Channel Islands vacation, car free

Planet

We are continually adding to our range of public transport vacations for those who want to leave the car behind. We work through the timetables of buses, boats and trains, and fill any gaps with short taxi rides to reach the more secluded spots. Not relying on a car can give you a completely different experience, particularly on an island, where walking and cycling let you feel more connected to your surroundings and enjoy the place at a more leisurely pace. On Alderney, you can join a walking tour that includes an outing by boat.

On Guernsey, a knowledgeable local guide will take you off the beaten track to discover the island's hidden gems. Herm is car-free, so the best way to explore is on foot, and a local ranger can take you on a wildlife tour, sharing how the island's habitats are looked after. For a chance to see local marine life, including puffins in season, the Alderney Wildlife Trust runs a boat trip.

People

We work almost exclusively with local, family-run businesses rather than large corporate organisations, choosing locally owned and managed partners wherever possible, because we believe the economic benefit of tourism should make a genuine difference to the communities you visit. The hotel we recommend on Alderney, for example, is small and family-owned, and two of the tours on this vacation are run by the Alderney Wildlife Trust, a local conservation charity. We build long-term relationships with our partners, based on mutual trust and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

At our Glasgow office, we encourage the team to travel to work by public transport, provide recycling facilities on site, and ask everyone to switch off electrical equipment when it isn't in use and to cut down on paper.