Flights offering day trips to Lapland and other distant locations raise issues about climate impact
In the world of travel, a new trend is gaining popularity - "Extreme Day Trips". However, this trend has raised concerns from environmentalists, with Anna Hughes, the director of Flight Free UK, considering it "very worrying for the climate."
One such example of an "Extreme Day Trip" is the "Search for Santa" itinerary, a one-day Lapland experience that is now accessible from more UK departure points than ever, including Cardiff Airport in Wales. This tour takes travellers to Kittila in Finland, where they can enjoy sleigh rides, husky time, snowmobile adventures, and a meeting with Santa Claus. The cost for this experience is £750 per person (€865).
However, the environmental cost of such trips is a matter of debate. Matt Phillis, a travel expert at Polarsteps, argues that "Extreme Day Trips" are an environmental hazard. Short-haul flights, covering less than 1000 miles, contribute disproportionately more to carbon emissions due to take-off and landing being energy-intensive. A flight generates 100 times more carbon dioxide per hour compared to a train or bus ride.
Chris Logan, TUI UK's commercial director, counters this argument, stating that the new schedule is making it easier for families across the UK to experience the magic of Lapland. TUI's 2026 winter schedule includes the "Search for Santa" itinerary.
Despite the environmental concerns, the Facebook page dedicated to "Extreme Day Trips" has 240,000 members who discuss various destinations such as Dubai, New York, and the Pyramids in Egypt.
As the debate continues, it's clear that the carbon footprint of short-haul flights is a significant concern in the context of climate change. Wildfires driven by climate change involve carbon emissions and cause environmental damage, linking back to increased greenhouse gases, to which aviation contributes.
More sustainable urban and travel planning, such as higher density living and reduced need for car or air travel, can lower environmental impacts. Reducing such flights is important to mitigate climate change and local environmental degradation linked to excess emissions.
For those considering an "Extreme Day Trip", it's worth noting that such trips may not provide much time for acclimatizing to one's surroundings and taking things in. Furthermore, destinations like Lapland, which are likely to suffer damage from climate change driven by aviation emissions, may not be the most sustainable choice.
References: [1] Environmental Research Letters, "Aviation emissions and climate change" [2] Nature Sustainability, "Urban and travel planning for a sustainable future"
- The growing trend of "Extreme Day Trips" is causing concern in the realm of environmental science, as short-haul flights contribute significantly to carbon emissions.
- Anna Hughes, the director of Flight Free UK, views "Extreme Day Trips" as a worrying development due to their potential impact on climate change.
- One example of an "Extreme Day Trip" is the "Search for Santa" itinerary, which offers a one-day Lapland experience from UK departure points like Cardiff Airport.
- Despite the environmental concerns, the Facebook page dedicated to "Extreme Day Trips" has over 240,000 members discussing various destinations, including Dubai, New York, and the Pyramids in Egypt.
- Matt Phillis, a travel expert at Polarsteps, considers "Extreme Day Trips" an environmental hazard, as short-haul flights generate 100 times more carbon dioxide per hour compared to train or bus rides.
- TUI UK's commercial director, Chris Logan, supports the new schedule for "Extreme Day Trips", arguing that it allows families across the UK to experience the magic of Lapland.
- Wildfires driven by climate change involve carbon emissions and cause environmental damage, linking back to increased greenhouse gases, to which aviation contributes.
- To lower environmental impacts, more sustainable urban and travel planning, such as higher density living and reduced need for car or air travel, is essential.
- For those planning an "Extreme Day Trip", it's crucial to consider that these trips may not provide much time for acclimatizing to the surroundings and taking things in.
- Destinations like Lapland, which are likely to suffer damage from climate change driven by aviation emissions, may not be the most sustainable choice for an "Extreme Day Trip". [References: Environmental Research Letters, "Aviation emissions and climate change"; Nature Sustainability, "Urban and travel planning for a sustainable future"]
