Travel & Vacation of the Eco-tourist

Who on earth has never sought for a relaxing getaway from their daily routine? With spring break just around the corner and the summertime coming up fast, now is a good time to plan for your vacations.   However, if getting out of the city's high speed pace and overcrowded areas is not enough. If dropping the suitcases  in one of those immense hotel complex's room and rushing to  add more pollution to the already extensively exploited touristic sites, does not cut it for you. Maybe time has come for ecotourism,  a travel  to white sandy beaches and coral reef lagoons for the socially responsible and environmentally conscious. The following guide will take you off the beaten tracks (of "mass-tourism") by suggesting alternative places and introducing the vacationer to undisturbed lands.

Best ecotourism spots, continent by continent

Want to give ecotourism a try and vacation in the world's dreamiest destinations? Here's how to get started. But before you hop on the first plane to any of the following destinations, be sure to get all the crucial information (visa, currency, health and safety etc...) from the relevant authorities.  Don't forget to investigate buying carbon credits to offset your impact from the flight.

Caribbean and Central America

Tobago: despite its sister island -Trinidad-'s endeavor to attract tourists massively, Tobago remains a largely unspoiled piece of paradise. Known as the best, its rainforest unfolds a luxuriant flora and fauna. Preserved forests and marine conservation are only a few reasons to spend your next vacations in Tobago. Guadeloupe: This French Caribbean island has a lot to offer as far as ecotourism opportunities go. Five major islands with a biodiversity -from volcanoes to mountain lakes and beaches- that will take your breath away as you will rejoice for such beautiful experience. Belize: If there is a place where commitment to responsible tourism, respect for the locals and the country's culture is encouraged, it's in Belize. Ecotourism is front and center in this small central American country. Be part of its one of a kind ecosystem (savanna, coral barriers, archeological reserves...) while mountain-biking or whale-watching. Costa Rica: Explore the rain forest, national parks, volcanoes, jagged mountains surrounding the capital city San Jose and still enjoy a refreshing dip in the Caribbean sea or the pacific sea, depending on which Costa Rican coast your vacations take you. Many packages are tailored to suit vacationers in an eco-friendly mindset.

Europe and the Mediterranean

• Madeira island: Located in the Atlantic Ocean, a few hundred miles from the African coast, this Portuguese territory is also known as the island of all flowers and boasts an incomparably rich and diverse panorama. Discovering Madeira's perfect subtropical temperatures, ravishing biodiversity and gourmet food will simply blow away your senses.
• Cyprus: Picturesque landscape, timeless anchorage in history and friendly locals make for memorable moments. If your heart and mind set you to it, follow Cleopatra's footmarks while dipping your toes in the waters of lazily stretching coastal beaches. Cyprus' ecotourism is only a few steps away...
• Scandinavia is not always the first region to come to mind when thinking about vacationing in Europe, yet, this peninsula has endless fascinating experiences to offer. Travelers keep marveling long after their visit to Scandinavia. Here is a quick word on what fairy tale each Kingdom holds.
• Denmark: Enjoy outdoor fun, city strolls as well as castle and palace visits, and be touched by genuine kindness of the locals forever.
• Norway: Home of the Fjords and reindeer, the natural beauty of this country resides in many a waterfall and panoramic mountain views. In the winter or in the summer you will be swept off your feet.
• Sweden: Spectacular views from the cliffs bordering the lakes, pristine wilderness, forests, beaches, the best nature tour in Europe, hands down. Perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or just romantic promenades. Even the capital city Stockholm has a cozy, relaxing feel to it.
• Finland: Along with Iceland and the Faroes island, it is not part of Scandinavia per se, but claims a cultural (if not physical) attachment to the region. Get acquainted with Santa Claus, go to Saunas, visit marketplaces, volcanoes and other natural wonders in winter or summer.

Africa

South Africa: Has become in the past years, one of the favorite destinations for environmentally responsible travelers. Shake hands with near legendary ethnies like the Tsongas and the Zulus. Scuba dive or relax in one or the two oceans Atlantic or Indian. Safari in the wildlands. Discover luxuriant fauna and flora in a dramatically dense South African ecosystem. Marine life conservation is always a concern when thousands of tourists board boats to go whale watching. Tanzania: Named by National Geographic, this country is one of the must-see sites in the World, Tanzania also managed to make it into the top three best places for ecotourism. But don't just take their words for it, go check out for yourself. Are you ready for Kilimanjaro trekking, walking safaris, the Serengeti National Parks, visits to butterfly farms and much more! Reunion island: Bathing in the Indian Ocean, 700 miles from Madagascar is the Overseas French Department of La Reunion. Its volcanic inland composition hosts forests, rivers and cross-cultural cuisine inherited from the racially mixed population who live in the island. Its marine life is an ecotourism gem worth the trip, and snorkeling or lazying in a hammock under a palm tree is just as rewarding. Being so little known outside of France Reunion island, is less exposed to mass tourism. Take advantage of that and make the best of your time in a hassle-free setting. Egypt: No words could describe the infinite beauty and cultural value, not to mention larger-than-life awe that results from an eco tour in Egypt. We'll try to throw a few ideas for a starter, but really, whatever you are into, you will be able to find and do: Camel treks in the desert, mountain treks, shark adventures, coastal beaches, water sports, wilderness adventures, safaris and the list goes on...

Asia

• Laos: At the heart of Asian ancient culture, is a landlocked country whose nature is unspoiled. One can actually experience sustainable tourism first-hand. Elephant riding, cycling tours, visits of compelling Buddhist monasteries will have you grasp a valuable piece of Asian mystic. The wildlife is equally enchanting, tigers, leopards and dolphins, to name a few, in a protected ecosystem.
• Malaysia: Located South of Thailand in South East Asia, Malaysia and its incredible biodiversity is well worth its legendary reputation. Among other wonders, discover the World's most ancient caverns, jungle treks, a stunning marine life where diving is to die for, countless national parks displaying a bewildering array of species. Shopping is another "wild" card to play there, in gigantic Malls or traditional marketplaces.
• Taiwan: If all that comes to mind at the evocation of this tropical island is an imagery of busy bees buzzing in and out of stern skyscrapers and aseptic malls, think again. Many parts of Taiwan specialize in sustainable tourism and offer a vibrant scenery of mountains, wetlands (home to mangrove), foothills, volcanic fields and of course coastal beaches. So you can choose to climb one of the highest point in East Asia, marvel at sites where incredible flora and birds nest or simply immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters surrounding Green island.
• India: Majestic, bold and full of surprises, the blend of spices that awaits you in India is like no other. A continent in a continent, India is known for its dramatic contrasts where extremely poor and decadent scenery clashes with extremely rich and buoyant ones. For your eco-adventures, get ready for elephant back riding safaris, camel treks, hiking on the Himalayan range, bird-watching at the Taj Mahal, fishing or simply meditating.

Oceania and the South Pacific

Australia Fiji Islands Tahiti Island: Wonder what's the perfect honeymoon spot? Wonder no more. Tahiti is the place where your heart and spirit will set sail and fall in love. The French Polynesia shares a Maori heritage with some South Pacific and this reflects in the dance, or floral crown greeting leis.

Related Guides

Green Guide	Eco-Fashion	Organic Weddings	Vegetarian Resource Page	Jewelry with a Conscience

External Links

• FCO.gov.uk: Gives you a comprehensive list of which countries to avoid absolutely and which ones are considered partly safe. Before departing to any region in the World, always ensure that you have a comprehensive up-to-date information on security issues.
• SmarterTravel.com: You will find here the essential information for the environmentally conscious traveler.
• IOET.org: "What's ecotourism" you ask? Look no further than these pages to find out.
• BaobabTravel.com: The specialist for tailored eco tour packages on the African continent. Check it out!
• Turq.com: Get a load of what you will get for your budget, in the Caribbean and the Americas, country by country.