Sustainable Travel: Why Trains Are a Better Option for the Environment
When planning a holiday most people don’t consider the potential environmental effects of travel associated withgetting from one place to another. It is important to keep in mind that the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the travel industry is transportation.
But don’t worry, here are so some tips on how to lessen your carbon impact if you’re seeking to plan your next vacation.
What is the most sustainable travel method?
There are several ways to get about these days, including by automobile, train, boat, and aeroplane. While each of them has pros and cons of their own, from a sustainable and environmentally friendly perspective, taking the train has significant advantages over other modes of transportation.
• Train travel helps you plan a more efficient and uniqueholiday. Rail travel connects smaller cities, which may be overlooked when planning travel by aeroplane and may be a bit of a long drive to reach by car. Moreover, not only would you save tonnes of money on fuel, but you would also reduce your contribution to extensive house emissions related to cars and aviation.
• Rail transport has the lowest emissions per kilometre and has been found to be three times more efficient than cars,whilst also having the lowest energy consumption from other transportation methods.
• In the UK, trainlines are composed of both diesel-run and electrified trains. However, currently 38% of the rail network is electrified and this will expand in the coming years.
Where should you travel?
Beyond how you get to your destination, the destination itself can play a key role in your carbon footprint. It is a very simple equation. The shorter the distance you travel, the lower the emissions produced. Therefore, finding local attractions can be one of the greenest forms of travel. If you are based in the UK, here are a few recommendations of some of the most unique destinations you can visit by train.
Lincoln
Lincoln is a historical and culturally rich city. The region, which is in Lincolnshire in the East Midlands, dates back to the first century BC. Visitors can admire at the magnificent architecture or the breathtaking views from the roof of its gothic cathedral, which rose to become the tallest building in the world in 1300.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town situated on the bank of the River Avon and is famous worldwide as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. You can visit the house in which he was born or the picturesque 500-year-old Anne Hathaway’s cottage with its beautiful gardens.
For nature lovers, the UK boasts many stunning landscapes to admire and explore.
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia in North Wales boasts nine mountain ranges and covers a whopping 23 miles of coastline. Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is one of the park’s main attractions and one of Britain’s busiest mountains. It is home to endangered wildlife species, and from the summit, on a clear day, one can see Ireland.
The Lake District
It should come as no surprise that the Lake District, which is home to England’s tallest mountain and deepest lake, is the country’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the Northwest, the Lake District has 16 lakes and was home to the world-famous children’s author Beatrix Potter.
One of the many things you can do to support the environment and lessen your carbon footprint is to consciously choose a sustainable transportation option while you are organising your next vacation. It is an important step you may do that will unquestionably improve your impact on the environment and allow you to visit more interesting places!