10 Tips to Sustainable Tourism

 

Sustainable Tourism is everyone's responsibility

You do not have to visit the Amazon Rain Forest to support Sustainable Tourism, or 'Green Tourism.'  There are simple sustainable practices everyone can do while traveling to help protect our oceans and environmentally sensitive destinations everywhere.

#1 Travel Light  

Heavy luggage requires more jet fuel, petro, oil, and electricity consumption to transport in every step of our travels.  Even one pound less per traveler counts and even keeps tourism affordable!

#2 Lights Out!

Save electricity, remember to turn the lights off inside your hotel & cruise cabins when not in use

#3 Go Warm

While away, leave the thermostat up a little higher inside your hotel or cruise cabin. Raising the temperate only a few degrees while away will drastically reduce energy consumption

#4 Do Not Disturb 

Leave the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on your hotel / cabin door while away.  And try to reduce the need for room service cleaning to the minimum.  This will avoid wasteful replacement of linens and sheets

#5 Reduce Towels  

Towel cleaning is responsible for most of the harmful usage of detergents and bleach in tourism.  Including around the pool areas, use only the number of towels you need, and follow directions of placing dirty towels in designated locations

#6 Avoid Single Use Plastics  

Bringing your own refillable water bottles, will save you time, money and countless footsteps searching for beverages onboard cruise ships, large hotel properties and while on excursions

 #7 Reusable bags 

We all love souvenirs, but those little plastic bags use oil, and eventually go directly into landfills.  Bring a reusable bag that can double to tote your camera, water bottle, and towels.  When making the purchase of those perfect souvenirs, just say 'No' to the plastic bag, and place your gift into your reusable bag

#8 Use Reef Safe Sunblock

Reef Safe Sunblock is made from ingredients safe to our ocean's most sensitive reefs, and can be worn while enjoying any natural body of water in the world.  In some locations, swimmers will be permitted to choose between reef safe sunblock or no sunblock at all! (See previous article)

#9 Use Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent 

Most insect repellents contain ingredients that are harmful to our environment, and sensitive ecotourism destinations like the rainforests of Costa Rica.  Choose eco-friendly products (See previous article)

#10 Reduce left over Food & Beverage 

We all like to enjoy food while on holiday, and some people travel only for different culinary experiences.  Over indulgence of food and beverage can not only make us feel bad, but leaving food and beverage to waste, strains natural resources and increases chemical usage in the food industry.  Follow the old saying of;  'Take what you want, but eat what you take.'  This expression will help you keep feeling healthy during your holiday, and reduce usage of harmful chemicals and water

Final Thoughts:

Tourists are one of the greatest compliments any city can receive.  As a tourist, including nature tourism,  we have a responsibility in being respectful to our host and their natural precious resources they share with us.  If we all make environmentally responsible decisions in our travels, such as recycling, or reduce unnecessary consumption, we will not only preserve our earth, but even save money and keep travel affordable for everyone.

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 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '

Sustainable vs Eco-Tourism: Which is better?

 

Which is more important, Sustainable or Eco-tourism?

Tourism is destructive to our planet.  It is impossible to go from Point A to Point B without consuming resources.  Tourism does have more positives than negatives however.  Tourism has formed friendships between countries like France and the United States, and it has educated the world of Ireland's rich history and so much more.  If everyone acts responsibly, we may continue forming these bonds, and leave beautiful destinations for generations.  This means sustainable tourism is definitively more important than 'eco-tourism.'

What is Eco-Tourism?

Eco-tourism is really a new term to the old way of immersing oneself with nature but now with an educational emphasis.  It could be argued that  camping, or as the French say 'bivouac,' is eco-tourism.  Some common examples of 'eco-tourism' are; 

• Glacier tours in Alaska
• Zip lining across a rainforest
• Walking high thru a jungle canopy by rope bridge
• Snorkeling around coral reefs

or spelunking while your guide educates you about rare bio-luminescent life forms surviving within cave systems, such as the 'Rio Secreto' in Mexico.  As long as there is an educational component linked to the outdoor experience, it is essentially 'eco-tourism.'

