Sustainable tourism involves making a positive impact on the places you visit. Whether you travel often or you only go on the occasional vacation, ensuring that your actions are eco-friendly and beneficial to the social customs of the area is still important. But why should you care about sustainable tourism?

Your Actions Across the Globe Affect Your Home

Promoting sustainability wherever you go can also help promote sustainability in your own home. Although it may not seem like a few minor unsustainable actions in a faraway place would make any difference in your own home, actions can really add up and can come back to affect you.

The fact is that the world is a closed system, which means that actions across the globe will affect you environmentally, socially, and in other ways. Some things involved in creating sustainability involve the way you interact with others, the items that you purchase, and the way you use natural resources. Learn how you can reduce your environmental footprint while traveling, and make your next trip more earth-friendly.

If you’re interested in sustainability, an MS in MIS can supply you with business management skills and knowledge about emerging technologies so that you can use your education to better the environment.

It’s Courteous to Respect Other Cultures

Image via Flickr by Moving Mountains Trust

It’s a common misconception that sustainable tourism and ecotourism are the same things. Caring for the environment in your travels is just one part of sustainable tourism. Another part is preserving cultures across the world and leaving only a positive impact on them. If you have a strong sense of honesty and courtesy, then this aspect of sustainable tourism should be important to you.

While traveling, you can help respect other cultures by learning about them and promoting tolerance between your culture and the one you’re visiting. It is not sustainable tourism to criticize other cultures or to try to force your own upon the people of that area.

It Promotes a Great Experience for Future Tourists

If you really enjoyed your trip, then why would you deny someone else the same joys down the road? Maybe you want to go back and enjoy the destination again. But without practicing sustainability, it can crush the culture’s economy and dwindle their resources so that fewer people can enjoy the wonder of the area that you had the opportunity to see.

A lot of countries around the world rely heavily on income from tourists. In fact, tourism is the largest contributor to many countries’ economies. Imagine thousands, if not millions, of tourists flocking to one location each year. If each tourist were to perform even a few unsustainable acts, it could impact the area so much that it wouldn’t be a hot tourist spot any more. Sustainable tourism matters for the people coming after you, and it will matter for the people coming after them.

The next time you travel, keep these ideas in mind. How will you promote sustainable tourism on your next big trip?

In the event of a problem either with your travel plans, or during your time away, would you know what to do? Most people wouldn’t have a clue, because they don’t really expect anything to go wrong! Well, unfortunately sometimes things do go wrong, and the best and only thing you can do in advance is to make sure you’re well informed, and of course, well insured.

I always book a multi trip travel insurance policy at the start of the year, because that way I know my insurance needs are met, I don’t have to worry about it again, and all I have to do is make sure I take the paperwork away with me. If this sounds like a good option for you then the only thing you need to take into account is that you’re travelling to places throughout the year that are covered by your policy. If you take out a USA and Worldwide policy then basically you’re going to be covered for everywhere, but do read the small print, as companies differ a little.

We mentioned about being well informed and a good way to do that is to use a flight tracker before you leave the house for your travel day. Obviously knowing about a problem isn’t going to stop it from happening, but at least if you’re aware of it you can prepare yourself accordingly.

If the problem occurs whilst you’re away in resort, the first port of call will be your rep. If you’ve booked a package holiday then all you need to do is phone the number that you will find at the hotel reception, or on the information board. Your rep is there to help you, so don’t be afraid to call! Alternatively, your hotel receptionist is the next person you can report to. Most holiday companies will also have an emergency number if you’re desperate to speak to someone independent.

If it’s a medical problem, obviously you need to be attending a doctor or hospital. Your hotel will again probably have a doctor they use regularly, however this is where your insurance will be needed in a big way! Make sure you have your insurance details, passport, and any visa information with you when you go to hospital or a surgery, as you will be billed. If you’re visiting a country that is within the EHIC programme, which is the old E1-11 certificate, then take your EHIC card with you, which you can get for free online before you go away on holiday. Remember that this doesn’t take away the need for travel insurance however!

