The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is working with The Aqua Parks Association UK & Ireland to ensure the safety of the fast-growing industry as the UK looks forward to another bumper staycation summer.
Aqua parks first launched in the UK in 2015. Today, there are approximately 65 parks in the UK. Suitable for adults and children alike, the floating assault courses offer a variety of obstacles ranging from climbing walls and trampolines to water slides and runways.
The sector has boomed during the pandemic with the launch of new parks and established operators expanding their aqua park offering.
RLSS UK is working closely with The Aqua Parks Association UK & Ireland – formerly the Aqua Parks Steering Group – to promote safety standards in the industry to maintain public confidence in UK aqua parks.
The association has developed a set of minimum industry standards and launched the UK’s first accreditation scheme for aqua parks. The accreditation scheme introduced a recognised and consistent safety standard, making accredited UK aqua parks some of the safest in the world. As appointed auditor for the association, RLSS UK audits parks that have signed up to the accreditation scheme.
Consumers should look out for aqua parks that hold the Industry Approved Aqua Park status; awarded to aqua parks that have met the operational and equipment standards set out within the guidance.
There are two accreditations: ‘Silver’ shows that an aqua park has the correct documents, procedures, staff, and training in place for all the sessions they run, while the ‘Gold’ accreditation indicates that the aqua park not only meets all the operational standards demanded by ‘Silver’ accreditation but also that all its equipment has been third-party tested to meet ISO 25649.
(The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organisations).
Helen Bowker-Steer, Head of Commercial Services, said: “It is an exciting time for the aqua park industry – the development of the Aqua Park Association UK and Ireland in 2021 is a huge step forward.
“The industry now has a voice. It also has an elected board of individuals with the safety and success of the industry at its core. As the auditing partner for the Aqua Parks Association UK and Ireland, RLSS UK is committed to supporting all aqua parks which sign up for the industry approved process.”
Scotland ranks third in GB tourist destinations survey
WITH the nation set to embrace staycations, Wales has been named the most popular UK destination to visit post-lockdown – closely followed by the south coast of England, leaving Scotland in third place.
With 20% of the vote, Wales – famous for its rugged coastline and mountainous national parks – topped the list of the UK places where caravan and motorhome owners plan on visiting once coronavirus restrictions are fully lifted.
Scotland took 17% of the vote, just 2% behind the south coast of England.
More than 1,900 adults aged 35 and over were surveyed by YouGov as part of the research, which was commissioned by Kimberley and carried out in late June.
It comes after a record number of leisure vehicles were sold across Europe in 2020 – rising 12% to around 235,000 units, according to the European Caravan Federation
Chris Lowe, director at Kimberley, said: “When restrictions relaxed last summer, there was a huge rise in demand for passport-free holidays and once all lockdown measured are fully removed, it’s expected that British people will once again opt to remain on home turf.
“From the iconic Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands to the White Cliffs of Dover and Lake Windermere in the Lake District to the Welsh views of Snowdonia, it’s no secret that people have been enjoying so many of Britain’s beauty spots and discovering a new-found appreciation for what is on our shores.
“I’m quite surprised Scotland has come third in the poll. As a country with outstanding natural beauty, we know it’s a firm favourite with motorhome and caravanning fans due to the ability to enjoy everything from coastal views to mountainscapes.”
Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, added: “Scotland’s incredible scenery provides stunning surroundings no matter the mode of transport. With our dynamic driving routes criss-crossing the country, it is no surprise Scotland has ranked so highly as a must-visit destination for caravan and motorhome owners.
“New driving routes – like The Coig covering Ayrshire and some Scottish islands, and South West Coastal 300 – have been a huge success for Scotland’s visitor economy, while showing off the incredible landscapes and attractions to be found across the country throughout the year.
“It is extremely important that we all do our upmost to preserve these special places and enjoy them responsibly. We would urge visitors to ‘know before they go’, checking online whether attractions and businesses are open, welcoming visitors and offering pre-booking – with this being especially important for caravan and motorhome owners. To ensure that visitors and the communities they visit enjoy the best experience possible, we urge all visitors to leave no trace and to dispose of waste and litter responsibly.
“We know that tourism is a force for good – creating economic and social value in every corner of Scotland and enhancing the well-being of everyone who experiences it. We all deserve a holiday, and Scotland, with all it offers, will be the perfect antidote after a series of restrictions and lockdowns.”
The south coast – including Brighton, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall – came second in the list, with 19% of caravan and motorhome owners pining to visit once restrictions are eased. The east coast, including Norfolk and Suffolk, came in fourth place (10%) and the north west placed fifth (7%).
Of those surveyed, 8% of people said they had no plans to travel, with 4% being unsure about where to visit.
Chris said: “Sales of caravans and motorhomes have also surged due to this increase in staycations, with holidaymakers relishing the flexibility that leisure vehicles have to offer. With lockdown restrictions easing but foreign travel uncertain, more people are looking at the domestic holiday market and leisure vehicles allow them to conveniently take a break.”
Kimberley – which was set up in 1981 – has branches in Kimberley, Nottinghamshire; Darlington, County Durham; and is preparing to open its third site in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, in late summer 2021.
As well as supplying new and pre-used leisure vehicles, Kimberley offers a variety of exclusive caravans and motorhomes that leading manufacturers Compass, Coachman and Swift have tailored to its own specification – including the addition of multiple unique features and upgrades.
Once coronavirus restrictions are fully lifted, which one, if any, of the following places in the UK do you plan on visiting first?
Location
Percentage of caravan and motorhome owners aged 35 and over
Wales
20%
South coast (e.g. Brighton, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall)
With many people heading to the North of Scotland this summer, road policing officers are reminding road users to be safe on country roads.
Constable Neil MacDonald of Highlands and Islands Road Policing said: “The scenery in the area attracts people from all over the world. While we welcome the visitors we would like to remind them that some of the roads are different to what they may have encountered before and to be careful and safe while visiting.”
Drivers are reminded to reduce speed on approach to bends and junctions and look out for blind summits and hidden dips.
Many of the roads are single track and only wide enough for one vehicle. In these instances there will be signs for passing places and drivers are asked to use these responsibly and use them to allow vehicles to pass and overtake.
Chair of The Highland Council’s Tourism Committee, Gordon Adam said: “Driving throughout the Highlands is truly unique and the journey is very much part of the experience, however it does come with some challenges; particularly on narrow single track roads.
“We encourage all to drive according to the conditions of the road. Be courteous to other road users – please check your mirrors regularly and pull in and let the traffic behind you pass.
“Others may be carrying out vital deliveries or travelling to work, if you see a vehicle flashing headlights, it maybe someone attending an emergency. Pull in and let them pass. Take extra care when passing cyclists and walkers, particularly on single track roads and look out for livestock and horse riders.”
Drivers are also reminded to put away any distractions and always fasten seatbelts.
Constable Neil MacDonald said: “Following this advice will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip while helping to play your part in ensuring the smooth and safe running of the roads in the north.”
Trish Robertson, chair of the Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “The Highland Council fully support Police Scotland’s Road Safety campaign to inform visitors of the challenges of driving in rural locations with single track roads.
“Please make use of the nearest passing place and pull to the left to let traffic pass. You may have to reverse to let a vehicle pass. If you see a large vehicle approaching in the distance, be prepared to stop in the next passing place and wait for them to go by you.
“Follow the guidance provided by Police Scotland to ensure that you and other road users can safely enjoy the beautiful Highland scenery.”
Police Scotland have released a new leaflet with advice on Road Safety on Country Roads. The public are asked to share the leaflet:-
In the North of Scotland we are fortunate to be surrounded by stunning scenery, with a road network that enhances the natural beauty of the landscape.
However these roads may be different to what you have encountered before and while we welcome and encourage you to enjoy this beautiful part of the country, we want you to be safe.
Please read and follow these useful pointers to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip, and which should help you to play your part in ensuring the smooth running of our roads on and near the North Coast 500 route:
» Please take extra care on rural roads and reduce your speed on approach to a bend – it may be sharper than it appears and you never know what could be round the corner. Also take care when approaching minor junctions and turnings which may be partially hidden. Drive at a speed that doesn’t affect your decision-making ability – this could be well below the speed limit.
» Look out for blind summits and hidden dips. Keep an eye on road signs and slow down as you approach.
» Single-track roads – these are only wide enough for one vehicle and you will see signs for ‘passing places’. If you observe a vehicle travelling towards you – or the driver behind wants to overtake – pull into a passing place on your left or wait opposite a passing place on your right. Do not park in passing places.
» Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can. If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass.
» Be prepared for pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists, or farm livestock or wild animals moving from one side of the road to the other. Allow yourself enough time and space to move either into a passing place or off the road.
» Always reduce your speed on the approach to built-up areas.
» Belt up – it could make a crucial difference to you and your passengers in the event of a crash.
» Prepare for the unexpected – you might know the road like the back of your hand, but conditions and other traffic are always changing.
» Put away any distractions. Ignore your phone and do not attempt to set your Sat-Nav while driving.
With accommodation and attraction partners in less-frequented towns and popular tourist hotspots across the country, group tours may be the best kept secret to securing the summer staycation of your dreams this year.
Small group tour operator Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) operates a guaranteed departure policy – meaning if you book, you go. Yes, even to Devon and Cornwall in the peak of summer, and the best news – there’s still plenty of availability!
Rabbie’s takes pride in their sustainable approach to travelling and promises that its guests ‘take only photos and leave only footprints’. Rabbie’s use small mini coaches that can visit locations off the beaten track that larger operators are not able to reach. Offering explorations beyond the guidebook while supporting and giving back to the smaller, less touristed communities around the country.
This summer’s tour highlights include:
Devon & Cornwall
Immerse yourself in the folklore of England on this five-day tour departing from London. First stop is England’s ancient capital, Winchester. Here guests can visit The Great Hall and see the round table that inspired Arthurian legends.
Dartmoor’s rolling hills, steep valleys, and peat bogs make for a dramatic landscape, and animal lovers will enjoy the rare sight of grazing wild ponies. The North Devon Coast leaves guests spoiled for choice with castles, cliff top walks and Boscastle, the charming Elizabethan fishing village, all waiting to be explored.
You will struggle to find a more photogenic coastal view than St. Michael’s Mount, take a moment to learn more about this remote island community. Finally take time to explore Glastonbury and discover the secrets of the town behind the music on the journey back to London. Prices for this five-day trip to a magical corner of England start from £369 per person.
Iona, Mull & the Isle of Skye
Experience the peace, tranquillity and sheer rugged beauty of the Scottish Islands on this five-day tour. After departing from Edinburgh guests are treated to the impressive mountain views of the West Highlands before arriving in the bustling town of Oban.
From here set sail to the tiny Isle of Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Guests have the opportunity to visit the other worldly Fingal’s Cave and beautiful Iona Abbey.
Travel back to the mainland for a visit to the beautiful fishing village of Plockton. On to the Isle of Skye your guide will choose the perfect activity for you depending on the weather. Be sure to enjoy the views as you head back along the shore of Loch Ness en route back to Edinburgh. This five-day tour costs from just £389 per person.
Snowdonia, North Wales & Chester
Castles, cathedrals and coastline, all this and more are waiting to be explored on this three-day tour of Snowdonia, North Wales and Chester. After leaving Manchester, travel to the walled market town of Conwy before heading deep into Snowdonia.
The mountains and glacial landforms create the perfect backdrop for your travels and provide spectacular views. Guests are given the opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Isle of Anglesey before visiting one of the most charming and unique villages in Wales.
Portmeirion was built as a tribute to the Mediterranean and this coastal village boasts technicolour streets, palm trees and sculptures. End your Welsh whistle-stop tour with visits to Harlech castle and the Roman town of Chester. Experience this impressive corner of Britain with prices starting from just £189 per person.
