ecotourists
Low-impact vacationers
Ecotourists are travelers who visit natural environments with an emphasis on conservation and minimal environmental impact.
The term implies responsible tourism—observing wildlife, supporting local communities, and leaving ecosystems undisturbed: Ecotourists flocked to Costa Rica's rainforests.
The label sometimes gets applied loosely to any nature-focused travel, regardless of actual environmental benefit.
Long-distance foot travel
- safariWildlife observation journey
- hikingRecreational trail walking
- kayakingNavigating slim watercraft seated
- raftingTraveling on buoyant platform
snorkeling · diving · zip-lining · camping · birdwatching · mountaineering · cycling · paddling
Preventing waste or loss
- low-impactMinimally stressful on body
- carbon-neutralNet-zero emissions state
- greenColor of vegetation
- renewableCapable of restoration
biodegradable · ethical · community-based · eco-lodges · voluntourism · offsetting · sustainable · permaculture
Range of life forms
- faunaAnimal life collectively
- floraPlants of a region
- ecosystemsInterdependent organism-environment systems
- sanctuariesProtected places of refuge
reserves · tracking · photography · ornithology · binoculars · habitats · migration
Travelers with frame-mounted bags
- globetrottersHabitual worldwide travelers
- nature-loversAdmirers of the wild
- conservationistsAdvocates for protecting nature
- adventurersThose seeking exciting experiences
explorers · voluntourists · photographers · birdwatchers · researchers · students · activists · hikers
trekking
Long-distance foot travel
- safariWildlife observation journey
- hikingRecreational trail walking
- kayakingNavigating slim watercraft seated
rafting · snorkeling · diving · zip-lining · camping · birdwatching · mountaineering · cycling · paddling · spelunking
conservation
Preventing waste or loss
- low-impactMinimally stressful on body
- carbon-neutralNet-zero emissions state
- greenColor of vegetation
renewable · biodegradable · ethical · community-based · eco-lodges · voluntourism · offsetting · sustainable · permaculture · organic
biodiversity
Range of life forms
- faunaAnimal life collectively
- floraPlants of a region
- ecosystemsInterdependent organism-environment systems
sanctuaries · reserves · tracking · photography · ornithology · binoculars · habitats · migration
backpackers
Travelers with frame-mounted bags
- globetrottersHabitual worldwide travelers
- nature-loversAdmirers of the wild
- conservationistsAdvocates for protecting nature
adventurers · explorers · voluntourists · photographers · birdwatchers · researchers · students · activists · hikers · wanderers
ecotouristscruise passengers
Travelers on pleasure vessels
jet-setters · polluters · package tourists · frequent flyers
ecotouristscruise passengers
Travelers on pleasure vessels