Leave a smaller carbon footprint while exploring the UK and Europe with coach travel — the ultimate sustainable holiday.

 

This article explores how you can discover breathtaking destinations, save money and reduce emissions.

 

Today’s consumers are considering sustainability in many of their day-to-day decisions, with the concept of sustainable holidays gaining significant momentum. However, striking a perfect balance between satisfying your wanderlust and being mindful of the environment can be a challenge. So how can travellers reduce their carbon footprint while also helping local businesses?

 

One answer is to choose a coach holiday with a reputable, local company that can deliver an unforgettable and sustainable holiday experience. Coach travel is a vacation without compromise; you can contribute to a more sustainable future while still indulging your love for adventure.

 

How popular is coach travel?

Holidaymakers were choosing coach travel long before carbon emissions were an important consideration. In fact, coach travel has been a major part of the tourism industry, both in the UK and Europe, for many decades.

 

According to data from the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), before the Covid-19 pandemic, there were an estimated 500 million coach passenger journeys in the UK each year. In 2019 there were a staggering 23 million visits to tourist attractions by coach, which contributed £14 billion to the UK economy.

 

Coach travel is not just for retired people. In 2019, nearly 40% of Glastonbury festival-goers (more than 68,000 people) were transported by coach from as far afield as Penzance and Dundee. Peak periods saw 880 passengers arriving per hour.

 

Coaches are also the preferred travel option for international visitors, with 46% reportedly being nervous about driving in Britain.

 

Why is a coach trip a sustainable holiday?

While we understand why flying to the sun is a popular choice, the fact is that plane travel has a massive carbon footprint and ultimately has a larger impact on the environment. While advances have been made in aircraft technology, planes still produce significantly more carbon dioxide (CO2) per passenger kilometre than any other mode of transport.

 

According to figures from the UK Government, coach travel emits 28g per passenger kilometre, which compares favourably to domestic flights (255g), medium-sized diesel cars (171g), short-haul flights (156g) and national rail (41g).

 

Published data also shows that emissions from aviation are growing faster. CO2 emissions from flights within Europe have risen 28% since 2013, while other transport sectors have cut their carbon footprint. Emissions from flights leaving EU airports make up 3.7% of all EU emissions, up from 1.4% in 1990. Worryingly, experts predict aviation emissions could triple by 2050.

 

One of the main reasons why coaches are more environmentally friendly is because they can accommodate more than 50 passengers, and seat occupancy is very high compared with  buses and trains. Even scheduled plane flights are often only half full. This means coaches produce fewer carbon emissions per passenger, making them a far more environmentally friendly option.

 

Coach travel supports the local economy

As well as promoting sustainable transport, coach travel holidays provide significant benefits to the local economies they visit. As we have mentioned, coaches contribute to reducing carbon emissions, traffic levels, and the environmental effects of tourism.

 

Coach companies often partner with local guides, hotels, and attractions, fostering a sense of community and collaboration that benefits the entire destination. By choosing to book a coach travel holiday, you actively participate in sustainable tourism practices and help create a positive local impact.

 

In the long term, the revenue generated from coach travel goes towards maintaining and improving transportation infrastructure, ensuring better connectivity for both tourists and local residents.

 

The best way to see the UK and Europe

As well as being a sustainable holiday, a coach trip is the best way to see the sights, as you benefit from a well-planned itinerary and expert local guides. From beautiful beaches to historical sites, you can gain access to unique places while enjoying the comfort of a luxury coach.

 

Coach travel removes the stress from sightseeing, as you don’t waste time and precious fuel navigating unfamiliar roads and searching for parking. Simply sit back, relax, and let the experienced coach driver transport you seamlessly from one iconic landmark to another. The convenience of coach travel allows you to maximise your time and energy, ensuring you don't miss out on your holiday experience.

 

Here at LJ Edwards, we offer a wide range of coach trips across the UK and Europe. For example:

• Warner Corton Holiday Village, Suffolk - August 2023

• Warner Bembridge Coast Hotel, Isle of Wight - August 2023

• Yorkshire: The Dales & The Street - September 2023

 

Other benefits of coach travel

Train fares and fuel prices have been steadily increasing, making both rail and private cars expensive travel options for UK holidaymakers. In contrast, coaches are an affordable way to travel without compromising on comfort.

 

Air travel often involves lengthy transfers, from reaching the airport, to going through security and enduring multiple processes. Train journeys can also be time-consuming with various stops along the way. Both of these forms of travel also require additional transport to and from the departing airport or station – potentially contributing more carbon emissions.

 

Opting for private coach travel streamlines your journey. Your driver picks you up from your preferred location, saving you valuable time and ensuring a more efficient and hassle-free travel experience.

 

Modern coaches are designed with spacious and comfortable interiors, featuring clean bathrooms and air conditioning, while many also offer internet connectivity. This allows passengers to relax, watch their favourite shows, do some work, or just browse websites and social media.

 

Furthermore, unlike trains and planes, coaches provide luggage space with spacious under-compartment storage and overhead areas for hand luggage.

 

Considering a more sustainable holiday?

If you are planning your next adventure, consider the sustainable and convenient option of coach travel. Whether you're exploring the UK or embarking on an international adventure, booking a coach can be the perfect transportation solution.

 

For help and advice, please contact a member of the team at LJ Edwards to find the best coach travel deal for you, or visit our holidays section.