Trends: Sun, sea and save the planet

Checking on the environmental footprint of a holiday has never been so in vogue.

Luxury British carrier Silverjet (www.flysilver jet.com) is tapping into this by becoming the first operator to add a mandatory carbon-offsetting fee to ticket prices, proving that luxury travel can also be environmentally friendly.

Britons are also becoming avid "voluntourists" to give back while abroad. Jingando Holidays (www.jingando holidays.com) specialises in trips to Brazil that combine dance classes (pictured) and voluntary work in local favelas.

The UK also offers many conservation and restoration packages. The National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk), for example, runs "working holidays", where volunteers have a go at tasks including dry-stone walling and woodland clearing.