Travel Green

Planning a vacation this summer? You're not alone. Tourism as an industry is booming, and is growing every year. By 2020, according to the World Tourism Industry, international borders will be crossed roughly 1.6 billion times annually, as tourists zigzag back and forth across our ever-shrinking planet.

As a result, a network of grassroots movements dedicated to environmentally-friendly and socially-responsible travel is emerging. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism, for example, as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Subscribers to pro-poor tourism aim to improve the living conditions of the poor population inhabiting their travel destinations.

A growing number of natural heritage organizations in countries across the world are offering volunteer tourism opportunities, sometimes known as voluntourism for travelers who would like to spend their holiday making a difference: building shelters, working on farms, cleaning natural parks. These kinds of holidays often offer access to more remote parts of the world that would otherwise be closed to commercial holiday-goers.

When planning this year's trip, make responsible choices. A big way to make a difference is to cut back on air travel, or eliminate it altogether. Pick a destination that's closer to home and take the train.

If flying can't be avoided, make sure to get a direct flight. Carbon emissions are at their highest during take-off and landing. Calculate your air-travel footprint with Climate Care's calculator.

If you're booking a hotel, a tour, or an all-inclusive package, do your homework. Some companies in the tourism industry are well ahead of their competitors in terms of their impact on the environment.

Once you've arrived, maintain an awareness of the effects of your visit. Eat local food and support local businesses. Minimize the waste you generate while visiting. Develop an understanding for local tradition, culture, and mentality, and be a credit to your own culture by respecting theirs. And most importantly, care for their natural environment the way you care for your own.

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