The article discusses the potential announcement of a summer General Election in the UK, possibly as early as July 4th, and the options available for postal and proxy voting for those who may be away on election day. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's response to election speculation suggests readiness within the ruling party. The article outlines the procedures for applying for postal and proxy votes, emphasizing their importance in ensuring democratic participation. The upcoming election is portrayed as a crucial moment for the public to evaluate political parties and their visions for the country's future.

The article provides tips for families to travel more sustainably during their holidays. It emphasizes planning and making the journey part of the adventure, such as using electric cars and cycling. It suggests staying at off-grid eco-hotels like El Geco Verde in Spain and Wheatland Farm in the UK. Packing light is recommended to lower emissions, and eating local food is encouraged to reduce the carbon footprint. The article also promotes train travel as a more sustainable option and suggests considering off-peak travel times like Easter to avoid overtourism and reduce costs.

As Alpine resorts face the threat of losing up to 70% of their snow cover by the century's end due to climate change, the article suggests four sustainable winter holiday alternatives to traditional skiing. These include multi-activity holidays in the French Alps with Undiscovered Mountains, snowshoe hiking at MoaAlm Mountain Retreat in Austria, husky sledding in Finnish Lapland, and wildlife spotting in northern Sweden. The activities are designed to reduce environmental impact, support local economies year-round, and offer unique experiences like spotting Northern Lights and engaging with Sami culture.

The Acropolis in Athens is facing structural risks due to overwhelming tourism, prompting measures like timed entry slots and midday closures. The National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) of Greece is encouraging visitors to explore less popular sites to alleviate pressure on major attractions. Similar overtourism issues are seen globally, with destinations like Amsterdam and France implementing caps on tourist numbers. The article discusses the balance needed between promoting quieter destinations and preserving their local culture and infrastructure. Recommendations for responsible tourism include avoiding cruise ships, traveling off-season, staying longer, and supporting local accommodations.

Marais Poitevin, known as France's 'Green Venice,' offers a serene escape with its man-made maze of streams, rivers, and canals. Ideal for biking and boating, the region is protected for its wildlife and cultural history. Visitors can explore the area by bike, with 850 km of flat marked cycling trails, or by boat, with guided tours available. Nearby attractions include La Rochelle, Ile de Ré, and Niort. Accommodation options range from self-catering retreats to locally-run hotels. Travel to the region is accessible by car, ferry, or train, with various routes and services recommended for a smooth journey.

The article emphasizes the importance of sustainable travel by focusing on eating seasonal and local foods across various European countries. It highlights specific seasonal foods and dishes in Portugal, Austria, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, and Croatia, providing recommendations from local experts and travel specialists. The narrative underscores the environmental benefits of reducing food miles and connecting with local cultures through cuisine.

In this article, Sarah Faith criticizes carbon offsetting as an ineffective solution to aviation emissions, arguing that it distracts from the need to reduce emissions. She points out that despite a temporary reduction during the pandemic, aviation emissions are expected to rise. Faith cites a European Commission report that found most offset schemes under the Kyoto Protocol failed to reduce emissions. She suggests alternatives for travelers to reduce their carbon footprint, such as flying less, taking trains, engaging in human-powered exploration, eating local and plant-based foods, and supporting nature-positive holidays. Faith also mentions new initiatives by airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa, and KLM to fund sustainable aviation fuel, but notes their effectiveness is still uncertain.

Sarah Faith, a writer at Responsible Travel, highlights five destinations in Europe where tourism is contributing positively to nature conservation. In the Italian Apennines, tourism is helping to reduce human-bear conflicts and rewild habitats for the endangered Marsican brown bears. Lake Skadar in Montenegro has seen a rise in Dalmatian pelican numbers, thanks to artificial breeding platforms funded by tourism. In Alonissos, Greece, tourists can become citizen scientists, aiding in the protection of marine life. Devon, UK, showcases how tourism can support biodiversity, with a farm-turned-holiday accommodation helping to regenerate a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Lastly, in the Serra de Estrela Mountains, Portugal, and Swedish Lapland, tourism is aiding in the recovery from wildfires and the protection of ancient forests, respectively. These examples demonstrate how nature-positive tourism can leave a beneficial impact on the environment and local communities.

Tourist leakage occurs when a significant portion of tourism revenue leaves the local economy, often due to international companies providing services. This phenomenon can exacerbate issues in over-touristed destinations. The article offers five strategies to mitigate tourist leakage: staying and dining locally, choosing less popular destinations, engaging in niche local experiences, opting for train travel over flights, and incorporating conservation efforts into travel plans. These practices can help support local communities and reduce environmental impact.

The article discusses the negative impacts of mass tourism, particularly tourism leakage, where a significant portion of tourist spending leaves the local economy. It offers five strategies to promote sustainable tourism: staying and eating locally, choosing alternative destinations, engaging in community-rooted experiences, traveling without flying, and incorporating conservation efforts into vacations. The piece highlights the importance of supporting local communities and reducing environmental impact to create a more sustainable tourism model.

Tourism leakage occurs when money spent by tourists does not benefit local communities, often due to international companies providing services. To mitigate this, travelers are encouraged to stay, shop, and eat locally, choose alternative destinations, engage in niche tourism activities, opt for flight-free travel, and participate in conservation efforts. These practices can help support local economies, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the overall travel experience.

Sarah Faith explores the inland adventures of Montenegro, a Balkan country known for its coastal resorts and cruise destinations. She highlights the spectacular hiking and rafting opportunities away from the coast, such as the Tara River, known for its clean waters and the Durmitor Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with eco villages that support local communities. Faith also mentions the train journey to Montenegro as an adventurous alternative to flying, the rich wine country around Lake Skadar, and the scenic train route from Podgorica to Kolašin. The article promotes sustainable tourism and the conservation of natural resources while providing insights into the country's cultural heritage and natural beauty.

The article discusses the rising popularity of wilderness holidays as a means to reconnect with nature and recover from the mental toll of the pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of choosing holidays that are beneficial not only to tourists but also to local indigenous communities and the environment. The article explains what wilderness holidays are, their appeal, and the considerations one should make before booking, such as the level of comfort and the absence of amenities like WiFi. It highlights the role of indigenous guides in providing authentic experiences and the need for nature-positive holidays that protect and restore biodiversity. The article also advises on how to support local natural spaces and avoid overtourism, suggesting alternatives to flying and promoting longer stays to reduce environmental impact.

The article discusses the chaos surrounding the A-level exam grading process in the UK, exacerbated by last-minute changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson issued an apology as concerns grew over the appeals process, with many students expected to challenge their downgraded grades. The situation has led to widespread criticism from educators, political figures, and university leaders, who are calling for urgent clarity and solutions. The article highlights the potential impact on university admissions and the broader implications for the education system.