Mindfully Exploring: Eco-Toursim
We had the chance to sit down and talk to an amazing woman, Becca. Post completion of her undergrad she took a two week volunteer trip that changed her perspective on the way we travel and the effects it has on locals and eco systems. She found how to be a responsible traveler, which by definition is having an understanding for the consequences of tourism. This light bulb moment motivated her to start a student group at her college UNCW, dedicated to her mission. She scored an internship through the UNCW education department with GLA for a year in East Africa. Through these opportunities she gained knowledge on how important tourism is for different areas, as well as the negative side effects it has. In areas with out many resources there is a dependency for the tourism industry. Even though it is a vital component to fueling wonderful communities to keep afloat. In saying that there are ways we can still receive the wonderful experiences that comes from traveling while giving back and protecting the integrity of communities, ecosystems, and cultures where ever you are. This pushed her inspiration to begin making changes in her self and encourages the world to become more aware on how we view our travels. What kind of traveler are you? Backpacker, vacationer, expat? There is more to travel than booking a place, plane, and a rental car, we promote you to think past your basic necessities. Exploring mindfully Becca uses three main ideas awareness, empathy, and action.
Ways you can begin to incorporate these ideals into your adventures, firstly research your area past the crime rate; look into what their main religion is and what are the morals of the culture, find the issues that the area is presently facing. Perhaps call around your intended destinations and find the hot spots for towns, just how we have places in our towns we often spend time in they would have the same. Next, feel for the areas challenges they are facing every day. What is their access to food and fresh water, be inspired for the aspirations that the community has, look through a lens of love. Lastly, take action. You have made it to your destination, think how can you give back for the community welcoming you in. Possibly bring fresh food and water to a town, volunteer, bring in your suitcase supplies to give away, shop locally, and think green. Below we have some links to get you started on your path to becoming a responsible traveler.
-Andi
https://www.brownelltravel.com/
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