Hopefully your holiday will be totally happy and problem free, however in the event of a hiccup or two, your insurance and the people you can ask for help can and will see you through it.

Are you planning a winter vacation? Poking around online, looking at the same old winter getaway packages? Wondering what’s the best way to have a great time with friends or loved ones, experience some excitement, and enjoy the true freedom of the great outdoors? If so, then heli skiing may be the vacation for you!

Although helicopter skiing might be considered by some to be an ‘extreme’ sport, it’s definitely safe, inexpensive, and ever more popular among vacationers. In fact, it has truly changed the way people ski. As the name suggests, helicopter skiing is somewhat self-explanatory. It’s downhill skiing made accessible by a helicopter. The chopper is used to transport you to the exclusive skiing destinations and then pick you up at the bottoms of your runs. Many resorts are located on magnificent, otherwise remote or inaccessible mountain ranges where there is a heavy amount of annual snowfall, such as beautiful Revelstoke or Golden, British Columbia—truly some of the most gorgeous locations in the world.

Exploring those natural, uncharted environments makes the heli-skiing experience all the more amazing, as you are truly free from any long line-ups, noisy crowds, or predetermined restrictions. The natural topography, trees, glistening snow, blue skies and rapid contours make the experience a stunning revelation. Because heli skiing is off-trail, you can literally carve your own path through the powder. A few feet of light snow overnight is all it takes to cover all traces of other skiers who’ve come before you, allowing you to explore and carve your own way. Snowboarding or skiing on two feet of powder will make skiing on the packed snow of traditional ‘hills’ all the more unappealing.

Powder Guides Backcountry Skiing & Heli-Skiing is not only a wild adventure, but it’s a fantastic sport that few people will ever experience, or even consider. Once the helicopter takes off, you’ll find yourself in the middle of nowhere, on a virgin peak where the snow conditions are ideal. Heli skiing allows you to be transported to the best ski conditions in the world. It’s a skier’s dream. You won’t be following in someone’s tracks, so each turn you make will be in new snow. The sport can accommodate small groups of people (perfect for friends and family), and each run will be accompanied by a trained and trusted guide. No chairlift shuttling skiers up the mountain (and no snow-plowing kids slowing you down) means it’s just you, your friends, and the mountain.

An incredible heli skiing adventure in BC will provide you with all necessary safety equipment, warm and cozy lodges for delicious meals and comforting drinks, and competitive prices. If you need any assistance with choosing the best run or the right equipment, help is always available. So this winter, instead of thumbing through the same old ads, or driving to your nearest bunny hill, consider heli skiing! It’s more than a vacation—it’s an adventure!

While in many parts of the world, train travel is simply the fastest and most efficient way to travel from point A to point B. But there are still some train journeys that exist merely because they are a pleasure in themselves, that they offer a unique insight into the landscape that the train takes you through, or because they perfectly encapsulate the old saying that the journey is more important than the destination. There is something very old-world about the pace and style of this type of train travel. In this article we take a look at three of our favourite train journeys.

Bergen Line, Norway (Creative Commons)

The Bergen Line

This train in Norway takes you from the capital city Oslo all the way to Bergen – it is considered to be one of the most beautiful, exciting and scenic train journeys in the world. One of the unique aspects of this train is that it travels across Europe’s highest mountain plateau – the Hardangervidda, travelling above the tree line through this rugged terrain. This train is surprisingly busy in winter as it is one of the main points of access for Norway’s winter sports resorts. One of the most popular places to stop en route is the small town of Finse – this was the location that George Lucas used to create the ice planet Hoth in the 1979 movie The Empire Strikes Back.

The Glacier Express

An express in name only, this unique train journey in Switzerland holds the dubious honour of being the slowest express train in the world. While it is express in the sense that you don’t have to change trains at all, it will take you nearly eight hours to travel the 291 kilometres of this journey from St Moritz to Zermatt. The reason that the journey is so slow is because the train is traversing the steep mountainsides of the Swiss Alps and the scenery is spectacular. The Glacier Express has become such a tourist attraction that the train’s first class carriages have now been fitted with panoramic windows that extend right up over the ceiling of the carriage making your journey through the stunning mountain ranges jaw-droopingly exciting.

