Finding an Earth-Friendly Destination Tour Operator
How do you know which websites or green vacation planners really specialize in ecotourism? Look for the signs. Many eco-travel companies or destinations are constantly vying for accolades — look for eco certifications, ratings, and awards when researching your vacation.
And while the web is a great resource, sometimes nothing beats personal contact. Don't be afraid to call or e-mail destinations or tour operators to glean the firsthand knowledge you need to make an informed ecotourism choice.
Just for Parents
Many ecotourism destinations have activities and fun classes about the environment geared especially for young people. By the same token, at those same destinations, activities like kayaking on rough waters are only appropriate for parents. Find out from your tour operator or concierge about child-friendly and parent-friendly activities when you book your trip.
Eco-travel directly benefits the environment and local peoples. But some adventure travel companies take ecotourism a step further, and reward the planet whether you choose an eco-trip or not. Gap Adventures is a Canadian Travel company with many eco-friendly trips to choose from. Their “Book a Trip, Plant a Tree” tree-planting program funds planting one tree for each person who books a Gap Adventures vacation. (
