Perhaps you’ve heard about ecotourism and wondered what it’s all about. The growing tourism industry is a challenge for the environment, local populations, and their resources. Protecting precious ecosystems, boosting local economies, and enriching cultural awareness are just the beginning of how ecotourism makes a difference in where (and how) we travel. From enjoying a “green” hotel to exploring eco-friendly tourist attractions, you can have the time of your life while still making a positive impact in the world.

What is ecotourism?

According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education."

With the goal of supporting sustainable travel and long-term conservation solutions, basic ecotourism principles include:

• Provide memorable experiences to visitors by raising sensitivity to political, environmental, and social climates
• Respect Indigenous People's rights and beliefs
• Minimize physical, behavioral, social, and psychological impacts
• Create low-impact facilities in design, construction, and operation
• Generate financial benefits for local people and conservation efforts
• Support environmental and cultural awareness
• Provide positive experiences for visitors and hosts

Ecotourism benefits

Ecotourism is an ethical way of traveling and has numerous benefits. By pursuing eco-friendly travel, you help to:

Support conservation

Ecotourism focuses on experiences that have a low impact on the natural resources around them. Revenue generated by legitimate operators will go towards preserving resources and protecting the environment.

Build cultural awareness

Ecotourism should foster respect for the communities and people you visit. As you become more immersed in local culture, you’ll come away with an authentic appreciation to share with others.

Provide educational experiences

Ecotours provide educational experiences that are hands-on, giving tourists opportunities to witness different perspectives, learn new skills, and embrace a newfound appreciation for the culture.

Contribute to local economies

Truly eco-friendly locations and tours are locally managed, infusing funds and jobs back into the community.

Ecotourism jobs and volunteerism

Interested in giving back directly to a certain destination? Consider volunteering with some of your time off. VolunteerInternational.org is a good place to start. They list only member organizations that meet strict criteria and adhere to the highest standards. These must include a clear breakdown of fees and expenses, safe and clean volunteer housing, and local field trips beyond the volunteer’s main work responsibilities.

Jobs in the ecotourism field are growing, and incorporate many different areas of work in a broad range of roles. From architects and environmental engineers to wildlife managers and eco-tour guides, green careers are raising awareness around the world.

Volunteering, attending ecotourism conferences, and connecting with others in the field are good first steps to finding out if you are a good fit to jumpstart an ecotourism career. Do your research. Find out the academic requirements and links to organizations offering experience and internships. EcoClub.com offers ecotourism and green jobs around the world, along with a huge amount of information about the field.

Ecotourism destinations

Eco-friendly travel experiences can be found all over the world. Some of the top ecotourism destinations include:

Costa Rica

Travelers associate Costa Rica with ecotourism because the country has taken intentional steps to preserve its natural beauty. Their popular sea turtle conservation programs draw volunteers from around the world. Almost a quarter rainforest, breathtaking volcanoes and stunning coastlines alive with biodiversity make Costa Rica a popular eco-destination.

Finland and Norway

In Finland and Norway (especially the Norwegian Fjords), tourism is eco-friendly by design. The culture itself lends to living sustainably and in harmony with nature. Their philosophy is that conservation is everyone’s responsibility. With waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and a deeply rich culture to experience, it’s no wonder they're a pilot destination of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Thailand’s Elephant Nature Park

The majestic elephant is Thailand’s national animal. In the spirit of rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting them, this park offers interactive programs where you can help feed and bathe them. With lots of learning opportunities, you can choose to visit for the day or volunteer for several.

Abel Tasman National Park

New Zealand’s smallest national park is a coastal paradise. Filled with native wildlife, sandy ocean beaches and lush forest, it’s an adventurer’s dream. 

Galapagos Islands

As one of the most famous ecotourism destinations in the world, the Galapagos Islands showcase the world’s most unusual wildlife. Nearly 97% of the island landscape is protected national park, and all tourism providers are required to follow sustainable practices. For some of the best things to do and see, check out U.S. News & World Report’s Galapagos Islands travel guide.

These are just a drop in the ecotourism bucket — and don’t forget that the United States is one of the top ecotourism destinations in the world. From environmentally focused trips and sustainable farming experiences to educational tours and cultural preservation, check out Visit.org. Companies like Greenglobaltravel.com, Responsibletravel.com, and Greenloons.com all specialize in offering sustainable travel adventures.

