Free time is coming up and you're planning to hit the road, sky or water! Keep these tips in mind before your next adventure to get the most out of your trip- both for people and planet.
TRAVELING MINDFULLY:
What does traveling mindfully mean? It means to travel respectfully- to actively observe, listen and learn from the local customs and cultures. To be a mindful traveler is to actively acknowledge the impact of our own actions (however small) on every aspect of our experience: culturally, socially, environmentally, and economically.
Being more intensional about the destinations we visit and by making responsible choices as tourists we can directly influence conservation efforts that protect endangered ecosystems, wildlife species as well as uplift the communities we're visiting longterm. Revenue generated from eco-tourism can create jobs, establish better infrastructure and provide more economic sustainability that reduces pressure to exploit natural resources for livelihoods.
Within shark and ocean conservation one can notice the lasting impacts of how tourism can lead to more positive experiences and thoughts around sharks and the ocean as a whole.
In fact, we've heard a common tale (see our SHARKFLUENCER page) of people who were taught from media steroptypes based on horror films to fear sharks go on a life-changing dive trip and are able to see through that created stigma- they go off to become avid shark lovers and ocean advocates! What a happy ending, eh?
It's true, ecotourism serves as a remarkable platform for education and awareness if you have the privilege of traveling abroad. What better opportunity to learn about different environments, wildlife species or the unique local communities first hand? Eco traveling which, if done correctly, can inspire more sustainable choices and advocacy for a lifetime.
Things To Consider As You Begin Planning A Trip:
Luckily, one can always find ways to lower their environmental impact at home or abroad through being mindful and planning ahead as much as possible. So grab a cup of coffe- it's time to dig a little! Ask some locals if possible, read through forums or scope out social media pages of places and travel options within your destination. Doing a bit of detective work ahead of time is a great way to spot "greenwashing" ploys or perhaps discover that idealic place you thought of going to is really a place you'd rather avoid.
1) Support destinations with a strong commitment to environmentally conscious tourism. Search for wildlife reserves, animal encounter policies and marine protected areas as a way to determine if the area you're interested in visiting is investing in environmental protections. Find some local activities available for tourists ran by local community members or organizations. You can even search for programs where you can volunteer for a day to help with conservation efforts!
2) Research the culture and community of where you'll be visiting. Whenever you're visiting a foreign destination always research and know how to respect local customs, traditions, as well as be aware of cultural sensitivities or appropriate behaviors to avoid being disrespectful.
We live in an individualized culture that doesn’t teach us to pay close attention to other people’s lives. Conscious travel is about unraveling some of that individualism. Take a pause to notice: I’m not the only one whose life might be challenging. When meeting people who seem unlike you, try moving toward the notion that my life and your life might not overlap often, but we’re actually connected in some surprising ways!
IMPORTANT: Eco-tourism is not just about protecting the environment- it also involves respecting the local customs and heritage! International traveling allows visitors to immerse themselves in local culture and can help them build meaningful connections with a new community but remember as a tourist you're not a local. Don't assume that what how you act, what you do or your everyday life experiences at home will be the same in another country. Learning about different traditions, supporting local artisans, and engaging in cultural exchange fosters appreciation, respect and enhances the overall experience for both tourist and local.
Be respectful and take responsibility to learn all you can before venturing out even if that includes learning a new language or wearing different clothing than what your used to. If it's too big of a challenge or change for you, choose another destination.
3) Think about the best time to visit. WHEN to visit doesn't always correlate with when airlines send out those discount ticket alerts! The timing a trip can make all the difference and choosing to visit more popular places during off-season can help ease the stress on natural resources. Plus, who doesn't like fewer crowds or lower prices? Being more patient and flexibility with your travel dates can make your adventure that much more amazing.
4) Find environmentally-conscious lodging. Choose a local family run hotel, or find an eco-friendly, locally owned accomadation over big name hotel chains that all too often siphon money away from the community. Some people prefer to choose lodging based off of certifications like 'Green Globe' or 'EarthCheck,' which have a commitment to sustainable practices, however lodging options may not be the best fit or an available option for everyone.
5) Choose the best eco-friendly modes of transportation possible. Trains and buses are often more environmentally friendly than flying, and cycling or walking are fantastic options for exploring local areas. Opting for lower-impact modes of transportation such as trains, buses, or electric cars can help reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, doing things like guided cycling, walking, or even an electric-powered boat tour offers a cool opportunity to explore destinations up close without the harsh environmental impacts!
Remember: some destinations are only reachable by boat or train while still others require ferries or smaller airplanes to reach. Of course, each transportation method comes with its own emissions stats and accessibility- do a search to see what modes of transportation are best for the place you're visiting and your situation.
