Eco-tourism is becoming more popular every year. If you are planning your wedding and honeymoon, taking an environmentally-friendly vacation is a great way to live up to the green standards you’ve set for yourself. By vacationing responsibly, you’ll not only have a fabulous time, you’ll reduce your impact on the environment as well.
Standard vacations utilize a tremendous amount of energy, from air travel to accommodations, traditional travel can be harmful to the environment. By choosing any one of these fantastic honeymoons, you’ll not only have the vacation of a lifetime but, at some destinations, you can also make a difference in the lives of others.
Here are great Eco-tourism destinations to consider for your honeymoon:
1. Belize
You’ll hike through rainforests, raft down rivers and explore ancient caves. Belize is home to 42,000 acres of ecosystems and endangered species including the jaguar, the neo-tropical river otter and the manatee. Whether you choose to volunteer on a farm or on a cocoa plantation, you’ll be helping the local communities through your efforts.
2. Mexico
Mexico is often a popular honeymoon destination. Rather than staying in the popular resort town of Cancun, consider heading to the Yucatan. You’ll be welcomed into any number of romantic Haciendas and be able to explore the tropical rainforests that were once home to the Mayans. Visit archaeological sites, nature reserves and colonial villages.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and well worth consideration when choosing a honeymoon destination. Tour clear rivers, rocky coasts, sandy beaches and amazing forests. Visit the cities of Auckland, Nelson and Manapouri, among others.
4. India
Visit Kerala and indulge yourself in its rich history. This city of Dutch, French, Portuguese and Malayali influences has a diverse culture that has melded into one that is totally unique. You’ll visit the city of Bangalore, sit on the shores of the Kabini and revel in the comforts of a tree house nestled in the canopy of the jungle.
5. Thailand
Exotic excursions in Thailand include temple visits, markets, boating and hill towns. If you’re looking for adventure, you will have your choice of go-carting, snorkeling and boxing. A portion of your trip’s cost will be donated to help children’s and women’s programs in the region.
6. Brazil
Activities in Paratay include: rainforest hiking, surfing lessons, sailing and ocean kayaking. If you’re looking for adventure and relaxation in one vacation, you’ll do no better than a honeymoon in Brazil. When you tire of amazing activities, relax in the spa and melt under the expert hands of your own masseuse.
7. Patagonia
The region is virtually unexplored and offers a unique adventure for those just starting their life together. Stay in The Cliffs Preserve and treat yourself to the spa, pool, fitness room and boutique. Horseback ride, hike and sail along the pristine waters by day. Tour organic farms and view penguins in their natural habitat. Patagonia offers an incredibly eclectic array of activities for your honeymoon.
8. Kenya
If you’ve ever wanted to travel to Africa, the time is now! Stay on Manda Bay and surround yourself with miles of beaches, unspoiled nature and amazing views. Visit mangrove creeks, jungle ruins and spend the afternoon deep sea fishing or whale watching. Kenya is the perfect destination for nature-loving couples.
Your honeymoon can be environmentally-friendly and socially responsible. By booking any of these trips, or one of the many others available from Elevated Destinations [http://www.elevatedestinations.com/honeymoons.html], you’re sure to have a honeymoon that leaves very little behind.
Wendy Fernandez is a Eco-travel reporter and in her spare time she blogs for honeymoondestinations.org a site she highly recommends checking out if you’re planning a honeymoon or just a vacation to an exotic place. They have all sorts of guides to help plan a romantic spain honeymoon as well as guides to help give you ideas if you don’t know where you might like to go such as this one: 3 Exotic Spanish Honeymoon Destinations.