The Orient Express

It’s impossible to think of journeys on the Orient Express without bringing to mind the famous murder/mystery novel written by Agatha Christie. Thankfully murders are quite rare on this incredibly historic train, but it is an exciting way to travel nevertheless. Dating back to 1883, the route of the Orient Express has changed many times over the years, but its name has become synonymous with luxury train travel across Europe. Today’s Orient Express travels from London to Venice, and features some of the original carriages from the historic Orient Express trains.

If you are not in a hurry, if you are more interested in immersing yourself in the world around you than dashing off to your next meeting, then you should definitely consider embracing the old world charm of some of the great train journeys in the world.

Easter Island, Chile (Creative Commons)

Among other things, people travel to unwind and to get away from the stress brought about by everyday life. With the innovations in modern technology, you can still stay in touch with the rest of the world, receive urgent messages, settle bills and other payments, and even play bingo games anywhere on your mobile or tablet. The internet combined with the current technology makes it possible to manage tasks and other paperwork from a remote site should there be a need to do something right away making it totally possible for you to go on a much needed holiday. If a trip to unwind is just the kind of getaway that you are rooting for, here are some suggestions on the best places to rest your mind and your body:

Necker Island, Caribbean. Most of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean still belong to the British Government but this particular island is privately owned. The island is owned by Richard Branson, a popular entrepreneur who is the founder of Virgin Group. Necker Island can be rented from August to October and you can own the entire island complete with the staff and the accommodations.  The rent doesn’t come cheap but it is totally worth it as there is nothing more exciting than owning the entire place even just for a while.

Chiang Mai, Thailand. If tranquility is just the thing that you are looking forward to during your holiday, then Chiang Mai happens to be one of the best destinations as you are surrounded by a rural scenery featuring Mt. Suthep and the river on the other side. There are also a lot of five star hotels in the area. North Thailand has a wealth of culture and you can have a better appreciation of this when you decide to drop by the shrines and temples that showcase fancy designs and ornate decorations. You can also grab the opportunity to explore Siam, the country’s former capital.

Chiang Mai, Thailand (Creative Commons)

Maldives. This may be but a small place but it has a bottled up beauty which makes it attractive to a lot of tourists. With over a thousand islands, Maldives is certainly one of the best getaways for those who are looking for some peace and quiet. The soothing view of the sea, in all directions, will surely direct your stressful thoughts away with its awesome marine life. Diving and Snorkeling are favorite activities in Maldives aside from bumming in the beach and swimming. Expect a Maldivian holiday to be filled by a serene charm as you enjoy your time tasting what heaven might be like while on earth.

Maldives (Creative Commons)

Patagonia, Chile and Argentina Border. If a combination of beauty and peace is what you are looking for, Patagonia is certainly a good choice. This place is not really unknown and there are also tourists who are visiting the place to relax. With its warm weather and constantly cloudless blue skies, you can feel a sense of being at peace while enjoying the view before you. The place is dotted with small resorts, so you won’t have a lot of problems should you decide to stay for a bit.

Easter Island, Chile. If you wish to be far away from other people and crowds are the last thing that you are looking forward to during this vacation, the Easter Island is definitely a good destination. The Easter Island is full of stone structures which are fashioned into huge heads and are ancient and they have been around for years. However, the mystery as to why they exist and who created them is still shrouded by doubt.

Life can be a bit demanding at times especially when you have a really stressful job but it is not an excuse to miss out on some well-deserved rest and recreation. If you are willing to pay for some peace and quiet, these destinations are definitely a must.

You may be a geography ace: studying maps, reading plenty of books and even spending your free time on a game or quiz that challenges your geography skills. But how much do you really know about Europe’s waterways?

As cruises are becoming more and more popular, brands such as Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises are now household names. However, so many little gems continue to slip under the radar. So, broaden your knowledge and discover how to travel the best European destinations in style, with these five underrated cruise lines.

