The guide planeta.com bills itself as a “global journal of practical ecotourism”, With guides to biking to bird watching in Mexico and Brazil, as well as a fine list of other activities that are definitely out of the mainstream, this site is a solid resource for people who want to be engaged with the local people and the environment when they travel. You can also get info on language schools and find ways to work abroad. The site is run by Ron Mader, who’s eclectic background as an activist journalist and eco-tourist gives the site strong cred for what it’s trying to achieve. Check it out. At the very least it might offer you a different way of thinking about how to take your next vacation.