What is Sustainable Tourism?

Sustainable tourism certainly overlaps with Eco-Tourism in regards to where and how we travel as well as the activities involved and resources consumed.  Sustainable Tourism is, however,  the act of traveling with as little of an environmental impact as possible.  Things like, reducing natural resource consumption and waste connected with tourism are simple examples.   Sustainable tourism is not limited to the responsibility of cruise companies, hotels and airlines.  Everyone plays a part while on holiday to reduce the impact on earth from our travels, such as using fewer towels, or packing lighter luggage. If you are interested in learning what sustainable tourism solutions MSC Cruise Lines is doing, (see previous story).  

Final thoughts:

Sustainable Tourism or 'Green Tourism' involves making environmentally responsible decisions and is what everyone should already be doing everyday.  It is like our oceans.  Everything depends upon healthy oceans.  Without healthy oceans, the greenery will not survive. Without Sustainable Tourism, Eco-tourism will eventually die.    Countries like Finland have already embraced these steps as a part of their everyday lives.

For more information about sustainable tourism initiatives in the Cruise Industry please see Cruise Lines International Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to Tourism Professionals and the Cruise Industry.

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 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '

Shore Excursions: 7 Tips you need to know

 

How to reduce Cruise Excursion Stress

Cruises are intended to be fun, and most people look forward to experiencing the excursions at the different ports of call, however, planning excursions can be like multiple 'mini' vacations both in time and additional expenses.  So, here are 7 cruise tips to help reduce Shore Excursion Anxiety, and maximize your cruise excursion the way it is intended.

Cruise Tips to Improve your Shore Excursion Experience

When we talk about the quality of a cruise excursion we mean the things a cruise line has some control over, such as; Logistics, Communication and the quality of tour operators it works with, but there are things you can do, to help improve your experience;

#1 Plan ahead 

Shore excursions book very quickly.  As soon as you have booked your cruise, begin reading, and understanding the available excursions

#2 Get the App

Most Cruise Lines offer phone Apps, to use onboard with making restaurant, entertainment, and excursion reservations.  Cruise companies also use these to push important information to passengers such as Boarding and docking times,  time changes of scheduled shows, gathering locations for excursions.  Stay informed, and get these apps to avoid disappointment!

#3 Avoid duplication

Many shore excursions on your cruise will actually be similar.  You can avoid repeating the same experience, and save money by understanding them in advance.  Your travel advisor can help you with this

#4 Avoid the crowds

Many cruise companies share the same popular itineraries and excursions, leading to over crowding, especially during peak season.  Speak with your Travel Advisor about peak travel seasons, and which excursion may be most enjoyable, and which to avoid.  If your schedule is flexible, choose an 'off season to cruise'

#5 Special Needs

Some of the most beautiful vistas are unfriendly to those with special physical needs, including children's strollers.  Many locations throughout the Mediterranean and parts of the Caribbean such as Jamaica's famous Dunn's River Falls have steep, uneven surfaces that may be inaccessible for some.  Understanding potential restrictions available alternatives and transportation at each location can maximize your enjoyment (See related article on 'Cruising in Comfort with Special Needs')

#6 Customer Service

While modern Apps. can help stay informed, some changes may occur to quickly to be electronically posted.  For important information such as TENDERING time and gathering locations, take a moment and speak with an actual customer service agent for updates

#7 Be very early

You may enjoy sleeping, but your TENDER boat will not wait on you!  Many locations do not have deep water ports to accommodate today's super sized ships.  This means you will be required to gather early at designated locations throughout the ship, and then board in small groups onto smaller boats called 'TENDER's,' which will then transport you ashore.  These are often handled on a first come first serve basis, making it imperative you are at the designated queue on time, including your return to ship!

