Did you know that wherever and however you travel there is an impact to the environment and people around you? Because we have the privilege to travel and assist you on your journeys, we have a deeper connection and love for this place we call home. We want the beauty to sustain and for the communities who welcome us to thrive, so when you travel we want you to be responsible eco-tourists. What is eco-tourism? Well, let's get into it.
At its core, eco-tourism is being a responsible traveler, making sure your impact as you travel helps sustain the environment and supports the local communities. The International Eco-Tourism Society, the largest non-profit coalition that brings together 190 countries in their work, defines the following as the main principles to eco-tourism:
Minimize physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impacts.
Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
Generate financial benefits for both local people and private industry.
Deliver memorable interpretative experiences to visitors that help raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climates.
Design, construct and operate low-impact facilities.
Recognize the rights and spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous People in your community and work in partnership with them to create empowerment.
It is now common practice for many destinations to include their guidelines on respect and responsibility to sustain their environments. Whenever we book, we keep in mind eco-tourism friendly activities that have sustainable practice, give back to local communities, and support the environments you'll be in. Here's some of our insider destination eco-friendly tips.
Hawai'i
Hawaii is indigenous land, and looking to indigenous teaching of caring for the environment comes first. Around O'ahu, for example, you may hear of or see the signs that say Mālama Hawai‘i, which literally means to care for Hawai'i. Each sign encourages care for coral reefs, Hawaiian culture, the ‘āina (land and waters), wildlife, keiki (youth), and for yourself and families. We work with incredible people to make sure your experiences are genuinely supportive to native culture and respectful of the beautiful state. Some of the responsibility is on you as well. This means to leave the place better than you found it. In other words, all things natural - rocks, shells, even down to the grains of sand - belong to the island. So, take a picture rather than taking it with you. You can lend a helping hand by cleaning up trash you see along the natural areas to keep it pristine, and stay a respectful distance from the wildlife - including the sea turtles!
Costa Rica
26% of Costa Rica's land is reserved land or national parks. Costa Rica is known for educating its tourist population - as education is key to sustainable practices. What's wonderful is many of these educational experience connect you to the lush environment in ways you may already picture when thinking of Costa Rica. But, no, holding a sloth is not an option on any of these excursions. Eco- tourism is respect for all environments in order to sustain it, so we are always cautious of animal contact experiences as they typically do more harm than good. (There are plenty of amazing viewing experiences to be had).
Iceland
Iceland takes their eco-tourism seriously enough that they even have their own pledge. Iceland also has some of the most unique ways to sustain natural produce year-round. We have a wonderful excursion to experience these farms and local produce and how they utilize every crop grown to its fullest. Every locally made product has a tag on it to let you know, so look for certified local goods. Additionally, Iceland is known for promoting drinking its tap water as it is some of the best in the world! Slow down your travel, take in the landscape, but please- and we cannot say this enough- stay on the marked trails.
For more eco-tourist tips for your next destination, schedule a consultation.
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