Posted 28 Jan 2010

The key to ensuring your gap year abroad is not going to harm the environment and any ancient monuments it takes in along the way is to do some simple research.

This is the advice of Erika Harms, executive director of the Tourism Sustainability Council (TSC), who believes that, although there are some things that travellers can not help, such as poaching and illegal logging, they should do all they can to ensure their own trips are not detrimental to the environment.

Ms Harms recommended seeking information on what the biggest threats to your gap year destination are.

Additionally, tips on how you can behave responsibly at various sites are available from the World Heritage Alliance.

"Be mindful of the resources that you use and how that impacts the local population and do what you would do in your own home: manage your waste and the use of water and energy," she explained.

According to Wanderlust magazine, some of he most threatened wonders of the world in 2010 include Tulum in Mexico, the Bay of Fires in Tazmania, Jaisalmer in India and China’s Yangshuo.

Category: General Travel