Category: Travel

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Travel

Why Every Traveler Should Switch to Eco Tourism?

There are a lot of talks going around the idea of eco travelling these days. Well, is eco traveling just a new term for travelers going into nature, or does it mean something bigger than that?

For a layman, the term ecotourism might simply mean undertaking a tour which is nature-focused and doesn’t harm the environment in any way. Well, this isn’t completely wrong, but when you use the term eco-travel, it actually means a lot more.

Let’s try to break the most common definition of eco-tourism you can find on the internet. Eco traveling means all of the below:

  • Traveling responsibly into natural areas
  • Preserving the environment
  • Thinking about and sustaining the welfare of local people
  • Interpreting and educating your own self

To summarize, it can be said that eco-tourism does not only mean to travel without damaging the environment but to create a positive change and learn about the natural places you visit.

Importance of Eco Tourism in today’s life:

There is no need to emphasize the importance of eco-tourism. After all, if you are taking measures to conserve and help environment, it is pretty obvious that it is very important. However, there are a few facts which you might not know and which might enhance the importance of eco-travel.

The thing is; there is a constant increase in the number of travelers around the globe since forever. It is observed, that in 80’s the number of international travelers was around 300 million, which today is about 1.4 billion. Now, just imagine how much 1.4 billion people can do if they are trying to make improvements in the environmental conditions. Well, looking at this figure anyone can say that with so many people traveling every year, eco-tourism is not just important, but essential.

How can one be an ecotourist?

There are many things to consider and choose if you wish to be an eco-tourist and it is not possible to cover it all here. However, as the first step, it is crucial to keep in mind that it will be ok to make a few mistakes since it will not be possible to travel without harming nature every time. The second step is to think about the environment before making any bookings. In simple words, give top priority to nature over your comfort, and that’s all is needed.

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What Is Carbon Offset? – Travelers Tips to Reduce Their Eco-footprint

Escalating greenhouse gases and carbon emission levels are affecting the climatic conditions severely. Fortunately, there are ways that can be applied, which can make a great difference. The travel sector is promoting eco-friendly travel programs, where frequent and responsible flight-travelers are offered ways to reduce their eco-footprint.

How travelers can reduce their carbon footprint?

Air travelers can participate in a carbon offsetting program, which is a voluntary scheme where people pay to ‘offset’ the emissions that the plane they travel in produces.

What really is carbon offsetting program?

Carbon offset means using carbon credits to compensate for the produced emissions. These projects support wind farming, renewable energy, forestry, and resource conservation. It plays a huge role in dampening greenhouse gas emissions.

Many airlines are taking part in the carbon offsetting programs, where travelers can calculate their emissions easily and buy carbon credits. These carbon credits are sold to carbon dioxide equivalents in metric tons. It certainly helps a lot in offsetting ecological footprints.

How carbon offsetting works?

The airplane engine releases water vapor, particles, and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Carbon offsetting does not eliminate the produced CO2 while flying; it is there in the atmosphere.

Actually, your share of eco-footprint gets balanced in another eco-friendly program like planting trees or offering more subsidy on use of renewable sources. This helps to reduce CO2 levels around the globe. Each flight CO2 emission is measured in tons and invested in projects that reduce the carbon footprint of the same amount.

Air-travelers tips to decrease carbon footprint

  • Book flights for direct routes, so as to reduce the fuel consumption and reach destination sooner.
  • Consider sustainable transportation, when you explore a new city. Choose biking or walking tours and have fun!
  • If possible when you travel in groups choose a road trip because car engine emissions have far less impact than the plane travels.
  • Keep the car maintained for energy efficiency and adhere to good driving practices like maintain consistent speed.
  • If you rent a car, while on tour choose a hybrid or fuel-efficient cars to reduce gas consumption.

It is great to know that even while you travel the concern about carbon emission can be balanced by participating in a carbon offsetting program.

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Travel

Sustainable Tourism: A Perfect Idea to Travel the World

Nowadays, fashionable words like ‘sustainable’ and ‘sustainability’ are added to almost everything. For instance, there is sustainable fashion, sustainable development, sustainable traveling, etc. We all know what the word sustainable or sustainability means, but if you need a little more elaboration on why the words are used in these contexts, then don’t worry you aren’t the only one.

Luckily, the concept of sustainability is pretty simple. It is all about sustaining the resources or not destroying the resources, no matter what resources are they. Here, we have discussed the idea of sustainable tourism and how it is important in today’s life. So, let’s get started…

Sustainable Traveling:

Sustainable traveling is traveling in such a way that culture, people, and environment of the destination you are visiting aren’t harmed or damaged in any way. Now, you must be thinking that that’s exactly the common definition of traveling, but well it is not. Many travelers don’t travel this way.

The thing is; the number of international travelers has increased by many folds by now. People are exploring destinations around them and unfortunately, in doing so, they are mostly being a part of mass tourism. This means, staying at multinational hotels, going on cruises, and partying big.

The thing is; mass tourism is a big industry which focuses mainly on earning big profits. They do not give priority to conserving the environment, natural resources, traditions, or residents for that matter. The money you pay to these gigantic tourism companies doesn’t benefit the country you are visiting at all.

On the other hand, sustainable traveling promotes learning local cultures, staying at good but local hotels, and traveling via basic public transportations.

Why all the travelers around the globe should consider sustainable traveling?

If sustainable traveling is opted by majority of the travelers, it will preserve the world that we live in today with all its cultures and traditions. More and more people will interact with each other and develop a better understanding, thereby eradicating racism. Besides, think of it this way, the idea of traveling shouldn’t be damaged at all and sustainable traveling is exactly that.

