Eco Travel, Ethically and Safely
From choosing the right destination to engaging with local communities, from savoring new foods to avoiding risks in the wild, eco travel should be safe as well as sustainable. Whether you’re heading into the rainforest, hiking through mountain villages, or helping in community projects abroad, you can enjoy the adventure while staying secure and respectful of your surroundings.
This guide is your practical compass to ethical, safe, and enriching eco-friendly journeys.
1. Choosing Sustainable Yet Safe Destinations
Start by researching the country’s environmental policies. Places like Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Slovenia are known for prioritizing conservation. Look for locations that support ecotourism through national parks, low-impact transportation, and community-led tours.
Next, assess safety. Check your government’s travel advisories, recent traveler reviews, and local news sources. It’s not just about avoiding danger zones—consider health infrastructure, clean water access, and natural hazard preparedness. For example, a pristine island might be beautiful but lack hospitals or reliable transport.
Balance is key. A destination might be safe but crowded, which dilutes the eco angle. Others may be remote and eco-rich, but require preparation. Try to blend sustainability with common-sense safety: stick to well-established eco-trails, support certified eco-lodges, and avoid risky solo treks unless you're well-experienced.
2. Volunteering Abroad: Staying Safe While Doing Good
First, choose a reputable organization. Avoid "voluntourism" programs that prioritize profit over people—like those involving orphanage tourism or unskilled medical aid. Look for NGOs that train volunteers and work long-term with local communities.
Safety starts with preparation. Ensure your vaccinations are up to date, understand the cultural norms, and know who your in-country contacts are. Ask questions: What happens in case of emergency? Is there health insurance? Are volunteers trained in safety protocols?
Don't forget emotional safety. Volunteering can be intense. Prepare for culture shock, and understand your role: you’re there to assist, not to "fix" things. Stay humble and open-minded.
Finally, travel with a buddy if possible, and register your plans with your embassy. That extra step might seem over-cautious—but it could be lifesaving if something goes wrong.
3. Staying Healthy While Eating Local
First rule: eat where the locals eat. A busy stall with a long line of locals usually means high turnover and fresher food. Avoid spots where the food’s been sitting out or looks like it’s been cooked just once a day.
Choose cooked foods over raw if you’re unsure about water quality. Wash fruits yourself with filtered or bottled water. For drinks, stick to sealed bottles or use a filtered water bottle with a UV or charcoal purifier.
If you're vegan or vegetarian, research ahead. Some cuisines use hidden animal products like fish sauce or lard. Carry a translation card that clearly communicates your dietary needs, especially in remote areas.
Pro tip: pack a mini first-aid kit with anti-nausea, diarrhea, and hydration tablets. It might save your trip (and your gut!).
4. Eco-Lodging with Strong Safety Standards
Look for certifications like Green Globe or Rainforest Alliance. These labels ensure not just sustainability but also adherence to safety codes, sanitation, and fair labor practices.
Before booking, read guest reviews—especially those that mention cleanliness, lighting, locks, and emergency preparedness. An idyllic lodge in the forest might sound great until you realize there's no fire extinguisher or first aid on site.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions before arrival: Do they have mosquito nets? Solar lighting? Water filtration systems? Staff trained in emergency response? These details matter, especially in remote or jungle environments.
Some eco-lodges also support the local economy by hiring local guides and sourcing materials sustainably. Supporting these places means you're choosing not just a safe bed—but one that makes a positive impact.
5. Avoiding Wildlife Risks on Eco-Trips
Always choose ethical wildlife tours. Avoid any that promise hands-on interaction or photo ops with wild animals. True eco-guides observe from a distance and focus on education, not performance.
Pack smart. Wear protective clothing in tick or mosquito-prone areas, use natural repellents if you prefer, and always double-check your boots and bags in snake or spider zones.
Learn the local hazards. In some places, monkeys are cute but notorious for stealing snacks (or phones). In others, large animals like elephants or bears roam freely. Know how to act: don’t run, don’t feed, and never provoke.
If hiking or camping, store food properly and be bear-aware where needed. Follow Leave No Trace principles to avoid disturbing habitats.
And remember—wildlife safety goes both ways. Respect boundaries to avoid injury and to ensure these animals stay wild, not wary.