LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS WHEN YOU TRAVEL With the Easter holidays soon approaching, most South

Africans have their sights firmly set on a well deserved break. If you are planning a holiday in April consider making it a green one. Travelling in a more environmentally friendly fashion no longer means having to sleep in a tree house in a remote part of India, nor having to rough it in the jungle in South America. Nearly one billion tourists visit every corner of the world each year, and it has therefore become extremely important for travellers to impact the earth's natural and cultural treasures as little as possible, says Telesure MD, Thomas Creamer. Green travel, so named because the term promotes the conservation of plants and wildlife, respecting local cultures and ways of life, and contributing positively to local communities, offers all the creature comforts travellers have come to expect when traversing the world. According to Thomas Creamer, you can visit big cities or small villages, and stay in small eco-lodges or luxury hotels. The common denominator is that you, as a green traveller, must make an effort to preserve and protect the environment of the place you visit. The good news is that this is simpler and easier than you might think. Creamer points out a number of ways to ensure that your travel plans are as good for the environment as possible: Opt for a green hotel: A little bit of internet investigation will lead you to environmentally friendly hotels, B&Bs and lodges around the world, which are locally owned and operated, or at least staffed by local people. Find out if the hotel offers energy-efficient lighting, low-flow toilets and showers, and alternative energy sources such as solar or wind power. Getting around: Whenever possible, walk, cycle or use public transportation instead of a taxis and or rental cars. Take a train instead of flying - this is easy in certain countries where the trains are frequent and fast. If you have to rent a vehicle, choose the smallest car available or, if possible, rent a hybrid one. During your stay: Ensure that showers are short, and switch off the air conditioning, lights and electric gadgets when you leave the room. Reuse sheets and towels - leave a note for the housekeeping staff not to change these. Use your own toiletries rather than those provided. Remember that while you are away, its a good idea to switch off your geyser and appliances at home to save electricity. Sightseeing: Travel with a tour operator that's environmentally responsible. And ensure that tours are led by locals. When hiking, always stay on marked trails and maintain a safe distance from any animals you encounter. When snorkelling, do not touch the coral as this can damage the reef. Buy local products whenever possible as this supports the local economy. Finally, remember the mantra: take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints. The options for environmentally friendly tourism have increased exponentially over the past few years, and there has never been a better time to see the world while negatively impacting it as little as possible, concludes Creamer.