Eco-tourism holidays have become very popular with many people in recent years.  An eco-tourism holiday allows travellers to have an exciting experience whilst staying close to nature.  You can find options that are located in remote areas, as well as eco-friendly resorts and other accommodation options in more populated areas. 

What is eco-tourism

The main principles behind eco-tourism involve sustainable practises and leaving a minimal impact on the environment.  This form of tourism also emphasises providing an income to local indigenous peoples.  Many more traditional resorts have begun to use ecologically-friendly models in recent years.  Examples include safari resorts in Kenya, and a number of ski resorts located in the United States.

Choose the experience you want

While many people will immediately think of a lodge located in a jungle environment as being the only option for eco-tourism, the truth is that there are a number of diverse options to choose from.  Some eco-tourism holidays are adventure-related, and may include mountaineering, going on safari, and backpacking.  Others may involve staying with and interacting with different indigenous peoples.  The choice will be largely dependent on the individual’s physical abilities and personal interests.

Examples of destinations

There are many different types of accommodation you can stay in during an eco-tourism holiday.  For a more exotic type of experience, many choose remote jungle locations in the Amazon basin and in Central Africa, or beachfront villages in the South Pacific.  Others may prefer eco-tourism options that are closer to settled areas.  Examples of these may include working farms or vineyards in Italy, and bush resorts in Australia that are located within a few dozen kilometres of a town.

Luxury Tenerife holidays replete with relaxing beaches, sumptuous dining, tropical breezes and indulgent spa experiences, granting visitors a taste of heaven on earth.  For those who prefer a different experience while still enjoying all that Tenerife has to offer, there are other options.

For the eco-minded adventurer

The island of Tenerife teems with opportunities to bask in its natural surroundings and explore its flora and fauna. Several tourism companies provide tours specifically designed to explore archaeological sites, hike through nature preserves, view the night sky, or climb Mount Tiede, the world’s third largest volcano.

A stay at Tenerife’s Technological Institute of Renewable Energies village of bioclimatic homes is the ultimate green experience.  These homes built with natural, recyclable materials have zero CO2 emissions and are self-sustaining.

For the life-long learner

For those who prefer to bring back more than souvenirs from their luxury holidays, opportunities to hone existing skills or learn new ones abound in Tenerife.  Spanish language acquisition, culinary arts, photography, sailing and surfing are just a few of the learning opportunities in Tenerife. 

Luxury Tenerife holidays exceed expectations no matter how a traveller defines ‘relaxing holiday’.

From a three-night cruise around the islands to a ten-day cruise on a luxury cruise ship; a Caribbean cruise is nothing short of magical. Whether you like to relax on deck and just enjoy the sun and the scenery, spend your evening in the on-board casino, take part in a Bridge lesson, or enjoy a massage in the spa, Caribbean cruise holidays offer something for everyone.

Many regular travellers rave about the dining experiences available onboard in the well-appointed dining rooms; there are also excellent poolside cafés.  Passengers can also enjoy the attentive room service. Others who take cruise deals will mention the entertainment – the cabaret-style musical revues, the comedians, the magicians, and the great parties on deck.

But for many travellers, what makes a Caribbean cruise truly special is the Caribbean itself. The ships stop at intriguing and captivating ports of call. Spending your days touring the different islands is a great way to experience the Caribbean. Popular ports of call include the well-known tourist spots of San Juan, Puerto Rico; Key West, Florida; and the Bahamas. Cruise lines are branching out and stopping at more exotic destinations as well, such as Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Gatun Lake, Panama; Oranjestad, Aruba, and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. Each stop is completely different from the next, with each town presenting its own culture and language.

The Caribbean towns are known for great shopping bargains, and many visitors spend time browsing in the shops. A leisurely stroll down Main Street, stopping for a quick lunch, is an enjoyable way to spend time on shore. For the more adventurous, island excursions such as scuba diving, horseback riding and hiking, are a fabulous way to enjoy the Caribbean.

If you have the urge to book a last minute cruise, then go online, there are some great bargains to be had.

A trip to Grand Canyon National Park will take travellers to one of the most extraordinary places in the United States.  The Grand Canyon is more than 270 miles long, 18 miles wide in some places, and more than one mile deep.  This massive gorge is truly an impressive wonder of nature.

For more than six million years the canyon has continued to expand with help from the Colorado River.  An official UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Canyon is a popular holiday destination visited by millions of people from all over the world.

The canyon attracts more than 4.5 million visitors each year, and is a great place to take a family holiday.  Even with the huge crowds that can be experienced during the high tourist season, the Grand Canyon offers travellers one of the most amazing experiences to be had anywhere in the world. 

Along the Southern Rim of the canyon travellers will find Grand Canyon Village, where most of the amenities – as well as a considerable number of accommodation options – can be found.  It is also where visitors can find the Bright Angel Trail, the most popular hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park.  Make certain that you have your camera ready as you walk, as the trail will bring you to some of the most spectacular views of the canyon to be had.

If you and the family want to find a less crowded spot head over to the North Rim, where you will find a much more relaxed backwoods atmosphere, as well as fewer tourists.  The North Rim also offers some of the best places for camping inside the park.

