Calculating the carbon emissions of holidays – Holidays included in the study
Holiday 1
Provider of all-inclusive walking and cycling holidays under French Chambre and Table d’Hôte regulations, which roughly translate to a limit of five guest rooms (10 persons) and meals en familie. Carolynn and Peter have run holidays from their home since 1994.The guesthouse is hidden in an leafy valley with a pristine wildlife stream and is surrounded by woods and timeless pastures and by hundreds of kilometres of little-frequented paths, tracks and well-maintained country lanes that meander through idyllic rolling countryside - perfect for walkers and cyclists. Much of the local farming is organic and consequently the region is still habitat to a wide diversity of wild-flowers, mayflies and dragonflies, butterflies, other insects and spiders, bats, birds and other wild creatures which can be seen in outbuildings, ancient hedgerows, verges, woods and meadows. The region is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Riding is also available to guests, on well-mannered horses belonging to an established equestrian centre five kilometres from the guesthouse.
Meals at the guesthouse are based on wholesome produce comprising fresh, whole and organic ingredients wherever possible. Processed and pre-prepared ingredients are avoided, so that food preservatives and artificial flavour, texture and appearance enhancers are rare, or non-existent in this cuisine. Varied and interesting vegetarian cuisine is available as well as a superb regular menu. Plenty of excellent wine (included in the price) is a feature of evening meals. Many of the wines served are traditionally made at family-owned and operated vineyards. Evenings have a marvellous ambiance of bonhomie and wellbeing.
The buildings are a converted mill house predating the year 1650, when dwellings were routinely oriented to maximise natural light and minimise the effect of prevailing winter airflows. The ancient stone walls are thick, externally bonded in lime mortar with loam interior bonding to wick away dampness and to provide reasonable insulation in a traditional way. Modern insulation and glazing have since been added.
Their holidays are:
Self guided walking holiday in France
Vegetarian holidays in France
Nouvelle-Aquitaine self guided cycling holiday, France
France wellbeing holiday
Birdwatching holiday in France
Horse riding holiday in France
France self guided challenging cycling holiday
(See France holidays)
Holiday 2
Low carbon self catering accommodation set in 21 acres of managed wildlife in the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with free push bike hire and e-bike rental. 100% renewable energy (on site wind and PV, plus green grid) and accommodation designed for efficiency. The owners have spent 13 years re-wilding from a rather barren horse farm to a rich wildlife haven with new habitats, 13+ species of dragonflies, 9+ species of bats, nationally scarce willow tits, several scarce plant species and generally a lot of lovely wildlife - plant and animals. The general loss of biodiversity nationally is probably the second disaster after climate change hitting the planet, so doing what we can to sustain some of our native species is a major part of our work here. (Co-owner Maggie was an ecologist working on coral reefs in the Caribbean and started to question why the UK was advising other nations when we were so busy trashing our own environment).They also offer assistance for car free guests as well as free charging for electric vehicles. Some lodges have hot tubs (also powered with renewable energy). In 2019 they were awarded silver in the Ethical Responsible and Sustainable Award (and commended in the Self Catering Category) for the Devon Tourism Awards. In the past 10 years they’ve won over 10 awards for green holidays.
Their holidays are:
Devon eco lodge accommodation, England
Devon self catering cottage, England
North Devon eco lodge, England
Electric bike cycling holiday in Devon (see electric bike holidays)
Holiday 3
A ‘Relaxingly Active’ holiday on the idyllic Croatian island of Vis. Enjoy a variety of activities on Croatia’s stunning un-spoilt Island of Vis and within the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. They offer predominantly plant based food and vegetarian meals sharing their home with guests. They provide daily guided sea kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, paddle boarding, yoga and slacklining – all of which will be tailored to meet the guests’ holiday needs. The accommodation has been sympathetically restored and respectful of the village environment, with the use of well water, solar and local stone. The house has four double en-suite bedrooms, an open plan living room and kitchen, a large outside balcony area and shaded areas for guests to relax and chill out in.Their holidays are:
Croatia family activity week
Croatia holiday, activity week
Holiday 4
Sport tourism company with a sports hotel set in the midst of the beautiful Catalan countryside (just north of Barcelona). The hotel has a 25 metre pool, gym, Jacuzzi, plus offers a variety of sports from cycling, mountain biking, swimming, running, hiking, triathlon and fitness classes to fit all levels. Other activities are also available.This character-filled 'sports hotel' is set beneath the foothills of the Pyrenees, with hiking, biking and horse riding trails plus canyoning and kayaking right on their doorstep. Set up by a British couple who wanted to combine their love of sports with all things eco. Off grid own restaurant.
Their holidays are:
Catalonia family mountain biking & activity holiday, Spain
Cycling & triathlon holidays for beginners, Spain
Accessible activity holiday in Catalonia, Spain
Catalonia cycling tour, Dali & Gaudi
Catalonia family self guided cycling holiday, Spain
Catalan horse riding holiday in Spain
Catalonia family activity holiday, Spain
Catalonia self guided cycling tour, Spain
Catalonia cycling & wine tour, Spain
