Aahh the summer season...what other perfect time is there to go out, relax and take a vacation?The warm sun that summer brings makes the trip more cheerful and vibrant. Either you're with a group of friends or classmates dying to pick out a summer spot after a year of grueling school work or you're with your officemates wanting to take a break from all the paperwork, our country the Philippines offers the most beautiful places for you to relax and have fun while at the same time marvel at nature's awesome sights.
(Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Davao)
But during the trip, all the fun can overwhelm us and we may end up causing harm to the environment. Being a responsible traveler will go a long way in helping the environment and to the people in the community.
But how can you be a responsible traveler? The Footprints Project listed 6 easy tips to make your trip unforgettable and at the same time worthwhile.
1. Research your destination.
(while in the boarding area do some researching)
If it's your first time to visit a place, doing some research will make your trip more memorable. You will appreciate more the things you will see in the place. When you know more, you can list more activities to add to your itinerary and maximize your trip. You can prepare your schedule if you want to participate in upcoming festivals or other activities that the people in the place usually hold. You'll be surprised that the place you are visiting offers a whole lot more than what you just imagined it to be. If you're at a wifi zone while waiting for your flight or ferry boat trip, make your idle time a bit more productive and do some researching on the Internet.
2. Recognize rules.
You wouldn't like it when your guests will have their way when their in your house, right? The same thing when visiting your vacation spot. There are always rules that are established to be respected and observed. One of the important things that tip # 1 can bring about is that you will know the things you can and cannot do in the place. For example, if you're visiting Davao, there is a strict no-smoking policy that is observed.
Remember, we do have a saying "ignorance of the law excuses no one". So learn as much as you can to stay out of trouble.
But I think it all boils down to respect. Just because you're a paying tourist doesn't mean you can do everything and anything you want.
3. Reduce waste.
If you have been awed by the majestic scenes of the place, help keep it that way by the simple act of reducing your waste. Always opt for the recyclable when purchasing necessities for your trip. I really like these Vapur bottles because it really pains me to dispose of plastic water bottles and I don't even want to know where they end up if it isn't disposed properly.
With these Vapur bottles you can refill them with water or tasty juices to keep you hydrated and fueled for your trip. When it's already empty, just roll and secure it with the metal ring that's attached to it for easy storing.
4. Respect wildlife.
You may feel that unrelenting urge to cradle that cute and fuzzy tarsier you saw on your trip to Bohol, or you want to pluck that rare flower you saw on during your hiking trip to Cotabato as souvenir. But please do restrain yourself. Yes, the Philippines is home to one of the key biodiversity areas in the whole world and thus is rich in exotic and endemic flora and fauna, which most are already endangered. So please keep this in mind as you are also visiting the homes of these wildlife. Keep their homes clean and leave it the way you first came.
5. Report illegal activities.
Harness the power of your portable gadgets and social media to bring awareness of illegal activities you may have witnessed during your trip. Be vigilant and don't be apathetic when you see these things happening. Post the pictures on your blog or Facebook and narrate the harm that's taking place. The key words here are DO SOMETHING! Your report may just help bring an end to the illegal activities that are happening.
6. Repost/ retweet.
And last but not the least, share your wonderful experiences with your friends online! Post it in your blog and share your fun activities, it will encourage your friends to take the same adventures you did. If you're more active in Twitter, send excited tweets of your recent escapade to keep your friends updated of your vacation adventures. It will also help if you share your distasteful experiences to give your friends a heads up on what to avoid.
So that's it! 6 short and easy tips to keep in mind in becoming a more responsible traveler. These tips will greatly benefit not just you but also the people and wildlife that you will interact with during your trip. Remember:
"Take nothing but pictures.
Leave nothing but footprints.
Kill nothing but time."
(I do not own any of the photos in this post. This is my entry for The Footprints Project Blog Contest)
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