Green Travel - Ecotourism

Get cozy in the Blue Mountains of Australia at the Jemby-Rinjah Eco-Lodge

greatgre — Thu, 23 May 2013 06:31:46 +0000

The Blue Mountains make for a great, cool-weather, eco-getaway from Sydney. When staying at a site with cool, damp weather like that of the Blue Mountains, it pays to opt for a place that is just as cozy as it is comfortable. The Jemby-Rinjah Eco-Lodge fits the bill in this regard because how else could one accurately describe beautiful wood cabins and a small lodge heated by wood-burning stoves? The cozy factor also goes up because the eco-lodge is closely surrounded by the forests of the Blue Mountains.

This eco-lodge was built with the goal of being a sustainable, eco-friendly place and has won awards for its efforts. Even before the walls of the buildings went up, the site chosen for the lodge was in a more degraded area of forest that had been logged. This was done to make less of an impact upon the environment when construction took place, as well as to have a site that could be allowed to naturally regenerate.

The lodge was also designed to have walkways that connected some of the buildings to leave as little of a footprint upon the land as possible, and buildings are insulated and placed to receive as much warmth from the sun as possible. Because they are also careful about water use, toilets are of the composting variety.

Activities at the eco-lodge are environmentally based and include night hikes in search of native opossum species and owls, bird watching, and hikes in the nearby national forest.

Adventure activities such as rappelling down a nearby canyon, rock climbing and caving can also be done at nearby sites.

Folks who get tired of walking or who don’t need an adrenaline rush can still get a taste of local bird life by feeding brilliantly colored red and blue wild parakeets that land on the shoulders and hands of people who present the birds with a handful of birdseed.

The Hen House B & B in Helston, Cornwall

greatgre — Mon, 20 May 2013 05:41:37 +0000

I love this already! Is it because of the location on the Lizard Peninsula? Perhaps. Many acres of the peninsula are owned and maintained by The National Trust and English Nature.

The Hen House is located only one mile from the magnificently beautiful coast. You’ve already guessed from its name this retreat has been lovingly restored from its former life. Attention to detail on all levels pertaining to sustainability have been rigorously adhered to, however, comfort and convenience have not suffered in the least. This couple literally bring you the best in our greatgreentravel world.

King size beds, in room TV & WI-FI. Fresh organic foods are served for your breakfast.

Lots to do on the peninsula, and your hosts are happy to acquaint you with the local culture. Should you need added relaxation, Reiki, and t’ai chi are available.

For Full Booking Information
CLICK: http://www.thehenhouse-cornwall.co.uk

EARTH DAY

greatgre — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:18:48 +0000

Only nine days till Earth Day and you still haven’t made any solid plans? With so many options, that’s totally understandable! Here at GGT, we encourage anything that has to do with sustainability. Here’s your world-wide entry ticket:

Earth Day Network’s Global Events Registry allows visitors to post and search for Earth Day events around the world. Search the registry by location, date, or keyword to find an Earth Day event near you, or register your event for a chance to win an Earth Day gift package. Not sure where to start? Earth Day Network provides an event-planning toolkit.
CLICK: http://earthday.net/earthday2009

Some of us are heading over to attend the MIT Sustainability Summit, Discovering New Dimensions for Growth. You can still register and get all the info at http://sustainabilitysummit.mit.edu/

http://www.eeweek.org/ Is where you’ll find all the information you need to keep the entire family updated, educated, and completely interested for much longer than E E Week, April 12-18. Put together by The National Environmental Education Foundation.

ENJOY every day as Earth Day!

71% Water

greatgre — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:58:23 +0000

Greatgreentravel.com is compiling healthy ways to celebrate the beautiful island people of this world and their fragile cultures, wherever they may be.

At the same time we look toward June 8, 2009, formally recognized as World Oceans Day by the United Nations; this just 16 years after it was first proposed during The Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro back in 1992 by the Government of Canada. We applaud Canada for the foresight.

Since that time, Oceana, the world’s largest organization focused fully on ocean conservation, joined by hundreds of museums, conservation organizations, agencies, and supporters have worked tirelessly for this day. “Making World Oceans Day official will help us and other ocean groups to engage more people and to increase public support for efforts to reverse the declining health of marine ecosystems.” From a statement by Dan Sharpless, C.E.O. of Oceana. The full statement and more on this article appears at this CLICK: http://oceana.org/north-america

Top 7 Things to See in North Island New Zealand

greatgre — Sat, 11 May 2013 04:50:21 +0000

Cruising, diving and hiking are just a few of the many activities people on North Island New Zealand enjoy. The climate is subtropical with rains and mild winters that rarely bring temperatures below 6 degrees Celsius. Choosing road trips or exploring near one of North Island’s twelve major cities, those on holiday find that the island has much to offer. Here are seven of the most popular attractions on North Island:

7 Top Attractions

Glow Worm Caves – Near Te Kuiti, the Waitomo Caves have glow worms that shine. When looking from a distance, the walls and ceiling of the caves appear to be studded with stars. Guides who know the caves well lead tours. To explore the interiors of the underground worlds, the guides can instruct and assist those who are not experienced cavers.