It doesn’t matter if you’re taking off for an afternoon or vacationing for two glorious weeks; you can make a difference through eco-friendly travel. So jump in, explore all your sustainable options and go green for your next vacation — you’ll be glad you did.

​​​Want to protect your upcoming trip? Get a travel insurance quote now.​​ ​​

With today’s headlines, it’s understandable to wonder if travel insurance covers a terrorist incident. Travel insurance companies vary in the way they define terrorism, and there can be major differences from policy to policy. There are two important elements in the insurance policy’s fine print — definition and coverage.

Keep reading to discover how at Travelex, we can clarify and assist with this issue.

What coverage does travel insurance provide for terrorism?

Travel insurance can provide coverage such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay in the event of a terrorist incident.

At Travelex, our Travel Select plan provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption if a terrorist incident occurs in a city on your itinerary within 30 days of your scheduled arrival or while traveling. For a covered terrorist incident, the insured will receive up to 100% of insured trip cost for trip cancellation or up to 150% of insured trip cost for trip interruption.

Our Travel Select plan can also provide coverage for trip delay if a covered terrorist incident causes you to be delayed for five-consecutive hours and prevents you from reaching your intended destination. If you become delayed, you will receive up to $2,000 ($250/day) to cover additional expenses until travel to your original destination becomes possible.

What is the definition of a terrorist incident?

At Travelex, we define a “terrorist incident” as an act of violence by any person acting on behalf of or in connection with any organization, which is generally recognized as having the intent to overthrow or influence the control of any government. The terrorist incident must be deemed terrorism by the United States government, other than civil disorder or riot, that is not an act of war, declared or undeclared, that results in loss of life or major damage to property.

What doesn’t travel insurance cover for terrorism?

At Travelex, our travel insurance will not provide coverage for civil disorder or riots, acts of war, or any event that isn’t deemed terrorism by the United States government. However, if a civil disorder or riot causes a carrier delay of at least five-consecutive hours, you can be eligible for trip delay coverage with our Travel Select plan.

Headlines can be unpredictable, but your travel insurance doesn’t have to be. Travel protection can help you feel safe and supported on your travels. Protect your travel dreams and your investment from the unexpected. Get a quote today.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC #22276

You know that feeling when you're starting to get ill?

That twinge of stomach uneasiness prompting you to slide your plate away or avoid eating altogether. That realization that you better go to your hotel room before you board the long tour group bus ride.

We’ve all been there. In fact, one in six Americans will suffer from food poisoning each year.

Normally your body will recover within a couple of days if it’s from food poisoning, but there are a few things you can do to minimize recovery time if you get sick. Dr. Douglas Massop of West Des Moines, Iowa, offers the following advice:

What to do when you feel sick abroad

1. Stop eating solid foods as soon as the symptoms start to occur.
2. Drink bottled water. In many parts of the world, the tap water might make you sick. If you aren't a local who's accustomed to the native bacteria, consider drinking bottled water.
3. Avoid any anti-diarrhea medication. This can be a viable option, but it should only be taken under the guidance of a physician. Once you've successfully eaten and held down food and water, you can take a fever reducer such as Ibuprofen to relieve any discomfort.
4. Go to a medical facility if symptoms don't subside within 48 hours, become too severe, or you experience severe dehydration. Food poisoning usually runs its course after about 2-3 days. If vomiting, diarrhea, or more severe symptoms such as a fever over 101 degrees don't subside, seek medical attention.
5. If you need a doctor and have travel protection such as the our Travel Select and Travel Basic plans, you can call the 24/7 travel assistance team to track down the nearest hospital that meets Western medicine standards of care. If you don't have travel protection, find the contact information for the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country you're visiting. They may have a list of local physicians.
6. Stay hydrated. After the initial wave of sickness, it's common to become dehydrated. It's important to stay hydrated and replenish any mineral losses by taking small sips of water or Gatorade.

 

If you purchase travel protection from us, our travel assistance and concierge service, provided by World Travel Protection, will reach out to you and your physician to monitor your condition and make sure you receive appropriate care. We'll also contact your personal physician and family at home if necessary or requested, to keep them up to date.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC #22276

Christmas holiday celebrations are a big deal in many European countries, and often not reserved for only Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In certain countries, celebrations begin four Sundays prior ,starting with the beginning of the Advent to the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6^th, and continuing right up until Epiphany on January 6^th. Whether you want to explore your roots or discover something new, certain cities in Europe can provide a fairytale, family atmosphere you’ll never forget.

