eGreenVacations

eGreenVacations - Directory of Green Travel, Eco-Tourism, and Eco-Friendly Vacation Rentals Homes, Villas, Condos, Resorts, Cabins and Cottages!

Reusing hotel towels and turning off lights might be considered eco-friendly travel practices. But are they really making a difference? Here are better ideas for saving the environment while you travel. The unfortunate reality about eco-friendly travel is that it's still much more complicated than it needs to be. Different certification programs, which rate hotels on the basis of their environmentally friendly practices, have different criteria, and none has emerged as the international standard. Few travelers can immediately parse what it means when a hotel declares itself certified by Green Globe, Green Leaf, Green Deal or any of dozens of other programs organized by various states, countries and organizations.

As an eco- traveller it is your responsibility to prevent or minimise any negative impacts on the environment, local community and economy of the destination you are visiting. Our aim is to provide guidelines that will help you to remember the principles of ecotourism throughout your trip. Demonstrate responsible behaviour to other travellers who are less informed than you by acting as an example.

Be sensitive to the local culture by wearing clothing that is accepted. Be aware of people's sensitivity to being photographed; always ask first. Observe local customs. Remember that you are a visitor and therefore be aware that your cultural values may differ from those of the locals. This may include different concepts of time, personal space, communication etc. which are not wrong or inferior, just different.