Koutu Boulders – In the Hokianga Harbour region on the northern tip of North Island, the Koutu Boulders are curiously arranged on the shore. The amazing assortment of natural, rounded rocks are phenomenal, and some are quite large. The public can explore them for free.

Mohaka River – Whitewater is found on the Mohaka River near Napier. Fantastic rafting tours are available with reputable companies that offer river guides, transportation to and from the river and all the equipment necessary. The river includes a good mix of rushes, slow and fast rapids and areas of calm waters.

Museum of New Zealand – In Wellington, the Museum of New Zealand has dramatic architecture, good exposure to New Zealand and some interactive exhibits. The large facility is free to the public, and touring to see everything could take at least an entire day.

Tongariro National Park – This vast park in the middle of the island has Mount Ruapehu, volcanoes and lands sacred to the Maori. The activities popular in Tongariro are quad bike riding, trekking, mountain hiking and more.

Waipoua Forest – Not far from the western coast to the north of Auckland, The Waipoua Forest is the place to find the tall and mighty Kaori trees. These amazing trees grow tall over hundreds of years. Walking tracks lead to the most famous of old growth kaori trees.

Whananaki Coastal Walk – In the Whangarei coastal region, the Whananaki Coastal Walk is a 5 kilometre track along a farm road that provides stunning views of the ocean and small islands near the shore. Directions and maps are available.

Happy Travels

Those who are planning a holiday on North Island to see some of those top attractions can have a successful and economical travel experience with a campervan hire in New Zealand. They are easy on fuel and handling travel and lodging, and can be driven just about anywhere and park.

Campervans have the space and facilities for cooking and beds that fold up during the day. Some even have a built-in bathroom and/or toilet. Environmentally friendly travel at its best, making holiday vacations possible.

Relax in the Celestun Biosphere

greatgre — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:27:36 +0000

Garza-tigre, Celestun Biosphere Reserve

Ever wonder about that point where the sun meets the sea on the horizon? Some people don’t have to wonder. They go there. It’s a place called The Celestun Biosphere Reserve in the Yucatan, Mexico. It’s a place where sun and sea fuse into a meld of rare and beautiful flora and fauna, mouth watering food and ultimate relaxation.

To take in the Celestun Biosphere Reserve, book a stay at the Hotel Eco Paraiso, a place that caters to eco-conscience living, rediscovering your inner self and a high quality and simplicity in its services.

Stay in and take a yoga class or experience what Hotel Eco Paraiso considers it’s avant-garde approach to personalized service, those simple touches like a heart made of shells in the inner garden of your bungalow or your name outlined in the sand on the beach outside your room.

Choose to explore and you’ll find some of the most spectacular wildlife. Celestun Biosphere Reserve is known for it’s flamingos but you’ll also find some of the rarest species of animals like the Bare-Throated Tiger Heron, with plumage which resembles the color and streaks of tigers. The pattern helps conceal the heron in the mangrove forests that are abundant in the Yucatan. But you’ll also see other rare birds like the Yucatan Wren, the Yucatan Bobwhite, the Black Catbird, and the Boat-billed Heron to name just a few.

You can also feel good about staying at The Hotel Eco Paraiso knowing it is considered a pioneer in the area of sustainable tourism because of it’s ecological methods of running its operation like solid and liquid separation, re-usage of water using biological filters and employing composting and organic gardening practices.

Find your inner self at Hotel Eco Paraiso on the Celestun Biosphere Reserve. Visit their website to get started.

Locanda della Valle Nuova

greatgre — Sun, 05 May 2013 04:20:08 +0000

A charming small guest accommodation set on a 185 acre organically run farm in the northern Le Marche region of Central Italy. The house, originally built in the 1920s and restored in 1998 with energy conservation in mind; is fitted with solar collectors, the heating system is run with renewable energy, and the overall design provides for both thermic and acoustic insulation to provide all-around comfort.

There are six guest rooms located on the first floor, each with an en-suite bathroom with shower, small sitting area, ceiling fan, mosquito nets, telephone, color TV, a safe, and facilities to make tea and coffee. In addition there are two new separate guest houses, available for self-catering for two.

