New Year Promises, Sustainable Travel Resolutions
OutdoorHub 12.18.12
Eco trailblazer Greenloons http://www.greenloons.com/, helping people source the green vacation of their dreams, outlines eight New Year’s resolutions that enrich and broaden horizons.
“Having these sustainable lifestyle resolutions top of mind on New Year’s Eve is an exhilarating and positive way to start the New Year,” said Irene Lane, founder. Her recommended list includes:
Try a local delicacy such as the elusive truffle during Croatia’s annual Truffle Days Festival. The island of Cres on the Adriatic Coast shares a truffle hunt with a professional tartufalo before guests arrive at festival central in Livade. Croatia Truffle Festival is $849 per person including four night’s accommodations, transportation, some meals, guided walks, tastings, a visit to Beli eco-center, Truffle Days Festival admission and truffle search. The only available departure is on Oct. 23, 2013.
Learn about an endangered wildlife species with a naturalist guide on an exclusive tour along Australia’s Great Ocean Road that combines a stay at an eco-lodge serving organic meals and guided bush walks observing kangaroos, koalas and birdlife. Mornings guests join the conservation team in vital research into koalas and endangered tiger quolls, assist with habitat restoration or care for injured and orphaned wildlife and species recovery programs. Victoria Wildlife Conservation Experience is $1,510 per person including two night’s accommodations, meals, transportation, volunteer conservation experiences, and guided wildlife walks. Dates are flexible.
Stay at a U.S. National Park Eco-Lodge on a Native-owned wildlife sanctuary offering views of Pedersen Glacier. The rugged beauty of Alaska’s spectacular seacoast and abundant marine wildlife are woven into the creature comforts of private cabins, a cozy main lodge and hearty meals with gourmet flair. Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge program is $1,795 per adult including three night’s accommodations, meals, activities, transportation. Dates are flexible.
Learn about an ancient culture through “Camp of the Hidden Treasure,” a Maasai community project on their 400-square-mile Kuku Group Ranch. Eco-Luxury Maasai Conservation Safari utilizes a Kenya eco-rated, Gold-certified eco-lodge for just 16 guests who stroll down (rather than ride in a 4×4) the foothills of the savannah and learn cultural traditions from the Maasai by visiting them with their families at their homes, schools and medical clinic. The program is priced at $4,550 per person including seven night’s accommodation, meals, and activities. Dates are flexible.
Practice Yoga / Achieve Zen in the Rainforest along Peru’s remote Tambopata River surrounded by Amazon jungle. The connection here to plants, animals, earth and the river is strong and grounding. Rainforest Holistic/Yoga Retreat is $667 per person including three night’s accommodation, meals, transport and activities. Dates are flexible.
Experience an eco-architectural masterpiece at the Southern tip of the Andes where Torres del Paine National Park, a World Heritage Site, offers trekking with the comfort of eco-chic geodesic domes built to take in solar and wind energy. Patagonia Safari is from $1,303 per person including five night’s accommodation, transport, meals, and activities. Dates are flexible.
Help preserve a bird species habitat on the isolated Osa Peninsula in the southern corner of Costa Rica, one of the most bio-diverse regions of the world. Here is the 42,000-hectare Corcovado National Park, home to almost 400 species of birds and 140 species of mammals. Staying in the area supports Costa Rica White Hawk Project with a mission to purchase land so it remains untouched and accessible to the hawks, falcons, toucans, hummingbirds and other bird species that are found in this ecosystem.Hummingbird Birding Package is from $810 per person including four night’s accommodation, transport, meals, and some activities. Dates are flexible.
Learn about an ancient tradition in Sweden’s most southerly wilderness. Guests keep a transport tradition alive when they build their own timber raft that they float down the River Klarälven. Evenings dinners are prepared over open fire except for the last night which will be a dinner at a comfortable hotel. Swedish Timber Raft Adventure is $1,719 per adult including five night’s accommodation, transport, activities, provided canoe and meals. Dates are flexible.
