LocumLife - July 2008 - (Page 29)

Feel free to inquire about their environmental policies as well. Ask how they recycle, where foods come from, and what percentage of their employees are local citizens. Also inquire about any eco-certifications or awards. Plan to immerse yourself in the local culture. Learn a few words of the native language, and read up on local customs. Also check the weather report so you can pack appropriately. If your itinerary will include physical activity, increase your stamina before departure. If appropriate, add aerobic activity and strength training to your exercise program to better prepare your heart, muscles, and lungs for potential challenges ahead. Also break in any new equipment, such as hiking boots, well in advance of your vacation. WELL WORTH IT As more and more tourists request green vacations, tour operators, hotels, and airlines are changing the way they do business. Alternative energy sources, recycling programs, and only-when-necessary cleaning have become increasingly commonplace, and the environment is grateful. By drawing attention to and practicing sustainable tourism, eco-adventurers protect the planet’s future. Help change the world through eco-tourism. An eco-adventure may take more effort than a traditional vacation, but it is well worth it. As an eco-tourist, you can gain an expanded worldview and greater understanding of environmental and social issues. So, next time you plan a vacation, remember to immerse yourself in local culture—and see and experience things mass tourists can only dream of. LL References can be found online in the Going Mobile section of www.LocumLife.com. Jennifer L. W. Fink, BSN, RN, is a freelance writer based in Mayville, Wisconsin. Circle Career Card No. 607 RESOURCES The International Ecotourism Society www.ecotourism.org Ecotourism at The Nature Conservancy www.nature.org/aboutus/travel/ecotourism Ecotourism at Conservation International www.ecotour.org/xp/ecotour/ecotourism_ci Earthwatch www.earthwatch.org The National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable “Green” Hotels Association www.greenhotels.com/grntrav.htm Circle Career Card No. 615 JULY 2008 LocumLife 29 http://www.maximphysicians.com/locumlife http://www.maximphysicians.com/locumlife http://www.LocumLife.com http://www.ecotourism.org http://www.nature.org/aboutus/travel/ecotourism http://www.ecotour.org/xp/ecotour/ecotourism_ci http://www.earthwatch.org http://www.whitakermedical.com http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable http://www.whitakermedical.com http://www.greenhotels.com/grntrav.htm

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

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.