Tips for Responsible Traveling

Yes, vacations are typically meant to help us relax and unwind and we often choose to get pampered or eat out a lot. However, we may want to consider our impact on the environment as well — we should travel as “ecotourists”… 

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”. Travels are encouraged to minimize their impact on the natural world but they also contribute to conservatism efforts and provide benefits to the local economies and indigenous communities where they are traveling. TIES put forth the following principals for resorts, tour operators, and travelers:

    - Minimize your impact

    - Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect

    - Provide positive experiences both for visitors and hosts

    - Provide direct financial benefits for conservation

    - Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people

    - Raise sensitivity to a host country’s political, environmental, and social climate

Do your part to read up on the resorts/hotels you’re staying at. For example, do they do anything to minimize pollution, waste, energy consumption, water usage, landscaping chemicals, and excessive nighttime lighting? Do they provide local, organic fruits and vegetables? It may be difficult to find out which hotels adhere to green practices. There are dozens of certification organizations around the world to help with this. The most well known for international sustainable travel and tourism is probably the certification label Green Globe. Also, Rainforest Alliance has built partnerships with tour operators in 25 Western Hemisphere countries to set standards that include environmental impact assessments, staff training, environmental monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and benefits to local communities. 

Here are some other tips that will help you travel responsibly:

    - Learn as much as you can about the culture your visiting to know how to be a good guest in that city or country

    - Support the local economy by choosing locally owned restaurants and buying authentic local products made from renewable resources

    - Travel in small, low-impact groups

    - Stay on walking trails to preserve the surroundings and stay safe

    - Don’t buy products made from endangered animals or plants

    - Become aware of and contribute to projects benefiting local environments and communities

(Source: Green Guide / Image: ecotourismblog)

N.Parkington