Article by: Nicole Canning
If you returned from your last trip feeling like you successfully poured your hard-earned resources into a capitalist fat cat´s pocket, maybe it´s time to start greening your holiday plans. An eco-destination is essentially a sustainable, responsible travel alternative that looks to promote ecological awareness in the area and limit damage to the environment. Take your pick from around the world…
South America
South America is simply the eco-traveller´s dream. Choose from visiting popular destinations like the Amazon and Machu Pichu or perhaps venture through the Andes, the world´s driest desert. With the continent boasting the world´s highest waterfall, the largest river and the biggest rainforest, the list of green tourist activities is endless no matter what your budget.
◊ Top pick: Why not take a cruise around the Galapagos Islands, over 50 islands of volcanic origin about 1000km´s off the coast of Ecuador. Giant tortoises, fur seals, sea lions, sea iguanas and the comic blue-footed boobies are just some of the incredible animals you´ll be privileged to see. www.galapagosyachts.com
Central America
Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize and Guatemala all showcase environmental delights. Eco-friendly activities include snorkelling on the reefs and exploring the tropical landscapes.
◊ Top pick: Though it´s the smallest of the US Virgin Islands, St. John has a remarkably varied landscape – hike in deep ravines, over tropical mountains and across arid coastal areas. Stay at Maho Bay Camps in the Virgin Islands National Park. www.maho.org
Europe
Europe and the UK have many destinations where one´s environmental footprint has been lightened and you can rest assured that, unlike many developing areas, their green credentials are genuine. From education centres in the floodplain of the River Trent in the UK, to incredible glacier tours in Iceland, travelling Europe with a green backpack won´t leave you dissatisfied.
◊ Top pick: If you can´t face the thought of hairy hemp linen and paper-mâché in an eco-lodge, opt for one of seven sexy suites in Lute Suites, Amsterdam, built in an 18th century gun factory on the city limits. It´s one of many green hotels that knows that some guests prefer a little luxury – and features avant-garde tables made from recycled bin liners and macramé chairs knotted from resin-soaked rope. www.lutesuites.com
Africa
How about a leisurely cruise down the Nile? Working your way down this eco-rich land will take you through the Serengeti National Park, up Mount Kilimanjaro and river rafting down the Zambezi till you get to South Africa´s pristine shores.
◊ Top pick: Bulungula Lodge claims to be situated in the most beautiful location of any lodge in South Africa. Set deep in the Transkei, with beach, forest, lagoon and rolling hills as backdrop, we tend to agree. This eco-backpackers runs on solar power, rocket showers and compost toilets, and is 40% owned by the local community who offer activities like fishing, horse riding and trips into the village to learn beer brewing and maize stamping. www.bulungula.com
Australia
Australia plays host to many green hot spots, including The Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, Kakadu and the Kimberley region.
◊ Top pick: For a relatively small piece of land off the coast of Australia, Tasmania boasts twenty national parks, two World Heritage areas, 420 nature reserves and seven marine reserves. The jewels in the crown are a pair of low-impact hiking trails, Bay of Fires and the Cradle Mountain Huts, which could serve as models for every wilderness tourism project. www.bayoffires.com.au
New Zealand
With extensive coastlines, New Zealand provides tourists with numerous eco-adventures, such as viewing the many stunning birds and exploring the bush and wildlife reserves. There are also many tours and cruises on both the North and South Island which showcase New Zealand´s natural beauty in an environmentally friendly way.
◊ Top pick: A stay at Wilderness Lodge on the South Island will see you spending your day chopping down trees in Craigieburn Forest Park. Doesn’t sound so green? The aim is to help rid the forest of invading pines, introduced in the 1950´s and now running rampant, choking delicate native plants. The Lodge is built from local stone and wood to blend into the landscape and scores top marks for its eco-credentials in Alastair Sawday´s “Guide to Green Places to Stay”. www.wildernesslodge.co.nz
The liveeco team
