I am the Managing Director of Strider Expeditions, and have spent the last 5 years working in conservation areas throughout southern Africa, including the world renowned Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Generally speaking, ecotourism focuses on local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on the planet; typically involving travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions

The concept of ecotourism is widely misunderstood and, in practice, is often simply used as a marketing tool to promote tourism that is related to nature.

So how do you get involved?

This is simple, follow some of the basic Ecotourism guidelines and you will be right on your way to becoming a full blooded eco-tourist.

Research: By exploring alternative travel choices, you can have a unique trip and avoid leaving negative marks on cultures, economies and the environment.

Search the web: Look for websites specializing in responsible travel, ecotourism, or sustainable tourism. Follow the forums on Travel websites.

Consult guidebooks: Choose guidebooks with information on your destination’s environmental, social and political issues, and read before booking. Guidebooks vary in quality, even within a series, but Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, and Moon are among the best.

Make contact: Call or email tour operators that have firsthand knowledge of the place you are considering visiting. Check the websites of all accommodations.

Ask questions: Let tour operators/hotels know that you are a responsible consumer. Before you book, ask about their social and environmental policies. For instance: What is your environmental policy? What percentage of your employees are local citizens? Do you support any projects to benefit the local community?

Utilise Local Tour Operators: Even if they are not eco-orientated, they will be hiring local people and using local accommodation – the money you spend will then at least stay in the country and benefit the local economy.

Hire Local Guides: Enrich your experience and support the local economy. Ask guides if they are licensed and live locally. Ask tour operators if they use local guides.

At the hotel: Ask about environmental policies and practices. Talk with staff about working conditions. Does the hotel support community projects?

Language: Learn a few words of the local language and use them.

Dress: Read up on local conventions and dress appropriately. In many countries, modest dress is important.

Behaviour: Be respectful of local citizens’ privacy. Ask permission before entering sacred places, homes, or private land.

Photos: Be sensitive to when and where you take photos/video of people, always ask first.

Environment: Respect the natural environment. Never touch or harass animals. Always follow designated trails. Support conservation by paying entrance fees to parks and protected sites.

Animal products: Never buy crafts or products made from protected or endangered animals or trees for that matter.

Pay the fair price: Don’t engage in overly aggressive bargaining for souvenirs. Don’t short-change on tips for services.

Buy local: Choose locally-owned lodges, hotels, and B&Bs. Use local buses, car rental agencies, and airlines. Eat in local restaurants, shop in local markets, and attend local festivals/events.

By choosing responsible travel, you can have the fabulous vacation that you’ve dreamed of, while ensuring that your dollars are benefiting the environment and the local people at your destination.

• Let’s be more responsible and make travel greener
• Crackdown on Brits anti-social behaviour abroad
• Earth Day – Impact of travel on the environment debate
• Holidays need to be made more educational for children
• The travel industry does not care about climate change

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