Responsible tourism is important for the environment in general as well as the local economies in which you plan to stay this year. Taking the former factor first, strides have been taken in areas that are marked as hosting responsible tourism to make sure that they maintain the environment rather than damage it. Although such destinations may be a little more expensive than other destinations, the few extra pounds are worth it when you consider that other areas might have a really detrimental impact on the surrounding area. It is easier to choose cheap destinations when you have little money but thinking about the impact of your holiday on the fragile world we live in might convince you to do otherwise.

By choosing to travel and stay in areas that include responsible tourism, you can also help out the people living in the local area. In turn, this could help to minimize the effects of the recession. It is worth bearing in mind that most European countries are in the grip of the credit crunch and thus people living in some areas are struggling just as much as people in the UK. In fact, many may be struggling more because they rely on tourism to keep their local economies going. They sell their eco-friendly wares to make ends meet, working harder in the tourist season because many do not get to work in the winter. Believe it or not, this is really frustrating for them because of the work ethic they’re brought up with and continue for their entire working lives. Sustaining this kind of economy is essential if the destinations are to survive and it is this point that can really encourage people to work together during trying times.

If responsible tourism is to prosper then it should be everyone’s first choice in the coming years, especially during recession. Of course, it is completely your choice as to where you go on holiday but going to a non-responsible tourism destination could bring the progress that we’ve all made in recent years to a crashing halt.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Although the following tips will help you to save money on your European holiday this year, they can save you money every year so look at them to see what you can do!

Save Money On Mobile Phone Expenses

If you take your mobile phone abroad then you may find that you are stuck with a big bill to pay when you get back. However, most networks provide a call abroad package that gives you cheap minutes when you are on holiday and calling the UK. Be sure to sign up for it before you go. You may find that it is a monthly extra in some cases, such as O2, so be sure to cancel it when you do get back.

Save Money On Travel Insurance

Although it is often easier to take out the first insurance policy that comes along when you are travelling, use a comparison site to find the best policy at the cheapest price. You may find that family policies work out cheaper than taking out cover for each individual. However, check out the features on the policies available and remove those you do not need if you can because having them there will push up your premium.

Avoid Hidden Charges

You’ve probably heard of flight companies and airlines that charge really low prices for flights to bring in the customers before putting fees on and elevating existing charges for meals, baggage, choosing a seat and so on to make money. Well, they are not the only companies to do so. Hire car companies often do it too and so do hotels and accommodation providers, amongst others. Before you book anything, always check whether or not what you are paying is a flat cost or whether extras are placed on top. This way, you will not spend more than you intend to and thus more than you realise.

Choose Self Catering

If you choose self catering when in Europe then you can control how much money you spend on food. Choosing all inclusive or half board can actually cost you more because most people pay for the convenience rather than paying for the food and drink they consume under the deal. As such, you can save hundreds of pounds in some cases just for having the option to choose your own dinner!

Choose Your Destination Wisely

Finally, chose your destination wisely because come destinations are more expensive than they should be and more expensive than similar cities, accommodation and even camp sites just around the corner or up the road. If you had plenty of cash then this would not matter but having a holiday this year will be of more benefit than staying in an expensive resort so downgrade a little and get away from the stresses and strains of life in Britain!

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Looking at advanced bookings first, there are actually some great deals on at the moment as a result of the credit crunch. Ferry companies are trying to encourage people to book their places on ferries now to ensure that they have revenue coming in and can continue with services. You can book summer tickets now if you choose at a discounted level so you may want to look around. Of course, if you book your tickets in advance then you are assured of your place and can be sure that you will be able to travel to your selected destination on the day of your choice. However, you do run the risk of not being able to afford to travel and thus being left with tickets that are of no use to you. As long as you check whether the tickets are refundable or not, or even transferable to another date, you can cover yourself for this. It does give you a little time to save your money as well though so you know how to budget in advance.

Booking ferry tickets at the last minute, on the other hand, offers exactly the opposite pros and cons. In terms of the pros, you can often find cheaper tickets that are designed to fill ferries. They are usually non-refundable but then that will not matter if you intend to travel right away anyway. However, you do run the risk of not being able to travel on your desired day or even to your preferred location. Furthermore, all car spaces may have already gone. That said, you will know whether you have enough money or not and won’t have to bother with checking the refund policy.

It is totally your decision as to whether you choose to book tickets now or further down the road but either way you should be happy with your choice. Some people panic if they do not have plans set in stone whereas others look at the whole process as an adventure. Similarly, you may not want to tempt fate by booking tickets or have them in your pocket so you know you will get a chance to relax in the summer months. Whatever you decide, a self drive via a ferry is one of the cheapest holidays you could choose so make the most of it!

Guest Article by Louise Crowley