Mount Bromo panorama by Robert Machacek.

Rubbing bleary eyes, I gurn and moan to myself about the ungodliness of having to get out of bed at 3am.

Generally, the only way I’m up at this hour is after a night out. That’s acceptable. What is not so acceptable is being talked into doing a trek up the side of a still-smouldering volcano, agreeing to it – under duress – only to discover the intrepid adventure requires a 3am start.

Not happy.

Yep, you’ve guessed it; I’m not a morning person. Never was, never will be.

On the upside, having my grumpy face on this particular chilly morn means fellow trekkers give me a wide berth, automatically negating the need for small talk. Small joys!

We are staying in a small hotel in Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park in East Java, on the edge of a 10km wide volcanic caldera. Within the caldera, known locally as Tengger Massif, are two active volcanoes, Mount Semeru and Mount Bromo – Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, the latter of which erupted in January 2011.

Ash cloud above Mount Bromo, Jan 2011.
Image: Photovolcania

It was this volcano I was about to trek to. In the dark.

I can’t say I’m a massive trekking in the dark person. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good trek, but usually I like to see where I’m going. Obviously, not everyone is of the same opinion as a handful of die-hard trekkers set off, gingerly feeling their way down the path.

I quietly raise an eyebrow, watch, and wait.

It takes about one minute for the first tumble down the steep slope. Is it wrong I have a slight smirk on my face? I put it down to sleep deprivation.

I go for the sensible option and wait patiently for a flashlight, fully expecting the tour guide to diligently hand them out to the group. And indeed he does. Four of them… for 12 people! What was I thinking? We’re in Java; they don’t even use headlights on winding roads with sheer drop-offs. What fool would need a flashlight? Phfft!

So – no longer smiling – I fall into line behind one of the lucky light holders and concentrate on nothing more than putting one foot in front of the other. Slipping and sliding as we go, our small group moves slowly down the banking until the ground flattens underfoot.

The freezing fog starts to lift and I can finally breathe without guarding my chest against the chill. Gradually, the light changes; the fog dissipates, revealing the vast, wide plateau of a long-dead volcano. Floating in the remaining cloud, as if a mirage to the weary, sits an impressive temple made of local volcanic rock.

Built by the indigenous people to the area, the Pura Luhur Poten temple is of great religious significance to the Tenggernese. Subscribing to the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism, this little temple has done well to survive many conflicts in Java, probably due to its inaccessibility. Every year, the local believers hold a festival to give thanks to their gods by tossing food offerings into the volcano.

Strombolic activity at Mount Bromo, 2011, with Pura Luhur Poten temple in the foreground.
Image: Tom Pfeiffer

As daybreak approaches, the step quickens. I pound on across the Sea of Sands, thinking of nothing else but getting to the edge of the volcano before sunrise.

It wouldn’t just be a shame to miss sunrise after all the effort exerted to get to the sacred spot, the spot of the edge with your name on it, no, it would be downright annoying.

Then, as if to put my definition of annoying into perspective, falling into line at the bottom of the volcano are four buses. Each one loaded with tourists wrapped in puffer jackets to ward off the early morning chill. And not a bead of sweat in sight.

We watch from a distance as they swagger up the side of the volcano, lining it like little dots of bird poo. We’re too far away for it to make any real difference if we run, yet break into that weird half-running, half-walking mode that gets you nowhere very quickly.

Struck dumb by their audacity, my mind struggles to find the right expletives while I ask myself – and my travel companion – why the hell did nobody mention you could get a bus the whole way up here?

Then, as human nature kicks in, we are awash with renewed vigour and dogged determination. We march right up the side of that volcano, past the poor exhausted ponies ferrying far-too-big-for-them people and up the steep wooden staircase built on to the side of the volcano to nab a prized position on the rim, upwind of the sulphur fumes. Take that, you pesky proud puffer jacket people!

A pony quietly pleading to not make him go up there again!
Image: Linda McCormick/EcoTraveller

Shivering madly, we huddle together for warmth, get the camera poised, and wait for ‘the happening’.

This is where you would normally read about the orange and yellow hues of the rising sun pouring across the horizon like honey-coloured syrup. The rays of the morning sun washing over my face, warming my jubilant yet exhausted heart.

It probably shouldn’t read:

The sun came up. At some point. But it was a bit too cloudy for it to be anything special. The orange and yellows never really appeared, and the only photos I got were filled with grey clouds of sulphur smoke hiding a distant light in the background.

