Jamaica's St. Mary's Parish: a new eco/sustainable-tourism destination?

For our first-ever trip to the Caribbean (it was 1979), my friend Michael, his then-girlfriend, my then-girlfriend, and I rented a cottage on the north coast of Jamaica, about a stone's throw from Ocho Rios and the parish of St. Mary. This was in 197

A luxury cruise through Ecuador's legendary Galapagos

Punta Cana's remarkable eco-foundation

One of the downsides of tourism development, say critics, is its impact on the environment, particularly natural habitats. But in recent years, we’ve seen a growing number of initiatives to minimize its effects – for example, recycling, solar power

Prepping for an Africa safari

Some getaways you can make without much fuss - on the spur of the moment, even. But certain trips need a degree of organisation, and unless you're going with an upmarket tour operator that takes care of every last detail, an African safari - truly

Trekking in Vietnam's Cuc Phuong National Park

Eco excursions from Dakar, Senegal

     

Wee it may be, but the West Africa country of Senegal definitely punches above its weight when it comes to culture, nature, and historic sights on this continent. All that, plus a wonderful sense of taranga (hospitality in the local-majority

'Deep Nikko,' a nature respite north of Tokyo

A two-hour trip from Tokyo, the region of Oku-Nikko (Deep Nikko), near the small city of Nikko, lets travelers recharge amidst mountains, trees, water and sky; indulge in outdoor activities galore; and immerse themselves in history.

As the warmer

Azaleas, wisteria, and roses: Japan's other spring flowers

Four Fabulous April to May Floral Fever Day Trips from Tokyo

If you can't make the 2019 early arrival of Japan's cherry blossoms -- expected to reach Tokyo on March 22, 2019, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, never fret. There are plent

El Salvador's Volcanoes National Park is a real blast

      

Among other things, Central America is famous for its volcanoes, especially Costa Rica and Nicaragua. But less well known is that the highest density of volcanoes - both dormant and active - is in their much smaller neighbour to the south, El

Kayaking with manatees in Florida

Seeing manatees from your kayak is one of the most exotic experiences in Florida waters.  Once upon a time, sailors mistook these gentle animals - also known as sea cows - for mermaids. Living mainly in warm waters of the Caribbean and Florida, the

Trekking in Vietnam's Ba Vi National Park, near Hanoi

How to plan the perfect Galapápagos honeymoon trip

Your honeymoon is your first chance to get away as a married couple. It is often a welcome period of rest after the long months of wedding planning. Many people have an idea of where they would like to go. Perhaps you have been dreaming about a fair

Eco-Tastic boat rides in Trang An, Vietnam

If you love natural scenery, biodiversity in forest reserve forests, or are an avid nature photographer life, don’t miss the precious chance to immerse into wonderland with Ninh Binh boat ride.

read post

Desert safari tours out of Dubai

Dubai is internationally reknowned as a glitzy, super-wealthy mecca on the Persian Gulf. But many visitors also enjoy an excursion out into the dunes surrounding the city for a taste of traditional desert life. And local tour operators have designe

What awaits on a Tanzania safari holiday

Nature continues to amaze and thrill us. The beauty, mystery and depth it presents can be indescribable. Spending some quality time in nature is undoubtedly one of the best ways to take the edge off and recharge during the holidays. 

In a 2017 post

Ecotourism tops list of 'Top 5 Things to Do in Zimbabwe'

Now rebuilding after ousting the régime of longtime strongman Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe remains a stunning African country, with lush national parks, stunning rivers and waterfalls, diverse wildlife and so much more. There are a million things you can

Our first South Africa safari

If, like us, you’ve been thinking about an African safari for ages but always found an excuse: it’s too far, I have to get vaccines… follow our advice, it’s time to put your fears behind you and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

When you do, ma

Kissama National Park, a phoenix of Angola

The story of the southwest African country of Angola‘s only remaining nature and wildlife park, along the Atlantic coast just 70 kilometres (42 miles) south of capital Luanda, is an extraordinary one – a story of birth, death, and rebirth that can s

Eco/adventure top the list in '5 Excellent Excursions out of Santiago, Chile'

Chile’s capital Santiago certainly excites with its invigorating street life, dining, and culture,  but this is also a country with some of South America’s most striking nature, beginning just a few kilometres from the big city – mountains, fecund fo

Wonderful whale watching in Australia

‘"Migaloo" was the name of a white humpback whale which was seen in Australian waters some time ago, and still appears from time to time … recently, I heard a white whale calf had also been seen. In the language of Australia’s indigenous people, it