Traveling the Green Way

Green Tips From a Traveler: Harry S. Pariser.

by Liz Lewis on August 15th, 2008

Today’s green tips traveler is Harry S. Pariser, author of Explore Costa Rica and sponsor of Traveling the Green Way’s very first book giveaway.

How do you travel green?

Traveling truly “green” is impossible because we do impact the environment with exhaust fumes, whether these be from a car or a jet. However, I would recommend using local transport as much as possible, eating food grown locally, sterilizing water (if necessary) as opposed to cosuming bottled water. Also, staying in simpler hotels, one which use a minimum of imported fixtures, helps mimimize environmental impact as well.

Where are your favorite green places?

As far as the places I cover in my guidebooks, I would recommend El Yunque and Guanica National Forest in Puerto Rico. El Yunque, a tropical rainforest, serves as a great introduction to rainforests and is easily accessible from San Juan. Guaica is a tropical dry forest with splendid hiking trails which traverse both hills and coast. For the Virgin Islands, St. John’s national park has good trails and snorkeling. St. Croix has a new East End Marine Reserve which has free interpretive tours. The British Virgin Island has may small but attractive national parks: The Baths and Sage Mountain are two.

What do you recommend for travelers who want to go green?

Staying in one or two places helps minimize your environmental impact as well as allowing you to get to kow that place and its people, culture, food, and environment better. Volunteering is a great way to get to know the local people better. However, be sure to screen the proect carefullly first. Don’t pack more than you need and buy local goods. Traveling “green” does not have to be expensive.

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Enter the ‘Explore Costa Rica’ Book Giveaway for your chance to win Harry’s latest book.

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POSTED IN: Green Books, Green Tips, Green Travel