Join Yampu Tours today, November 9, 2011, in celebration of World Responsible Tourism Day! This day focuses on promoting responsible global travel through education and sustainable practices for travelers and industry leaders alike. At Yampu Tours we have introduced several green itineraries in Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, (see details in our blog).
In celebration of World Responsible Tourism Day we would like to share with you the Top 10 tips for Responsible Travel we have learned over our 14 years in the industry.
1. Support the local economy by purchasing local handicrafts and produce rather than imported goods. Local crafts, such as textiles and pottery, are usually handmade, very beautiful and sometimes made using ancient techniques that have been passed down!
2. Haggling can be fun, but don’t be caught into a lowest price debate; think of how the purchase will positively affect the seller and their community.
3. Make sure to avoid purchasing products that are made from local flora or fauna; you want to make sure you are not encouraging an elicit trade of endangered wildlife.
4. Help preserve the indigenous wildlife and ecosystems by following the rules and regulations, make sure to keep to the marked footpaths or stay off the coral.
5. When eating out, try small and local restaurants. This way you will benefit individuals instead of foreign companies. Drink local beer, wine and fruit juices rather than imported brands. Also, try the local cuisine and specialties! Another great tip: Bring a water bottle with you to boil or purify your drinking water, rather than buying expensive bottled water.
6. Stay at local hotels when possible (we love to match the personalities of our guests with the local hotels we have visited). These local businesses employ members of the community and often create unique and authentic experiences for travelers that are unmatched in generic hotels.
7. Respect the local customs, traditions and cultures. A great rule of traveling is to treat the land and people as you would want to be treated. Try not to impose your world view on people of other cultures and instead absorb the uniqueness of each culture.
8. Always make sure to ask locals before taking their photograph.
9. Make an effort to learn a few words in the local language such as please and thank you. This small effort will be greatly appreciated, and shows a respect for the culture!
10. If you would like to volunteer, choose a locally run organization to ensure all your donations go directly into the cause. Also, make sure if you are working on a volunteer project that your hands-on contribution does not diminish jobs for locals.
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