Green Eco Tourism

Responsible Travelling

It is every tourist's responsibility to be aware of the impact their behavior has on the environment at the location that is visited. A few simple guidelines will help greatly in sparing nature's resources at the holiday destination.

Preparation

Do some research into the various travel agencies that exist and select one based on their eco practices.
Read up on the destination of the chosen location. Read guides and read through some of the articles about the subject online.
Familiarize yourself with local customs before arriving at the destination site by reading up on its history and culture.
Learn, at the very least, a little about the language of the country you are visiting. The effort is regarded as being polite and you will receive the appreciation of the locals as a reward. Overall, these efforts will lead to a richer experience of the holiday.
In case you decide to bring gifts for the local population in third world countries, do not bring candy. Take clothing or something similar instead. Do not deliver this yourself, but ask the guide to deliver them on your behalf in order not to attract begging children.
Make sure to read up on environmental conditions before reaching the destination.

At the destination

Be aware of the local customs, wear clothes that do not offend and never take a picture of local inhabitants without asking permission first.
Be responsible and be an example to other tourists that may be not as well informed as you are. If needed, educate them.
Use local facilities in order to support the local economy.
Do not show off, in lesser developed countries you may seem very wealthy which may invoke jealousy, which in turn could limit contacts with the local population. In some areas this may even lead to inviting yourself to getting robbed.
Ask your guide about environmental tourist behavior to limit impact on the environment.
Good guidelines would be not to divert from trails and keeping a set distance from the local wildlife, in order not to disturb the animals.
Ensure your souvenir purchases are within the environmental regulations, as they exist.
Refrain from purchasing animal products or removing any objects from nature. Besides damaging the ecosystems these actions are also illegal.
Do not waste resources. An influx in tourism often places high pressure on the local resources like food and water.

Back home

Upon return, maintain your eco awareness and make it part of your life. Support those that also follow these principles and educate those that don't. Be a part of increasing awareness of the environment.