| | |  Travel & Outdoors | June 2009 
Best Summer Eco Destinations
 Michelle Talsma Everson - Earth911
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As the temperature rises and the days last longer, there’s no denying that summer is here. And, whether you have all summer to get away or just a long weekend, there’s nothing more rewarding for environmental lovers than to enjoy an eco-friendly vacation.
So, whether you want to remain State-side or travel half way across the globe, there’s bound to be an eco-friendly spot that fits your summer vacation needs.
Our Top Picks for Eco-Friendly Vacation Stays
| | The Lodge at Sun Ranch in Montana offers majestic views amidst a 26-acre setting. (Sunranchlodge.com) | |
1. The Lodge at Sun Ranch, Cameron, Mont. - Located next to the beautiful Madison River and only 40 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, this eco-friendly tourist hub is the ultimate in environmentally-friendly lodgings. The Lodge at Sun Ranch consists of 26,000 acres of land that is home to real cowboys and a large herd of organically fed cattle.
In addition to the sheer beauty of the landscape which provides an ideal location to horse-back ride, fly fish, hike and more, all of the accommodations are built to the highest green standards and even the meals are organic. The Lodge is part of the Sun Ranch Group, an “eco-enterprise” whose mission is to “improve the environment, enhance our local community, and preserve Southwestern Montana’s way of life and wildlife.”
2. The Galapagos Islands - If you plan on leaving the States and want to see your fill of nature and untouched wilderness, head to the beautiful Galapagos Islands on your next trip.
Described by environmentalists as one of the last “great wild places,” the islands contain one of the most fragile ecosystems in the world and provide a variety of outdoor activities and adventures. Most travel companies will even provide tours of the entire island, which allow you to get as close to nature as possible.
| | Get back to your childhood. The Cedar Creek Treehouse is the perfect escape from the city.(Travelandleisure.com) | |
3. Cedar Creek Treehouse, Ashford, Wash. - Think you’re too old to spend the lazy days of summer camping out in your very own treehouse? Think again.
At the Cedar Creek Treehouse, located in the forest 10 miles from the Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, up to five adults can spend their camping trip 50 feet above the ground.
Each guest can enjoy the basic amenities of a gas stove, icebox, kitchen sink and small earth-friendly bathroom and possible activities include exploring the surrounding wilderness or visiting the several close-by eco-tourism spots.
And, if a treehouse isn’t your style, you can stay in the Cedar Loft Cabin nearby while still enjoying the same outdoor amenities.
4. Kanimbla View, Australia - Described by the Travel Channel as an “eco-tourist’s dream retreat,” the Kanimbla View resort, located just two hours north of Sydney, is made with the earth in mind. Each building was designed to be environmentally friendly without sacrificing the comforts you expect on your international vacation.
Plus, the entire retreat is powered by solar energy and is located on a wildlife refuge. While staying there, guests can explore the wilderness with guided tours, go biking, golfing, bird watching, or travel to nearby Sydney, one of Australia’s most popular tourist cities.
| | Hotelito Desconocido Ecolodge is nestled in the middle of nature's finest oceanfront setting. (Solsierra.com) | |
5. Hotelito Desconocido Ecolodge, Mexico - If you’re headed to Mexico on your next vacation, consider the eco-route by staying at the Hotelito Desconocido, located two hours from Puerto Vallarta. This group of eco-friendly “casitas” located on the edge of the jungle is solar-powered with only candlelight available for the evening hours.
With no phone or Internet service available, it’s the true place to “get away from it all.” And, located next to scenic beaches and the jungle, there’s no lacking for things to do as guests can spend their time relaxing on the beach, taking nature walks or bird watching.
6. Dobson House, Taos, N.M. - Whether you live in the Southwest or have never stepped foot on that side of the country, chances are you’ve never seen this side of the Southwest. Dobson House is a top-notch bed and breakfast that just happens to be built out of all adobe and recycled materials.
Decorated with a Southwestern theme, the eco-friendly stop is located next to the scenic Rio Grand Gorge and there are a variety of outdoor activities to keep guests busy such as llama expeditions and enjoying the pollution-free night sky where you can actually see the stars.
Remaining Eco-Friendly While You Travel
Remember that part of eco-friendly travel is not only being respectful to the environment during vacation, but while you’re on your way there as well. If you’re traveling by car, remember to reduce your potential waste by using reusable storage containers for travel snacks and other take-along items. And, don’t forget to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before it hits the road, therefore reducing its impact on the environment.
If you’re flying, consider enrolling in a carbon footprints replacement program, where you “payback” for some of the impact your flight had on the environment. Also, travel-size toiletries may seem like a convenient idea, but the added plastic isn’t a necessity – consider using refillable travel sized containers you fill yourself using toiletries you already have instead.
And, if you stay in a non eco-friendly hotel, experts recommend sticking to your usual green habits, including not requiring the hotel to launder your sheets daily, which wastes millions of gallons of water a year. |
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