GirlGI | Girl Gone International Issue 8 | Page 32

ETHICAL TRAVEL & ECOTOURISM
By Katie Lutz
Ethical travel & ecotourism are hot topics right now
and for a good reason: the way you decide to travel has
a massive downstream effect on the local community,
economy and environment.

Balinese food

By simply spending your money at locally owned
establishments, bringing a reusable water bottle and doing
a little extra research on animal related tourism, you can
actually do a lot of good for that area. And here’s the
absolute best part: you can have even more fun because of
it! YOU are making a difference, and your experience will be
that much richer for it.

Spending your money locally can make a big difference
in the economy. Try staying at small, family run bed and
breakfasts or homestays. The rate is typically lower and
often includes a fabulous home cooked breakfast. Eat at
local restaurants, which again are typically less
expensive and have authentic, delicious food.