Independent travellers: the importance of research to enjoy ecotourism

Part 1: Have you done your research?

You have just booked your ticket to a new exotic destination. You have never been there before but you cannot wait to get there.

Before you cross the border, have you done your research? Are you aware of the local currency and the exchange rate? Do you know if you need to carry cash with you or if payments by credit card are possible? Do you know what the temperature is going to be like? Is public transport available? If so, how much does it cost? How do you purchase a ticket? What are the interesting sites to be explored (particularly the ones off the beaten track)? Will maps of the area be readily available? Will you have access to the internet once you get there?

If you do not want to do the research yourself, you can always speak to a travel agent. The research will be done for you but you will not have the chance to discover the country fully. My view is that to experience the life of the people living in this new country, it is best to try and use their facilities. Your journey will be so rewarding. And this is what I call ecotourism.