by Danielle Dames

Created on: February 20, 2008

Planning an eco-friendly trip? Be aware of your footprint before you have even set foot outside your door.

BEFORE YOU GO

*Research your destination. Are there eco-friendly options available for the destination you want to go? Chances are, yes. Ask your agent, scan the web and speak to your friends. You will be amazed by the options. Support businesses that support the environment.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

*Use public transportation to get there and around. Our transportation systems have a large effect on the environment, and wherever possible, public transport should be the choice for anyone considering the impact on their surroundings.

*If you have to fly, patronize an airline that offsets its carbon emissions. Delta and Continental in The States, Qantas and Virgin Blue in Australia and British Airways and Scandinavian Airlines in Europe all offer this, and the list is growing. You pay a small fee which essentially purchases credits towards environmentally friendly energy programs that generate wind, water and solar power. By purchasing these credits, and supporting these programs, you are offsetting' the impact of the energy used to fly you to your destination.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

*Eat locally produced, organic produce. Not only does the delivery of local produce create less emissions, it results in less chemicals into both you and the environment. Best of all it tastes better!

*Know your food. By all means eat locally, but do take note of what on the menu. Endangered and over-fished species should be avoided. Choose Yellowfin over Bluefin tuna. Choose Alaskan over Atlantic salmon. Stay informed: endangeredfishalliance.org is a great resource and has downloadable pocket guides.

*When deciding on a tour, book with a responsible agent. Don't be afraid to ask questions. An eco-friendly company will be happy to answer them. How do they dispose of their rubbish? Good companies will carry it with them to dispose of properly at the end of the tour.

*Watch your step. Stay on the designated path to help protect the surrounding flora and fauna.

*Buy locally. It supports the local economy and reduces the need for imported and exported goods, major contributors to the carbon emission problem.

*Buy carefully. Don't fuel the trade in endangered species or the destruction of habitats. Handicrafts can be great souvenirs, but avoid animal skins, shells (whole, or jewelery), coral and bone or ivory (often seen carved into figurines).

WHEN YOU DEPART

*As the saying goes take only photographs,

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