Can a luxury vacation be eco–friendly?

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If you want to take a luxury vacation with Eco-Friendly qualities, you’re in luck. Most luxurious resorts and hotels in the world are Eco-Friendly and apply extra measures to meet sustainable ecotourism requirements. Plus, luxury eco-tours offer clients some of the most high-adrenalin thrills on the world travel market. You find that these adventures are fun, challenging and relaxing. And they make you feel good about your trip, since you had an opportunity to give back to a local community and help sustain the environment. As Brian T. Mullis, president of Sustainable Travel International  , says, “Eco-tourism affords travelers the opportunity to directly benefit the people and places they visit by supporting conservation and protecting cultural heritage as well as economic development.” He adds that, “Taking an Eco-Friendly vacation provides responsible travelers with an opportunity to do their part.” To insure travelers that they are Eco-Friendly, Mr. Mullis cites that operators and resorts known for best sustainable tourism practices received awards and, most importantly, all have been audited by an independent third party.

GET PACKED AND TRAVEL IN GREEN STYLE

Get out your passport, pack your cruelty-free walking shoes, and give yourself a luxury green light for adventure where you enjoy well-appointed hotel suites, fine dining, and massages at an on-site full service day spa. Ecotourism may make you think of tents and no hot water for your shower. If you’re a fan of upscale vacations you may feel guilty and may want to give back something to wonderful places, but fear that green travel means no running water. You may find that ecotourism destinations lack some of the high-end amenities, but the trade off is worth it. If you’re a luxury buff and want to venture into an Eco-Friendly vacation, you can choose destinations, as tropical as you wish.

AND HERE’S SOME FUN DESTINATIONS:

CAMPI YA KANZA –  Kenya

The resort offers walking safaris led by traditional Maasai in Kenya’s prime game area between Amboseli and Tsavo national parks. Luxury tents with baths await guests after the day’s dusty but unforgettable wilderness encounters.

You may choose between two types of accommodation: the classic safari under canvas -at Campi ya Kanzi – or the privacy of a villa in the bush – Kanzi House.

 CHAA CREEK – Belize

Chaa Creek is 1 of the first eco-lodges opened in Belize. What began as a few villas for backpackers is now a full-on 5-star resort with a spa where the healing ministrations of local Mayan oils and herbs put your body in harmony with the lush surroundings. Don’t miss excursions like horseback trips through dense rainforest bush or a twilight punt on the glass like Chaa Creek itself.

EL NIDO RESORTS – Philippines

The El Nido area of Northern Palawan is a showcase of geological and biological diversity. In recognition of the importance of its biodiversity, the Philippine government elevated the status of El Nido first to a turtle sanctuary, then to a marine reserve and finally, in 1998, to a managed protected area. El Nido Resorts, located on various islands in the area, are a great choice for Eco-friendly dive enthusiasts. An amazing array of marine life, as well as the thrill of discovering a unique and relatively un-touristed part of Asia await.

WHY GREEN LUXURY?

If resorts want to adhere to Eco-Friendly sustainability, they can take the extra effort and expense to obtain a Third Party Certification. Once a hotel or resort completes the Certification process, they can show people that they offer better quality with a genuine care for responsible stewardship of the environment.

Why is worldwide trend for certification growing?

  • The World Tourism Organization finds ecotourism is the fastest growing market in tourism.
  •  The International Ecotourism Society states “more than two-thirds of the U.S and Australian travelers, and 90% of British Tourist consider protection of the environment and support of local communities to a part of a hotels responsibility
  • The AAA recently added an “eco” icon to its Tour Books for hotels, motels, and other facilities in response to Eco-conscious travelers demands for sustainability.

 WHERE TO FIND THIRD PARTY CERTIFIED GREEN HOTELS:

If you’d like to find some Third Party Certified and Green luxury resorts and hotels, please check out the following:

THIRDPARTYCERTIFIEDECOFRIENDLYLUXURYRESORTS shows twelve luxury resorts with Third Party Certifications.

ARCHITECTURALDIGESTECOFRIENDLYLUXURYHOTELS  shows sustainable green architectural designs of luxury hotels around the world.

GREENKEYGLOBAL is a searchable listing of green Eco-rating for hotels around the globe.

Thanks for Stopping By.

Please comeback for more Eco-Friendly travel tips.

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Judy Kundert

Judy Kundert, a recipient of the Marquis Who’s Who Excellence in Authorship award, loves storytelling, from folk and fairy tales to classics for elementary school children. She authors award-winning middle-grade novels designed to inspire and intrigue children. After she left her career as a United Airlines stewardess, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University, Chicago and a Master of Arts from DePaul University, Chicago. Most recently, she completed a master’s Certificate in Public Relations and Marketing from the University of Denver. For fun, she likes reading (usually three or four books at a time), watching movies from the oldies to the current films, traveling, biking, and hiking in vast Colorado outdoors with her husband. Learn more at www.judykundert.com.You can find me at the foot of the Colorado Rocky Mountains hiking, biking

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