Traveling to World Heritage sites is rewarding! It is
about exploring unique environments, engaging with cultural
splendors, experiencing a different way of life, and
building lasting memories. Follow these great travel
tips to enhance your trip AND benefit the World Heritage
sites you visit.
•
Find out as much as possible.
The more you know about a World Heritage site before
arriving, the more the site will come alive. Look into
the site’s history, culture, natural environment,
customs, legends, advisory notices and more. UNESCO’s
World Heritage Centre is a great starting point. http://whc.unesco.org
• Learn
a few words in the local language. Making an
effort to speak the local language allows you to interact
with the people who know the site best. People appreciate
your efforts and your interest in learning. Simple words
like “Hello,” “Please” and “Thank
you” can go a long way.
• Pack
light. It is tempting to pack everything you
think you might need, but remember to be smart about
your necessities. Packaging items like the paper box
to your film or the plastic wrapping of your new toothbrush
simply consume space in your bag and can create excess
trash for the World Heritage site.
• Lodging
choices. Look for hotels that have a written
policy covering their environmental impact, employment
and cultural policy. The World Heritage Alliance Principles
can serve as guideline criteria while selecting your
hotel.
• Explore
transportation options. Remember that traveling
affects the environment. Wherever possible, try to minimize
your pollution and impact on the environment by looking
to alternative transportation and off-setting your carbon
emissions.
•
Engage in local culture. The
saying, “While in Rome do as the Romans”
still applies today. Your trip provides a unique opportunity
to explore a new culture and to see the world through
a different perspective. Remember that eating local
foods, shopping in local markets, and attending local
festivals are all part of experiencing the culture.
• Buy
local products and services. Choosing to support
locally owned businesses, community tour operators,
and artisans means that you’ll have a one-of-a-kind
experience and your money will go directly to the community.
Before purchasing goods, ask about their origin. Avoid
buying products made from threatened natural resources
and report poaching and other illegal activities to
the local authorities.
• Refrain
from aggressive bargaining. It’s often
difficult to know your limits in bargaining so if you’re
not sure, ask your local hotel for tips. Remember that
the purchases you make directly affect vendors’
livelihoods, so decide if you really need to hang onto
that extra dollar or if it could impact the vendor more.
• Hire
local guides. Enrich your experience by choosing
local guides who are knowledgeable about the destination.
Ask local tour operators and hotels for good recommendations.
• Tread
lightly. These destinations are World Heritage
sites because of their exceptional natural or cultural
splendor. Do your part to keep them that way by following
designated trails, respecting caretakers, and not removing
archaeological or biological treasures from sites.
• Respect
the natural environment. Reduce, reuse, and
recycle. Even though you are just visiting and not paying
the utility bill, disposing of your garbage properly
and minimizing your consumption of water and energy
will benefit the overall destination.
• Think
of the Big Picture. While it is important to
support local economy, certain tourist activities and
souvenirs can damage a fragile World Heritage site.
Say ‘no’ to souvenirs that are a piece of
the site itself, and to tourist activities that may
be harmful to a site’s longevity.
•
Distribute
your responsible travel tips. In
addition to telling family and friends about the wonderful
memories you made, also consider sharing tips on how
they too can positively impact the World Heritage sites
while having an amazing journey.
• Share your photos.
Pictures can say a thousand words. Show us and tell
us about your experience by entering your World Heritage
photos into the Friends of World Heritage photo contest.
• Explore
more. Traveling
is just the start of learning. Once you return home
continue exploring and being involved with the issues
or region that captured your attention. Build upon your
knowledge and also learn about another World Heritage
sites. Adventure to another World Heritage site by traveling
with Expedia. www.expedia.com/worldheritage
• Give
back. Traveling often opens your eyes and heart
to something new. You can continue to preserve our inspirational
World Heritage sites for generations to come by making
a donation to the Friends of World Heritage fund. Donate
now
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