WHY TRAVEL
Travel offers the opportunity to break one's routine, try something
new, see the world with new eyes.
THE VIRTUOUS CIRCLE
Travelers are active players
in a global phenomenon that goes by many names including ecotourism
and responsible travel. The good news it that we are all on
the learning curve as this level of collaboration has never
been attempted before.
As travelers, we have the option of selecting operators and
places that show compassion toward the earth. A multiplier effect
occurs ('the virtuous circle') as responsible travel acknowledges
all stakeholders.
Until recently, travelers rarely thought much about the environmental
or social impacts of their journeys. In fact, most view a holiday
as a way to escape 'cause-and-effect' logic. After all, trips
are made to escape the routine.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE ECO TRAVELER
The challenge
of ecotourism lies in balancing multiple factors in deciding
how eco one wishes to travel.
WEAVING THE WEB
The Web makes it easier than ever to find eco-friendly, people-friendly
places. If you are looking for local guides and recommended
operations, we recommend consulting our World
Travel Directory.
If you have an idea of where you would like to go or what you'd
like to do, your journey begins with the information quest.
If you want to find out specific details about a specific operator
or destination, post queries in relevant forums.
Look at photos online
Flickr.
Buy a guidebook.
Ask friends and family for their suggestions.
THINGS YOU CAN DO
Once you arrive, here are a few things visitors can do:
TAKE BOOKS AND LEAVE BOOKS - Global understanding could
vastly be improved if we took (and left) better books on our
trips! Once you have decided where you are traveling, email
locals and ask if you can bring something. This is a variation
of the Platinum
Rule (Do unto others as they would like to have you do unto
them). If you have academic leanings, before you go do some
research and find out if the local libraries can use more technical
materials and take them something they can use.
PICK UP THE TRASH - Actions speak louder than words.
If you are concerned about the environment, show that you care
by picking up trash and never throwing anything of yours on
the ground. As the adage goes, 'pack it in, pack it out.'
LEARN THE LANGUAGE - Learn and use a few words starting
with 'hello' and 'thank you.' If you have the time, take a language
class.
BE RESPECTFUL OF PEOPLE'S PRIVACY - Some people do not
wish to be visited. In rural communities, wait until you are
invited to approach homes or groups of people.
BE RESPECTFUL OF RESTRICTIONS - Some communities may
be closed to visitors. Natural attractions might be off limits
for cultural or environmental reasons. When in doubt of whether
or not to proceed, ask first.
BE RESPECTFUL OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE - Traditional land owners should
be acknowledged. Aboriginal and indigenous people working in
tourism take their role of welcoming visitors very seriously.
Recognize their connection to the land and you'll learn to see
the world differently.
BUY LOCAL CRAFTS - If you are looking for a gift or
a souvenir, patronize the arts and demonstrate your support
for local culture. Buying from a local artisan can cut out 40
steps in the traditional export chain. Planeta.com's Tourism
and Crafts Guide explains the details. What not to buy?
Items made from endangered animals or pirated archaeological
treasures.
CONTRIBUTE TO A LOCAL CHARITY - Ask around and find
out which social or environmental efforts can use your time
or a financial contribution. Be
generous!
SUPPORT URBAN ECOTOURISM - Before heading to the 'pristine'
wilderness, visit some city parks. There are few remote ecolodges
that are not visited in transit via a major metropolis. For
those inclined, please sign the Urban
Ecotourism Declaration. |