If you’re dreaming of spending your Christmas in Europe, here are 8 cities to consider visiting.

Prague, Czech Republic

A winter wonderland awaits you in Prague, where the glorious architecture becomes a scene right out of a storybook. The city’s famous Christmas markets run for a full month, including Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, offering spectacular holiday lights, music, live animals, and delicious food. The Gothic buildings dusted in snow, the scent of traditional Czech delicacies, and glistening decorations makes Prague feel like you’re stepping right into a Christmas card. Don’t forget to take in the annual performance of a Christmas tradition — The Nutcracker Ballet at the National Theater.

Grindelwald or Bern, Switzerland

With the beauty of the Swiss Alps as a backdrop to the quaint village of Grindelwald, you can’t help but get in the Christmas spirit. The town is adorned with towering Christmas trees and twinkling lights, and you can explore holiday markets with a mulled wine in your hand and holiday music in your heart.

The 800-year-old city of Bern is a wonderland of golden lights with fantastic Christmas markets to explore. Warm up in one of their cozy cafes after taking in a guided walk through the city. Discover the beauty of the Gothic Cathedral and Zytglogge (Clock Tower), or head to the slopes for some tobogganing fun.  

Colmar, France

Often referred to as “Little Venice,” the magic of Christmas is experienced by wandering narrow 13^th-century, illuminated streets through town square markets. Each little village has its own quaint feel and architecture. You’ll find master craftsmen offering unique products, guided tours, wine tastings, and special performances. After exploring the town, savor the tastes of French delicacies and fine wine to end your day.

Tallinn, Estonia

No list is complete without mentioning the unique enchantment of Tallinn, Estonia. Considered the first city to erect a public Christmas tree (in 1441), the Town Hall Square still beckons with nostalgic wooden huts filled with artisanal goodies and of course, a glorious Christmas tree glimmering over it all. Enjoy the outdoor ice rink, traditional cuisine, and holiday events — but don’t miss the Kalev Marzipan Museum Room, where you can assemble your own marzipan figurines. Tallinn is, after all, the homeland of marzipan!

Bruges, Belgium

From gingerbread-looking architecture to horse-drawn carriages on cobblestone streets, Christmas in the Grote Markt main square is akin to a magical fairytale every year. Festive lights, melt-in-your-mouth Belgian chocolate, and festive shopping are only a few things this adorable town has to offer. The famous Bruges Ice Sculpture Festival is one of the top European winter events tourists and locals alike enjoy, as well as the excellent ice rink and many other annual Christmas traditions.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Christmas spirit is celebrated on every canal, street, and square in Amsterdam. Carol singers, street musicians, Dutch holiday treats, and Christmas markets await to delight all your holiday cravings. The famous Amsterdam light festival is a must-see event, where sculptures designed by artists from around the world light up the canals. Enjoy the best views of the art sculptures on a canal cruise, followed by a nice warm holiday drink.

Vienna, Austria

Get in the holiday spirit in a city known for its holiday markets, including the famous Viennese Christmas Market at City Hall. The plaza will be abuzz with over 150 vendors selling everything from toys and Austrian delicacies to candles and hand-crafted holiday trinkets. Thousands of sparkling lights and the city’s beautiful architecture will inspire you, as will Christmas Mass at the Hofburg Chapel featuring the crystal-clear voices of the Vienna Boys Choir.  

Cologne, Germany

If you consider yourself a foodie, look no further than a holiday trip to Cologne. Offering everything from traditional sweets to the best in savory creations, the streets are filled with the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon apples and biscuits, mulled wine, and other German delicacies. Enjoy some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, take in a concert at the cologne Philharmonic, and enjoy a drink in one of Cologne’s festive pubs featuring local musicians.

No matter which location you choose, you are sure to come home with fantastic holiday memories. After all, it’s really about the love and joy you and your loved ones share just by being together.

Seasickness is a problem affecting many people, with some having a higher threshold than others. Some people find their “sea legs” in a day or two, while others may never feel a thing.

Seasickness (otherwise known as motion sickness or vertigo) disrupts your sense of balance and equilibrium. Your brain receives conflicting messages about the unfamiliar motion of the ship from your inner ear, eyes, skin, and muscles. More than just nausea, seasickness can also manifest as a headache, fatigue, sweating, and dizziness (with or without a queasy feeling). If you’ve experienced this condition, you know how miserable it can be.

