Barcelona: Be Green, Be Cheap

Hey, I just read this on the National Geographic Traveler blog: Planning an España getaway this summer? If you're headed to Barcelona, be sure to check out the new Barcelona Urbany (opening June 1), which claims to be the country's first eco-friendly hostel. What makes this hostel eco-savvy? It will recycle and reuse 50 percent of the water and use a rainwater harvesting system. It will also use low-consumption lamps and "more environmentally friendly and less aggressive materials." Sounds pretty good to us. But just because Urbany is greening its quarters doesn't mean it is lacking in 21st-century amenities. Not only will the hostel have a swimming pool, BBQ area, free guest kitchen, and spa facilities, it will also offer breakfast and Wi-Fi free to guests. The 13-story hostel will include about 400 beds in both mixed and female shared rooms, as well as individual and double rooms for those not wanting to put up with snoring strangers (you can check out some current construction photos here). And all rooms also have en suite bathrooms, which is the definition of hostel luxury.

The Mexican Caribbean

If what looks for it is ecotourism really the best option is the Mexican Caribbean. This he is one of the places more exciting than they exist on the Earth. This place is plenty of magic, exotic culture tradition, flora and faunas. I have been traveling around the Mexican Caribbean and I assure to everybody there is nothing equal. If what looks for it is adventures here are going it to find. The Mexican forest count with an incredible variety of animals that can be seen in their natural state. The coasts of the Caribbean, their beaches are speechless, the water is of a turquoise blue color, and the water remains even warmed up in winter, I do not believe that there is another place thus In addition can see everything what you want of the Mayan culture. In the peninsula yucateca are all the vestiges of this empire that conquer and development by centuries in America. If someone think to visit Mexico put in contact with me I know best tours the region to know everything depth. Another thing that cannot be lost is the traditional food. It is the best one than you have proven. The typical subjects of gossip are so good that it cannot let gain kilos of when travels by Mexico.

Recommendations for Green Hotels in Krabi

I'm travelling to Krabi in Feb 2008. I know that Thailand is swamped by tourists so want to be as responsible as possible and stay in a green hotel. Does anyone know of any in this area. I'm not having much luck online. Thanks all.

Ecotourism Guide

The Ecotourism guide is an introduction in to the world of Ecotoursim, what it is, the principles behind it and ideas of where you can go. Ecotourism is essentially responsible travel that seeks to help conserve the environment while benefiting the local communities. There are a number of principles used in Ecotourism among these are trying to minimise the impact of tourism. Ensuring the environment and local cultures are respected. Encourage conservation and give incentives for this, ensuring local communities benefit from the fruits of tourism. Over the past few years the concept of Ecotourism has become more popular and there are now travel providers that cater for those who which to practice this. Intertwined in to Ecotourism is sustainable travel where the current needs of tourists are met without detriment to the future opportunities for both tourists and local communities. So where can you go? For those that like beach holidays Vassiliki in Greece offers a great getaway and boasts a great beach and water sports facilities. It is sustained by the small locally owed businesses. You can enjoy this destination on a small to medium budget and is only a few hours from the UK. Mission Beach at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia offers independent travellers a cost effective rainforest eco-lodge. Set in lush tropical rainforest overlooking the Coral Sea and designed to minimally impact on the environment. The rainforest is listed as a world heritage site, so you will know you are somewhere a bit special. The Inca Trail in Peru will appeal to those seeking a bit of adventure, while the trekking is done in small groups and accommodation is provided for in small locally owed establishments. See the Inca empire monuments, marvel at the history and scenery and finish off at the Amazon rainforest. This is one adventure not to be missed. Egypt offers a great chance for ecotourism, there is so much to see and do. You can see the pyramids and mummies, go on a Nile cruise, ride on camels and swim and snorkel in the Red Sea. By staying in smaller locally owed accommodation that is of a high standard you can do your bit to help sustain the ecotourism in the area. Cape Town, South Africa offers a wonderful nature reserve on the famous garden route. The Garden Route luxury accommodation offers the visitor a luxurious stay with plenty to do. There are golden sandy beaches for relaxing days on the beach, you can also feed elephants, go on lovely cliff walks, enjoy dolphin-watching on wonderful beaches. Enjoy boat trips up the river, see the local craftwork and see a monkey sanctuary, so will not be short of things to see and do. Cuba offers an ecotourism retreat in the island of Cayo Levisa, it is a smaller, less known island and is a hidden treat. Enjoy the unspoilt beaches and the peace and tranquillity that will have you relaxed and refreshed. With the diverse scenery, plenty of wildlife including many species of birds, old colonial cities, world famous music, white sandy beaches and fascinating people, Cuba offers a lot more than meets the eye. The Ecotourism guide outlines the many options that ecotourism now offers. By aiming to ensure tourism benefits both the traveller and local communities in a sustainable way ecotourism aims to ensure we can all continue to benefit responsibly from tourism.

Turn your holidays green

1 BOOKING It takes 14 mature trees to make a tonne of magazine newsprint – or 10,000 holiday brochures. Booking online can aid the environment. 2 PREPARATION Time to state the obvious: cancel food and newspaper deliveries, and unplug as many appliances as possible before you leave. Without the standby function, we could shut two UK power stations. 3 PACKING Take less. It’s less for you to lug around – this is a holiday, after all – and less for the plane to carry, which, to the last gram, has a fuel impact.And consider buying clothes at your destination: they can double as a memento of your trip. 4 AT YOUR DESTINATION You may not be paying for the air conditioning that’s left running in your hotel room when you’re out for the day, but the planet is. As you did at home, turn off your lights, television, heating and air-con while you’re out. 5 DO AS THE LOCALS DO Enrich your travel experience by supporting the local economy. This is probably the biggest benefit your visit can bring, whether through your choice of food, souvenirs or trip guides. Drink regional wine, beer and liquors, eat local produce and avoid imported multinational brands, with their associated food miles.

Engaging Minds Transforming Lives: what can you do on a college campus

Thats what I tried to do. Here's a video of me and my friends that we made last year for a 20K grant from MTV - althoooogh we didnt get it, it was fun and now our school is funding it so its going to happen! Thats some

Hey UmassFen

Hi! Any ideas for great green hotels in SE Asia?

What does "Green Travel" mean to you?

Pretty much just what the title says. What are your opinions? What does it mean to travel "Green"? Is it even possible?

Pointers to iloho Articles

Help other members of the group find "Green Travel" articles here on Iloho.