Majestic Line

Scotland is home to some of the most scenic settings in the UK and what better way is there to soak them all up then on the water? Majestic Line is a family-owned business, with two different “luxury mini-cruise ships” on offer. As converted wooden fishing vessels, the Glen Massan and Glen Tarsan are only able to carry a dozen or so passengers per journey, but they are the perfect way to discover spots such as the Loch Ness in character and style.

A-Rosa River Cruises

With 11 river ships in toe, A-Rosa River Cruises is a rapidly expanding German business. To accommodate their growth, three modern vessels now boast an English speaking crew. The A-Rosa Flora, A-Rosa Stella and A-Rosa Silva welcome up to 186 passengers to chart through the waters in the Rhine, Danube and Rhone. Enjoy the all-inclusive settings before hopping on one of the on-board bikes to explore the land.

Emerald Waterways

Emerald Waterways is still in its infancy, having burst onto the scene back in spring to become Europe’s first cruise line start-up in six years. Owned by Australia’s Scenic Tours, the 182-passenger “Star Ships” Emerald Sky and Emerald Star vessels take a leaf out of the major brand’s books, delivering on-board luxuries such as movie theatres and swimming pools.

CroisiEurope

CroisiEurope is a big name on the continent, with nearly 40 ships and barges travelling across France, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Germany. As well as sailing in some of Europe’s most popular countries, on-board Michelin-starred chefs craft delectable menus to be enjoyed in the elegant settings. The company recently added another offering to their roster in the shape of the 84-passenger MS Lafayette, which was inaugurated in Strasbourg alongside two other barges.

Louis Cruises

You won’t have to break the bank to enjoy a Louis cruise. Three ships accommodate up to 1,664 passengers in accessible cruise itinerates around the beautiful settings of Turkey and the Greek Isles. Cruise lengths vary from between three to eight days, and you’re sure to be in good hands. Parent company Louis Group has been in the tourism businesses since 1935.

Having made the decision to take an extended trip, you’ve likely spent weeks if not months poring over maps and destination guides. You’ve probably also been saving like mad and have arranged a sabbatical from your job. This is the exciting part when everything is new and the world is your oyster. You can go anywhere, do anything, budget permitting of course.

Spread your wings and fly (Creative Commons)

Now you’ve made those important decisions, the nitty gritty details of what you’ll do with your home and possessions need attending too. You wouldn’t leave the trip itinerary until the last minute, and you shouldn’t leave safeguarding the home front to the last minute either.

Early Decisions

By now you probably know exactly how long you’ll be away. Certainly, if you have a job to come back to, your traveling time is less flexible than if, say, you’re self employed or freelance and can work digitally. As soon as possible, turn your thoughts to how you’ll arrange your home security, for both your possessions and the actual bricks and mortar. There are two main options:

• Lock up and batten down the hatches then get friends or family to keep an eye on things
• Rent your house out so you have some income while you’re gone.

Obviously the last option is only possible if you’re going for six months or more, unless you can arrange a private let to a friend. This is an option if you’re employing a pet or house sitter. Whichever route you take, start planning early. If you’re simply locking up, are you comfortable leaving all your possessions in situ or would you feel more secure if the most valuable items were under safer lock and key? If you’re hiring a pet or house sitter, leave plenty of time for searching and vetting your prospects so you feel at peace leaving them in your home while you’re gone. If you’re taking on a stranger, checking references takes time.

Renting Out Your Home

For longer trips, home rentals are an excellent idea. Short term lets run for six months minimum, and the easiest route is to ask a letting agent to find suitable short term tenants. They will do all the checking, deal with the finances, and keep an eye on both tenant and property through inspections and organising running repairs if necessary. Decide early on if you’ll let furnished, unfurnished or part furnished. A letting agent can advise if you’re unsure which option is best suited to your needs. Regardless of which way you go on this, there will be some items you don’t want to leave in general use. For those, whether you have just a few personal items or a more sizeable load that includes some furniture, self storage is your best bet. Local and convenient, self storage units are available in a multitude of sizes, enabling you to store everything from a few boxes to a whole household. The terms are flexible too, with no long contracts, so you can come and go more or less to suit yourself. Most will only ask for a week’s notice when it comes time to reclaim your possessions.

