Sailing cruises versus oil guzzlers on water.
I’ve gotta admit, I am the type of girl who would rather float than fly. Especially going from island to island, I feel very disconnected hopping to and from a plane, and I can’t STAND airports. Plus, what better way to pretend you’re a pirate on the open seas? And now I am hearing this is a much better and more environmentally kosher way to travel. Who knew playing Anne Bonney could be helping the earth? Right on!But my experience, and my advice, is to take a sailboat & skip the big old motorboats. These make the imaginary parrot fly right off my shoulder. Not only does the oily rainbow that trails us bring a tear to my eye, but I am always obsessing that we will hit an animal or wondering how many fish we are burning or grinding up in that propeller thing.
Here in Puerto Rico we have first-hand proof of what motorboats can do. After a desperate drop in algae, now two of our three of our bioluminescent bays are endangered or closed due to pollution.
Maps & Guidebooks
I have the same feeling about both of these, and I have two words.. internet & GPS. Now, I am not a particular fan of either of these… or anything with a tracking device for that matter. Freaks me out, always has. But guidebooks are outdated by the time they go to press, and maps are no better.
There are many websites dedicated to helping you travel. I would suggest blogs, since these are usually not bombarded with commercials. These are often run by dedicated people who want to share information, not to direct you to who they are paid by.
I would also suggest contacting your hotel/hostel/campground. Yes, they are probably getting paid a commission for their efforts, but they will only do business with tour groups and private they trust will show up, and who will not put you in harm’s way. Also, if it is a hotel you are going through, they might offer responsibility or insurance, should you fall and break something. Worth considering.
If a guidebook is something you think you need to find fun things to do, there are many different choices (fun for teens, kids, young adults, art fans, cultural facts, etc.). Before running out and buying every one you see hot off the press, consider borrowing one from a friend or a local library. I think websites like www.paperbackswap.com is perfect for books like this.
Eco-Tours
While I am on the note of what to do on vacation, see if the place you are going has eco-tours available. These are activities that are eco-friendly and a lot of fun! Ranging from hiking, walking tours, kayaking and horseback riding, these are good ways to boost local economy while not leaving a big fat footprint in someone else’s back yard. Please remember, you are not visiting there to pollute the local land or to endanger their animals or environment. Sometime tourists get a bit carried away with motorboats, gas guzzling bus tours, and jet skis.
Wherever the travel bug takes you, be respectful to the local land. If you are going somewhere tropical or nautical, have respect for the local oceans, wildlife, beach conditions, and coral reefs. It is never a good idea to wear chemicals into a live ocean (with lots of fish and live creatures and plants) like sunscreen and insect repellant. Care2.com has alerted that there is an ingredient in sunscreen that is killing our coral reefs at an alarming rate. Try healthier non-chemical options instead, or wear a long sleeve shirt in the ocean. And please, DO NOT LITTER.
Being A Good Tourist
I promise, the phrase “Ugly American” is real. I see it daily and am pretty ashamed. I live on a beautiful island with ancient surroundings and a very strong culture. The Puerto Rican people are a wonderful, open, and very friendly group, and I know it breaks peoples’ hearts when they see the line out the door at the local Burger King, or the woman from Manhattan trying to barter the price of her latte at one of our many Starbucks. I seem to duck my head and walk faster when I see a group of girls screaming on their cell phones and stopping traffic running into the street to get into the Payless shoe store. This could very well be how people act in the States, and I just never noticed it, but I don’t think so.
Lodging
Before you travel, know your options. Would you like to rough it on your own, or is your family too used to inside living to appreciate it? There are many campgrounds and hostels that are cheap and safe, letting you spend your money on better things… like seeing more places!
If it is a hotel you are interested in, check out www.greenlodging.com to find a good environmentally responsible establishment that will let you sleep well about where you sleep!
