Modern times have, among many bad things, brought some good things as well, and rising people's awareness about many things is one of them. Ecology and the term "eco" have become the part of many things lately, and people slowly start to realize that by preserving nature they also do good to themselves, the environment and their children. Kids learn about ecology at schools, we read about it on the Internet, listen about it on TV, and we can start practicing it when we travel, because it's incorporated at some camp sites.
Ecotourism is defined as: "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.", and camp sites seem to be the best places to start practicing it. There are a couple of things understood by ecotourism and they are: build environmental and cultural awareness and respect, minimize impact, provide financial benefits for the locals, raise awareness about host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.
If you and your family of friends are interested in any of these things, plus you like nature preservation and learning in new and fun ways, choosing one of the camp sites where eco tourism is practiced might be the right thing for you. Just as for any other trip, you also have to prepare for the eco-tourist one. Find out as much as you can about the campsites you're about to visit. Learning bit and pieces about local customs and history can also be helpful.
Keep in mind that at camp sites you may run into people from some different culture, and show respect to it and to their customs. Be careful when it comes to using resources, because that is one of the postulates of eco tourism. If the region suffers from water scarcity, don't do the laundry by hand, wait till you get home. Since you've learned all about the place where you'll stay, make sure you don't pick endangered plants of go hunting endangered animal species.
There are many camp sites which practice eco tourism, and whatever you pick, there will probably be workshops and you'll be asked to help and work. In case you're too tired from work and want a holiday where you'll only rest, save this opportunity for some other time. The workshops are more than useful for both grown ups and kids, and knowing you helped someone creates a feeling of happiness. Keep in mind that when your adventure at camping sites is done, the eco tourism doesn't need to end. It is something you can practice anywhere.
Going to camp sites where eco tourism is practices can be great fun, if you're the type of person who enjoys nature and helping it. There are many great books and information offered on the Internet, so you know what kind of adventure you're starting. At first you may be appalled by all the things we do to nature and not even know it, but as time goes by, you'll become more and more aware, and thus you'll start spreading your knowledge and good energy.
There are many aspects to eco tourism and chances are you'll find at least one which will sound appealing. Some aspects are cultural, biological or historical preservation, sustainable development, etc. and workshops and learning about all the fields are very interesting and important to know. Many camp sites offer amazing things one can do to start feeling useful and closer to nature.
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