Ecotourism

Deciding to go on an ecotourism adventure is a serious decisionthis type of vacation is not for everyone. An ecotourism adventure usually means traveling by less than luxurious means and staying in remote areas without modern conveniences. While ecotourism vacations benefit the environment and the local community, they are still a vacation, and travelers must determine whether such a vacation is right for them. Careful planning and preparation is critical to the success of such a vacation.

The Requisite Paperwork for Visiting

A passport is almost always required when traveling to a foreign country. Some countries require visas as well. For example:

• Some common destinations for ecotourists, such as Belize, Botswana, and Ecuador, require passports but no visas.
• Panama requires a passport and the purchase of a tourist card, which is valid for 30 days.
• Nepal requires that tourists have a passport and obtain a visa that allows for a maximum stay of 60 days.
• Kenya requires a passport and a visa, as well as an application, two photos and a copy of the itinerary or round-trip tickets. The maximum stay for tourists in Kenya is 90 days.
• U.S. citizens do not need passports to travel to Canada or Mexico, but they must carry valid photo ID and a copy of their birth certificate. (By 2008, however, even if you are an American, you may be required to provide a passport when re-entering the United States from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.)

The requirements for each country vary, and tourists must meet all requirements before embarking on their vacation.

Make Sure You''re Vaccinated

When preparing for an ecotourism vacation, visit a doctor to make sure you''ve satisfied all vaccination requirements and recommendations. As with visas and passports, the requirements vary from country to country. Panama recommends that all tourists receive a yellow fever vaccination, while Kenya highly recommends that all tourists receive yellow fever, cholera and malaria vaccinations before visiting the country. Securing vaccinations and carrying the documents that certify them is the tourist''s responsibility.

The Tour Operator

Making sure that a tour operator is a legitimate practitioner of ecotourism is the tourist''s responsibility. When booking a tour, evaluate marketing strategies, brochures and the reality of the conditions in the country.

Some operators use ecotourism as a marketing tool to attract business, so do a background check. The Internet provides the perfect tool to do this. The profits from the tours operated by a genuine ecotourism company directly benefit the environment and the local community.

Packing for an Ecotourism Vacation

When planning your vacation, be sure to pack key items that are necessary on ecotourism trips. Binoculars are essential to avoid disturbing animals in their natural environment. Remember to pack a good camera or a few disposable cameras. Taking pictures is far less disruptive to the environment than handpicked souvenirs in the wild. If the lodging is primitive, bringing along a tent for shelter is a good idea. A GPS device is handy on hikes and treks and can prevent you from becoming lost. A camp stove is useful for cooking, and bottled water and dry snacks are always worth carrying. These essentials will allow for a smoother and more pleasant vacation.