Okay folks, let’s chat about my messy first try at eco-tourism last year. Honestly? I showed up like a clueless puppy. Saw some Instagram pics of pristine beaches and cute monkeys, booked the cheapest flight and hotel package deal that popped up first, and figured I’d wander around ‘being green’. Total disaster waiting to happen.
My Realization Moment & Starting Small
Sitting on this packed tour boat halfway through the trip, watching tourists toss plastic bottles into what should’ve been crystal clear water just… clicked. Felt terrible realizing I was part of the problem just by being there. When I got home, I actually started reading about eco-tourism instead of just hashtagging it.
First step? Picking one concrete thing to fix next time. Chose transportation because planes guilt-tripped me hardest. Next trip, I dug into:
- Flight comparison beyond price – checked carbon calculators (basic ones, nothing fancy)
- Exploring regional trains instead of puddle-jumper flights between towns
- Actually asking hotels upfront “Got bike rentals or walking tours?” instead of assuming
The Research & Booking Tango
Booking phase became detective work. Scrolled past all the glossy “eco-resort” banners shouting about infinity pools. Hunted for:
- Specific waste management mentions (did they say where their trash actually goes?)
- Local staff photos vs imported “exotic experience” staff
- Smaller lodges run by families instead of massive chains
Changed my packing too:
- Ditched those tiny hotel shampoos – brought refillable silicone bottles
- Stuffed a foldable tote bag for market trips so I could refuse plastic bags
- Reused the same water bottle for 2 weeks (washed properly, chill)
On The Ground Adjustments
Got there and actually practiced what I researched. Stopped chasing that ‘perfect Instagram shot’ with stressed-out animals. Paid attention to:
- Backing off wildlife when they seemed anxious (tour guides rushing you? Red flag!)
- Saying “no straw please” at every damn drink order – persistence pays
- Choosing local street food stalls over tourist trap buffets wasting heaps of food
Biggest win? Found a coral reef conservation project run by college kids. Paid them directly for a legit snorkeling session instead of some dude with a sketchy boat hounding me. Felt way better than any mass-market excursion.
What Actually Stuck Later
Truth bomb? You screw up constantly at first. I took an unnecessary taxi once because my feet hurt. Bought a plastic-wrapped souvenir later. Felt rubbish but didn’t quit – just noted it for next time.
Now I always:
- Check at least two review sources beyond booking sites for greenwashing clues
- Message places asking “What’s one sustainability challenge you’re fixing right now?” Their answer (or silence) tells volumes
- Factor in travel days as rest days to avoid rushing/stressing and making bad choices
Took about three trips to feel less like a fraud. Start with one change, nail that, add another. Nobody expects you to turn into Greta Thunberg overnight. Just show up slightly less clueless than last time. Promise it gets easier.
