Sustainable Tourism

How you can be a better traveller

You've no doubt witnessed the negative impact some travellers have on the places they visit. Arguing with taxi drivers, poking fun at local customs and trying to spend as little money as possible; these tourists are not respecting or contributing to the betterment of the destination.

Sustainable tourism benefits the places you visit. There is a respect for the land and the people and it offers economic benefits to the community.

Here's a list of things you can do to make your vacation a more positive experience:

• Meet the people - Be friendly and get to know the people you come in contact with. You'll learn about their culture and way of life while showing respect. After all, you are a guest in their country.
• Support the economy - Use local transportation, stay at locally owned accommodation and book day trips with local tour companies. Shop at the markets and buy directly from the people who made the goods.
• Preserve the culture - Visit cultural and historical sites and do not disturb them, sample local cuisine, learn the customs, beliefs and language.
• Appreciate the history - Knowing what a country and its people have been through is an excellent way to understand the way things are today.
• Visit community projects - Gain an understanding of the local scene by observing working projects and maybe volunteer to help out.
• Respect the environment - When hiking or camping, stick to the trails and don't go out of bounds. Leave the flora and fauna untouched and don't litter. Book with tour companies incorporating eco-friendly practices.

Doesn't this sound like a really rewarding vacation plan?

Many of these things can be studied before you leave home. Bone up on the history and language before you go and do your research before booking.

The bottom line - be prepared in order to have the best possible experience and to benefit the people and places you are visiting.

By Susan Milne