Water saving could prove to be one way in which British holidaymakers can make sure that their time abroad does not impact unnecessarily on the environment.

Other options, such as travelling overland rather than by air, can help to reduce the carbon emissions associated with reaching a destination.

However, once there, behaviour can determine the impact that the traveller has on the immediate surroundings of their holiday home.

Alexander Lyons, PR manager for ethical tourism site Responsible Travel, suggests that water saving is just one of the behaviours that can help sustainability.

"Use public transport or hire a bike - you get to meet local people and limit your carbon emissions," he advises.

He adds: "Use water sparingly and ask questions - of your guide, your operator and the people you meet."

Mr Lyons claims that other issues of sustainability have emerged in recent years, such as more people wanting their holiday home itself to be built of locally sourced materials.