Leisure & Tourism

Wise travellers know that to really say that you have ‘been to’ a place, you have to have stayed there for some time. If you sit back and relax in one area, rather than rushing from one town or country to the next, you will develop a deeper appreciation for the local culture, as well as benefiting the environment by reducing your travel miles.

The worst carbon emissions are emitted during takeoff and landing, so, whenever possible, fly direct to your destination. In some cases this may cost you more cash, but you will be cutting down on your carbon footprint and will enjoy the added benefit of spending less time sitting around at international airports.

There are some wonderful green travel agents and tour guides out there who can align your trip with sound eco- logical principles and source eco-logically sound service providers for you to use along the way. If you are planning the trip yourself, there are some questions to ask hotels, B&B’s, game reserves or resorts that you are considering staying at, before you make a booking:

• How are you making a contribution to conservation and local communities?
• Do you have a written Responsible Tourism (RT) policy?
• How are you implementing it?
• Do you have any recycling/ water-saving/energy saving initiatives?
• Are you registered as a Fair Trade Organisation?

To cut down on air travel, why not turn the notion of tourism inside out and become a tourist in your own country. Plan a weekend trip to a town or city that you have never been to before. Sling a camera around your neck and visit areas of interest in your own city that you might not have visited in years!

Walk through the cosmopolitan areas and check out the art galleries, museums and markets. You will be amazed at the diversity of experience and culture that South Africa and our neighbouring African countries have to offer.