Pennies are pinched in a tight economy, and many folks are cutting back by postponing annual vacations. Certainly, you can’t blame a family of four for keeping their bank account intact, but in many cases, a shaky world economy is just the reason to travel.

In Africa, conservation efforts typically fed by ecotourism dollars are hanging by a thread, leaving small camps and lodges without needed funding. And when the money stops flowing, communities often turn to other, less-planet-friendly methods of profitability.

To keep the pump primed, tour operator Natural Habitat Adventures is offering a one-time “Conservation Credit” that shaves $1,000 per person off a 2009 African safari like Secluded Tanzania or Wild Madagascar. That’s a serious savings… and a mighty convincing argument pro-travel in my book.

For all the details, visit Natural Habitat’s Conservation Credit page.