LocumLife - July 2008 - (Page 27)

RESOURCES Going mobile Enhancing the locum tenens experience Ecotourism benefits the locals. Money spent in native communities supports artisans, guides, and service employees. Responsible tourism enhances, not damages, the environment, preserving it for generations to come. And increased awareness of other cultures is the first step toward world harmony. ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT NEEDED For those used to traditional travel, ecotourism poses a few challenges. First, there is the difficulty of defining “eco.” Beware of the so-called “green washers” who posit their wares as planet-friendly without admitting their true environmental impact. Check the credentials of any tours, hotels, and guides in advance. Many agencies now certify green destinations; sites such as www.greenhotels. com and www.responsibletravel.com can help you get started. Ecotourism requires an intrepid spirit. Accommodations may (or may BAXTER STATE PARK in Maine. Photo: Getty Images/Jeremy Woodhouse Going green with eco-adventures Motivated by a growing sense of concern for the earth, people are choosing green options whenever possible to enhance their lifestyles while minimizing carbon footprints. Savvy travelers are seeking eco-friendly vacations as well. Jennifer L. W. Fink build environmental and cultural awareness, create positive experiences for tourists and hosts, and provide financial benefits for conservation and the local populace, as well as increase political, environmental, and social sensitivity. GREEN IS GOOD Eco-adventures are a way for independent-minded individuals to see the world and experience local culture in a way that mass tourism never could. For instance, you may stay in a woodand-grass hut, situated on the banks of a river. Instead of dining at a chain restaurant or eating the usual hotel fare, you dine on local cuisine prepared by natives. As an eco-tourist, you embrace the natural flora and fauna, preferring hikes and authentic outdoor experiences to lazy afternoons on the beach with drinks featuring teeny umbrellas. A fter years of pre-packaged and group tours, more vacationers are opting for authentic getaways that allow them to connect with the natural environment. They want an experience that celebrates local culture instead of degrading it. They want their tourist dollars to support the local economy. And they want to know that the world is better—not worse—for their travels. Enter the world of ecotourism. According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), ecotourism is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and improve the wellbeing of local people.” While no single organization is responsible for certifying destinations or vacations as “eco,” an eco-adventure should minimize impact, www.LocumLife.com not) be less luxurious than those to which you are accustomed. Be willing to go off the beaten path. An open mind and a flexible itinerary are helpful. Some activities, such as hiking or snorkeling, require a certain level of physical fitness. Investigate the physicality of any planned adventures and be honest about your fitness level to avoid injury. PREPARING FOR YOUR ADVENTURE Take advantage of the Internet and gather as much information as possible before heading out. Try searching key words such as “responsible travel,”“ecotourism” and “sustainable tourism.” Once a location has been selected, contact hotel and/or tour operators directly. Ask about accommodations, cost, and inclusions. Request pictures and references so you can make a more informed decision. And be sure to read the fine print about penalties for cancellation, should it become necessary. » JULY 2008 LocumLife 27 http://www.greenhotels.com http://www.responsibletravel.com http://www.greenhotels.com http://www.LocumLife.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of LocumLife - July 2008

LocumLife - July 2008 Editorial From Nalto Stat! Survey Says Last-Minute Luxury Dynamics Caring For the Older Generation Enjoying the Rewards of a Locum Tenens Lifestyle Advertisers' Index Opportunities Direct Going Mobile Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - July 2008

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