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by Wild Asia
Wild Asia has listed 10 basic travel tips to guide travellers to go green. So take flight and expand horizons, while keeping in mind to reduce the impact you leave behind.
1. A bit of research and ask questions
Go beyond researching what to do and where to stay! Research your destinations and learn more about the places you will visit. Learn about the cultures, the people, the local cultural taboos, or learn about how tourism impacts on your chosen destination. Some of the better guidebooks give you really good insights and you can also search online.
2. Choose Green
Is there a genuine green travel operator you can support? You might get a clue about the nature of your host by their responsible or sustainable travel policy or maybe feedback from travelers (try TripAdvisor). Try to find local or regional initiatives like Wild Asia, who are trying to identify, assess and promote responsible tourism operators. Some global member-based or associations might also be a good starting point (e.g., EcoClub or The International Ecotourism Society).
3. Buy Local
You can start by going direct. Buy your holidays direct. If you are apprehensive, try looking them up online on traveler's forum like TripAdvisor. Support tour operators and lodgings that employ locals. Spend your money on local or community-owned businesses to ensure they benefit from the tourist dollar. If you are staying in a resort, get out and shop in the local shops or to have a meal. Opt for local markets where local made handicrafts and souvenirs are sold instead of going to malls. Your tourism dollar spent widely is always a good strategy.
4. Be kind, rewind
Make your travel experience rewarding for yourself and your hosts. Don't stress out your hosts by being demanding and uncaring. Staffs are always inclined to give better service when their customers are friendly and nice. Use this opportunity to know the place through the eyes of the locals, ask them local folklores, tales or legends and they will be pleased to talk about their homeland. Save you the stress too! This will leave you with a wholesome experience.
5. Save energy
Renewable energy is not the norm in Asia so the wiser and more conservative our use of energy is the better it is on your host's expenses and the planet. Support hotels or lodges that use renewable energy, harvest their own water and make an effort to reduce their waste disposed. How do you know? Always ask. Try turning down your air-conditioning, use less motorized vehicles and opt for walking or cycling. Take the time to enjoy the view, feast your eyes on nature and breathe in fresh air.
6. Reduce waste
Getting rid of your trash is one of the biggest problems all Asian destinations face. Recycling is itself difficult. So try to be aware of what you will be leaving behind. Avoid plastic water bottles and insist on using your own; bring your own bag for daily shopping and think about where you are going to dispose your batteries.
7. Be aware of your carbon footprint
Though air travel accounts for less than 5% of carbon emissions, the cause of global warming - the amount of CO2 emitted by air travel - has doubled in the span of a decade. You could plant trees to offset your carbon footprint. Establish a plan to offset carbon when staff travels on business trips through Wild Asia. Our "plant a tree" programme promotes the creation of new wild lands, at the same time, planting trees to offset carbon emissions.
8. Respect local cultures
Read up on the place you're about to visit. Learn the dos and don'ts of local customs and traditions. Breaking of local customs can leave a lasting impression on your hosts. Everywhere you go, you will see people do things differently from you; do not criticize. Every culture, every person is unique and respecting their ways will benefit you. You might even start changing your perceptions on things. Travelling broadens your mind so why not take this chance?
9. Give back and make a difference
Try volunteerism - that is travel that blends exploration of a new culture and place with volunteer work in a local community or conservation project. This is a good way to share your skills, knowledge and experience to help others build a better future. There is no age limit and there are programmes for all age groups now around the world. Check out Raleigh Expedition, i-to-i.com, campsinternational.com or various Overseas Exchange programmes. Just Google!
10. Be inspired!
Get recharged and enrich your life with real experiences. Do not discriminate the local people and culture. Differences lead to a wealth of knowledge. Adopt conservation practices into your lifestyle, and help wherever you can. What you learn and take home might just make the world a better place.
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Original URL: http://www.wildasia.org/main.cfm/library/Travel_10_Tips
Published: 03 May 2009
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