Green Travel
The mantra for green travel and responsible sightseeing is: "Take nothing
but photos and leave nothing but footprints". But exactly what does this mean in
today's world of hurried travel |
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 What is Green Travel?
We hear the term "going green" all the time now, being more environmentally aware
and doing what is good for the planet. And so the term "green travel" or "ecotourism"
refers to sustainable tourism also called responsible tourism.
What all these "green" terms basically mean when it comes to travel is that tourists
protect and conserve the natural as well as the cultural environment of whatever
destination they visit, including wildlife, plants, trees and all natural resources. |
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Learn More...
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Responsible Travel
With so many people traveling throughout the world - well over a billion tourists
alone a year - there is a tremendous impact on the natural treasures of both the
earth. By taking even a few small steps to lessen this impact by being a responsible
traveler can make a big difference.
There is the potential for tourism in many parts of the world to have a very bad
effect on both a local and global level. This can mean anything from visitors threatening
the extremely fragile ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands to beach erosion in Hawaii
and everything in between. Of course, the much publicized carbon dioxide emissions
from planes.
By taking a green approach to travel, you can find easy ways to help protect the
destinations you visit, so it will be there for future generations to also enjoy.
An added plus to green travel is that it can make your vacation even more rewarding,
knowing you have helped the region.
And the best part is you don't have to pay more to travel green! You can offset
the carbon emissions from air trail by only typically $10 to $40 per flight, depending
on its length.
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How to Sightsee Responsibly
This is one beautiful planet, so be here are some hints to let future generations
also enjoy it!
- Let our travel specials arrange something that is environmentally responsible. Find
out if locals give the tours and give back to the community and keep in mind, smaller
groups leave less of an environmental footprint.
- Stay on marked trails and maintain a safe distance from any animals you encounter.
Deposit your trash in marked receptacles or take it with you when you leave. Light
campfires only in established fire rings and be sure they're completely extinguished
before you leave.
- Do not touch the coral or stir up sediment when snorkeling or diving.
- Try to buy local products whenever possible, but never buy souvenirs or other products
made from endangered animals or plants.
- Treat the locals with respect; learn a few words and phrases in their language, which
will go a long way in building relationships.
- Please read about an area before going so you now how to dress appropriately and
so not insult anyone with language or manners, including hand signals.
- Take a "volunteer vacation!" Teach kids music or learn how to care for elephants
and you will give back directly to the destination.
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Green Hotels
If Green travels are important to you, our travel specialists can help you find
the one that is environmentally friendly. Here are some guidelines.
Questions to ask before booking your hotel:
- Is the hotel locally owned and operated or at least staffed by locals?
- What kind of recycling programs does the hotel have for paper, aluminum, plastic,
gray water, composting, etc.?
- Do guests have the option to reuse towels and sheets instead of having them changed
every day?
- What programs does the hotel have to reduce consumption, such as energy-efficient
lighting, low-flow toilets and showers and alternative energy sources like solar
or wind power?
- Does the hotel contribute to the local community and if so, how?
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Cruises
The cruise industry is catching up to be environmentally friendly after problems
over the years with the fast growing industry. Many of the major cruise lines, including
Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises
and Royal Caribbean International have all pledged to make cruising more green with
several ongoing eco-friendly programs.
In fact, Celebrity Cruises recently launched the first environment-friendly cruise
ship, the Celebrity Solstice and its sister ship, Celebrity Equinox, will debut
in this summer. Due to an amazingly efficient design, boasting 216 solar panels
and 7,000 LED lights, the luxury cruise line could be for the first time less harmful
to the environment.
To increase its fuel efficiency and speed the overall design of the Celebrity Solstice
has been made as aerodynamic as possible. Halogen lamps have been replaced with
LED lights that reduce energy needs up to a whopping 50 percent! The high-glazed
glass used in the ship's windows provides natural lighting and reduces heat transfer.
She also boasts an advanced system for onboard wastewater purification treatments
and filters process drinking water. Although, for the moment, the solar panels will
produce energy only to ensure the elevators functioning that are situated on the
board.
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Best Green Places to Visit
There are cruises to destinations worldwide. Some of the popular regions that attract
naturalists, historians, animal lovers and lecturers include Costa Rica , the Galapagos Islands, Greenland and Antarctica.
They are examples of regions that offer green/ecotourism destinations. However,
wherever you go, visitors can make it a green destination by being selective about
what they are doing and how. One example is that in the future, only ships that
meet "zero discharge" standards will be allowed to proceed through environmentally
sensitive areas. The "Antarctic Traveler's Code", (its rules are enforced by all
expedition cruise lines), is based on the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, to
protect the region's ecosystem, flora and fauna.
Of course, Costa Rica practically translates to ecotourism! With its black-sanded
beaches amazing rainforests, misty cloud forests and river rapids, it is the destination
for nature lovers and those who like active travel. It is filled with the most amazing
creatures. If you ever wanted to see sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, jaguars, huge
turtles or the famous poison dart frogs up close, Costa Rica is only a cruise or
a flight away!
Animal lovers travel for thousands of miles for the chance and to visit the many
animal refuges found here or to hike in the rainforests.
Ecotourists also flock to see the natural beauty of Kenya, with its lions, elephants,
wildebeest, to name just a few of the amazing animals found there. However, it is
also home to rainforests, lakes, rivers, beaches and over 50 protected parks and
reserves.
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If you are thinking cooler climes,
then consider a Scandinavian cruise to the majestic Norwegian fjords. Strict environmental
laws and regulations have helped to preserve their pristine beauty. Whether you
go biking or just want to see the snowcapped mountains and the wildlife that make
this area home, including eagles and seabirds, seals, and porpoises, you will see
some of the most natural beauty in the world.
Though many didn't learn about Palau, India, until it was seen on TV's "Survivor".
But others, especially divers, have known of this jewel, remotely located on the
westernmost corner of Micronesia. Its sea just off the coasts boasts more than 500
species of coral with about 1,500 kinds of fish that call it home. There are miles
of unspoiled beaches that have been protected. The 460-miles of reefs and lagoons
also remain pristine, thanks to the Palau Conservation Society, which oversees several
conservation areas and also promotes sustainable development to further protect
the islands' many ecosystems.
If you travel to any of these destinations, go diving in Belize, go on safari in
Kenya or simply go shopping in the Caribbean, help keep the destination's beauty
and wildlife safe and beautiful for generations to also enjoy. Go green!
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