Greek Island watercolour painting vacation

Planet

I'm passionate about the environment and conservation, and put responsibility at the heart of all my trips. Greece has a well-established tourist industry but the smaller islands manage it reasonably. We seek out quieter islands, and quieter places on the larger islands. We stay in traditionally Greek, smaller hotels and locally-run guest houses, which tend to have a smaller carbon footprint.

I would always choose a ceiling fan over a/c wherever available, and I avoid one-night stays.

Our transport is by public ferry, small boat, public bus and on foot. Group sizes are small - a maximum of six - and our peaceful painting activities are gentle on the landscape.

Nothing makes me angrier than seeing beautiful places desecrated by thoughtless litter, and when possible I take a bag with me in case we find any at our sketching spots. A big problem in most countries is plastic water bottles and their careless disposal, especially where recycling facilities are few. I always encourage people to drink tap water where it's safe to do so, to avail of filtered water provided by the accommodation (and not use any plastic bottles they may provide) and travel with a reusable bottle with built-in filter. We say No to plastic straws and seek out restaurants which use proper glasses. It's an uphill battle, but we have to keep fighting.

The Greek islands have large populations of stray cats, and while they are picturesque and, in many cases, looked after by volunteers, their numbers are too many for the environment, as well as their own welfare. I donate £50 from every booking to a TNR (trap, neuter, release) programme on Symi which is working hard to break the constant cycle of reproduction, while aiding the health of the existing cats on the island.

People

Avoiding large, foreign-owned hotel chains and overcrowded resorts, we seek out the authentic Dodecanese. The local people are well used to tourism and benefit from the right kind, which we attempt to be.

During the trip we take two boat excursions run by local people with their own boats. As on many islands the sea has always been the main provider, and fishing is still carried out in the traditional way, while others have diversified into sustainable tourism, offering trips around the islands in converted boats. Many provide refreshments using locally sourced ingredients - and fish - too.

I encourage everyone to try the local specialities in locally-owned tavernas, to shop in small, locally-run shops and to engage with the local people who, especially on the smaller islands, still have the time to engage. It's only polite to learn a few words of Greek; although the majority speak English to some degree, recognising the effort they have made, and attempting to reciprocate, is a way of showing respect.

Greek islanders are friendly, helpful, generous and proud of their heritage; the least we can do is relax into their way of life, learn what they want to teach us, be open and curious, and leave only footprints.