With staycation options running slim, Rabbie’s offer a stress-free travel experience with availability this summer. Guests are able to sit back and relax in the air conditioned mini-coach while their driver-guide takes the wheel. The expert drivers know the stories, sights, and secrets of the areas they travel and give their personal insight to destinations and are sure to make it a journey to remember.
Police are warning drivers who are enjoying a drink during the summer months not to get behind the wheel: even one drink can be one too many.
Officers will target drink drivers as part of a week of activity, starting today – Monday 5 July.
Police Scotland regularly carry out intelligence-led high visibility patrols and roadside checks to detect those who choose to put others at risk by driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
Police Scotland, Head of Road Policing, Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock said: “With many families opting for a staycation this summer, traffic levels are expected to be higher than in previous years.
“If you’re heading out to socialise over the summer months and intend drinking alcohol, please plan ahead and consider how you will get home safely, whether it’s walking, catching the bus, train or arranging a taxi.
“Do not take the risk of getting behind the wheel if you have consumed drugs or alcohol. I would ask friends, family and members of the public who suspect someone of driving under the influence of drink or drugs to have the courage to contact the Police and our officers will take action.”
Happy School Holidays to all the pupils and teachers!
Whether you’re plotting your stops for the North Coast 500 or working out a driving route for an island hopping adventure, make sure you’re planning a safe staycation.
Roads may be busier than usual with more road users who are unfamiliar with the area:
Plan extra time for your journey Pay attention to speed limits & other road users Follow local COVID-19 restrictions
Western Honda Edinburgh offers some handy tips and advice
As temperatures begin to rise, staycation season will soon be upon us. With 4 in 5 Brits (84%) planning a UK break this summer, we know that many people will be setting out on a road trip.
As with any long journey, it’s really important to make sure cars are in the best possible condition, and can deal with whatever the trip might throw at them.
To make sure your vehicle is in the best shape possible, Western Honda Edinburgh has created the ultimate road trip guide. With invaluable vehicle and travel tips, it’s sure to help you get the most out of your summer journeys:
Do the ‘Big Three’ checks ahead of the journey – There are three key checks to do before you set off. Tyre pressure, washer fluid and engine oil levels should be monitored before any long trip. Many car owners especially forget to check their engine oil levels, which is vital to keep internal parts moving as they should. If the oil level in your engine drops too low, it’ll stop working efficiency and could even lead to significant engine damage.
Bring the fun – A key part of any road trip is ensuring that the fun never stops. This is often difficult on long car journeys, so why not avoid the 100th round of ‘I Spy’ by bringing travel board games for your passengers? Crosswords or Card Games are a great way to pass the time and inject some competitive spirit into your journey. As well as games, make sure you bring in-car snacks too, to keep your passengers fed and happy throughout the journey. From a full picnic to crisps and sweets, it’ll be sure to maintain the energy levels throughout your trip.
Packing – Perhaps the most obvious of all is making sure you’re packed for your destination! What would a summer road trip be without the luggage, bikes and snack bags that are essential for a summer day out. Squeezing everything in can be a challenge, but our range of Honda vehicles has been designed with space in mind. From roof-bars to bike-racks, our host of innovative space-saving features will ensure your road trip has everything you need.
Aftersales Manager, Jonathan Wilson from Western Honda commented: “Now that the warmer months are upon us, it is really important to consider the impact longer road trips will have on your car.
“Not only to avoid any potential damage, but to make sure you are keeping safe on the road. Whatever your needs, we are always here to offer help or advice on this. Simply pick up the phone and our expert team will be delighted to help.”
For those keen to purchase a new car, the Western Honda Edinburgh range features the all-electric Honda e alongside our popular Jazz and CR-V Hybrid models.
The dealership is now back open and welcoming shoppers. Extensive measures have been put in place to keep the process as safe as possible, including staggered appointment times and sanitisation stations for staff and customers. This also includes the thorough cleaning of all vehicles before and after handover.
