Responsible Travel just published a list of 10 points from a reader poll about the worst things that tourists do. These 10 are so easy to avoid, and make you look like a complete idiot to the locals. Here they are:
- "Littering - especially plastic bags."
- "Purchasing illegal souvenirs or food produce."
- "Wasting water in destinations which face shortages e.g. Spain."
- "Leaving lights on."
- "Leaving air conditioning on in hotel rooms when you're not in them."
- "Purchasing mineral water in plastic water bottles when the hotel provides drinkable water for re-fills."
- "Standing on coral reefs. It takes approx. one hundred years for one inch of coral to grow. By killing it you affect the whole eco system."
- "Disturbing wild animals by getting as close as possible for a better picture."
- "Throwing cigarette butts on the ground."
- "Failing to take advantage of recycling facilities where offered."
If you've done any of these, shame on you!
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Vacation Does Not Justify Laziness or Sloppiness!
Whether I am in my home, another person's, a hotel or out in public, I try to act the same. There is simply no excuse to litter. Wasting electricity and power is just making the future of the world dimmer. Aiding illegal activities just encourages more illicit behavior. While traveling, people need to understand that they are sharing space with others and that the world is not there to clean up after them or there to offer limitless resources. Too often though, people just do not care or expect others to take care of things for them. Quite sad, nonetheless important to cover and bring to light. Thanks for doing so.
Nick Summers on 03 September, 2009