Lobby, Case Ceibo Boutique Hotel & Spa, Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador. Photo credit: PRNewsFoto/Casa Ceibo
One of South America’s latest green hotels is Casa Ceibo Boutique Hotel & Spa, in Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador.
Recently, the 18-r00m hotel won the Five Star Green Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Services’ (AAHS).
Have you planned a life-changing vacation for 2010?
traveling greener loves UK ethical travel company responsibletravel.com and its diverse selection of life-changing vacations around the world. This ‘travel agent for responsible holidays’ works with 300+ tour operators and 600 villas, lodges, B&Bs and small hotels.
Here are 10 life-changing holidays offered by responsible travel:
1. Northern Lights Winter Holiday In Finland
2. Holistic Holiday in Greece
3. Fitness courses in Kenya
4. Moroccan cooking holidays
5. Cambodia photography holidays
6. Marine conservation expedition in Mexico
7. Teaching English in Guatemala
8. Borneo adventure holiday
9. Family activity holiday in Turkey
10. Rainforest conservation in Ecuador
For more life-changing holidays, check out responsibletravel.com.
Image courtesy of VisitFinland
Voluntours worldwide are growing holiday options for green travelers.
Recently, global voluntourism specialist Planeterra announced 11 new 2010 projects and volunteer holidays in The Americas, Asia and Africa.
Founded in 2003 by Gap Adventures, Planeterra is a global non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable community development through travel.
Says Richard G. Edwards, Planeterra’s Director:
“More than ever, community development, environmental and wildlife conservation projects around the world need the support of active travelers who are willing to take the time to understand what is needed and how they can help. Our programs are designed with great care so that everyone genuinely benefits while having fun learning about each other’s cultures.”
What will be the Top 5 Travel Trends in 2010?
Adventure and luxury travel website iExplore predicts these 5 travel trends:
It’s All About Value. “Bargain hunting will still abound in 2010 as consumers have been trained by the deep discounting of the past two years to seek out the lowest prices—however, in 2010 consumers will be willing to spend if they feel like they are getting a unique experience at a good price.”
Ecotourism Here to Stay. “Not a new trend, but will still continue to play a part in consumer’s travel decisions in 2010—consumers are looking for hotels and resorts that are eco-friendly as well as destinations like Panama, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Belize that offer the opportunity to explore the rainforests, jungles and get back to nature.”
Baby Boomers Taking Experiential Trips. “Over 75 million Baby Boomers in the United States continue to shape trends. This is an active and affluent group and instead of just passing down their money, they are choosing to create lasting memories and spend the inheritance by taking their kids and grandkids on cultural and experiential vacations—hiking the Machu Picchu Trail, African Safari’s and Alaskan Adventures.”
Travel: Not a Game of Risk. “Due to the uncertain economy and insecurity about jobs and investments, many more travelers are taking out trip insurance in advance of big trips.”
Unique and Customized Itineraries. “The customization trend that is so popular and prevalent in other consumer categories has hit travel. Consumers want truly unique and off the beaten path itineraries that cater to their passions and hobbies—for example: trips to Southeast Asia that focus on photography, cooking classes in Italy or fishing in Argentina with a private guide.”