My only decent shot of Mount Bromo.

It wasn’t a life changing moment. It was disappointing. So disappointing!

At the time I remember thinking, “I cannot believe I came all the way for this!” Far too many things had gone wrong to get to this point. I could have avoided the terrible food poisoning on the way here, the cramped conditions on the ridiculously over-filled tour bus, the bus driver with a death wish. I should have gone with my gut

Yet, many years later, somehow, I remember it mostly fondly. I’m glad I did it. Even for all the complaining at the time. (And there was a lot!) It was an experience. And even though at the time it was one I was wishing I never had, I now put it down to traveller fatigue. We had been on the road for four months, surfaced from Thailand down through Malaysia and Singapore, before crossing to Java.

Would I say it was worth it?

Of course! You need a few rough times to appreciate the smooth sailing when travelling. It’s not about only doing things you know you’re going to love; it’s about trying new things, pushing yourself and testing your limits. Sometimes leaving your comfort zone – yep, even at 3 o’clock in the morning – is a good thing.

Have you ever had a really disappointing travel experience only to remember it differently years down the line? Have you ever been on a trip that really wasn’t worth it, and you wouldn’t recommend doing?

Come on, be honest. It’s cathartic!

Walking Track near Milford Sound, via Air New Zealand

After writing about whether it was appropriate to promote airlines on an eco travel blog last week, I discovered Air New Zealand was named the winner in the Global Tourism Business category at the 2013 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Held by the World Travel & Tourism Council, the awards recognise best practice in sustainable tourism within the tourism industry worldwide.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the award recognises the airline’s commitment to maintaining and protecting the country’s clean, green image.

“We take our responsibility to promote sustainability very seriously and continue to shrink our carbon footprint as we work towards our goal of becoming the world’s most environmentally sustainable airline. In fact we’ve reduced our carbon emissions by 15% (142,000 tonnes) over a five year period,” says Mr Luxon.

“Alongside this we’ve invested in enhancing some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural assets through our partnership with the Department of Conservation to support biodiversity projects on the Great Walks network. We have also invested in Antarctica New Zealand and the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute to support important scientific research being conducted on the ice.”

The kiwi airline has a 3,000 strong internal Green Team, which promotes environmental sustainability and also provides financial support to environmental projects around the country through the Air New Zealand Environment Trust. The trust spearheads some great projects, which are worth looking at or getting involved in, if you live in NZ.

The prestigious global awards received applications from 46 countries, across all seven continents. Twenty international judges and sustainable tourism experts assessed the finalists on a number of criteria before doing an on-site evaluation to ensure each company was living up to their environmental claims.

 ———————————————–

If you’re planning a trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud, be sure to check out some of our popular posts on New Zealand:

Orana Wildlife Park, Christchurch, New Zealand

Alternative feeding time at the zoo!

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

OK, so there are no bears here, and “Oh my!” weren’t the exact words in my head as I stood motionless in front of a very curious and very hungry lion, not two meters from my face.

Thankfully, said lion was safely ensconced on the other side of a sturdy fence that contained me, along with 15 other brave – or stupid – visitors to Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park.

We were partaking in one of the daily animal encounters available at the 80-hectare open range zoo, where visitors have the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the wildlife during feeding times. [click the title to read more]

5 Luxury Eco Lodges in New Zealand

Known to the Maori as Aotearoa, or Land of the Long White Cloud, New Zealand certainly packs a punch for all the size of the country.

Made up of two main islands – the North and South Islands – and a collection of smaller islands, NZ offers an amazing diversity of natural landscapes across a land area of just 103,738 square miles; about the same size as the state of Colorado.

In the North Island, you’ll find wonderful sandy beaches and undulating green hills, geysers and hot springs, Maori villages rich in heritage and culture. By stark contrast, the South Island is home to snow-capped mountain ranges and fjordlands, massive glaciers and lush rainforests, and more wineries than you can shake a stick at.

Finding somewhere to stay is never a problem, but if you’re vying for somewhere that appeals to your green side, then you will be spoilt for choice. Here we present just five of the many wonderful lodges available across the country. [click the title to read more]

I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging… but I totally am!

Last week, I received one of the best press invites I’ve had for a while. It may not appeal to everyone, but anything that involves potentially fabulous food and wine generally wins me over.

You may or may not have heard, but Australian airline Qantas has a new partnership with Dubai-based Emirates. A collaboration that means Qantas is moving many of its connections from Singapore to Dubai, which will change the stop-off point for many people going to Europe to the Middle East.

