Eco travel agency and tourism has a big carbon footprint, so making sure you’re travelling responsibly is important. There are a number of eco travel agencies and booking platforms that specialise in reducing the negative effects of over-tourism.
Intrepid Travel, for example, focuses on overseas adventure travel that is responsible by nature. They offset all of their trips’ carbon and support local projects in the areas they visit.
Responsible Travel
Whether you’re diving unspoiled reefs, walking the world’s best hiking trails or observing Africa’s Big Five, there is something that you can do to help your chosen destination stay a little bit less overrun. Responsible travel is a great way to help protect the environment. Uplift local people and support the community, while giving travellers an unforgettable experience.
Unfortunately, many tourists don’t consider their actions or the impact they have on the communities they visit. In fact, some places have become so overrun with tourists that they have had to close in order to give the environment a chance to recover. The term ‘over-tourism’ is used to describe this problem, and it’s a real issue that needs addressing.
Responsible travel is all about avoiding the problems of over-tourism. One good way to do this is through an eco travel agency. This type of agency will be able to put you in touch with local tour operators who will know how to look after the surrounding environment. They will also be able to find you accommodation which has been built with sustainable methods in mind and will have a policy which looks after the land, local people and animals.
If you’re thinking of booking an eco tour, there are a few different websites that can help you do so. TripAdvisor’s Green Leaders Program highlights companies that have a proven commitment to sustainability. You can also use the website’s social responsibility tool to see how a company performs in terms of its treatment of staff, community and the environment.
Alternatively, you could book your trip through Charitable Travel, which will donate five per cent of the package holiday price (aka its agency commission) to the charity of your choice. There are hundreds of charities to choose from, including environmental causes and those that provide aid and support to people affected by disasters and conflict.
There are a number of companies which specialise in eco tourism, such as luxury safari tour operator AndBeyond, who have invested a lot of time and money into their sustainable operations. They recently installed an electrical micro-grid at their Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp in Botswana, for example, which helps reduce the need for generator use, and they’re looking into installing water bottling plants which will cut down on waste.
Ecotourism
Ecotourism is a form of sustainable travel that benefits the local community, as well as the natural environment. It also has a positive impact on the economy. Ecotourism involves travelling to destinations that are not only beautiful but that support the culture and heritage of the area. Essentially, it is responsible travel that is conducted by companies with the right intentions and ethics.
The goal of an ecotourist is to connect with the local culture. Learn as much as possible about the indigenous peoples of the area. This includes respecting their basic human rights. It is also important for ecotourists to support the local communities by providing jobs or donating some of their profits. In addition to supporting the local community, ecotourism also helps to protect the environment by reducing the number of tourists visiting endangered areas.
It is important to research your destination before you visit. Try to be as green as possible while you are there. This can include choosing hotels with solar power, avoiding plastic bags and purchasing souvenirs made by local artisans. It is also important to find out how the locals care about their environment and what they are doing to protect it. If you can, visit a local restaurant or café that supports the community and buys locally sourced food.
When travelling, make sure to take only as much water and suncream with you as needed and try not to leave any litter behind. This can be a difficult task, especially in remote or wilderness areas, but it is worth the effort to help prevent further damage to the environment. You can also reduce your carbon footprint by using public transportation to get around rather than driving.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly holiday, there are many different types of trips available. Some companies offer scuba diving and snorkeling trips that allow you to explore the underwater world without disturbing coral or causing any harm. Others offer hiking and trekking holidays in places like Scandinavia. Where you can stay in off-grid cabins or even build your own igloo.
Green Travel
Green travel is a type of eco tourism that focuses on vacations that minimize the impact on local environment and culture. This type of vacation can involve hiking, eco-friendly tours and even volunteer work. Green travelers can also use public transportation, stay in green hotels and eat at environmentally friendly restaurants. Using an eco travel agency is a great way to plan a trip that will be both fun and green.
Many green travel companies offer a wide variety of trips for all interests and budgets. The key to choosing the right one is finding a company that has sustainability initiatives and policies in place that protect the environment and support local communities. For example, some of these companies may donate a portion of their proceeds to local conservation projects. They might offset carbon emissions from their trips. It is also important to choose a company that uses small group sizes and works with local guides.
Some companies are redefining green travel and introducing new ways to save the planet. For instance, Contiki is a popular tour company that offers a number of adventures around the world. They have also signed up to the Tourism Declaration of Climate Emergency. Which means they are committed to reducing their CO2 emissions by 55 per cent by 2030. They are also aiming to eliminate plastic bottles from all their trips. Are investing in rewilding and tiger conservation projects.
When looking for a green travel company, check their website to see what their policies are and how they support the environment. Also, look at their reviews to see what other customers have said about their service. If you have any concerns, try to find a company that is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. If you are unsure about how to choose the best green travel company, consider using Tripology, which lists 101 reasons why you should use one.
The internet makes it easier than ever to plan a green trip. You can easily find a travel agent that is certified green by the BBB and has a good track record with their clients. The internet has also made it possible for you to research the greenest hotels. Transportation options on your own before booking your trip. You can also join travel forums, where you can meet other people who have similar interests and share tips on how to be green when travelling.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a key aspect of an eco-travel agency business. Having a sustainable travel company means making sure that you are protecting the environment and helping local communities. You can do this by reducing your ecological footprint, using renewable energy, supporting environmental projects and implementing sustainable business practices.
Some companies do this through carbon offsetting (buying credits to offset your emissions), while others invest their profits into environmentally friendly initiatives, such as tree planting or supporting wildlife conservation. For example, luxury sustainable safari tour operator Ultimate Safaris donates a percentage of their revenue to the Tou Trust. Which is involved in rhino conservation projects and funding the upgrade of schooling infrastructure.
Other eco travel companies focus on creating a positive impact in their own local area. Such as Intrepid Travel and Very Local Trip. Both are committed to carbon neutrality and have established non-profit foundations. Intrepid is also a B Corp certified company and supports the global empowerment of women. Very Local Trip has a unique business model where they partner with local experts to create authentic and sustainable travel experiences.
Many of these travel companies offer a variety of tours and experiences that cater to different travel styles. They also work with local people and businesses to ensure that the profits are reinvested back into the community. For example, Intrepid Travel has a wide range of eco-friendly tours that are suitable for any budget. Their trips focus on connecting with local communities, protecting the environment and avoiding animal cruelty.
Another great eco travel company is Fairbnb. A vacation rental website that puts the power in the hands of the hosts. They invest 50% of their platform fees and commissions into local community projects. They also work to exclude large real estate investors. Limit the number of vacation rentals available in a single geographic area. They have even set up a network of “nodes” around the world to make it easier for travelers to find a place to stay.
Many people think that eco-friendly tourism is expensive, but this is not the case. There are several ways to save money on an eco-friendly vacation. Including renting a home instead of staying in hotels or traveling with a group. In addition, it is important to book accommodations that use solar panels and energy-saving devices.