My name is Adriana Da Silva, I am a Travel Agent in Longwood, Florida.  I write these tips for traveling to help my clients plan the best vacation getaways.  I focus on Popular Resorts, Cruise Companies and Tropical Places that remain the top adult picks for the money.  Do you know a busy person who needs a holiday?  Will you be their hero and forward this post. 

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 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '

Persons with Disabilities can Cruise in Comfort

 

How to Cruise more comfortably with Special Needs

With Cruise Ships being built bigger each year, holiday goers, may incorrectly assume Cruise Cabins are as spacious as Hotel Rooms.  In reality, cruise ships are very confined spaces, and the most accurate comparison first time Cruisers should expect their Cabin experience to be, would be to an 'RV' or Camper, 'Caravan' like experience.  These confined spaces can present additional challenges to both larger bodied and persons with special physical needs. 

Showers & Lavatories:

You can go on a cruise with a wheel chair.  Cruising for people with disabilities or larger bodied persons don't have to be uncomfortable.  The standard shower and lavatories are very small (see below), however  cruise companies can provide larger accommodations, but proper proof of special needs may be required, as these staterooms are limited (see diagram below).  

In addition to wheel chair accessible staterooms with Roll-In Showers, Cruise Lines will provide electric scooters upon request which can be left just outside your cabin when not in use 

Cabin location:

The larger, wheel chaired accessible staterooms with Roll-in Showers are available upon request, and if you take my suggestion of selecting cabins located, mid-ship and closer to the main dining /entertaining decks you can save countless minutes of commuting.  You can compound your time savings by being as close to the elevators or stairways as possible   (see PINK outline in diagram below).  

Ideal Cruise Ship Rooms

My favorite location is circled in YELLOW, but if you must have a balcony view, then try to secure cabins in BLUE, and near the LIDO deck, where you can still be centrally located, and have both the gorgeous vistas plus reduced foot traffic, giving you a great nights rest.

Shore Excursions:

Some of the most beautiful vistas are unfriendly to those with special physical needs, including children's strollers.  Many locations throughout the Mediterranean and parts of the Caribbean such as Jamaica's famous Dunn's River Falls have steep, uneven surfaces that may be inaccessible for some.  Understanding potential restrictions, available alternatives and transportation at each location can maximize your enjoyment.  (See related article on '7 Tips you need to know about Shore Excursions')

My name is Adriana Da Silva, I am a Travel Advisor in Longwood, Florida.  I write traveling tips to help my clients plan the best vacation getaways.  I focus on Popular Resorts, Cruise Companies and Tropical Places that remain the top adult picks for the money.  Do you know a busy person who needs a holiday?  Will you be their hero and forward this post. 

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 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '

Travel Advisory: USA Identity Theft Protection

 

Important Travel Advisory USA!       

According to an April 2024 white paper from the United States Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, 'FinCen' (See full article) there is a surge in counterfeit U.S. Passport Cards.   

What is a passport card?   In 2008 the U.S. Passport card was introduced as a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to the traditional passport book. These cards allow U.S. Citizens  who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda fast entry.  U.S. Passport cards are Not, valid for international travel by Air.  See the U.S. Dept. of State (Get a Passport Card). 

What you need to know to stay safe

Today fraudsters are attempting to produce counterfeit cards as a means to entering the U.S. and much worse! Criminals are inquiring about the victim's financial account details, requesting withdrawals of balances thru cashier's checks and even initiating wires. If you possess a Passport Card be sure to safeguard it at all times and follow these very simple tips!

