Yes, it is possible to see the planet and minimize the impact of your visit. Beginning with your choice of destination and how 
you pack your bags, to the hotels you choose and the flight itself, eco-tourism abounds with options.
Most people who decide to head off of the corporate path and onto a path truly reflective of the culture they have decided to visit, report that the experience is ultimately much richer and more rewarding in every way. Many people are choosing destinations that allow for engaging local populations, where one can experience local farm-grown food, buy souvenirs created by local artisans, and glimpse the diversity of a region. This type of travel strengthens rural communities, instead of supporting corporations that tend to present a homogenized version of travel regardless of city or country.
For those who would like to go a step further, there are many volunteer vacations where one can actually contribute to local community initiatives. Not only do you get to experience the culture, you can help add value. While some countries such as Costa Rica have become known as eco-destinations based on strong governmental policies of protection, every destination holds the possibility for supporting local communities and experiencing the real flavor that can be found there.
Camping is certainly an eco-conscious travel decision, but for those of us who still need a few creature comforts there are now many hotels adhering to the strict guidelines of the Green Hotels Association, which has been charting the environmental impact of hotels since 1993. However, the traveler must augment the infrastructure, policies, and materials used in these hotels. Keeping the shades drawn during the day and reusing your towels and linens are small things that can result in big savings to the hotel.
When packing for your trip, some eco-travelers focus on minimizing what you bring, while others encourage bringing clothes that can be washed by hand and will dry easily. According to Marina Villatoro, an eco-travel specialist for Central America, the most important travel tip while packing is to “try not to use all the small plastic bags you really don’t need . . . plastic bags can result in plastic waste, and the production of bags requires oil.
The major obstacle for those dedicated to eco-travel is of course the transportation itself. A ten-hour flight, for example, produces as much carbon as driving 15,000 miles in a car. Trains are not much better, since there is a massive infrastructure to support. Carbon-offset credits have emerged as one solution. Some airports such as the one in San Francisco, CA, have a kiosk similar to an ATM where flyers can purchase credits for their flight. The flyer simply enters the number of miles, the duration of the flight, and how many people in their party and they will pay for the offset. A 12-hour flight is roughly $35 per traveler, providing a low-cost solution. Treeflights.com accepts donations to plant trees to make up for carbon emissions produced during flights, as well as other forms of travel.
The combination of major policy changes within the travel industry, as well as the choices each of us can make, will both minimize the environmental damage inherent in travel, while encouraging us to experience and respect the true heritage of every place we visit.
Sustainable Future 