The next time you are in public, take a second to look around you and notice how many people are staring at screens instead of actively participating in their surroundings. While technology is extremely beneficial in many aspects of life, it is making it way easier to check out of the present moment and lose yourself in a virtual world.
One way to break your technology routine is to go on a vacation. The problem is that when you go on vacation, you may simply continue using your phone and tablet the same way you use it now, just in different surroundings.
This is where wildlife holidays come in. Wildlife holidays provide a way to get back in touch with nature and to get back in touch with your animal roots. It’s true that travel can be stressful, but there are measures you can take to avoid anxiety and get the most out of your holiday. In this article, you will learn how to plan a wildlife holiday, and you will also learn why it’s extremely important that you do so soon.
Why is it important to plan a wildlife holiday?
Wildlife tourism helps you live in the moment
You know the importance of getting outside every day and the benefits of taking even a 10-minute walk. But how many times have you strolled around the block, in the woods or along the river in your city or town and have been plugged in to your headphones or smartphone? This is where wildlife tourism can help. When you step into an unknown landscape, your body’s natural response is to become more sensually aware of your surroundings. This is extremely good for your mental health, and when you see other species of animals in their natural habitats, your brain forgets to think about the modern construct of time. Instead you automatically focus on connecting with the animal, whether it’s with fear, awe, sadness or happiness.
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A wildlife holiday can help you keep fit
When you are experiencing a natural environment, you are less likely to be sitting, (especially in a hunched position staring at a computer screen). By now you are well aware of the health hazards of sitting for too long. Instead, on a wildlife vacation, you might be kayaking, hiking, or crouching in order to not be seen by a wild animal. Wildlife holidays can include whale watching, bird watching, African safaris and even wildlife cruises, all of which will have you up and out of your seat as you reconnect with the natural world.
Reawaken your sense of wonder
When you find yourself standing in line at the grocery store, or sitting in traffic on the freeway, do you notice yourself feeling bored and uninterested? Like your life only consists of continuous days of desultory routines separated by nights of too little sleep? Complacency is the worst enemy of an extraordinary life. But since human lives have become so comfortable and convenient, all of the wonder, curiosity and excitement that you could be feeling is gone. That’s why, in western culture it is common to seek out amusement parks with wild rides, or your movie streaming service has a huge offering of serial killer documentaries and horror flicks. Your subconscious self is telling you to reconnect with your surroundings in a visceral way.
The natural world, on the other hand, is full of sacrifice, tragedy, and the race for survival. When you reintegrate yourself into the natural world, you become totally absorbed in what’s happening and this in turn leads to a sense of well-being.
Wildlife tourism can help aid conservation
Sustainable and responsible wildlife tourism means that in areas that tend towards poverty, tourists come to see the natural environment, and when they do so, they also infuse money into the local economy. A better economy means more jobs for local residents, and more jobs for local residents means that they will be more passionate about supporting conservation efforts. Africa is a great place to go if you want to contribute to conservation efforts.
Best places for wildlife holidays
Wildlife holidays are not “one fits all”. Which holiday is right for you will depend on what interests you and whether you prefer dry, cold or tropical climates. Have a look at some of the most highly recommended places for wildlife holidays:
Borneo:Borneo is the world’s third largest island with land divided between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. On your wildlife tour you will see Asian elephants and endangered species like the Sumatran rhinoceros, the clouded leopard and if you’re lucky, orangutans. Bird lovers will be in for a special treat, as there are over 400 species to watch for.
Galapagos Islands: The Galapagos are a great place to see amazing and unique species without fancy equipment. Since there are no natural predators, the animals aren’t afraid of humans and you’ll likely see sea lions, giant tortoises, albatrosses, iguanas and tropical penguins.
Serengeti, Tanzania: Head to the Serengeti for the ultimate safari. Its endless plains are home to millions of wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra, along with elephants and giraffes. Plenty of predators abound as well, such as lions, cheetahs, leopards and crocodiles.
Amazon Basin: Take a trip to Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia or Venezuela to immerse yourself in a tropical paradise. Stay in a jungle lodge and canoe down the Amazon river. Let yourself be in awe among the stunning diversity of flora and fauna.
Antarctica: If you don’t mind being a bit cold and you have an adventurous spirit, Antarctica may be your ideal wildlife holiday. In this far away and rather hostile land, you will find elephant and fur seals, majestic humpback whales and thousands of penguins.
Al Hajar Mountains, Oman: For a wildlife holiday that’s off the beaten path, head to the Al Hajar Mountains. You’ll be struck by their stunning peaks and cliffs carved out by deep and winding rivers. Natural springs give life to lush gardens abounding in colourful flowers and succulent fruit. Stay in the hanging villages and catch site of the rare Arabian tahr mountain goat, mountain gazelles and vultures and sunbirds.
How to plan a wildlife holiday
1. Choose where you want to go: Think about what you want to achieve and what you want to see on your wildlife holiday.
2. Decide if you want to go solo or with an organized tour group.
3. When choosing your tour group, make sure they contribute to conservation efforts of the animals and the environment.
4. Book your accommodations close to the wildlife preserve you wish to visit.
5. If going on safari, book multiple trips as you may not see all of the animals you want in just one trip.
6. Pack for your trip:
o Appropriate clothing: think neutral tones and comfortable
o Medical kit
o Bottle for water
o Mosquito repellent
o Sunscreen
o Comfortable walking sneakers that are well broken in
o Waterproof luggage
o Binoculars
So, what are you waiting for? Break your routine, take a step back from stress and learn to live in the present moment. Traveling in general is known to increase creativity, relieve stress and improve your overall physical and mental health, and wildlife travel can help you reconnect with your natural instinct to wonder at the world around you. What’s more, wildlife travel, if done right, can help conservation efforts in the area you go to. Rejuvenate your spirit and take care of your world by planning a wildlife holiday.