Motion can also vary from ship-to-ship, meaning the feeling of seasickness you may have in a small or medium-sized boat doesn’t necessarily mean you will have problems on a large cruise ship. In fact, the larger the ship, the less it will rock. The good news is newer, modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers that reduce much of the motion that causes seasickness.

Let’s review some quick tips that can help prevent — or at least minimize — seasickness on your next cruise.

How to help prevent seasickness

What you do — from advance planning to the first day on the ship — is crucial to help your body get acclimated.

• If it’s your first cruise and you’re worried about seasickness, look for newer and larger cruise ships that may travel calmer seas. Alaskan and Caribbean cruises (outside of hurricane season) typically have calmer waters. You may want to choose an itinerary that has you docked on land more than out cruising on the water.
• Make reservations for a cabin in the middle of the ship near the waterline or a cabin on the outside with a window.
• When on board, go up on deck as often as possible to get some fresh air. Look out on the horizon, allowing it to act as a true point of reference and stability.
• Get plenty of rest, as being overtired can make you more prone to seasickness.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Remember to keep something in your stomach even if you don’t feel like eating.
• Look out over the forward part of the ship, as it may help you to get acclimated to the motion and train your brain to stop the symptoms.

What to avoid during the cruise

• Don’t drink a lot of alcohol. Before travel, avoid it altogether. It speeds up dehydration and lowers your resistance to seasickness.
• Don’t eat spicy, acidic, and fatty foods, especially a few days before you embark. If you struggle while on board, avoid these foods during your cruise.
• Don’t look through binoculars for a long time.
• Don’t stare at objects for an extended time, such as books, magazines, and digital screens.
• Don’t stay below deck for long periods.
• Don’t hang out with others who have motion sickness symptoms. Believe it or not, the power of suggestion can take its toll on you. Try to focus on staying active with fun activities and put the stress of past experiences out of your mind.

Seasickness remedies

There are a variety of options to help prevent or alleviate seasickness symptoms. The key to prevention is planning ahead. Remember to pack whatever seasickness prevention remedies may work for you.

Seasickness remedies will differ from person-to-person. If you know for a fact you are prone to motion sickness, make talking to your doctor a priority.

Medical remedies

Always check with your doctor to be sure any over the counter and prescription drug products will not conflict with any current medication you may be taking. Certain medications, medical conditions, and even hormones can trigger seasickness, so talk with your doctor about these as well.

• Antihistamines are commonly used to prevent and treat motion sickness, and work better if you start taking them the day before you embark to allow your body to get used to it. This would include meclizine (Antivert®, Bonine®), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine®) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl®).
• A prescription option may include Scopolamine oral pills or the ever-popular skin patch (Transderm Scop®). The patch, applied at least eight hours before exposure, can help prevent motion sickness for up to three days per patch.

Remember, these remedies are just a suggestion. All medicines can cause side effects, including prescription, over the counter, and complementary medicines. Check with your doctor before taking medication and seek medical attention immediately if you start having an adverse reaction.

Natural remedies

• Aromatherapy with ginger, peppermint, or lavender.
• Real ginger and/or peppermint capsules, powder, candy, gum, or tea. Some suggest taking it within a half hour of embarking and each morning of the cruise, along with plenty of water.
• Acupressure wristbands, such as the Sea-Band. These work best if placed on both wrists before getting on the cruise ship.
• Some claim eating green apples, sipping on ginger ale, chewing fresh ginger, and nibbling on crackers can help alleviate nausea.

The motion of the ocean doesn’t have to mean seasickness on your cruise vacation. With our tips, you can hopefully help prevent seasickness on a cruise. If you do get sick however, there is always a nurse and medical staff on board to assist you.

Having cruise coverage in your travel insurance policy can also help — you can learn more about our cruise coverage here.

Now go, explore the world one port at a time. We hope you enjoy every minute of it.

You’ve just set your suitcase down at your room on your long-awaited trip to Mexico, then realized you left your medication at home. Or perhaps you’re in the middle of a road trip through the American Southwest when your daily medication runs out – but you didn’t pack a refill. 

If this sort of thing has happened to you, you’re not alone, and you know that it certainly can dampen the excitement of your travel adventure.  

