What to do before you take an Eco-Friendly vacation

August 14, 2013/Judy Kundert/
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PLANNINGPlanning an Eco-Friendly vacation can be fun, but before you go here are some tips on what to consider. There’s more, we’re sharing a  helpful packing checklist and resource link.

 

Before you go – what to consider:

1.   Choose your travel provider on the basis of their eco principles and practices.

 

2.   Educate yourself about the destination you are visiting by reading guidebooks and travel articles.

 

3.   Be aware of local history, culture, and customs of the locals before arriving. Learn enough knowledge of the language to be polite i.e. hello, please and thank you. By making the effort to learn even the basics locals will appreciate it; and enrich your experience.

 

4.   When packing, if you want to bring gifts for local people in developing countries don’t give sweets; instead bring clothes and pens, and ask your tour operator or driver to give them to community elders so that you don’t encourage begging from children.

 

5.   Learn about the vital eco-systems before arriving.

 

6.   Consider your Carbon Footprint when using air travel. You could offset your carbon emissions by using a service from a company like the CarbonNeutral Company

 

Packing List

THINGS TO PACK

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THINGS TO PACK

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Passport or Visa


If you are visiting another country, check beforehand to make sure you have proper documentation and that it is current.

 

Copy of passport or visa


Copies are handy if the original is lost or stolen. Make a photocopy or two and be sure to keep the papers in a separate place.

 

Batteries


Make sure the batteries for all electrical devices are fully charged. Take extra batteries.

 

Extra eyeglasses
Copies are handy if the original is lost or stolen.

 

Prescriptions

 

ATM Card

 

Alarm clock

 

Measuring tape

 

Pocket Knife

 

Insect Repellant/Anti-Itch Gel

 

Hand sanitizer

 

Antibiotic cream

 

Sunblock
 

 

Flashlight

 

Camera
 

 

Dental Floss

 

Travel Guidebooks

 

More Books


Bring something you want to read. Consider bringing books you can leave behind at a library or book exchange.

 

 

 

Dictionary
 Learn a foreign language one word at a time! It’s actually quite easy.

 

Rain gear

 

Plastic bags
They can keep your shampoo and other liquids from leaking inside your luggage.

 

Gifts
Depending on who you are visiting, great gifts are local music you enjoy, videotapes and books.

 

 

Adapted from: Ron Mader’s planetachecklist

 

 

 

Resources  

Greenglobe21

For the best sustainable tourism resorts, hotels, attractions, or tour experience, Green Globe Travel delivers all with an easy search function. Green Globe members are located in the most exciting destinations and cities around the world. All Green Globe members are rigorously certified against 40 criteria, which have been accepted globally as the definition of sustainable travel and tourism. To complete the certification process these members must also undergo an independent on-site audit to ensure that their sustainability efforts have been thoroughly inspected. To understand sustainability certification, the criteria and audit process please visit: greenglobe21 .

 

 

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Judy Kundert

Judy Kundert, a recipient of the Marquis Who’s Who Excellence in Authorship award, loves storytelling, from folk and fairy tales to classics for elementary school children. She authors award-winning middle-grade novels designed to inspire and intrigue children. After she left her career as a United Airlines stewardess, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University, Chicago and a Master of Arts from DePaul University, Chicago. Most recently, she completed a master’s Certificate in Public Relations and Marketing from the University of Denver. For fun, she likes reading (usually three or four books at a time), watching movies from the oldies to the current films, traveling, biking, and hiking in vast Colorado outdoors with her husband. Learn more at www.judykundert.com.You can find me at the foot of the Colorado Rocky Mountains hiking, biking

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