McGowan, Laura McGowan, the responsible traveller, Canada, responsible tourism, responsible, tourism, Canada responsible tourism, responsible travel, traveller, esponsible traveler, responsible traveller, TRT Consulting

		Tips to a Better Holiday   Looking for ways to make your holiday more responsible?  Here’s how.   Read up. Being in-the-know before you go will save you time, money and help you select the best experiences available.  You will also ensure you are not contributing to any environmental or social problems at the destination.   Book with a responsible tourism provider.  Check the environmental policies of the hotel.  Find out which community projects are supported. Or book your holiday through a responsible tourism operator. Pack your green habits. We all know to reduce, reuse and recycle at home, but often times we forget to pack our green habits while on holiday.  Turn down the AC, reuse that towel and ask the front desk how to recycle your water bottle.    Travel off the beaten path. Avoid the crowds and travel to destinations off the beaten path or in shoulder/off-peak seasons.    Stick close to home.  Take the time to explore your backyard.  Canada is rich in natural and cultural diversity offering travel experiences to meet your budget, provide adventure and make cultural connections.   Smaller is better.  Book small group tours rather than the mass.  Small groups of 15 or less (depending on the activity) will cause less environmental damage.  Plus, in a smaller group you’ll get a more personal tour with more opportunities to interact with the guide and local people.   Think local.  Support the community you are visiting.  By ensuring the souvenirs you buy were crafted locally and food grown by local farmers, you will be certain you are maximizing your contribution to the local economy.   Volunteer.  Consider a volunteer holiday – or make arrangements before your all-inclusive holiday to visit a local school to teach an English lesson or help out at local conservation or wildlife project for a day.    Offset you carbon.  Whether you are flying, driving or riding the rails – offset your carbon emissions.  Both Zerofootprint and Tree Canada offer travel offset schemes.   Report what you see – good and bad. As the consumer, you have the power to change to the industry. If your holiday was not as responsible as you expected– let your tour operator know.  Also visit the whistle-blower site Irresponsibletravel.com and post your experience—the tourism provider will have the opportunity to reply.			Proud Sponsor of the:
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