Travel Tips: How To Be a Green Traveler
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by: BretLove | Total views: 16 | Word Count: 351
To be a good eco-friendly, green traveler, focus on living by a simple principle: Do your best to leave every place you reach in your travels slightly more improved than it was when you arrived. Apart from the age-old adage, "take only photos, leave only footprints," what can you do to make a beneficial impact? These are some of my favorite suggestions:
Leave the resort. We were shocked to meet a family that stayed at the same hotel every year but never left to explore the area in the beach town of Cabarete, Dominican Republic. Don't be a tourist, be a traveler! Make it a point to immerse yourself in the local art, music and cuisine. Welcome the differences that make it special. Meet the locals and discover how they view life. It might surprise you when you open your mind to new ideas.
Appreciate traditions. In several Muslim countries, females are forbidden to display more than a sliver of skin. And in many cultures, having you picture taken is akin to stealing your soul. Different cultures have different traditions, some of which may be very different from yours. Take the time to understand and appreciate these traditions, or you may risk insulting the people whose culture you're there to see.
Be generous. Many developing nations have people desperately in need of basic necessities you may take for granted. When you travel to a new place, you take a piece of that experience with you for all time. Consider giving something back in return. I once mailed a $25 tape recorder to a Zulu musician just so he could record his own music. On tours in which you know you'll interact with locals, consider bringing school supplies for children.
Shop smarter. Read labels, ask questions like "What animal is this item made of?" and "Are special documents required to bring it home?" All over the planet you'll find people hocking wares made from precious hardwoods, endangered species, and ancient artifacts. It may be alright in their country to sell those items, but you can still express your views with your money by not buying them.
About the Author
In addition to being a freelance travel writer for nearly twenty years, Bret Love is also the co-founder/Editor In Chief of Green Global Travel, a web-zine devoted to ecotourism, green travel, eco-friendly activities, nature/wildlife conservation and world culture. His breathtaking free wildlife photo calendar is available, for a limited period, at Green Global Travel.
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