According to a recent study, Cornwall is among the most sought-after destinations in Europe for road trips. With 78 boards dedicated to the county on social media site Pinterest, the picturesque coast has also seen a surge in Google searches, with a 50% increase in people searching for ‘Cornwall’ from January 2021 to March 2021.
With that in mind, Edinburgh Honda have pulled together a list of the UK’s best road trip routes, so why not try visiting some of the following spots on your summer journey?:
Wild Wales – Explore some of the UK’s most stunning scenery with a drive through Snowdonia National Park and out to the Menai Strait. Starting at Betws-y-Coed, head west past Swallow Falls and into the heart of Snowdonia. Outside the park, take the scenic route via Caernarfon, before heading over the water to explore the beautiful Isle of Anglesey.
Route Distance: 50 miles
Peak District National Park – Why not take a tour through one of the country’s most beloved national parks, the Peak District. Start in Glossop and head into the Pennines via the famous Snake Pass. A small detour to the south-west will take you to the Blue John Cavern, a cave system that’s ideal for an exciting alternative to rambling. For even more of a thrill, take to the skies with Derwent Valley’s cable car.
Route Distance: 40 miles
Atlantic Highway – The A39 is a long stretch of road in South West England, running between Bath to Falmouth. A particularly picturesque part is from Barnstaple in Devon to the Cornish seaside resort of Newquay. Just a short journey from the road are breath-taking views of the Atlantic as you pass through Bude, Camelford and Wadebridge. Active groups will love walking and cycling through North Devon’s Adventure Coast.
Route Distance: 77 miles
Norfolk Coast – England’s eastern coastline is full of scenic waterways and wildlife, so starting out from Norwich, take the coast road north towards Cromer for a traditional seaside resort. Further along the coast, Brancaster Beach is the perfect option for an afternoon on the sand. With more than 40 miles of sandy shores and six Blue Flag beaches, Norfolk is also home to the country’s largest seal colony at Blakeney Point.
Route Distance: 90 miles
The UK’s Route 66 – For the ultimate summer road trip, why not venture up to Scotland to enjoy some of the UK’s most spectacular vistas. Starting and ending at Inverness Castle, The North Coast 500 goes via Ullapool, Durness, John O’Groats and Dornoch. A full 500 miles in length, it’s advisable to book accommodation well in advance. Plenty of adventurous opportunities exist on route, with surfing, canyoning and diving all available to beginners.
Route Distance: 516 miles
Contact your local Honda dealership on 0131 657 3000 or email
VisitScotland typically sees around 14 million trips to Scotland by UK residents every year and 134 million tourism day trips1, with 64% bringing their own car2, so it’s anticipated Scottish roads will be busier than ever.
With fatigue being a contributory factor in collisions that kill or seriously injure around 50 people every year in Scotland3, drivers should also ensure they are well rested before setting out on their staycation trips and plan regular breaks.
Minister for Transport, Graeme Dey, said: “We know that drivers are keen to get to their destination but it’s really important they plan ahead before setting off on their staycation.
“Take plenty of rest stops to combat fatigue and be prepared for roads you may not be familiar with. Through this campaign, we’re providing drivers with practical tips and good advice to help them plan ahead and stay safe on our roads this summer.”
The new campaign encourages drivers who are planning a trip in Scotland to be patient as the roads get busier with holiday traffic, and prepare for the unexpected on rural roads. It also highlights that Scotland’s many country and single track roads may require new and different driving skills, particularly for those with less experience of driving in rural areas.
Chief Superintendent, Louise Blakelock, Police Scotland said: “Understandably this year, as a result of the continued uncertainty surrounding COVID restrictions, many people will look to holiday throughout Scotland and elsewhere within the UK in lieu of a foreign holiday.
“This will inevitably result in our roads being far busier than previous summers with greater numbers of cars, motorcycles, caravans and motorhomes travelling across the country and many motorists will be on roads they are unfamiliar with.
