You have the travel bug. You stare out your office window and dream of the vacation time you are accruing that you'll probably never use because there's simply too much work and your job is indispensible. The phone rings off the hook and the computer keeps flashing "You have mail!" Take a few minutes for some creative imagery: an icy pina colada on a remote beach, a stroll down the Champs Elysees, a Mediterranean cruise.

Now imagine a different kind of vacation, where you the active participant learn about and interact with the natural environment. Consider the options:

Why would you...

• travel in a large group
• pay exorbitant prices at tourist-trap hotels and shops
• admire the scenery from a bus window
• strain your ears to hear what the tour guide is saying
• eat until you're stuffed and watch food go to waste
• tour with people who don't respect the natural environment
• see only the popular attractions

When you could...

• travel in a smaller group
• stick to a budget and ensure that the money you do spend goes to local inhabitants
• engage in adventurous activities
• educate yourself about the history, culture and language of your destination
• taste local culinary delights and recycle unused food
• limit the amount of disposable products carried on trips
• go off the beaten path

The way we see it, the choice is clear. Ecotourism, or traveling responsibly, is the way of the 90s. Ecotourism generally refers to wilderness or adventure travel, with a strong focus on learning about the local population, wildlife and natural environment of a particular habitat. It is a fun and challenging way to travel. So get off that office chair and make some arrangements. Either plan your own itinerary using our highlights or contact an ecotour operator.

Keep in mind that being an ecotourist isn't a walk in the park. You must bear responsibility for your actions. The products you use and purchase, and your behavior in the natural environment all reflect on the importance you attach to human interactions with the ecosystem. All too often, tourists take the natural environment for granted, and do not take steps to preserve the environment or to contribute to local populations. Ecotourism poses a challenge: To sustain the environment for future generations. This is known as sustainable tourism. You must take responsibility not only for yourself but for others. For example, if you see someone harming the environment or being disrespectful of his or her surroundings, it is your job as an ecotourist to educate and if necessary, to report these actions to the local authorities. If you feel you can handle the ecochallenge, continue to read this page.

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Trade and Environment Database (TED) Homepage