Footprint Expeditions in South America

We are sure that eco-friendly traveling is easier than it looks and sounds. Actually, there is so much that you can do for our planet while traveling! We would like to ask you to join us in our commitment to green travel practices while you are on holiday. Following these easy tips will help you to enjoy real experiences in your travels.

1. Try to borrow and lend travel gear from friends such as backpacks, flash lights, and camping gear. It is not worth buying those items if you only will need it once or twice a year.
2. While you are traveling, save energy in the same way that you do at home; turn the lights off when leaving the room, take short showers, recycle wherever possible, etc.
3. Always try to buy locally handmade crafts (it helps to support the local economy) and avoid buying imported ones. After all, why buy souvenirs from Buenos Aires that were made in China?
4. Ask your hotel to not replace your towels and bed linens if they are clean. Help to save energy with washing machines and detergent from polluting waters.
5. While on holiday look for simple accommodation such as doing a homestay or staying in a small hostel, and  make sure they are locally run. You will get a better and more significant experience of the places you will visit. At the same time, you are helping the local economy and avoiding destroying habitats for building and running big hotels.
6. Walk or cycle as much as possible for short distances. Firstly, it will give you the chance to appreciate in a better way the visited place and surroundings. Secondly, you will help to lower fuel emissions.
7. Many places rely on tourism as their main income, so without your interest in foreign lands, many communities, historic sites, and nature areas would suffer. Travel as much as you can. It will open your mind and you will become an ambassador of a more tolerant world.
8. There is a great way to give something back to the country hosting you… become a volunteer! There so much that you can do: plant trees, help to build schools, or help in child care projects.
9. While hiking or trekking remain in the designated footpaths. In this way, you can avoid erosion and destruction of surrounding vegetation. Remember do not feed wild animals! Have you ever heard of a sea lion eating potato chips? I’m sure you haven’t.
10. Have you ever questioned your holiday activities? Do you really need to go quad-riding, jet skiing, hunting, or play golf? We guess there is no need to explain why you may be questioning your itinerary. Remember there are other great thrilling activities glowing green. Try hiking, climbing, bird-watching, biking, horseback-riding, or any other low-carbon activities. Also have you tried cooking classes, salsa, tango, or samba lessons?
11. Take daytime flights. Airplanes pollute more in the dark because of the effects of condensation trails they leave.
12. Always ask locals for recommendations for restaurants, places to go, and how to get there. Smells funny? Looks strange? So what are you waiting for? Try it!
13. Avoid imported products, globalizing hotels, fast food, and coffee shop chains. We are sure you can find great local restaurants, hotels, and local made products.
14. Never purchase souvenirs made from any animal product, especially from endangered species. Over 800 species of animals and plants are currently banned from international trade and another 30,000 are strictly controlled by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)