Packing

Packing can be fun (Creative Commons)

Start early. The more stuff you’re putting into storage the longer you’ll need so plan accordingly. Use sturdy boxes, and fill them as full as possible without making them too heavy (a tip here is to use more smaller boxes than fewer large ones). If you’re using a removal company to help you move bulky items into storage, keep in touch with them so they know well in advance if there are likely to be any changes to your plans. Also, ask them how they want to load your items so you can arrange to have them carried out of the house in the right order without having to climb over other things. If you’re getting friends to help, give them plenty of warning, arranging dates and times well in advance. It’s a lot of work and preparation, but by starting early and making checklists for decisions, packing, removals and storage you can avoid unnecessary stress. At the end of it all, you’ll set off with a clear head and no nagging worries. Bon Voyage!

Drew writes for Big Yellow Self Storage. See their website for more about storage and removals.   

Traveling is not just for the college kids who want to see the world and maybe study abroad; it’s for everyone with a thirst for adventure and a desire to see new cities and sights. Sometimes your adventure will take you just down the road, and other times it will require flights and bus rides and walking. In fact, no matter how young or old you are, or where you go on vacation, most of your time will be spent walking from place to place.

What many people don’t realize is that it is fairly common for travelers who spend a lot of time sitting or walking to develop a condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis). DVT is caused by blood clots in deep veins. Typically the symptoms of DVT do not show up until anywhere from one week to one month after travel, so you will enjoy the vacation without suffering the side effects until you return home. This is what makes DVT dangerous.

Thankfully, DVT can be prevented.

How to Avoid DVT

Credit Sally Jean (Creative Commons)

Being prepared for your travels can help you prevent the onset of DVT. There are a few different ways to do this, including:

• wearing loose-fitting clothing. The less constricting the clothing the less likely you are to induce the blood clots.
• drinking a lot of water. Proper hydration can reduce the risk of blood clots.
• avoiding foods and drinks that are diuretics, such as coffee, chocolate, and soft drinks.
• avoiding alcohol before taking a flight of more than four hours. While alcohol can thin your blood, it is dehydrates your body.
• wearing compression socks. These are designed to help the blood circulate properly through your legs, thus reducing the risk of blood clots. The best compression socks for your needs will be sized to fit your legs properly.

Keep in mind that there is no guarantee that these will eliminate risk of DVT completely, but they have been proven to greatly reduce the risk of contracting the condition.

Swollen Ankles and Calves

For those who suffer from swollen ankles or calves after long walks, use of compression socks can reduce the risk of long-term damage to legs and relieve some of the swelling and discomfort. Anyone who is interested in hiking or site-seeing would benefit from packing a couple pairs of compression socks for those days spent mostly on foot.

Why compression socks? They are designed to increase proper blood flow to the lower leg both when active and inactive. That means the risk of swelling from being on your feet for too long, and the risk of blood clots when sitting for too long, is greatly reduced.

The key is to get the right fit. Finding the right size for your feet is critical to the success of the sock. Socks that are too big will not restrict unneeded blood flow; socks that are too small will restrict the blood flow too much and increase the risk of clotting. It’s important to find a professional who can get you properly sized.

So before you travel, consider the benefits of wearing the appropriate socks for your needs. It seems like such a small detail, but it is more important to your health than you realize.

Travelling is an amazing experience regardless of whether you are 3 or 99 years old. Travelling can mean both the fact that you discover amazing places and the fact that you discover (and re-discover) things within you. If you ever thought that your age should stop you from seeing the world and if you ever thought that there is no place for seniors in the travelling world out there, then you should know that you were completely wrong. There is no reason to give up on your life-long dream of travelling the world now that you are a senior and if you are determined to make this happen for yourself, then you should definitely keep in mind the following tips.

