by Jennifer Lim

Created on: February 18, 2009

Imagine sitting in a wooden chalet, no humming of air conditioned or fans, just the rustle of trees, the cool breeze and trickling spring water in the background. Does this sound appealing to you? This is one of the factors of eco tourism.

Eco tourism is about being sensitive to the ecological environment, conservation, and respect on cultural differences, and promote used of sustainable energy resources. Eco traveling is also about exploring and understanding our environment and appreciating our natural habitat.

Nowadays, with the effect of global warming and climate change, eco travelling has become an integral part of tourism. Though traveling any form of travel transportation will inevitably contribute CO2 to the atmosphere, traveling need not halt as long as the traveler practice certain form of responsible travel.

To travel responsibly begins from the moment you plan your holiday. Consider the following factors before you make your travel plans.

1. Being an eco traveler means to be conscious of your traveling habits such as reducing your carbon footprint. Be conscious about global warming and carbon emission. Try to reduce flying time as much as possible, take train or other form of public transport for interstate travel. Plan your route in advance to reduce unnecessary travelling. Practice recycling and reusing of things while travelling.

2. Eco tourism comes in many form, it could be volunteering in an animal sanctuary, living with the local community, participating in activities that does not spoil the natural ecology such as bird watching and hiking.

3. When looking for an eco destination, research on travel operators that promote eco travel and destinations. Read about their environmental and staffing policies, whether they hire local people and are they involved in any local community projects.

4. When booking your hotels, check with the operators on how the hotel handles their environmental responsibility. Environment policy such as energy consumption, conservation of water and recycling policy. Find out if they support and used only local produce, employ locals in their establishment and what do they do about conservation around them.

5. Be mindful of companies who market themselves behind the Eco' label but aren't actually promoting responsible eco travelling. Check for green certification and awards.

6. Eco travel promotes positive interaction and makes us more accepting and respectful of other people's cultural heritage, religion social behavior and

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