The idea that travel can be educational, fun, and positively influence a destination is the cornerstone of the socially conscious tourism trend, which encompasses many areas of focus including ecotourism, cultural tourism, and sustainable tourism. For the traveler who wants to combine adventure and altruism, Costa d’Este Beach Resort offers 3 tips for travel that transforms both the traveler and the community.

1. Learn about and embrace the culture around you; with the rise of Google, it’s not difficult to learn about your final destination. You can learn even more through the local tourism board site or even destinational blogs. (see what  “marilynsonthemove” blog says about Costa d’Este Beach Resort.) These avenues will clue you in to local haunts, festivals, and events you might not hear about otherwise. You can always get in touch with the bloggers - they are usually happy to talk to you via email about your plans in their city. 

2. Contribute to the local economy; stay at a locally owned hotel,(Gloria & Emilio do have a home in Vero Beach) eat at locally owned resteraunts, and take advatage of  excursions that are owned by locals that are passoinate about the destination and preserving the enviroment like kayaking with Kayaks Etc.

3. Leave the place in better shape than you found it ; this doesn’t mean you have to carry around a bag and an EZ Deluxe Litter Stick. Instead, be consious of your own footprint, don’t litter, walk when you can, and donate money or time to a local charity or non-porfit organization.

If you do these simple things, you’re well on your way to being a socially conscious traveler. Embrace Costa d’Este Beach Resort’s effort to assist local non-profit organizations. Hometown Hospitality embodies our mission to give back to our community. Please help us in our efforts to support the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary dedicated to the protection and conservation of Florida’s wildlife and natural resources. The sanctuary takes care of over 4000 sick, injured and orphaned animals a year, with the ultimate goal of returning them to the wild once recovered. A percentage of your room rate will be donated to support Busch Wildlife Sanctuaries efforts to protect and conserve.

photo credit: bionicteaching