Around 48% of American adults take at least one prescription medication regularly, according to the CDC. Yet getting access to prescription medication while on vacation can be tricky.  

It's important to do your due diligence beforehand. Talk to your doctor before you leave. Stop by your pharmacy to make sure you are stocked up. Do some basic research on what options you have in the place you're traveling to.

Whether you’re on vacation in the US or on a dream trip abroad, getting prescriptions while traveling can be a complicated and frustrating process.  

Follow our advice to help get the medication you need while on the road.  

How to get prescriptions while traveling in the US  

For American travelers, accessing medication while in the US is a lot easier than getting prescription medication abroad.  

The best way to fill prescriptions while traveling is to contact your regular doctor or pharmacist and ask them to provide a new prescription to a local pharmacy close to you. This can be easier if you already use a larger chain pharmacy, as they should be able to redirect your prescription pickup to an alternate store location.  

A good travel tip is to make sure to bring copies of your prescriptions and doctor’s contact information in case your prescription is lost or stolen. 

This won’t work for every prescription, however. 

“For controlled substances, those medications which have an addictive quality to them, the situation is more complex,” says Dr. West Conner, a pharmacist in Nashville, Tenn.  

“The rules change depending on the individual state, medication, and comfort level of the pharmacist. Some states do not allow controlled substances to be transferred in from another state. If the pharmacist cannot transfer your prescription for any reason, you will have to visit a local clinic or see a local doctor to get your medication,” West says. 

How to get prescriptions abroad  

Getting prescription medication abroad can be a lot more complicated than while traveling in the US. Depending on your destination, access to medical services may be limited, there may be language barriers, and medications can vary from country to country – what you take usually may not be available, and alternative brands may have different ingredients or dosages than you’re used to.  

It can also be very expensive to visit a doctor while traveling, and getting prescription medication abroad may cost a lot more than you’re used to – which is why it’s important to get travel insurance before departing.   

How to get prescriptions abroad if you have travel insurance:  

• Contact your travel insurance company, who will direct you to a recommended doctor in your current or nearby area 

• Visit the local doctor and explain your situation. Ideally, you’ll have your important medical information with you to communicate your condition and the prescription required 

• The doctor will be able to prescribe your medication, or a similar medication, in most cases 

• Obtain receipts for any costs or payments made, as you may be able to claim this with your travel insurance  

If you purchase travel protection from Travelex Insurance Services (TIS), our travel assistance and concierge services provided by On Call International will assist you with replacing medications that are lost, stolen or spoiled during your covered trip. This includes getting them from a local pharmacy, or if necessary, sending them to you via courier. If you run out however, this is not something TIS policies would cover. 

If you don’t have travel insurance:  

• Visit www.usembassy.gov to contact your local embassy or consulate 

• Ask for list of local doctors so you can make an appointment 

• Keep in mind you will have to pay out-of-pocket for expenses 

More tips for prescriptions while traveling   

It’s wise to be prepared ahead of your trip if you take medication regularly.  

• Make an appointment with your doctor 6-8 weeks ahead of your trip to ensure you’re fit to travel and all your prescriptions are up to date 

• Talk to a pharmacist before leaving to discuss possible alternatives to prescriptions abroad, such as over-the-counter medicines or herbal remedies 

• Ensure your prescription medications are legal in the country you’re visiting, as laws differ around the world 

• Fill your prescriptions so you have enough medication to last throughout your trip, particularly if you will be traveling for a long period of time 

• Carry a letter from your doctor or pharmacist outlining the prescription and your medical condition. This is especially important if you’ll be travelling with a larger quantity of prescription medication.  

• If your travels require time-zone changes, it can be helpful to set alarms or reminders to take medication so that you don’t accidentally forget 

• Compile your health information ahead of time into a medical portfolio, so that you have what you need in case you need to see a doctor or pharmacist while overseas. Here’s how to create one.  

By taking the time to plan ahead and be prepared for prescriptions while traveling, you can make sure that you are able to get the medications you need when you need them. If you have any questions about prescriptions abroad, contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.  

By following these tips, you can ensure that your prescriptions are taken care of while traveling! 

Travel safer and smarter with Travelex  

Travel with the peace of mind knowing you’re covered if something goes wrong. Travelex offers a range of travel insurance plans – find a plan to suit your trip today.