Mission Planet Earth: Be an ethical traveler

Mission Planet Earth: Be an ethical traveler
Each year even as millions of tourists embark on tours to the developing countries, they are accused of ignoring the huge impact that air travel has on the atmosphere. It is estimated that UK tourists spend close to £2 billion on holidays in remote developing countries.

This figure is close to what the Government spends as aid to these very African countries. So critics argue, if tourism is contributing to a country's economy, then how can it be considered unethical? The answer to this paradoxical question lies in the fact that the Earth is fast losing its sheen and is being polluted beyond measure each day. Hence, the extra poison gas that a plane spews into the atmosphere is endangering our planet even more. The solution to this problem lies in becoming an ethical traveler, someone who understands his/her responsibility and is prepared to fulfill it.

The World Trade Organization reveled that international tourism receipts in Africa were $11.8 billion in 2002. This is far more than the $674 million contributed as aid to the continent by America. In order to ensure that the amount you spend on tourism remains in Africa, try to see if there is an alternative way for you to reach your destination like a train, bus or even a boat. If you have to travel by air make sure that you choose the youngest flight that there is.

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Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines have relatively new fleet that is much more fuel-efficient and do not pollute the air that much. The Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787, which are to be inducted next year promise to deliver a high degree of safety to the environment.

In case you are a backpacker and are heading for adventure travel, make sure that you do not inadvertently upset the ecological balance of the region that you visit. This balance is upset simply by leaving behind things that you no longer need for the journey. Also try out the local cuisine rather than packaged food, that way people will earn something from you.

Finally, when shopping, try to make sure that you invest in local crafts as much as possible. You are giving a healthy respect to these people and in return you can be sure that they would entertain the same for you.