Green Trips for Eco-Travelers
June 20, 2009 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under Green Living
I love road trips which, as a green living advocate, always makes me feel a little guilty what with the gas use and all. It’s true that the greenest vacation is one nearby, however, if you want to buy some flight or auto carbon credits to offset your travel energy, you may want to check out some far-off destinations.
Outrigger Log Cabin at The Cottages at Spring House Farm
The Cottages at Spring House Farm was named one of the “Top Ten Best Hideaways” by Outside Magazine and this getaway is green to boot. The Cottages, located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure and Lake James, North Carolina, sits on 92 acres of rolling woodlands and nature preserve. There’s a wildlife sanctuary and timber and stone from the existing land along with reclaimed antique lumber was used to construct log cabins for travelers. Eco Club and The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) have recognized and listed the Cottages at Spring House Farm as a genuine eco-retreat and they’re the first property in the United States to be listed by Eco Club International. Ok, I totally want to go here – anyone else?
The Eco Paraiso Hotel: This resort, in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, was designed and built to meet strict international ecological standards. Located between the Gulf of Mexico and the unique salt water inlet of Celestun, the landscape is obviously eco-drool worthy, but it’s also a protected 3 mile secluded virgin beach area for many species of birds and breeding sea turtles.
For ecological reasons the bungalow rooms have no air conditioning but do come with ceiling fans and a well-designed air circulation system. There’s also no TV in the bungalows that might distract you from nature. You won’t need TV though if you sign up for one of the many eco-excursions available.
Of course for the independently adventurous there’s always the good ol’ Green Tortoise Bus trips (awesome eco-fun at a great low price).
Bonus link: See some nature-travel-waterfall destinations.
Another beautiful eco resort is La Cocotera Resort in El Salvador. It is an all inclusive beachfront hotel that was built following the “green leaf” system utilized by the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST)