Eco Holidays In Spain

Madrid Royal Palace.  Image courtesy of the Spanish Tourist Office.

Fancy an eco holiday in Spain?

These days, we’re all very aware of how our actions affect the environment including international travel.

There are easy ways any traveler can book and go on a break in Spain without feeling guilty about the size of their carbon footprint.

Here are four ways to make your holiday in Spain greener:

• Go with a Responsible Travel Company. Traditionally, holiday companies haven’t really considered how much their actions impact the environment. In the last few years, specialist responsible travel agencies have emerged. They help travelers go on breaks to a number of destinations, including Spain, with very little impact on the environment, especially the local environment and economy in Spain. Many of these companies can be found online, but if you want to stick to a well-known travel operator ask about their responsible tourism policy.

• Find a Green Hotel.  Some responsible travel operators work with green hotels.  If you want to stay at a hotel that’s really green (renewable resources, energy and sustainable tourism) it’s best to book the hotel yourself. Do your research and see what is on offer in the region of Spain where you’ll be staying.  Find out if the hotel has a written environmental policy that takes into account the effect of tourism on the local environment and local people. Ask if the hotel helps protect the environment through conservation and employs local people.

• Before You Travel. Once you’ve checked out your travel operator and your hotel, it’s time to concentrate on you.  Check over all the items, products and belongings that you’re packing and remove and recycle excess packaging, such as plastic wrapping, bubble wrap and cardboard. Research the destination’s culture and language which will guide you to conduct yourself responsibly and treat the locals with respect.

• When You’re On Holiday. If you’re on a self-catering holiday, buy local food from local sources and take public transport (buses, subway, trains) or ride a bicycle or walk.  One of the most important things you can do when on holiday is Spain is not buy products or gifts made from endangered species or certain hard woods. Cheap Spanish holidays are a great way to explore the Spanish mainland and/or islands, but act responsibly, or you could end up paying a lot more for your bargain holiday.