The farm has been organically certified since 1983 and animals are fed 100% natural feed. Greater than 70% of the food on the table is produced on the farm, the remainder is bought locally, often organic as well. You are assured a very peaceful, enjoyable, and comfortable stay here. Available activities include: dance, music, swimming, hiking, trekking, walking, horseback riding.

For complete details and booking, CLICK: http://www.vallenuova.it/

Amazon Lodge Explorers’ Inn

greatgre — Thu, 02 May 2013 03:50:45 +0000

This well known Amazon rainforest ecolodge and research station has been in operation for over 30 years. Located within the Tambopata Reserve, at Madre de Dios, in Peru it consists of seven candlelit palm-thatched bungalows and a central building which houses reception & dining room. Guests are provided a superb opprotunity to learn about the Amazon rainforest in a warm and informal atmosphere. The lodge staff is made up of practicing biologists and environmentalists from around the globe and local guides.

There are 37km of well marked trails from the lodge that allow for wonderful local sightseeing and exceptional birdwatching. There are some 600 species of birds and 1230 species of butterflies documented in the area.

Many group packages to choose from. From: Technorati

Contact: http://www.explorersinn.com/index.htm

El Encanto – Santa Cruz de Miramar, Mexico

greatgre — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:38:49 +0000

El Encanto Eco-Hotel and retreat center is located just 96 miles north of Puerto Vallarta and only 14 miles south of San Blas. This perfect location enjoys a microclimate that remains largely green and rain free November through May. The creatively renovated accomodations at El Canto are shaded by ancient hardwood trees and surrounded by beautiful exotic plants.

El Encanto is situated on seven acres of lush tropical gardens that front the Pacific Ocean and share the site with the renovated ruins of a 19th century hacienda. Historically it served as home to a pre-Columbian settlement; today it is a rustic retreat center with an artistic temperment that attracts people from all walks of life.

El Encanto strives to operate a successful retreat center offering quality and affordable workshops and seminars in the fields of art and physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The abundance of delicious healthy food and herbs produced in the organic gardens are shared in the daily meals. Their working philosophy helps to support their local community as well as sustain the indigenous cultures of Mexico, and their ancient rituals.

A beautiful place with a wonderful feeling – really well done. Two big Green Thumbs up!
They offer retreat and vacation facilities. You may choose from Beachfront apartments, Garden rooms, or a romantic camping knoll. (Ask about reduced monthly rates.)

Rates: Beachfront: $50night up to 2 persons, $1,200.monthly,$10. night each add’l. person. Garden: $30for 1, $600.month,$10. each add’l. person. Camping: $15nightly 1 person, $5 nightly each add’l. person.

Email for info:info@encantomexico.com

Contact: http://www.encantomexico.com/index.html

Stay at an eco-yurt in Georgia

greatgre — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 03:21:55 +0000

A “yurt” is a sort of circular-shaped, portable house invented and mostly used by nomadic peoples of Central Asia. Although the piney woods and Appalachian Mountains of northern Georgia are hardly reminiscent of the wide open Mongolian steppe, the fearless and eco-determined owners of the Cedar House Inn and Yurts decided to include them as a lodging option because they make less of an impact upon the Earth. This is just one small example of the Earth-friendly philosophy followed by the couple who owns this cozy bed and breakfast. Other examples are visible as soon as one enters the beautiful gardens in front of this eco-getaway just 70 minutes north of Atlanta.

Artwork made from recycled materials can be seen in the garden and a closer look at the gardens themselves will reveal the carefully planted swales designed to capture rain, rows of naturally grown, pesticide free vegetables, a wide diversity of native plants that typically get removed from other gardens, and a small mound of cardboard boxes, logs, and other organic materials that are busy making compost.

Blue, plastic containers that catch rain water are visible below the rain gutters of the main buildings. A close look up at the roof shows a thin, metal cover. This was put into place because the owners deemed it to be a greener than tearing off and throwing away the old tar shingles. The metal sheet on the roof also reflects the sunlight and thus reduces temperatures in the main house during the blazing hot summer months. For the cold, winter months, storm windows were put into place for better insulation and heating bills are reduced by using a silicone-based fluid that heats the baseboards.

Taking into account the very Earth friendly scheme of the place, it should be no surprise to learn that toilets are of the compost variety and that the sumptuous breakfasts come from an organic garden. Eggs also come from free range chickens that roam naturally landscaped grounds planted with over 300 trees and shrubs.

It truly seems as if the people behind the Cedar House Inn and Yurts have thought of every possible way to function in a sustainable fashion and since they keep thinking of new and improved ways to do so, visitors might learn some new tricks for living green during their cozy stay in one of their Georgia yurts.