6) What you spend your money on matters! Speaking about money- familiarize yourself with local currency and the current exchange rate before you visit. Also knowing the best ways to pay and get around a destination- using your bank card may or may not be possible so you'll need a safe way to carry cash, or sometimes your phone may not have service to pay digitally. Be sure to look up free wireless locations or get an eSim to be better prepared.
EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION(S):
Before finalizing a ticket, consider the effect that your visit may have. Open your eyes to some of the darker sides of travel that are usually avoided in picture-perfect social media posts.
For example, some cruiseliners or resorts don't pay their employees a living wage or worse may be involved in forced labor. Maybe a particular region is linked to child labor, human rights abuses, trafficking, or have a terrible record reguading treatment of their local wildlife. What's more, "overtourism" seen particularly with island nations, could be destroying the area's unique culture or ecosystem(s) and means you should avoid traveling there althogether until further notice.
Stand solid and invest in what you care about- be it sustainability, human rights, animal welfare etc. and be ready + flexible about where, when and if you go.
Choose activities that align with your principles too. Those may be things like hiking, bird-watching, snorkeling, or trying local cuisines.
Learn the Language:
Sure, English is widely spoken across the globe- even in countries it's not a national language you'll often find locals who know English, but never assume everyone speaks it where you're going.
The key here is not worrying about becoming fluent in a new language but focus on learning the common phrases. Know phrases that will help you ask for directions, order food correctly, locate a restroom, how to say 'thank you' and the approriate greeting. Know how to not only ask but how to respond also and how to say "I'm sorry, but I don't understand".
BEST LANGUAGE APPS:
SUPPORT THE LOCALS:
Opt for locally-owned establishments instead of big chains whenever possible! By doing so you'll contribute to the local economy and support local livelihoods- plus you'll get the most authentic experience even pick up some suggestions on activites to do from patrons.
Make an effort to contribute positively to the communities you visit by donating to local charities or supporting local artists. 'Supporting the locals' includes other things like: tipping housekeepers at your hotel or servers at restaurants, thanking helpful individuals and leaving good reviews online to help boost reputations. Don't forget to share photos of your favorite places and businesses (with permission) on social media so other travelers can support them too!
Don't Forget The Local Rules. You've marked down all the landmarks to visit, found a few local pubs and eateries to try but don't forget to look up and understand local rules too!
Follow all posted signs and respect local laws of your destinations. It's important to know how and if you can photograph historical sites or other culturally important places where a camera flash is often not allowed or videoing/photography isn't permitted at all. Additionally, some cultures consider photography of certain places or people very disrespectful, so be mindful and know how to avoid unintended disrespect towards a community.
It's always a good idea to pause and ask yourself:
"Would I take this photo at home?",
"How would I feel if a stranger took the same photo of me?",
"Could this photo be considered exploitative?",
"What's the overall point or message of the photograph/video I want to take?"
No matter where you are in the world be considerate when taking pictures, especially of children- ALWAYS ask for permission before capturing someone in your images (even in some US states it's illegal to post a photo of someone without consent!). If you're in wildlife areas or reserves remember to be cautious when approaching wildlife, maintain a safe distance and never feed or touch them.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT:
We can think of ways to leave a place in a better state then we found it no matter if we are away or in our own backyard. These actions can be simple but have a big impact on our local environments and wildlife.
Unfortunately, eliminating all forms of plastic or other waste from our daily lives, especially when traveling, isn't always possible or accessible. However, through thoughtful planning and knowing your available alternatives you can still make a difference and fulfill your role in being a responsible eco-traveler.
Using principles of "leave no trace" can be a helpful code of conduct to utilize in everyday life. Try some of these actions at home and utilize them while traveling whenever possible:
Replacing single use plastic items like straws, containers, bags or water bottles for reusable alternatives.
Utilizing water refill stations at public places instead of buying plastic.
Taking shorter showers and washing clothing on available eco-settings/cold settings to conserve water and energy.
Never littering or leaving trash behind.
Turning off lights or electronics when not in use. Even using "dark mode" on your phone can help conserve energy (and save your eyes from harsh light).
Switching your main search browser from google to ECOASIA
Opting to use ride shares or choosing public transportations whenever possible.
Staying on marked trails, avoiding taking stones/shells or picking native plants while hiking even if they are pretty flowers a picture would last longer and leave the plant intact to help out the local pollinators!
BE PRESENT:
Leave no trace, or as little as possible. Make sure to leave as small of a footprint as possible in any place you visit – be it a city, a forest or a beach. Remember to always stay on marked trails if hiking or exploring natural areas. Straying off the path can lead to soil erosion and damage to local flora!
Put away your electronic gadgets and be present at the moment. Engage with the locals, have deep conversations, and immerse yourself in the experience. Spending too much time on your phone can detach you emotionally from your surroundings, and you might miss out on the true essence of your travels.
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