Are We in a Golden Age of Green Travel?

by Kraig Becker on

Clearly the entire travel industry has been undergoing some dramatic changes over the past few years. There was a time when the thought of “green” travel was relegated to a relatively small, niche market that included some eco-conscious tour operators. But in the past few years there has been an inceased effort to be more green in all area of our lives thanks to an increased awareness of global climate change and a focus on limiting our impact on the environment in general.

This increased awareness and focus within the travel sector has resulted in more energy efficient modes of transportation, the rise of sustainable tourism efforts across the globe, and better environmental policies from many nations. All of this has prompted National Geographic Adventure to ask “Is This a Golden Age of Green Travel?”

Adventure cites an action plan from the World Tourism and Travel Council that offers ten ways to combat climate change and the fact that four major international airlines have begun testing jets that use bio-fuels. They also point to the fact that Marriott Hotels is leading the charge to protect a 1.4 million acre section of the Amazon Jungle.

As further examples of the green movement, the magazine offers up five great eco-lodges, on five different continents, that are all leading the way in sustainable tourism and caring for the Earth. Places like the Black Sheep Inn in Ecuador and the Odd-Balls Camp in Botswana, who are making it easier for us to visit exotic places, while leaving a minimal impact.

Tibet Reopens To Foreigners

by Kraig Becker on

China has announced that it intends to reopen the borders of Tibet on April 5th, allowing foreigners back inside on the eve of the country’s biggest tourist season. The borders were closed at the beginning of March due to fears of internal unrest on the 50th anniversary of the Dalai Lama going into exile in India.

By most accounts, the anniversary, and the month of March, passed uneventfully, allowing China to deem the region “harmonious and safe”. Despite that, the Chinese military still patrols the country, and the foreign press is not allowed to roam freely just yet.

Still, the reopening of the borders should help bolster the Tibetan economy, which is largely based on tourism. Most reports indicate that the number of visitors was down by as much as half before the closure, and the past month has not been kind to the Tibetans who make their living off the tourists trade. But the Ministry of Tourism says that the hotels, resorts, and guide services are standing by, and ready for foreigners to return.

The news of Tibet rejoining the world comes at the right time for several mountaineering teams as well. Most climbers elected to avoid the North Side of Everest this year due to the uncertainty of the situation in Tibet. But the few that elected to remain, will find a quiet, and uncrowded base camp, a far cry from the circus that will be occurring on the Nepal side of the mountain.

While the question of China’s claim over the sovereignty of Tibet remains, at least for now, the country is set to reopen and allow adventurous travelers to experience its unique culture and natural beauty once again.

Spring painting for the Eiffel Tower: It takes gallons

by Jamie Rhein on

Every 7 years the Eiffel Tower is painted by hand. Although this icon attracts people by the droves to Paris and prompts folks like Tom Cruise to use it as a romantic backdrop for a marriage proposal, the Parisians don’t have much to do with painting it.

Actually, they don’t have anything to do with it, but probably do what they can to avoid getting paint dropped or splattered on them when they pass by.

This year, Romanians and Greeks will wield hand-held, small circular brushes to coat every bit of it with fresh paint. The specialized paint called “Eiffel Tower brown” is Norwegian.

Although the paint color has varied over the years, the painting method has remained the same ever since 1889. The color has stayed brown, however, since 1968 when it was decided that particular color works best with the skyline in Paris.

The statistics for this paint job are impressive.

According to the AP article, twenty-five people will use 66 tons of paint, 35 miles of climbing rope, and 18 months to do the job.

I’d say that the people who will be doing the painting will have an excellent view of Paris from the top as long as they don’t look down.

Vacation comfortably in (only) your own skin

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Lost your shirt in the market? Thankfully, some destinations will provide service absent one. You won’t need shoes … or pants … either. Nude tourism is on the rise according to some estimates, and the industry is pegged at $400 million annually.

Ready to throw your vacation fund into the mix?

Packing, apparently, is easy. Maybe you’ll need some sandals or bring a book, and sun block is certainly in order. Once you get settled, strip down, step outside and join the fun. Most nude resorts have plenty of naked activities for you to enjoy.

When you think kink, Hedonism II is usually at the top of the list, but there are plenty of other resorts that cater to the nudies. Click here (CNN) to check a few of them out.

Mascots needed for Miami Seaquarium Easter celebration

by Tom Johansmeyer on

If your parents told you your career at Chuck E. Cheese was a dead end, you can finally flaunt your possibilities. The Miami Seaquarium is ready to make your dreams come true. Its annual Easter Egg Hunt Celebration starts Friday, April 10, 2009 and runs through Sunday, April 12. To make the event come to life, the Seaquarium needs mascots, and that’s where you get involved.

You can bring your own costume! The celebration is open to mascots of all kinds. Throw your funny animal into the mix, and you’ll get to ride in a truck every day at 11 AM for a special ceremony – along with famous Miami Seaquarium personalities such as Flipper the dolphin, Lolita the killer whale, Roc the crocodile and Maime the manatee. You won’t be the guest of honor though. Come on, how could you upstage the Easter Bunny?! To assume your spot, you’ll have to get to the park a half hour before the festivities begin.

For those not dressed for the affair, the Easter Egg Hunt activities start at 10 AM and run until 4 PM.