If you're planning a trip abroad this year there are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce the environmental impact of your holiday.

1 Before you go
Buy a decent guidebook and do a bit of background reading on the places you plan to visit. Put together an itinery and make a list of things you absolutely must do.
While doing this, research any environmental problems the area might have – such as wide-spread drought, coastal erosion, endangered animals – and think of practical ways you can help, either before you go, while you're there, or on your return.
For instance, while on a diving holiday you might be able to take part in a marine life audit, helping catalogue species and monitor coral reefs.

2. Checking green credentials
Make sure your tour operator is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (www.aito.co.uk). Members have to sign up to a set of responsible tourism guidelines and agree to protect the local environment and preserve natural resources as well as look at ways to reduce pollution and respect local customs.

3. Getting there
While it's probably too late to cancel your holiday flight, it's important to note that air travel is the world's fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions.
A return flight to Florida produces as much pollution per passenger as the average car does in a year.
Train travel is about a third as polluting per passenger as flying and it's easier than ever to reach European cities and resorts, thanks to the high-speed Eurotunnel link.

4. At your hotel
Ideally, try and source locally owned accommodation and stay in small hotels, B&Bs or self-catering apartments rather than a big chain of hotels.
Make sure you switch off your air conditioning, lights and TV when going out for the day and take showers instead of baths to conserve water, especially in a drought-hit region.
If you're happy to use sheets and towels for more than one day, do so, as it's an excellent way to save energy and water supplies.
Don't use all those complimentary bottles of shampoo and conditioner in hotels that are a waste of resources and end up in landfills.

5. Moving around
Steer clear of a hire car if at all possible and opt for public transport instead.
At the very least, try to incorporate some 'car-free' days into your holiday and hire a bicycle or walk to your destination.
Nothing beats exploring a city on foot and you'll see things from an entirely different perspective.

6. Going native
When travelling abroad, eat in local restaurants and buy local produce.
That's easier said than done when you've gone and booked a fortnight at an all-inclusive resort or full bed and board at a hotel, but try and miss a few of your scheduled meals to explore more local fare.
You'll be supporting the local economy as well as getting an authentic taste of local cuisine. Make sure the restaurant you choose buys only locally sourced produce and avoid expensive imported drinks by opting for local beers and wines.

7. Respecting local customs
It's obviously important to respect local customs and culture. Try and hire a local guide if possible.
Before you arrive, learn a few key phrases so you can order a drink or ask for directions in the local language – you'll find the locals really appreciate the fact that you've made an effort.

8. Take care of the environment
Take personal responsibility for your actions and their impact on the people and places you visit.
Stick to marked paths and trails, don't take any rocks or plants when you leave and don't feed animals or other wildlife. Don't leave rubbish behind.
9. Buying souvenirs
It goes without saying that you should never buy products or souvenirs made from endangered animals or rare plants. Natural souvenirs made of coral, shell or ivory should be avoided.

10. Back home
Once you're safely back home, you might want to consider investing in a 'carbon offsetting' scheme.
This enables you to offset the greenhouse gasses your flight pumped into the atmosphere by paying an organisation to plant carbon-munching trees on your behalf or by supporting an energy conservation project in a developing country.
Visit The Carbon Neutral Company website (www.carbonne
utral.com) that runs various renewable energy projects around the world. On its site you can calculate your flight's emissions and then 'neutralise' them through community projects that save exactly the same amount of carbon dioxide.