“It is therefore essential that road users are considerate and courteous to each other, drive or ride responsibly to the road conditions and road class they are travelling on. Road users must also be mindful of their impact on local communities and park in a safe and considerate manner, when enjoying Scotland’s countryside.
“As always, Road Policing Officers will be patrolling throughout Scotland over the coming months to influence road user behaviour, educate motorists on appropriate driving practices and enforcement action will be taken when necessary.”
Everyone has a vital role to play in keeping people safe on Scotland’s roads this summer. Four in five UK residents (84%) are planning a 2021 staycation, with two of the top ten destinations on the travel bucket list located in Scotland – the Scottish Highlands (43%) and Edinburgh (34%).4
Caroline Warburton, Regional Leadership Director, VisitScotland, said: “As we move into the summer months, better weather and further easing of restrictions, we would like to remind people to plan ahead, whether that be booking their accommodation in advance of visiting, checking ahead to see what is open and available and if anywhere is busy, move on to somewhere that isn’t.
“Through our responsible tourism campaign, we are working with a number of organisations and campaigns, including this new road safety campaign to address issues including littering, access, fires, pollution and parking/transport. We ask everyone to do their bit to #RespectProtectEnjoy our beautiful country this summer.”
The new campaign (running across social media, PR and partnerships) features advice about taking your time, planning ahead and expecting the unexpected on rural roads.
For more information visit roadsafety.scot/topics/driving-around-scotland or check out the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter (@roadsafetyscot) pages #PlanSmartDriveSmart.
Orkney, with its neolithic sites and panoramic views, has been named the best Scottish island, according to a survey from Which?.
While Scotland’s waters are home to approximately 800 islands, Which? Travel readers rated only 14, highlighting how undiscovered and uninhabited many of them still are. And of the 14 that received enough visitors to be ranked in the survey, 10 received an impressive visitor score of 80 per cent or more.
Orkney – with its 70 or so islands off the northeastern coast of the country – took the top spot in the table with visitors awarding it a score of 88 per cent.
The island was the only one in the survey to receive five stars for its tourist attractions, with visitors speaking highly of its many prehistoric sites and archaeology – some of the most frequently cited highlights included the Italian Church, Skara Brae, and the “spectacular” Ring of Brodgar.
Orkney was also praised for its “beautiful” scenery and friendly locals, while others cited its remoteness as its main attraction – one reader was particularly impressed by the “miles and miles of secluded sandy beaches with no-one in sight”.
In second place was Shetland, with a score of 86 per cent. Of its 100 or so islands, only 16 are inhabited, which could go some way to explaining its five-star rating for peace and quiet.
This, combined with the fact it is closer to the Arctic Circle than it is to London, might lead some to think it could be difficult to reach – but the island was given four stars for ease of travel. It also received four stars for scenery, tourist attractions and shopping, meaning most travellers will be well catered to.
Harris, Islay and Mull each received a visitor score of 85 per cent, putting them in joint third place.
Harris received five stars for both its beaches and its scenery, as well as for peace and quiet, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape to the great outdoors. Visitors can also head to Tarbert where they can buy their own Harris tweed, handwoven from local wool and reflecting the colours of the landscape, for a memento to remember the stunning views by.
Islay, known for its distillery tours and whisky tasting, also received five stars for peace and quiet, as well as four stars for its food and drink – not just for its whisky though, with fishing another mainstay of the island, meaning visitors can enjoy fresh seafood or fish and chips from many of the island’s restaurants.
While Mull only scored three stars for tourist attractions, food and drink, and shopping, its main attraction is its five-star scenery, made up of white-sand bays fringed with wildflower-rich grassland, and pink granite skerries scattered across the sea.
Visitors can soak up the view from the top of Ben More, Mull’s only Munro, head to Tobermory with its picturesque painted houses, or visit one of the island’s imposing castles.
Only one island in the survey received a score that dipped below 70 per cent, largely down to it being seen as a stepping stone between North and South Uist. Benbecula received a visitor score of 67 per cent, but still received four stars for its beaches and its peace and quiet.
While it only received three stars for scenery, visitors still spoke warmly of its beaches and landscape, with its wildlife and birdwatching being praised by a number of those in the survey.
Many of Scotland’s islands, including Orkney, are currently under Level 1 coronavirus restrictions. This means visitors can freely travel to the islands (unless they are in a Level 3 area in Scotland, or under other tiered restrictions across the rest of the UK).
Almost all hospitality, shopping, visitor attractions and holiday accommodation are allowed to open and operate under Level 1 restrictions. However, anyone planning to visit one of the islands should check the restrictions in place at the time they are due to travel, and only book with a provider that will allow them to rebook or cancel for a refund if they cannot travel as a result of government restrictions.
The Scottish government is also encouraging anyone planning on travelling to one of Scotland’s islands to take a coronavirus test before they do to reduce the risk of the virus being brought into island communities.
Visitors are recommended to get tested three days before travelling and then again on the day of departure.
Rory Boland, Which? Travel Editor, said:“After more than a year of restrictions that have seen most of us confined to our homes, many of us will be craving a holiday featuring beautiful scenery, grand landscapes, and the peace and quiet to soak it all in. The Scottish islands have all of this in abundance, making many of them a brilliant choice for a UK holiday this summer.
“You’ll need to pack for all seasons, and be prepared for a bit of travelling to get there – but when you do, you’ll be glad you made the effort. Just be sure to book with an accommodation provider that will allow you to freely change or cancel your booking at short notice, should coronavirus restrictions change and prevent you from travelling as planned.”
The last year has led consumers to be much more sustainably focused, the public are becoming consistently more engaged and putting their money where their mouth is.
With travel on hold for the best part of the last year, sustainable options are becoming more favourable. Whether that be supporting independent businesses or choosing an environmental option.
Small group tour specialist, Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com), specialises in sustainable travel and has shared its top tips to consider when booking an eco-friendly holiday.
Consider your mode of transport
While it’s hard to resist the temptation of a self-drive holiday post-pandemic, this convenient way of getting around is not the most eco-friendly. Travelling using communal transport modes, such as by small mini-bus, is a much more fuel-efficient option to reduce your carbon emissions while travelling. Domestic coach tours are a great way to explore the country and visit destinations off-the-beaten track in a sustainable way by lowering the number of independent vehicles on the road.
Visit smaller communities
Steer clear of tourist hot-spots and opt to visit destinations that are typically out of reach. Areas outside of the standard sightseeing trail have been hit especially hard by the pandemic. Tourism spend is worth so much more to these smaller communities and sustainable travellers have an opportunity to really make a difference to the lives of locals. Consider taking a trip to areas such as the Isle of Wight, North Wales and the lesser-known lakes of the Lake District.
Leave no trace
Particularly important when choosing to visit natural beauty locations, travellers should aim to leave places as they found them (or in some circumstances, in a better shape than when they arrived). Travelling on a small group tour allows for groups to avoid making loud noise and let nature’s sound prevail.
A local, knowledgeable guide will help to ensure that travellers respect the communities being visited to ensure an enjoyable journey for those on the tour, as well as those who will visit next. With so many amazing natural beauty locations to visit across the UK such as the woodlands of the Peak District National Park and the beaches of Lewis and Harris, it’s vital to preserve these destinations for years to come.
Choose a responsible operator
Selecting to holiday with a sustainable and morally-sound operator will ensure you’re making the world a better place through travel. Tour companies with substantial green credentials and responsible travel initiatives are a great way to reduce the impact your travels have on the environment in which you are visiting.
Small-group touring company, Rabbie’s, have environmental protection as a core focus of the business. The company even taxes itself £10 for every tonne of CO2 they use, with staff then voting on which community or environmental project this money should go towards each year.
With social distancing measures in place, reduced group sizes and increased cleaning measures, Rabbie’s offers worry-free journeys so you can enjoy a sustainable staycation without concerns.
Plan extra time for your journey
