1.     Transportation- This is the most challenging aspect of responsible travel. Our world has everything needed, smart people and the technology, to power airplanes with non polluting renewable energies. Unfortunately, this is a political issue. The world’s politicians have an addiction to the money that comes from the oil and gas industry. The first thing to do is vote for the world leaders who support progressive climate ideas such as The Green New Deal. Until then, you can pack lighter, take direct flights, use trains when possible, and take longer holidays when flying long distances. You can also donate or participate in reforestation projects like Amigas del Manglares . to help offset the carbon produced on your flight.

2.     Sustainable lodging- Choose smaller hotels like boutique or bed n breakfast. Home rentals are a good idea too. It’s best when you can speak with the owner. Ask about their environmental policies before booking. Do they use alternative energy, do they have a recycling system, are they conscious of the water usage, or offer bikes for transportation, are they promoting eco-activities, are their cleaning products safe? If your travels bring you to Merida Yucatan, I recommend Villa Merida on Airbnb. 

3.     Eat locally sourced, organic, and homemade food- The same as you would do at home. Find the local market with fresh produce straight from the farmers and purchase the basics for breakfast and snacks. Choose locally-owned restaurants that are using locally grown, healthy ingredients when dining out.  

4.     Participate in cultural experiences – The reason to travel is to learn about other people and places that you don’t know. Book an experience like cooking classes, or enjoying a meal with a local native family, learn to weave or carve wood, painting, music, or dancing lessons; whatever the area is known for, you can find a local teacher. Mérida is a city that is abundant in Mayan and Yucatecan culture to experience.

5.     Book a nature tour -with a responsible company. Choose a local company that demonstrates environmental care; that takes you off the beaten track with professional guides; their tours are zero waste. No caged animal shows; instead, pick an experience that you might see animals in their natural habitat. Looking for the flora and fauna is part of the adventure. I love bird watching, jungle trekking, and kayaking with a strong partner.

6.     Volunteer tourism- the only way to know for sure what something feels like is by doing it or experiencing it for yourself. Volunteering with a local organization is a great way to learn about the local customs, the needs of the people, and the planet. It also feeds your soul when you can help others.

7.     Rent non-motorized vehicles for your water fun – I know jet skis and motorboats are super fun; but, they terrify and kill the wildlife and destroy the flora. Instead, try kayaking, or canoeing, or SUP it’s a great exercise, or how about sailing? That’s sexy!

8.     Avoid tourist traps- visit the famous sites at non-peak times or pick another cool site, that not many have seen. Choose off the beaten path experiences, of course, take all necessary precautions. Like, don’t walk into the Mayan jungles without a local nature guide. But when 2000 people walk on the same stones in one day, some of them leaving trash in their wake, I know not you, but it leaves an impact on the earth and that special place. If a site is too crowded or too noisy, it will ruin the experience for you and also disturb the natural world.

9.     Support the Locals- Buy locally made souvenirs and home goods. Don’t save gift buying for the airport. You can find some fantastic, unique handmade pieces in unexpected places. Your purchase directly supports the artist, no middle person.

10.  BYOB- Carry your reusable water bottle and a few fold able bags, use them as you do at home, for all of your shopping needs. Decline all single-use plastics, ask for compostable dishes is you must do take away.

11.  Turn your phone off - Or turn it on airplane mode. Everyone has a reason to be connected; for work, for the kids, for the parents. The idea is to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, your breath and the people you are with. Make prior plans and turn it off guilt-free. You will be surprised at how therapeutic a digital detox is.

🙏 Many Blessings, Sara Renshaw @ The Green Maya Project

P.S. Nature heals, mentally, and physically. Get some today.

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I added a couple of personal photos of some of my most memorable guided tours.