Saving North America Through Eco-Tourism
Thrill seeking, traveling, adventuring, and fun are what makes memories for yourself and the whole family. Adventuring in the forest, kayaking rivers, setting sail over the ocean, visiting Disney World are all great ideas, but it is important to have as little impact negatively on the environment. These adventures are out there, you just need to know where to look.
Long plane rides are harmful to the environment. Traveling by bike, car, and even train all create less carbon emission and allow you to see what North America has to offer. Eco-friendly tourism is the wave of the future and can be done in your own back yard. Here are 5 eco-friendly tourism adventures to check out that are great for all ages.
1. American Swamps
The Everglades, The Bayous of New Orleans, and the Swamps of The Carolinas are all hidden behind the hustle and bustle of the city. These swamps are picturesque and dwindling. Having the swamps allows for kayak, and pedal barge tours. Not only do these tours show you the wildlife, the trees, the canopy above, and the animals, but you also get to learn about conservation and preserving the swamps for the future generation while not leaving a carbon footprint. Some tours will even insist that you take a piece of trash or rummage from the swamp before you leave. Here are a couple attractions to get you started: Crescent City Kayak, Admire Nola, and Here for more.
2. Rafting, Kayaking, Tubing Trips
North America has many beautiful waterways that go through the desert, the mountains, the lakes, and more. Eco-friendly trips such as these are great for not leaving an impact on the environment in a negative way. Colorado, Arizona, The Great Lakes, and California are some of the premiere locations to offer tour guided trips for people of all ages and experience levels. Visit the beautiful mountains and waterways around to book your next adventure. Here is a list of several attractions to check out: Wahoo Adventures, Raft California, Rubicon Adventures, and Lawson Adventure Park.
3. Surf’s Up Dude!
Have you ever seen a major wave with a daredevil on it with a surfboard and thought, “I can do that!” Now is your chance to learn how to surf, windboard, paddleboard, and about the ocean. Surf schools mainly located in Hawaii and Australia are an excellent chance to learn surfing from the pro’s and learn about the environment and the impact humans have on it. You will be immersed in the culture of the surf and the health of the reefs, the ocean, and the shores. You may have heard of 4Ocean. A team of surfers who traveled the world and saw the risk of pollution and health of the ocean and now dedicate their time, energy, and money to taking care of it. If that isn’t eco-friendly, what is? Check out these few links to check out surfing for yourself! Sammy’s Aloha Watersports. Gold Coast Australian School of Surfing. Aloha Surf Clinics. Also, please check out and consider donating to www.4ocean.com.
4. Horseback Adventures
Go to a place where vehicles will not take you, off the grid if you will. Horseback riding through the mountains to different camps, building your own camps, and off grid living are an eco-friendly way to get closer to nature and live with minimum impact on the environment. Tours as these seek people of all ages and experience levels. Travel through the mountains by horse and live with a “Leave No Trace” mentality. You will learn about the environment, how ancestors used to live, and preserving nature and living off the land. If you love horses and getting off grid, this is the experience for you. Here are a few adventures for you: Gunson Horseback Adventures, Montana Safaris, and Action Adventure Trail Rides.
5. Cycling, Spelunking, Hiking, & Climbing
Eco-friendly adventures often consist of physical activities such as cycling, spelunking, hiking, and rock climbing. With mountain ranges across North America there are many opportunities for all these adventures, for all levels, and all ages. Biking and hiking trails span across the country and are all a great way to see nature, immerse yourself in it, and not spread the carbon footprint. Rock climbing, high ropes courses, and zip-lining are also ways to be in the wilderness, learn about conserving it, and using the natural resources around to have an adventure away from the harsh pollution of the world. Check out these adventure seekers: Wahoo Adventures, Cycle Path & Paddle, Keweenaw Adventure Company, and some Spelunkingideas.
Tips & Tricks
If you are looking for an eco-friendly adventure, it is important to do your research ahead of time. Websites like Your Epic Adventure, Tourism Trust, and just using Google are great resources to use to find those adventures. “Leave No Trace” is a term used to leave the environment as it was or better than when you arrived. So make sure to pick up after yourself, and even pick up after others to ensure a quality earth. Lastly, make sure to share your experiences with others so more people get on board with eco-friendly tourism and adventures!
Let’s Go
Your next adventure is out there. Use these tips, tricks, and resources to have fun and help the earth! As always, Let’s Go!
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