Adventures in Ecotourism!
Eat, pray, love… and ecotour!
Imagine if, while traveling to get out of town, to get to know yourself, to grow, meet new people, learn about the world, see new places with family or friends, eat, pray and/or love, you were able to do those things while making a positive impact for our beautiful planet, nature and people in various communities? It’s totally possible!
Many of you likely hit up nature sites, like state and national parks, even world heritage sites which can include breathtaking scenery and much needed natural beauty to rejuvenate your soul. In addition to protecting wildlife by supporting natural areas, finding local eco-friendly, wildlife sanctuaries that are helping animals recover from abuse or bad situations, can be more fulfilling than any margarita on the beach (I promise).
You have the chance to live like a true EcoInvestor by supporting the cause of animal welfare with your money or your time, and getting a real return on your investment (EcoROI)! You can often meet these incredible species, learn about them from scientific, emotional and intellectual perspectives, fill your heart and soul with so much love, learn about important causes and so much more.
After learning how elephants are treated in some parts of the world, separated from their families, broken down, treated like slaves for the purposes of logging, entertaining or carrying loud and heavy tourists, , I couldn’t believe elephant tourism is even allowed to lawfully exist. Thankfully, there are beautiful places like the Elephant Nature Park, where you not only get to have an amazing experience for yourself but do so also knowing that you are contributing to an incredibly worthwhile cause.
Visiting the Elephant Nature Park was enriching in so many ways. It’s a memory that I cherish and it’s my hope that you will have deeply moving experiences like this one too. I know people who care about animals, but still visit traditional elephant tourism spots, unaware of the way the elephants have been abused in order to become domesticated and of the problem that they’re supporting by choosing that tourism spot as it actually supports that type of treatment of animals.
Another example of Ecotourism is volunteering with local environmental organizations. While I was studying and traveling in Australia a couple of years ago, I joined the Surfrider Foundation Australia (Gold Coast Tweed branch) and helped them raise money to keep our beaches clean. It was SO fun to meet new friends and work together on such a meaningful cause!
And, then of course, there is the multiplier effect of word of mouth… as friends told me about the Elephant Nature Park when I was planning my trip to Thailand, I’ve done the same. If we all continue to do that, imagine the potential demand for places that are helping us all live more in harmony with and in reverence for nature.
There are lots of places locally and around the world where people are working to support natural ecosystems and live in harmony with Mother Earth. Look for them as you plan your next outing and it could change your life in the most magical way.
Now that it’s time for summer vacations, consider going places that support nature and wildlife! It will be a gift that keeps on giving…
Do you have any Ecotourism experiences that you’d like to share? Share in the comments below!
With love and light for all your eco-friendly adventures,
