From Guest Blogger Emily Austin: How to Ensure Sustainability to Nature While Traveling

The world is a wonderful place and one should traverse its surface in order to enrich life or rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.  However, the endeavor of an exploration should not be undertaken at the cost of the beauty, sustenance of a particular place and its people.

A traveler leaves his permanent dwelling place, which he or she fiercely protects and maintains, to enjoy his or her holidays in a distant destination. Being a stranger to a place, one is least bothered about its ecology, economy, politics, living conditions and traditions of its people. In such a scenario, one is bound to behave in a very carefree way, and being on a vacation just enhances the urge to do so.

The traveler would certainly like to enjoy   what he or she want without thinking about the stressful or monotonous life.  But the spirit of letting loose to relax and rejuvenate should not be at the cost of the immediate surroundings and the people who inhabit there.

Following at least the basic principles of being a responsible tourist will go a long way in conserving the nature, earning respect of the locals and having a feel good factor because of the positive deeds.

Given below are some of the suggestions or tips, which one can follow while holidaying:

•   Try to learn about the issues, which deface and threaten the environment of the areas, which one wishes to visit, so that one doesn’t repeat the same mistakes.

More generally, one should take care of the cleanliness of a place; and not indulge in the practices that may damage the historical, cultural or natural artifacts of a state or city.

•  Use the resources of a region (like water and electricity), judiciously.

•  Try to find multiple uses of things so that the wastage can be minimized. Reduce; reuse and recycle should be the key words, which one should abide by at all times.

•  Use public transport wherever possible, especially the train or bus. Avoid traveling by airplane as it causes enormous amount of carbon dioxide, which is very harmful for the ozone layer of the atmosphere.

•  One should not buy products made from the skin or fur of the endangered animals. This will harm the profits of the sellers and ultimately they will avoid dealing in products manufactured from the animals.

•  Do not disturb the tranquility of a place inhabited by the wild animals and small or remote communities. One may be having a break from one’s hectic life, but in the process one should not turn out to be a nuisance for others.

•  Try to find dwelling places, which follow eco-friendly means for running their day-to-day operations.

•  Try to utilize the services of local people, local stores and seek accommodation at local places. This way the local people will be assured of a livelihood, and thus they will not be pushed towards the means of living, which are more exploitive towards nature.

On the other hand, the tourists will also be able to see the real flavors and colors of the region.

Additionally, apart from the natural sustenance of a place, the sustenance of the people and their culture should also be a priority of a responsible traveler. Like:

•  One should research about the place of holiday to get to know its history, culture, religion, climate, political environment and current issues.

•  Knowledge of certain phrases, like greeting and goodbye, along with the body language of expression would truly help one in connecting with the natives of a particular region.

•  It’s very important to know about the taboos of a particular place as this is something, which the locals are most sensitive about and also the ones, which can easily offend them.

•  Every region has certain peculiarities related to the way a dress must be worn.  Like, while on an Indian tour, one should be aware that it is a country with distinct cultures and is sensitive about its traditions and customs. One should be conscious when dressing up, particularly while visiting the holy places.

Respecting the distinct elements of an area and trying to gel with the color of life will only endear a tourist with the locals.

Taking care of the Mother Nature and fellow living beings is the only way to sustain life on Earth for longer period of time. This world is one’s home and one should assume the responsibility for its survival and growth. Doing so would also ensure the survival and growth of one’s own future generations.