ECO TOURISTS, “RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL”

BY CLAY LARROY

The preparation for a vacation is almost as exhilarating as the vacation itself. I love printing out the tickets and confirmations while thinking about how much fun I will have on vacation. I enjoy researching all the sights at the location I will see once I arrive at my destination. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

The costs of traditional tourism are rising, and we are not just talking about the price of airfare and hotel rooms. Tourist development frequently comes at the cost of the cultural and environmental integrity of the local population. In this way, the mass-market tourist industry is often guilty of destroying the very destinations it seeks to promote.

Ecotourism differs from mainstream tourism in that it helps sustain, rather than exploit, the natural beauty and cultural diversity of tourist destinations. Ecotourism is a broad term and often misused, especially in travel advertising. The most widely accepted definition is that offered by the International Ecotourism Society, which defines ecotourism as: "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." Ecotourism promotes an interdependent relationship between tourists and tourist destinations, allowing tourists to contribute something to the communities they visit, in addition to taking away a richer travel experience. In this way, ecotourism promises to reunite the positive idea of a traveler, with the mostly negative label of tourist.

The Ecotourism trend is taking off due to a new generation of responsible travelers who are increasingly unsatisfied by the artificial, packaged-paradise travel experience that most tour operators offer. Coming from modern consumer cultures, these travelers crave authenticity. They want to experience the culture beyond the resort, to step out from behind their camera lenses and have meaningful interactions with the local people.

Contrary to popular belief, ecotourism is accessible to everyone. Ecotourism is often wrongly associated with adventure and wilderness travel, and the popular image of Eco tourists as youthful backpackers with dreadlocks can be misleading. In reality, many Ecotourism options are available for people of all ages and levels of physical fitness. And don’t think you have to venture far from home - city, state, and national parks can be models of ecotourism. You can be an Eco tourist just as easily in New York City as in Timbuktu.

The first step in planning an ecotourism vacation is finding eco-friendly accommodations. Your travel consultant can assist with finding reputable Eco tour, tour operators and packages that include eco-friendly lodging. Eco lodges range from 5-star luxury hotels to simple thatched huts. For the budget traveler in tropical climates, some even offer the economic option of a hammock slung between two palm trees! Many eco lodges have spas, where you can help (or at least not harm) the planet while enjoying a traditional herbal steam bath or massage. Note that smaller eco lodges may require booking well in advance.

For exploring your destination, ecotourism offers many exciting alternatives. In addition to well-known outdoor Eco tours (trekking in the Amazon, biking in the Outback, or cruising around the Galapagos), ecotourism includes volunteer tourism. Some of these tours, awkwardly dubbed Pro Poor or Poverty Alleviation tours, give tourists an opportunity to assist in international aid projects, such as distributing food and medicine or teaching English to children. Other volunteer tours involve tourists in environmental projects: elephant conservation in Thailand or researching Mexico’s endangered coral reefs.

Another off-beat option is a farm stay. Some farm stays are simply Bed and Breakfasts on a farm. Others educate their guests about organic farming techniques and allow them to participate in daily farm life.

Many tour operators will also arrange special interest tours. Themes include painting, yoga, meditation, bird watching, pottery, crafts and indigenous peoples. In the later case, it’s especially important to hire an experienced local guide or tour company. They will help you navigate culturally sensitive terrain and avoid offending or intruding on the indigenous community.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.

– Marcel Proust

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!