What is Eco-Tourism?

Eco-tourism is the latest buzzword in the tourism industry. But what is it? As a traveler, you have an impact on the environment and culture of the place you are visiting. Eco-travel is environmentally responsible travel, which promotes the education and conservation of nature, and is geared towards sustaining the well-being of the local people.

An eco-tour operator has a resort or lodge that should have a minimal impact on the surrounding environment and community. Minimizing the number of trees removed from the site, and minimal disruption to wildlife should be paramount to the resort’s mentality. This allows you to be immediately surrounded by the sounds of nature while you vacation.

These resorts have a variety of intriguing features that may attract you to the area. Some feature wildlife sanctuaries or national parks, camp or lodge-like settings. Activities such as hiking, canopy tours, guided river rides and photo safaris have very little impact on the surroundings and can be expected at an eco-tour resort.

I am one of the more adventurous travelers that look for eco-resorts that offer white water rafting expeditions, caving and scuba diving trips. I also enjoy the more exotic destinations that offer unique accommodations such as rooms nestled in the treetops, or open air accommodations.

There are several golden rules when you travel as an eco-tourist. Learn about your destination before you arrive, by reading guidebooks, travel articles, and histories. Pay particular attention to customs such as greetings and appropriate dress and eating behaviors. Being aware of local customs will allow you to better blend into the local surroundings allowing you to experience the culture as a local rather than a tourist.

Items like flat, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, sunglasses, a hat, camera, your essential medicines, and a light or heavier jacket depending on the time of year you travel are all items that you should carry with you. It would be appropriate to avoid loud colored clothing, perfumes and other toiletries that you may consider essential in everyday life. Be aware that you are there to experience nature, so clothing that blends with the natural environment would be a good idea.

When considering your next vacation, give some thought to an ecologically friendly alternative. A resort that caters to the guests while respecting the environment will provide you with an enjoyable trip that will allow you to experience the harmony of nature.