When looking for a resort, don't just plumb for the cheapest. If these two weeks are so important, why mess it up living in a shabby and run-down apartment that's miles away from anywhere with a resentful owner and his half-crazed dog that howls all night. Also, avoid using apartments or hotels that are completely out of touch with the landscape.

We wouldn't tolerate it in a British national park so why do we think it's okay to encourage rapid and ill-planned building across Ithaca. Remember to grill your tour operator. The better ones will know the resorts and their accommodation. It's up to them to provide you with these answers.

2. Consider going independent
The rise of the internet, the development of the EU and changes in European travel make this a real possibility, especially if you have time on your hands. In turn it will put pressure on tour operators to improve the quality of their products.

You might not always save much money, but you will at least be taking control of how your holiday looks. You might consider staying in a local house, such as in Perahori on Ithaca as part of an Agro tourism project.

In the coming months, Friends of Ithaca will be developing a portfolio of selected accommodation and assistance resources for those who want to do it differently. Friends of Ithaca will be offering a range of complementary information packs which come with anyone choosing to use our services.

3. Go out of season
Contrary to popular opinion the least attractive time of year to visit Ithaca is late July and August. It's hot and expensive and congested with Athenian and Italians mobbing the island in the annual summer holiday. Going out of season, April, May, June, early July, September and October are cheaper and more enjoyable.

4. Don't look like a sheep
Even if the British do have the look of bewildered sheep as they spill from the excursion bus, you don't have to be one of them. By knowing the island before you arrive, you will not only get more out of your holiday, but you won't end up stuck on the beach.

Everybody likes a bit of sun, but with the increased awareness that tanning both increases the risk of aging and skin cancer, the days of 'grill me till I die' are fast coming to an end. If you are part of Europe's increasingly older population, with leisure time on you hands, being dumped on the beach for 13 days might not be your cup of tea.

Friends of Ithaca have a range of publications that will help you get to know Ithaca before you go. Ultimately, however, we can only take you so far. At the end of the day, unlike the sheep, you have the choice of whether to be one or not.

5. Act sustainably
Aside from the fact you've come on an extremely ozone damaging plane, there is something you can do whilst on Ithaca to help keep it looking good. Simple things include; supporting local businesses, wine and cheese manufacturers, rather than the giant global icecream makers. For your picnics try buying local fruit and veg.

When you go to the supermarket take a bag along rather than accept yet another polythene bag (sea turtles, a short-sighted beast, are renowned for confusing them with edible jellyfish). If you drink local and eat local, you'll start to think local, and you'll save money and the environment. Oh and don't just throw your rubbish away. There are recycling bins on Ithaca.

Try to use less water, or shower with a friend…after all you are on holiday.

Above all, to say you have no part to play in making tourism sustainable is a mistake. You can do a lot and what's just as important, you'll actually have a better holiday for it.