary. You’ll stay in one of a group of vintage caravans which are decked out in different themes (we stayed in the pink Psycho Candy van). There’s a camp fire for the chilly evenings and somewhere to cook your camping nosh.
Price: £27 per person per night
www.larosa.co.uk
Other tips to help save money on holiday in the UK:
1. Book in advance
The best travel fares are to be had in advance. Look out for offers on train tickets from the various operators and book online for the best deals. The same goes for ferries. Check out www.thetrainline.com.
2. Choose self-catering
If you can buy your own produce, you can save a bit of money. Always check out the local farmers’ market (www.farmersmarkets.net) when you’re away. It’s not the cheapest, but it’ll help you to get to know the place better and support the local economy – and the food is good too!
3. Bring the bicycle
Cycling doesn’t only help you to enjoy the area and the outdoors, it’s also a great money saver. And in certain visitor attractions and accommodation, you get a discount if you arrive by bike or public transport. Try:
Centre for Alternative Technology, Wales: www.cat.org.uk
Eden Project, Cornwall: www.edenproject.com
Pinetrees B&B, Suffolk: www.pinetrees.net
Cumbria House B&B, Keswick: www.cumbriahouse.co.uk
Bloomfield House B&B, Bath: www.ecobloomfield.com
Pan-It Earth Holidays, Cornwall: www.plan-itearth.org.uk
Fal River Links, Cornwall: www.falriverlinks.co.uk
See also www.sustrans.org for national cycle network routes
To order your copy of ecoescape, full of budget and green holiday ideas click here – if you quote the code: ecoUK you get free postage and packing!
