Ethical Travel

Travel is now the biggest industry on the planet and travelers make a huge impact on the various economies of the world. Travelers can also be called our 'freelance ambassadors' and can have the ability to get together to change the world by voicing human rights and ethical issues.

There is an abundance of exotic, beautiful destinations in the developing world. Ethical travel is a new entrant in the lexicon of the globe-trotter. When defined, ethical travel means travel with the awareness of how we impact the Earth as we visit its places.

Ethical travel is a way to preserve our fragile environment which is reeling from the effects of exploitation. As an ethical traveler, you learn about respecting as well as preservation of culture and environment. It leaves a positive impact on cultures and countries you visit. It is about how you make your travel safe and meaningful, respecting nature as well as the rights of others.

Ethical travel does not have to mean undertaking large projects while you're visiting, it is more a state of mind, little things you can do to help, or ways of helping by NOT doing things. For example, you can avoid littering as it is not only unsightly but it takes years to biodegrade, and can be harmful to creatures, plants, and it makes the environment unsightly. You can preserve the region by walking on footpaths and following the marked routes when climbing, taking care that the flora and fauna remains untouched. Water has become very precious and should be used sparingly, so that is an example of another 'not doing' - if you don't need it, don't use it.

Ethical travel integrates ecotourism with broader environmental and social issues and responsible global travel to sustain the earth's beauty and health, and hopefully to help heal what is already suffering.