Eco Friendly Travel

How does Tibet World Travel practice Eco Friendly Travel?

Being a local travel company, we have a particular responsibility to introduce the practices of Eco friendly Travel in Tibet. Our rich culture, indigenous tradition and unpolluted environment are the core values of preservation, so that future generations can enjoy the essence of what Tibet represents. Though our influence is limited, we are proud to be one of the first local companies that implement the practices of Eco Friendly Travel in Tibet.

How to Plan an Eco Friendly Travel to Tibet.

Plan to Travel Light

1. Keep it simple.

Travelers who want to be eco-aware while traveling can sometimes feel that adding yet another layer of “to-do’s” is overwhelming. Yet, responsible eco-travel is not difficult and is generally about being considerate:

1. Travel as lightly as you can
2. Choose transportation that minimizes your impact
3. Stay in accommodation that aims to minimize its impact on the environment
4. Choose vacation activities that are eco-friendly
5. Be conscious that your small actions do add up, such as unplugging your charger when it’s done
6. Be considerate of the social impacts and support the local economy, interact appropriately with the locals and if possible, contribute to local environmental projects in some way.

2. Approach planning an eco-vacation as a fun exercise.

There’s no need to have a hair shirt mentality about eco-vacations. Eco-friendly accommodation and activities are now commonplace and often have very high standards. It’s easy to find eco-travel opportunities using the internet, so you don’t have to research the hard way anymore. And there is also a range of prices from budget to top end prices, so you can choose the price according to your available funds and still have a great experience.

3. Ask for assurance of quality before you go.

Email and the internet make it easy to ask in advance for the qualifications or accreditation of places you want to visit and stay at. Prefer places that use the accreditation of independent auditors rather than simply stating “eco” in front of their services. Always check the labels to avoid green washing.
Check out The International Ecotourism Society at http://www.ecotourism.org/ for more information on quality assurance of your eco-vacation choices. This site provides an interactive online directory to help you.
4. Pack lightly.

Lighter baggage from passengers reduces fuel emissions, plus it will enable you to avoid additional baggage costs, carriage costs and you’ll have less things to worry about guarding and carrying. Some ideas to help you include:

       1.  How to travel with one bag

Size: The largest that airlines will allow as a carry-on is a good starting point. Consider a bigger bag if you need to carry extra items such as winter clothes, gifts, a computer, or a fancy camera. Go for a smaller one if you want to carry the bag long distances.

Weight: Some airlines weigh carry-on bags before you board, so try to make sure that most of the weight comes from what’s inside, and not from the bag itself. Avoid the need for expensive extra-light materials (such as the ridiculously priced titanium luggage) by choosing a simple tough, floppy nylon bag. Avoid heavy and bulky extending handles and wheels and opt instead for a bag with a strap, or, preferably, much more comfortable and unrestrictive, one with backpack-type straps.

Storage: Multiple pockets help keep things organized. Pockets accessible from the outside provide convenient access to travel paraphernalia such as an inflatable neck pillow or other sleeping aids and snacks, without unpacking or rummaging through everything else.

Extra space: Your choice of bag may evolve with your choices for its contents. It should have just a little room for extras, not so much that the carefully packed contents shift around in transit.

       2.  How to pack for a week in one carry on

In most cases, a 9 x 22 x 14-inch (22.86 x 55.88 x 35.56 cm) bag should work.
Choose between a carry-on convertible bag, a carry-on rolling bag or an internal-frame backpack. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it depends on what you’re most comfortable with.

       3.  How to pack a bag efficiently.

Pack a rain suit or something that can get wet and dry quickly. If it is going to be hot, pack shorts. Don’t forget: Do you need a bathing suit or swim clothes?

 

Plan Eco Friendly Transportation Methods

 Support The Locals

1. Be aware of the social impacts of your travel. Social and environmental impacts are interlinked and it’s important to be considerate of both. Observe the local ways and be respectful of them. Listen more than you talk and immerse yourself in the experience. It’s beneficial to learn some background information about the culture, history, geography and beliefs of the destination you’ve traveled to. This will enable you to better appreciate what you’re observing and will also ensure that you don’t accidentally insult anyone. This is simply a case of being a “good guest”.
2. Always ask before taking close-up photographs of people. It’s courteous and in a world where cameras are everywhere now, it sets you apart as someone who acknowledges the dignity of your human subjects.
3. Support the local economy as much as you can. Eat at locally owned Tibetan restaurants, patronize local activities such as farmers running horse-riding activities and indigenous people taking you on guided expeditions to see the land as they do and look for authentic locally-made souvenirs made from renewable resources.
4. Visiting Tibetan’s markets and local grocery stores can help support locals while reducing your environmental impact.
5. Hire local Tibetan guides wherever possible.

Buying Local Products
Introduce Volunteers to Local Communities and Schools.