Eco-holidays represent the modern face of responsible tourism. The chief aim of an eco holiday is to support local economies while being environmentally sustainable. Eco-holidays are designed for people who want a bit more than a relaxing break in an exotic location or a fortnight in Blackpool-on the-Med.

A few days spent camping in the local woods is the original eco holiday, delivering minimal impact on the environment as well as low energy consumption. The lucky camper gets right up close to nature and may even get the chance to study the natives if the weather turns nasty and the local pub promises a warmer welcome.

For powerful environmental reasons, Germany is leading the way in eco holiday making. Many people there are opting to stay at home for their holidays rather than travel abroad. Their aim is to avoid producing the tonnes of carbon dioxide – an unfortunate product of air travel – which contribute directly to global warming.

When the eco-holiday maker does travel abroad, however, a package promising a low environmental impact combined with support for the local economy offers a more satisfying holiday experience than the usual run-of-the-mill package holiday.

It is even possible to offset your journey’s contribution to global warming by calculating the value of its carbon emissions and making an equivalent contribution to a project designed to improve the environment.

Smaller organisations operating within the travel and leisure industries have specialised in offering themed eco-holidays, which require the active participation of the holiday maker. Watching wildlife is very popular and other options include outdoor adventures, art and craft activities, personal development programmes or the opportunity to experience a different culture by living within an exotic community. The eco holiday maker can explore the rain forest in Thailand, follow big game in Africa or even participate in a project studying desertification in Spain.

An eco holiday offers the opportunity to eat well, get some fresh air, acquire a new skill or experience the unfamiliar within a context that is deliberately designed to avoid exploiting the environment in which it takes place. Why not try one? Who knows, you might discover a natural talent for dry stone walling or have a life-altering experience while swimming with dolphins.