Learn how to be an ecotourist anywhere by applying these principles — conscientious, low-impact travel that benefits local people and their environment — to any travel destination.
While ecotourism is generally considered to include travel to endangered natural areas, you can apply its principles anywhere. Green tourism, ethical tourism, and sustainable tourism are other applicable terms. Simply put, travel responsibly. Anyone can do it.
How to Be an Ecotourist and Responsible Traveler
Skip the traditional, kitschy tourist venues in favor of natural ones. Take the back roads; spend an afternoon in a public garden; visit a local, state, or national park; get the kinks out by walking or jogging on a greenway trail or taking a hike on a local path; pick up a brochure and do a walking tour of the area.
Visit a Farmers Market
You might find breakfast goodies, snacks for your travel, or fixings for a picnic lunch. Chances are you’ll discover some nifty items for your holiday shopping list, too. While you’re at it, stop at roadside farm stands. My husband and I came by some delicious and healthy wild blueberries that way.
Support Artisans and Craftspeople
You’ll find products indigenous to the area, a great way to shop for the special people in your life. You’ll probably even get to meet and chat with the maker. Not only will your gifts be unique, but there will be a story behind them.
Eat Local
Eat local–organically if you can. Chains are so boringly predictable, but a good local restaurant will feature locally grown foods put together in interesting combinations. Strike up a conversation with your waitstaff or the folks sitting in the next booth to enjoy even more local culture.
Houseshares and Homestays
Consider staying at an Airbnb, another way to support the local economy. It’s an easy way to get to know local people, local culture, and local lore. I recently got a personal tour of a real-life New England village by my Airbnb host, learning lots of village history in the process. Sometimes you can get a whole house to yourself for less than even a low-end hotel chain. That way, you can prepare your own meals from food you bought at the farmers’ market earlier in the day.
Discover Local Events
Is a local 4-H fair taking place during your visit? What about a volunteer fire department supper or a community hall bingo game? Take them in. Could there be a better way to become part of the place you find appealing and help the local economy at the same time?
Being a Better Tourist
Do Your Homework
Learn about an area before you start your travels so you’ll know what to look for and what makes it special.
Meet Locals
Show an interest in their little corner of the world.
Embrace Local Culture
Visit local sites, like a local history museum; appreciate the uniqueness of the area you’re visiting.
We found names of my husband’s ancestors on the Founders’ Monument at the Ancient Burying Ground in Hartford, Connecticut. Photo by Ron Wynn
Leave a Good Impression
Don’t complain when things aren’t exactly the way they are back home–you might as well stay put if you’re not looking for something new and different.
Cherish, Don’t Destroy
By following these tips, you can make your next trip one that’s fun for you and that benefits the planet at the same time. Just keep the following concepts in mind: low-impact, environmentally friendly, cultural awareness, and supporting local well-being. Happy travels.
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