Every year on September 27, World Tourism Day is celebrated, the purpose of which is not just to popularize travel, but also to remind society how to relax without harming the environment. With the outbreak of a full-scale war, more and more Ukrainians turned their attention to traveling within the country. Of course, the Carpathians are in greatest demand, where you can enjoy the beauty of mountain and forest landscapes, as well as unity with wild nature. However, unfortunately, not all tourists consciously approach such a vacation.
The WWF-Ukraine team has developed a guide for the conscious Ukrainian tourist. How to be and what to do in order to get an “ecological” experience, diversify your leisure time, know more about safety in the mountains, and also what you must take on a hike, read the material.
You are a guest in the forest
The forest is the home of animals, and there are rules for guests there that are important not only to know, but also to follow:
wild animals do not seek to meet people, and you do not seek to meet them;
Human food is not for animals, so don't feed them. Take any leftovers with you or bury them;
never touch babies. Animals often abandon their babies after contact with humans;
Some places are prohibited to visit, especially in autumn. Many animals search for cozy hiding places, and during this activity the chances of encountering a wild animal increase.
You can't predict the weather, but you can try
During the day in the mountains, you can get wet in the rain and burn your nose. We take into account the warnings from meteorologists about worsening weather conditions. Sometimes the best solution is to reschedule your plans to a more favorable day. Please note that in autumn, daytime warmth can be deceiving. September snow and night frosts in the Carpathians are a good tradition. Think about this before you leave the house.
Plan your route ahead of time and consciously
Eco-trails and tourist routes are designed for convenient movement and help not to get lost or ruin your clothes. By walking along them, we show respect to the “local” inhabitants - plants and animals. Some animals are well aware of the paths along which people move, and they themselves avoid contact. This way you protect not only them, but also yourself from unexpected and sometimes dangerous encounters. When preparing for a mini-hike or walk, find out about the most interesting and safe trails from local residents or experienced tourists. Some of them are marked on maps and also on the online pages of national parks and reserves if you are holidaying near one.