In today’s tourism industry, there is no hotter vacation than an Eco-tour. An Eco-tour is a vacation where the ecologically conscious guest enjoys learning about different cultures in their natural setting, often with personally enlightening results.
Numerous travel agencies specialize in Eco-tours, and most can be found online. With these types of naturalistic vacations, the destinations are usually verdant, remote and far from the luxuries of a well-equipped resort. Eco-tours take the modern trappings out of the equation and much of the emphasis is placed on the local region and its natural wonders and sights.
With Ecotourism, guests are expected to contribute to the basic tenets of helping the Earth – recycling, water conservation and energy efficiency. Ecotourism is also important to the region you are visiting, as many of your dollars go to the local communities, serving to help make economic blight a thing of the past.
To begin planning your “green” vacation, you’ll first have to figure out where to visit. In some countries, ecotourism is one of the primary sources of income. Countries like Madagascar, Costa Rica, Antarctica and others use ecotourism to bring attention to their country’s beauty and so they offer a wide selection of tours.
It should be said, however, that ecotourism doesn’t just exist outside of the United States’ border. There are plenty of domestic regions where one can have a satisfying and enjoyable eco-tour. For instance, eco-tours can be enjoyed in Arizona, California, Florida, Montana, Wyoming and Michigan. In fact, the majority of the states in the United States offer ecologically friendly tours.
Once you have a general idea of where you want to go, begin comparing the available packages in the region. Look at your cost per night, how many meals per day you receive and any other pertinent information. Many times, the difference in cost is related to the inclusions of each trip.
The general price range for an eco-tour is between $220 and $300 per day. If the company you’re looking at offers mid-range accommodations for significantly more or less than that price range, then you should look elsewhere.
Before booking your trip, always make sure that the company that runs the eco-tour is respectable and has positive reviews from previous guests. Unfortunately, due to the popularity of ecotourism, companies looking to make a quick buck off the unsuspecting consumer are on the rise.
Another consideration should be the length of the trip. There’s no point in looking at 14 day excursions if you only have eight days to work with.
While eco-tours are generally more cost-effective than traditional vacations, you still want to know you’re getting the most for your money. Take a look at the available activities of each eco-tour package. You may be able to fit in more activities for less money depending on the region.
You should also be sure to check the activity level of the vacation. Is it a strenuous tour that requires plenty of walking or climbing? Or is it a slower paced, more relaxed tour? This is highly important if you are an ecologically supportive person with a disability.
You’ll also want to check on the size of the groups allowed on the tours. The last thing you want is to be in a secluded region full of nature’s beauty and have to be looking over someone’s shoulder to be able to see it. Smaller groups offer you the best opportunity to enjoy your eco-tour.
Overall, eco-tours offer a great way to learn about the planet and many of its indigenous life forms and cultures. It’s also the best vacation to take if conserving the planet is one of your concerns. Check online for a wide selection of companies that offer unique and exciting eco-tours in some of the world’s most visually stunning areas.
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