Make Your Dreams Come True (Creative Commons)

Choose the Senior Options

Many of the travelling agencies out there actually offer travel packages that are specifically aimed at those who are over 65. This means that in most of the cases, these packages will come as an all-inclusive offer and that they will contain everything you will need during your travels (from transportation to accommodation and so on). If you do go for one such package, remember to see exactly what is covered and what is not covered.

Even more, these special packages are created especially for senior citizens from other points of view as well. Usually, they will include destinations you will find attractive and they will also include facilities that make your life easier during the trip. All in all, such packages can make for a wonderful, safe and hassle-free option when it comes to senior travelling.

In Full Shape (Creative Commons)

Plan Ahead

If you want to save money and to make sure that you don’t forget about anything, plan everything well ahead. This will enable you to think through the options thoroughly, to analyse all the offers, to make lists of things you should not forget and to get ready to see your dream come true. Even more, you can save important sums of money if you book well in advance, which is definitely a plus for everyone out there.

Don’t Forget about Travel Insurance

It is important that you purchase a travel insurance policy as well, because this means that accidents such as losing your luggage at the airport, cancellations you have to make due to bad weather or special situations, having luggage with medication in it lost and many other unfortunate situations will be covered in case they arise. This can actually save you money and the trouble of running around when all you should have to do is relax and enjoy your trip. When you purchase insurance do keep in mind the fact that there are special types of travel insurance for the over 65s that will definitely work to your advantage.

The first business trip away can be a source of excitement, the change from the norm and the chance to experience the cultural significance of the inside of the identikit hotel that you have been put up in. However, this excitement is often diluted every time your boss calls you into his office and tells you that you are to jet off. Eight hours of meetings and polite small-talk can be somewhat draining after a long flight and before the prospect of an uncomfortable night’s sleep.

But, even if the business trip isn’t exactly getting you up off your seat in excitement, there are a number of ways to make the journey more exciting and get the most out of the experience.

Voice Recognition for Word Processor

If you are required to attend lectures, seminars and classes as a part of your business trip, then you may be expected to come back with substantial notes for the rest of the team. A couple of hours’ of note taking can be incredibly strenuous and cause a huge strain on your hands. Alternatively, take a tablet with a word processing program and voice recognition software. Turn this on and sit near to a speaker or the speaker and let your word processor do the hard work.

You can always ask for the notes from the speaker, but there is a chance that it will just be the bare-bone slides of the talk and not contain any useful exploration of the slides. Furthermore, points made by other parties may not be present.

Loyalty Cards

If you are visiting different locations on a regular basis, then it may be preferable to get loyalty cards for popular franchises. Franchises such as Starbucks are found in locations all around the World and their Starbucks Card can be used in most outlets giving you a caffeine boost when you may need it most. These loyalty cards bring with them a number of benefits including free drinks and discounted prices, saving you money and giving you a small sense of achievement.

The StoCard app on iOS and Android helps store all of these electronic loyalty cards in one efficient and simple-to-find place so you won’t be frantically packing them into your wallet on the day of departure.

Air Travel Benefits

If you are travelling overseas then it is likely that you will be spending a lot of time in airports and the air. Remove the headache from this sometimes laborious task by encouraging your management to invest in a flight benefits scheme. PartnerPlusBenefit from Lufthansa offers frequent flyers numerous incentives and benefits – making regular travel more affordable and more comfortable.

PartnerPlusBenefit members can make money for their business whilst enjoying a selection of benefits including free upgrades, limousine transfers, airport parking, gift cards and more.

Luxury Hotel Stays

Ensure that you have a little bit of control over where you’ll be resting your head by encouraging your company to invest in a reputable hotel scheme. Rather than risking being stuck out in a bedraggled hostel with questionable running water and an unnerving atmosphere, help guarantee a stay in a quality hotel.

Hilton HHonors offers members a significant number of benefits for both the guest and the company putting up the guest, encouraging a stay in a finer hotel. The scheme includes a fantastic range of benefits including free stays for spouses, bonus points, free nights and upgrades.

Whilst these schemes and initiatives may not make it any easier for you to be away from your loved ones, they can certainly help make it more comfortable.