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Practical Eco-friendly Tour Tips

In theory, being eco-friendly sounds very simple but in practice, it is hard at times. While on a tour there are many things that need to be considered under the umbrella of eco-friendly travel.

Practical eco-friendly tour tips

Carry a reusable shopping bag

On a tour, it is tempting to buy souvenirs and things as memories. Now, you don’t wish that your vacation trip memories last for more than 500 years. Actually, plastic bags take around 500 years to decompose, so carry eco-friendly washable shopping bags, while on a tour. You can even add it to your car for routine shopping needs.

Pack light

When you fly each kilo counts, more weight on the flight means more CO2 gets released in the atmosphere. Therefore, pack lightly, just the necessary items. Mother Earth appreciates eco-friendly people!

Choose public transport

While traveling sharing public transport means you are not adding extra carbon emission, unlike private transport options. Moreover, you can get to know the locals and add great traveling memories.

If possible, travel on land

Cutting on a single 5-hour flight will help to lighten tons of carbon footprint. Travelling by road will make you enjoy the countryside evermore. Even when you go sightseeing choose eco-friendly options as much as possible like walking and hiking or go for share rides.

Remember hotel is home

Avoid keeping lights or TV on at night or when you go out. Avoid spending long hours in the shower of asking for clean towels often. Take care on how you spend the energy when you stay in a hotel.

Enjoy carbon-friendly food & drink

You will certainly enjoy the taste of locally brewed beer. Actually, your drink turns out to be low-carbon as beer mileage gets cut down. It even applies in eating local produces and allows your taste buds to get carbon-friendly!

NO bottled water

It is well-known fact that empty plastic bottles are responsible for landfills and pollution. Travelers can fill reusable bottles often from the water-filters installed at their hotel.

Power in numbers

Small groups have less impact on the environment, so travel in a tour with small groups with responsibility towards the environment. Before booking check the group size.

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How and Why to Choose Eco-friendly Hotel?

As the world is totally aware about the severe damages carbon footprint has made on the planet, people try to choose everything as eco-friendly as possible. Even travelers look for ecofriendly accommodations. It doesn’t matter if they travel for business or leisure. The hotel owners are also aware of the significance of sustainable tourism.

According to a survey, it was found that 62% of travelers consider environmental impact while selecting accommodation. They research meals, transportation, and hotels in specific areas to reduce their personal emissions.

Travelers feel empowered because they are the ones to pay for the stay, so eco-conscious fans can stay committed to sustainable tourism. They need to recognize what to prioritize and choose one of the best eco-resorts, so as to lower their carbon footprints.

How to choose an eco-friendly stay?

Choose central location

Transportation is a huge contributor to CO2 emissions, so choose an accommodation that is close to everything. Transportation costs also cut down, during vacation. Choose a hotel that allows walking to the majority of attractions in the city.

Choose carbon-neutral hotel

Gradually, zero-emission movement is building and now you can see several hoteliers following standard eco-friendly practices –

  • Use LEDs
  • Serve locally sourced menu
  • Recycle & linen reuse
  • Have a fleet of bicycles

Travelers are encouraged to buy carbon credits and offset their ecological footprints. The funds get delivered towards reforestation or wind farm projects.

Watch for a green button

When you read reviews about popular eco-hotels, check for green credentials. Review and travel sites offer green rating services to hotels offering eco-friendly stay. Even read past customer reviews on their experience to ensure that the hotel is as per your expectations.

View the atmosphere

When you see the pictures of the resort note everything from paintings to landscaping to interiors. It will give you an idea of how much the hotel owner values nature. For example, you may notice sustainable material used around the hotel. Paintings will display lush green nature and the decorations will look natural, which indicates respect for the earth.

Book hotel that ditches car services

Travelers can ditch car services [heavy on CO2 release] because hotels offer complimentary shuttle service, bicycles, and public transit packages In this way, travelers don’t need to shell their money but enjoy their vacation. The two-wheel trend is also inspiring, where guests can enjoy the adventurous off-beaten paths pedaling the countryside.

Check the hotel’s menu

Some eco-conscious hoteliers have their own on-site garden from where the organic produce and herb for seasonal menu get obtained.

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Community Tourism: An Opportunity to Explore Traditions and Cultures Around the World

The best part about traveling is learning about new cultures and understanding why were they developed. However, when we are traveling, it is easy to see the culture just from the outside, but it is completely impossible to be a part of it and learn about it in detail.

Nevertheless, thanks to community tourism, that has made it possible for tourists to fully experience the culture and traditions of the place they are visiting. By following this idea of tourism, you get to stay with a local family and see how they live their day to day life. You get to see how a community is beneath the upper surface as well as help the local economy.

Points to keep in mind before opting for community tourism:

  • Be prepared for everything

Just like the cultures and traditions vary around the globe, so do the homes and facilities. You might get to stay with a family which will clear a room for you as well as provide you meals and treats you like a family. On the other hand, you might even get to stay with a family which will have all the facilities you can expect to get at a high-class hotel. So, go with an open mind and enjoy whatever comes your way.

  • Be polite while communicating

Remember, English isn’t spoken everywhere. So, at times you might have to communicate only by smiling and pointing.

  • Participate

The entire idea of such tourism is to ensure that you get to know the real culture and tradition of the local people. So, make sure you are participating as much as possible.

  • Share

You are certainly there to know more about their lives and cultures, but well, they want to know you too. So, make sure you share your stories, maybe even show pictures of your hometown and family. This will create a special bond and you will enjoy your stay more.

So, all in all, community tourism is a great way to explore the world and its different traditions. All you need is the open-mindedness to be with some completely unknown people and learn to live a little like them.