Are You Looking for a new Experience for your Next Vacation?

A new type of vacation travel has become very popular in the last few years.  It focuses on the travelers' personal involvement, personal growth, environmental and social responsibility.  This relatively new type of vacationing is called Ecotourism.

The definition of Ecotourism, according to the International Ecotourism Society is "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." (1990)

If you're bored with the same vacation ideas and aren't at all interested in visiting theme parks or overcrowded national parks, you should consider an Eco Tour.  There are a growing number of people that are interested in spending their time vacationing at a destination where they can appreciate and enjoy a unique natural environment and a local cultural heritage.

Get Involved in your Destination

Our goal at Best Authentic Travel is to provide Ecotourism vacation tours to destinations that directly benefit the lifestyles of the local communities.  An integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of sustainable energy sources, recycling, conservation of water and resources and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities.  We realize that in order for future generations to enjoy and preserve the unique places and peoples of our world, we must provide a sustainable process that allows people to experience these largely undisturbed natural wonders.

There's Green and There's Greenwashing

Most of us have become aware from visiting many popular tourist sites that an aggressive tourism industry can overwhelm many fragile ecosystems. Much of the limits placed on involvement with the local people and communities, an example being many of the southwest Indian reservations, are due to the disrespectful actions of past visitors. It is our belief that planned properly, ecotourism can have minimal negative impact on the environment and the local population. 
We are careful to avoid the many damaging practices in the travel industry related to Ecotourism.  Some agencies advertise eco tours but provide this service in name only.  With the current emphasis on going green in all things, it is tempting for some to exploit this industry.

Here are some terms that are commonly used in the Ecotourism industry.  These all fall under the broad term of Geotourism. 

• Sustainable Tourism
• Green Tourism
• Adventure Tours
• Nature Tours
• Cultural Tourism

Not all of these have the environmental validation that true ecotourism requires.

The type of travel arrangements that claim to be eco friendly but actually harm the ecosystem is called greenwashing by ecotourism industry watchdogs. There are well known agencies operating today that violate the core principals of ecotourism.  To be a genuine Ecotourism vacation your trip must enhance not only you the traveler, but also the region and people who live there.  We strongly advise you spend ample time researching your agency before you decide on your vacation.

Ecotourism Vacations can Involve a Broad Range of Activities

Ecotourism activities can include hands-on experiences such as rain forest tours, mountain trekking, wild life observation, river rafting as well as becoming involved in local community festivals and celebrations.  We find local guides familiar with the regions' language, cultural and unique environmental features.  These guides work with small groups in locations that haven't encountered over-commercialization and mass tourism.  Many of the tours involve stays in environmentally friendly lodging called ecolodges.  Personal contact with the local community is encouraged.

You can call us or fill out the contact form and we will send you more information on the Ecotourism options currently available.  We are always working on new and exciting trips whose memories will last you a lifetime.