Japan has plenty of skiing areas and there are three resorts that are well known for offering good skiing. These are located on the island of Hokkaido. Skiing deals, 2012 and 2013, are already available for these areas.

Niseko

Niseko is the considered the best for English-speaking skiers, with a good contingent of English speaking staff and instructors. Niseko boasts 61 runs and 30 lifts, which don’t close until 9pm making night skiing possible. Carving skis are required due to the snow at Niseko being mostly light powder. The resorts offers a massive choice of accommodation, from Japanese or Western style hotels to traditional family-run lodges. The local towns and cities are only a short bus ride away and offer many shops, restaurants and cultural buildings.

Furano

Furano has 25km of slopes and ten ski lifts, with the slopes geared more towards beginners and intermediate riders than experts. Local law also prohibits off-piste skiing at Furano. The runs at Furano are well groomed and kept. The lifts are particularly quick, taking only four minutes to get from top to bottom.

Rusutsu

Rusutsu has 42km of slopes and 18 ski lifts, allowing access to well groomed pistes and amazing off-piste tree skiing. There is very little in the way of English speaking staff in Rusutsu and very little signage to help guide you in the right direction. However, Rusutsu boasts a half pipe, snow park and night skiing until 8pm.

If you want to avoid the crowds of tourists then Japan is a safe bet; very few international travellers go there and the skiing deals 2012 has to offer should certainly be considered.

If you have a health complaint that may require any form of treatment abroad, then you will most likely find that your insurance will cost more.  Many people with cancer, for example, will find that their premiums will be excessive. 

Honesty is definitely the best policy with regards to ensuring you are insured for your underlying health condition while abroad.  If you fail to disclose information about your medical history, and then suffer a recurrence of your health complaint while abroad, it is most likely that your travel insurance company will not pay out against your claim.

You may consider that you would be better not to be insured at all, rather than go to all the hassle of disclosing your medical history.  However, remember that if you are uninsured aboard that any treatment you may require will have to be paid for using your own money.  Medical bills abroad can quickly run into tens of thousands of pounds. 

If you are visiting many of the European countries, then you can get medical treatment with an EHIC at a reduced rate.  Even if you have to pay for treatment, at least it will be a lower rate. 

Remember that you will not be the only one that has had to consider appropriate health insurance for travelling abroad.  There are many organisations that support sufferers of major conditions, like cancer, who will be able to provide advice on how to holiday abroad, and they will be happy to advise you on suitable insurers.

Rex Hotel

The fifth floor of this hotel is home to the Rex Hotel Rooftop Beer Garden.  The open-air bar and restaurant is not the tallest in the area for watching the sunset, but it has a great atmosphere and is the perfect place to see the crazy traffic below you.  Beer is a bit pricier here than down on street level, but the view is well worth it.

Saigon Saigon, Caravelle Hotel

Situated on the ninth floor of the Caravelle Hotel, the open-air bar is a great place to go to watch the sun go down over Ho Chi Minh City.  The hotel is located in the heart of the city, very close to the Opera House and the Rex Hotel.  Dress well in smart casual gear and arrive early to get a seat out on the balcony while you relax over a drink and the live music.

Hotel Majestic Saigon

Dating back to 1925, this classic and beautiful hotel is home to the Breeze Sky Bar, which is an alfresco restaurant.  It is on the fifth floor and has excellent views over the Saigon River.  Guests need to arrive early to get a high seat outside overlooking the river.

Sheraton Hotel Wine Bar

Sheraton Hotel’s Wine Bar is on Level 23 and is a top spot for one of the best views in Ho Chi Minh City.  Dress well and bring your camera to capture the wonderful ambience of the outdoor seating and spectacular views beyond.

Now is the time to plan that overdue family vacation, so travellers should check out one of the many family cruise deals available. There are numerous cruise lines that are well known for their family friendly environment and a wealth of on-board activities that are sure to keep the entire family entertained. 

Cruise holidaymakers who have never experienced a family-themed cruise before will be pleasantly surprised at the spacious staterooms and themed dining nights. They will also be delighted in the Broadway-type musicals, talent nights, game shows, on-deck pirate parties, first-run movies, family activities and spectacular fireworks.

Other amenities that can usually be found on-board family cruise ships include things such as numerous family pools made for little ones and older ones alike. Passengers can also enjoy large LED screens that are often set up to show major sporting events and movies. Families can participate in festivities under the sun and stars, with live bands and a variety of ship characters during the special on-board celebrations. While out at sea, some cruise ships offer themed deck parties that include stunt performers and exciting mock battles at sea.

There are also numerous places to enjoy full family meals or quick treats, such as pizzerias and ice cream galleries, where passengers of all ages can indulge in delicious cones and sweet snacks of all kinds. These family themed cruise ships also cater for the parents and offer a variety of healthy snacks such as fruits, veggies and salads.

Other family themed ship amenities will often include a variety of live Broadway-style shows. These ships are normally complete with large state of the art theatres where passengers can enjoy shows of extraordinary costumes, singing and dancing, all enhanced by magical special effects.