Ethical Travel - Walkabout
They push you from A to B. They’re hard‐working and hard‐wearing. But how do you repay the favour? By stomping and tromping on them. Let’s face it ‐ your feet are easily forgotten. Pedal power on the other hand is a perfect low impact and low cost alternative, turning your feet into green machines. Forget your carbon footprint for now because your own foot power can make you a lean, mean sightseeing machine. Want to know more about the wonders of wandering? Then walk this way.
Story Highlights
- The Wonder of Wanders
- Places, Paces and Shoelaces
- Get Out, Mix In
The Wonder of Wanders
Why hoof it? Travelling is as exhausting as it is exhilarating and sometimes when you get to a place, you’re too tired to take another step. But when you’ve rested, give your feet some thought. Walking is cheap and green, and it’s also a nondescript way to get around. After all nothing shouts: ’I’m here!’ like a garish tour bus ‐ not exactly what you want when you’re trying to blend in.
But what’s that? You’ve got too much to see on foot? Well pack in the pedal power, take your time and enjoy it. Plan an itinerary according to what you like. Grab your map, pick a route and be your own tour guide. It’s easy.
Places, Paces and Shoelaces
Wherever you walk, use common sense. Prepare, pay attention to your surroundings and if you’re in a group, stay together. If you do the great outdoors, make sure you know the area or take someone with you who does. Take and know how to use a map, pack appropriate footwear, clothing, food and take your mobile. Let people know where you’re going, what route you’re taking and when you’ll be back.
Urban walkers need preparation too. Before heading out, write down your accommodation details. Take your map and make visual landmarks as you go. Yes, getting lost in a place is half the fun of travel, but there’s a difference between that and the panic of being frighteningly disorientated. If it happens, stop where you are, stay calm and ask for help. Make sure you stay in a well lit area too. If a street looks a little dark, trust your gut and stick to where the streetlamps are.
In big cities, life is fast‐paced and so are the people. Mind your step. If you’re a slower walker, keep to the sides of the pavement to allow people to pass and try not to walk two or three abreast.
As always, leave nothing but footprints. That means taking all rubbish with you and leaving all the natural features as you find them. And don’t forget to tie those shoes!
Get Out, Mix In
Not convinced? Think about this. Walking not only brings you face to face with local life, but it lets you mix in among it. In some places a good stroll is part of the culture, so don’t lose your chance to join in. I mean what would Italy be without the nightly passeggiata, an evening social event that sees young and old alike walking around a square to see and be seen? You can’t do that on a bus! What’s a trip to New York without watching joggers in Central Park? You can’t see that from a taxi window. And what’s a trip to an English seaside town without a stroll down the pier, with an ice cream in hand? See what I mean? So get up, get walking and get to know your favourite place at your own pace.
‐ Jackie Ready
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