Common Questions

Ecotourism

Green Travel

Indigenous Tourism

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting There Greener – The Guide to Your Lower-Carbon Vacation

The Union of Concerned Scientists answered the ultimate green travel questions - bus or car? Train or plane? The report helps travelers make transportation decisions that will help you reduce your carbon footprint. They researched different options using:

• the type of “vehicle” you are taking,
• the distance traveled and
• the number of people traveling together.

Based on their research, the Union of Concerned Scientists offers these top five rules of thumb for Green Travel:

• Motor coaches and trains are a carbon bargain.
• Big SUVs and first-class flights usually have the largest carbon footprints.
• For couples and solo travelers, a nonstop coach flight almost always beats an average car.
• To significantly reduce your carbon footprint behind the wheel, drive or rent a more efficient car.
• Avoid traveling during peak periods.

Check out their results for one, two and four travelers over 100, 500 and 1000+ miles. The results provide a few surprises and the best mode of travel – take a bus or motor coach! And remember, you have different transportation choices depending on the starting and ending point of your trip and who will be travelling with you.

To save trees, the full report can only be found on line. So check out the full report and the Vacation Traveler Carbon Guide rating the different options. Union of Concerned Scientists, Getting There Greener, March 09, www.ucsusa.org/gettingtheregreener.

Why travel by train rather than by plane or car? What about a boat?

Travel has an impact on the environment and can contribute to global warming. Current concerns with different types of transportation center on the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted. With some thought, there are ways to reduce these impacts. The first thing to consider is the mode of travel. Will you travel by car, plane, train, bus, boat and for some, bike or walk? While some people get creative – roller blades, dog sled – these options do not generally meet the needs of travelers.

The best environmental choices tend to be those where you power your own transportation but these can be impractical for traveling long distance. So consider your comfort, the purpose of the trip, the distance and the amount of time for travel as well as the environmental impact when planning your trip. For example, compare carbon dioxide emissions from different modes of transportation for a trip of 2000 miles based on Native Energy’s carbon calculator:

Large cars, boats (motorized) and planes tend to be the largest emitters for a trip. Thinking about carbon emissions may help you choose between these modes of travel. Once you have minimized the emissions, you can purchase carbon offsets (See carbon offsets) to neutralize the remaining greenhouse gases emitted by your trip.

What are carbon offsets?

Carbon offsets neutralize carbon dioxide emissions generated by an activity of an individual, business or institution. . These neutralizing or beneficial projects such as the construction and operation of windmills, planting of trees, installation and operation of solar panels may take place in a location in the world different from the location where the carbon dioxide emissions are released. Purchasing carbon offsets should be a last resort after considering all actions to reduce the emissions at the source.

Clients of Green Concierge Travel will be provided with their mileage and the tons of greenhouse gases emitted based on the mode of travel.

What is the connection between supporting local businesses and green travel?

Green Concierge Travel’s mission is to connect travelers with local businesses and services at any given destination. This is one of the core components of ecotourism – respect for the local environment, putting travel dollars back into the local economy, appreciation for local culture and having fun. Community-based businesses and services provide jobs and are well positioned to take care of the natural and cultural assets of any destination. Travelers can show their appreciation for this stewardship by directing their travel dollars into the local economy or to local non-profit organizations serving in this role (travel philanthropy).

Best practices

- At Coral Reefs

Visiting Warmer Waters this Winter? Steps to Minimize Your Impact on Coral Reefs from the Coral Reef Alliance

In the winter, many of us travel to warm waters in the Caribbean, Mexico, Florida, Hawaii or the southern pacific coast – California, Baja and Mexico. We are drawn to the stunningly beautiful underwater ecosystems. We float, snorkel or dive to observe the amazing array of colorful fish that freely swim around us or the turtles or the beautiful underwater plant life that forms exotic gardens.

Unfortunately, coral reefs are threatened around the world. Warming of ocean and sea waters (climate change), over fishing and destructive fishing practices and coastal development are the main threats. As visitors, we can avoid adding to these stresses. So what can we do to help protect the coral reefs and ensure that our children and grandchildren will also be able to enjoy them in the future?

The Coral Reef Alliance, an international non-profit, produced guidelines and best practices for tourists. The guidelines cover snorkeling, whale watching, turtle watching, diving, and underwater clean up.

For snorkelers, the Alliance starts by reminding us of the fragility of these ecosystems by asking visitors - Please:

• Do not disturb or harass marine life.
• Do not remove marine life from its natural habitat or shells.
• Do not step on or touch coral.
• Do not stir up sediment near coral.

Other tips:

• Try to choose resorts and local businesses that support coral reef protection.
• Avoid buying souvenirs made from coral or other marine organisms.
• Support local initiatives by paying conservation fees, even if they are voluntary.

To learn more about coral reefs or the Coral Reef Alliance, visit their web site at http://www.coral.org/. Green Concierge Travel encourages travelers to support the organizations that work to protect the ecosystems, natural areas and culture that make your destinations so exciting and beautiful.