• Privacy is Key- Your passport, Drivers License and other documents contain Non-Public Information (NPI) about you.  Fraudsters work hard to steal each piece until they have completed your entire financial picture and then they hi-jack it

Whenever presenting important documents in public, treat them just like your ATM pin, and keep them as private as practical, and never leave them unsecured

• Change your Passwords-  Today, everyone is overwhelmed with passwords, and we all know we should both change and use 'Strong Passwords' frequently.  While it may be a headache, it is here to stay, and we should make a habit to change our online passwords upon returning from travel

I would also recommend using 2-step-verification, especially if you frequently access any kind of sensitive account in public spaces using portable devices.  Changing our passwords when we return from holiday, not only creates good habits, it helps protect us from possible malicious activity when our online identity may have been at it's most vulnerable during busy travels!

• Freeze your Credit-  The three big credit reporting agencies of; TransUnion, Experian and Equifax make it easy and free to protect your credit from malicious fraudsters establishing new accounts in your name 

Approximately 5 - 10mins of your time with each online site can protect you from financial devastation and potentially years of hard work to re-establish your financial affairs.  Above I have already provided a hyperlink to each, and if you would like more information, please see (USA General Services Admin) 

• Use a Credit Card instead of your Debit Card-  Most major credit card companies now offer full to major reimbursement of bonafide fraudulent transactions, while most banks and credit unions offer little to no protection of debit card losses

In addition, debit card usage generally requires frequent usage of your PIN, which further compromises your financial security.  As an added precaution,  use a dedicated Travel Credit Card for travel purposes only.  One of the best rewards travel credit cards will help you monitor irregular activity, collect travel awards, and budget your travel expenditures more easily.  What a gift !

My name is Adriana Da Silva, I am a Travel Advisor in Longwood, Florida.  I write traveling tips to help my clients plan the best vacation getaways.  I focus on Popular Resorts, Cruise Companies and Tropical Places that remain the top adult picks for the money.  Do you know a busy person who needs a holiday?  Will you be their hero and forward this post. 

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 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '

Everyone should know these 3 easy Cruise Tips!

 

Three Easy Cruise Tips Everyone Should Know!

Cruise Lines work hard to differentiate themselves thru their passenger experience (see comparison). For example, Cunard is renowned for Luxury, while Carnival is notably the 'Family Fun Ship.'  Regardless of which cruise line you select, there are 3 common concerns with all of them, and my below traveling tips will help your vacation getaway is the best.

Plan for Walking:

Cruise ships are really big,  and they are getting bigger.  This means a lot of walking is required.  So, plan your cruise as you would plan for 'sight seeing!'

• Cabin location- Cruise cabins located, mid-ship and closer to the main dining /entertaining decks are generally the best.  These save countless minutes of walking.  You can compound the time savings by being as close to the elevators or stairways as possible   (see BLUE outline in diagram below)

• Comfortable Non-slip shoes-  Other than the occasional 'Formal Nights,' most cruise lines are very casual, and decks are often slippery, so comfortable sneakers, or water shoes with great non-slip soles are perfect

• Tote bag-  To reduce frequent trips to your cabin, carry a tote bag with everything you may need for the day, including a water bottle!

Plan for Rocking:

Most modern ships are engineered to reduce sea sickness and even have large stabilizers that pop out from the bottom of the ship like giant fins to keep the ship as level as possible while at sea, but a small percentage of folks may still experience it, and here is how to avoid cruise sea sickness. 

• Motion Sickness Meds-  Over the counter medications like Dramamine and Bonine can substantially help prevent the onset

• Stay Hydrated- Bring a water bottle with you!  It is very easy to dehydrate aboard a cruise

• Cabin location- Inside and mid-ship cabins generally rock the least, as they are most centrally located, (see bottom row of cabins in BLUE outline below)

Plan for Sleeping:

With endless excursions, onboard entertainment, amazing food and beverages, a day of cruising can be tiring, and so it is important to get a good night sleep.

• Cabin location-  If you are comfortable without windows, you can sleep better and save money, as these cabins nestled between corridors have much less foot traffic (see GREEN outline in diagram below)

•  If you must have a balcony, then try a cabin inside one of these corridors and on a deck nearest to the entertainment, dining and pool (see YELLOW outline in diagram below), and when located close to the lido deck, you can quickly get to and from all of the action!

