Be a better tourist

Every country wants US tourist dollars, but some use the revenue better than others. Think pristine beaches scarred by hotel blight, coral reefers destroyed by resort effluents, and governments that bar their citizens from doing business in tourist-frequented areas. Ethical Traveler, an offshoot of the nonprofit Earth Island Institute, does an annual study of the developing world to determine which countries are on the right track. The findings are published in a list of the 10 best travel destinations. The most recent list includes Namibia, Croatia, and Bolivia, which make an effort to preserve their historic architecture and protect their natural resources from commercial ruin. Bringing business to such countries is a good idea not only because it encourages responsible practices, but also because it shows neighboring countries that such policies make sense. Find the list at www.ethicaltraveler.org.