Eco-Friendly Travel
Going on
eco-friendly trips doesn’t mean camping in a tent and only biking around. It’s about having a
respectful attitude towards
the environment and, especially, towards the
people who live in the area, those who work there, and the local communities as a whole.
An eco-conscious traveler will gather as much information as possible about the area, the most sustainable transportation methods, and the available services. This doesn’t mean they can’t use technology – in fact, digital maps and geolocation systems can be useful for getting around.
Caring for the Environment
All of this is done with
care for the environment and a willingness to meet new people along the way. Sustainable tourism means getting in touch with
local communities and
sharing their way of life as much as possible.
Choosing an Eco-Friendly Trip
Buying from
local markets, staying in hotels and eating at restaurants run by
locals, and choosing
local tour guides are all great ways to ensure that money spent during a trip goes directly to those who live there, supporting local economies without creating pollution or waste. This also results in a different experience for the tourist themselves, since emotions play a big role in the travel experience.
Here are
five tips for being a responsible traveler and practicing
sustainable tourism:
Where to Stay
Choose accommodations that are
eco-friendly, created with respect for the environment by using natural materials and powered by renewable energy. This way, travelers can help fight
climate change and support the local economy without creating pollution or waste.
Choosing Restaurants
Choose traditional restaurants that use
organic, local products. This not only allows tourists to enjoy unique, healthy delicacies, but it also helps local producers survive competition from large corporations that aim for profit at the expense of the quality of what they sell and the fair treatment of day laborers, farmers, operators, transporters, and distributors.
Transportation
Walking or biking when possible is beneficial for both tourists and residents. There’s no need to worry about parking, low bike-sharing costs, zero pollution, free physical activity, and wellness.
Caring for the Environment
Respect the environment by not littering, not picking flowers, and not disturbing animals, especially during
treks within
parks and nature reserves. Minimize plastic use by using washable water bottles and utensils. Dream places stay great only with everyone’s effort not to pollute them: this means actively promoting
responsible tourism.
Customs and Traditions
Remember that you’re a
guest, no matter where or when. Rhythms, habits, customs, dialects, languages, and traditions are often different, and a tourist has the duty to understand and accept that they can’t behave as they would at home, regardless of the money they pay to travel or stay.
South Face Paradise commits to designing tours that follow these principles. 