• Special Needs: Showers & Lavatories- Cruise ships for people with disabilities or larger persons may be uncomfortable as the shower and lavatories are small.  Cruise Companies can provide larger accommodations however proper proof of special needs may be required, as special needs rooms are limited

My Favorite Cabin Locations

 1st choice: Green, 2nd: Blue, 3rd: Yellow

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 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '

When should you purchase Travel Health Insurance?

 

Travel Health Insurance:

While no one plans to be injured or come down with an illness while on a holiday, the truth is that this occurs all of the time.  Throughout my extensive travel, I have both become ill while traveling in Barcelona, as well as experienced a cruise ship I was aboard return to port to save a passengers life.

When should you buy:

Major health insurance carriers will provide at least some coverage related to claims occurring outside of one's home country, but often  there are important gaps, and most of us do not consider these details while planning a trip!  

Everything from the continued variants of Covid, traffic accidents, simple slip and fall injuries, and now extreme weather conditions threaten our health and our travel.   You definitely should consider purchasing Medical Trip Insurance anytime;

• Pre-existing health conditions
• Do not have any health insurance
• Existing health insurance does not cover claims outside of home country
• Gaps in existing health insurance-  'does not cover medical evacuation'
• Traveling to known infectious area
• Involved in higher risk activities; hiking, climbing, etc
• Exposed to extreme weather conditions

As a Travel Professional I always perform my diligence of offering medical trip insurance to at least those traveling abroad.  Medical evacuation insurance is almost mandatory for any client who either is or could be medically at risk.  

Final Thoughts:

Before booking a cruise, visiting Booking Websites, or making Online Booking Flights, be honest about your health, know and understand your insurance coverage, and know where you are going and what you will be doing.  For pennies on the dollar you can obtain temporary Medical Trip insurance to provide you with life saving or medical transport services.

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 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '

The Rule of '1' Best Time Management to Travel

My name is Adriana Da Silva, I am a Travel Advisor in Longwood, Florida.  I write travel reviews to help my clients plan the best vacation getaways and vacation packages.  I focus on Popular Resorts, Cruise Companies and Tropical Places that remain the top adult picks for the money. 

The Rule of '1':

The greatest mistake a travel planner makes happens before their hotel reservations, visiting Booking Websites, or Online Booking flights.  The old adage 'we should never grocery shop while hungry,' also applies to travel and our plans for vacation.

Inexperienced travelers tend to either under or over estimate the time needed in their trip planning. This results in either feeling rushed or bored having run out of things to see and do too early.

While there are exceptions to every rule,  with over 30years of extensive travel, I have developed a rule to planning my holiday time that has worked so well, I considered it to be almost a 'time management law to travel.'

The rule of '1' works like this:  

When considering my itinerary for a trip and how long I will need at my final destination, I consider how long a one way commute to the final destination will take in hours and then multiply that round number by days as my approximate duration.   1 Way- 1 Hour - 1 Day! 

What is wonderful about this Travel Tip is that it works no matter how you travel; car, high speed train, or plane, and I can even apply it to plan my road trip!

Here is an example  

Let's say I want to visit Brazil, and I live in Orlando, Florida.  

I find out that a one way flight to Brazil will take 8 hours.  

The Rule in Action:

My rule says that I should stay 1 day for every one hour of commute in the one way trip.  

This means I should consider staying in Brazil no less than 8 days.  

1 Way to Brazil = 8 Hours = 8 Days minimum!

Anyone who has ever traveled to Brazil from Orlando would definitely agree that 8 days would be the very minimum to visit this country after an 8 hour flight!

If you also follow the first two travel tips I have provided, of 'knowing yourself' (see previous article) and 'knowing where you are going' (see full article) you will be on your way to a Dream Vacation!

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 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '