Holiday handbook

Concern for the environment has become a major issue particularly the impact of how we live our lives on the world around us. Every time we switch on the heating or travel somewhere we are adding CO₂ to the atmosphere and many people are now realising that they can do something to reduce their impact on a very personal level.

Travelling with us has always been relatively environmentally friendly because we travel in small groups. The waste and carbon emissions are therefore reduced as is the amount of traffic on the roads in the countries we visit.

However we are keen to develop this process further and in response to suggestions from many of our customers, we have been looking at ways in which we can all help.

Reducing our impact

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions like CO₂ and prevent further damage to our environment it is possible to 'offset' the effects of travel particularly when we fly. Carbon Offsetting means contributing money to projects specifically set up with the aim of reducing the level of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Typical projects include:

• Reforestation - absorbs CO₂ from the atmosphere as the trees grow
• Renewable energy sources - replaces non renewable fuel such as coal and oil
• Energy efficiency - reduces the amount of fuel needed

To demonstrate our commitment, we pledge to offset the carbon emissions of flights for our staff when researching and planning our holidays.

Furthermore as a responsible company we have taken steps to minimise our pollution and energy loss and conserve natural resources wherever possible. We recycle as much as possible (paper, cans and many other items), use the latest technology to ensure that we are energy efficient and encourage staff to minimise electricity and other fuel consumption wherever possible.

We are also pleased to work in partnership with print and paper companies who have clear environmental policies in place. Our key suppliers either hold, or are working towards, ISO 14001 accreditation, an international standard for controlling and improving environmental performance. Furthermore our paper supplier is committed to sourcing materials that originate from well-managed forests with credible and audited certification standards.

If you would like to offset your CO₂ emissions we suggest using our preferred partner Climate Care. To calculate the impact of your holiday, use the calculator on their website www.climatecare.org. Your payment, which is of course entirely voluntary, may be much less than you think. Examples of the cost of offsetting one persons return flight are as follows:

Munich	£1.69
Rome	£2.45
Cairo	£5.80
New York	£11.55
Delhi	£14.22
Vancouver	£16.06

Other ways in which we can make a difference

• Recycle your brochures when you have finished with them or better still pass them on to a friend
• Don't take litter on holiday with you. Remove packaging from clothing, toiletries and other items and recycle them at home - remember other countries may not have the facilities we do and they may end up causing unsightly rubbish in an otherwise beautiful destination
• Conserve water by taking showers instead of baths and reuse towels where possible
• Save energy - turn off air-conditioning and lights in your room while you are out
• Fire is a serious hazard in many places so take care with matches or other flammable items
• Buying local gifts and souvenirs - it helps to support local communities and the economy. Remember to bargain with humour and once you have a reasonable price stop bargaining as it may be to the detriment of the local people
• Never buy souvenirs that threaten endangered species or the environment. Avoid damaging coral, picking flowers and collecting seashells and pebbles - leave them for other people to enjoy
• Sample local restaurants and markets. They provide employment for local people and make a contribution to the economy

The world is a wonderful place and by taking responsible action now we can help to ensure that there are beautiful places for us all to visit for generations to come.