It’s an exciting time for the quintessentially Aussie carrier, and those who use the airline on a regular basis; they’re going to have a whole new region to explore on layovers.

To celebrate this new business deal both airlines are holding a Gala Dinner, which I was invited to as their personal guest. I know! Excitement.

BUT, I can’t go.

I want to. I’d love to, but it’s in Sydney, I’m in Melbourne.

Then, the usual question popped into my head: “Can I really go celebrate the joining forces of two airlines? It’s not particularly in keeping with the concept of eco travel.”

Not that they were requesting I cover it, but, usually, if you I get a nice invite I like to show some gratitude, either through social media channels, instagram or in a post. This is effectively promoting their brand, which I am very happy to do if it’s something I advocate the use of, but what of airlines?

Would I be right or wrong to promote not one, but two airlines if I accepted the invitation. Would I be selling out for a sumptuous dinner?

I use both Qantas and Emirates, as well as Singapore Airlines, for long-haul flights, so I would be backing something I believe in.

My question is; would it be wrong to promote an airline on an eco travel blog?

Last month, at the Australian Festival of Travel Writing, during one of the debates on the ethics of travelling today, a panel of seasoned travel writers were asked by a member of the audience whether they thought it was right to travel by plane, and if they did anything environmentally-wise to compensate for their flights.

I wish I had written down the exact question, but it was more their answers that were illuminating, and my own reaction.

All of the travel writers had no qualms about travelling by plane, after all, they write about their travel experiences for a living so travelling by plane is part of their job.

And for the first time, because I now live in Australia, I realised I have absolutely no guilt about travelling by plane. I used to, but not now.

I’m originally from Europe and still have family and friends there, so of course I’m going to fly. I need to. And until I trust carbon offsetting schemes – which I don’t – I will do my bit for the environment as I always do, in ways that I know will matter… every day.

When you live in Europe or in America, it’s possible to drive or take public transport to many destinations. If you live in Australia, you’re stuffed without air travel.

It’s the one and only way out of the country.

And if you want to travel within the country it can take days and weeks to get to the next nearest city from some places.

Until you live in Australia and fly over it, it’s almost impossible to fathom the size. On one trip to Malaysia from Melbourne it took about six hours to cross the country, and most of that was over desert with TWO intersecting roads scored through the landscape, stretching for hundreds of miles.

There is nothing else, but red earth and bush for hours.

And if you attempt to drive between some places, running the risk of breaking down, you need to be super-prepared for survival, especially in the red centre.

In the north of the country, where they get flash flooding during the wet season, the only way in and out of certain areas is by plane or helicopter as the roads are either impassable, or non-existent having been washed away with the rains.

Until you see Australia from above, it’s hard to understand how vast and barren it is.

And so, sure, I would love to celebrate with Qantas and Emirates in their new beginnings, but alas, not this time.

Why not? Air travel between cities is so bloomin’ expensive!

But then, that’s another story.

What’s Your Opinion?

I always put a footer at the end of posts, but this time I would really, really love to hear what you think on this issue. Please share your thoughts in the comments. Thanks!

Image: via Gulf Business

If there’s one thing that makes me happier than chocolate coated strawberries it’s researching accommodation options.

I know, I’m a total square.

There’s no denying it, it gets me all fired up every time. Maybe it’s the pre-holiday anticipation; when you get as far as actually booking where to stay you know the trip is not far off.

I also know that I am very much in the minority when it comes to getting a kick out of finding accommodation online. Most people would rather poke their own eyeballs out with toothpicks than search for hours for places to stay. Me? I need to give myself a time limit or I’d be whiling away the days in cyberspace.

So, how do you do this magical online booking malarkey without committing harakiri?

1. Hire me to do it for you. I’m serious!

OR

2. Follow these simple steps to stay sane:

Decide on a Destination

Have a definite idea of where you want to go. If you start aimlessly searching destinations things can get overwhelming. Narrow down your options to two or three places to make decision-making easier.

Book by Budget 

Once you’re decided where you’d like to go, do some research on each destination to see how expensive it is when you’re there. This may be dictated by how long you want to stay in a place, too. If you’re travelling for a month you will probably want cheap accommodation rather than blowing your budget in a week.

Apartments or cabins in campsites are probably the cheapest option for families. Anywhere you have kitchen facilities where you can prepare your own meals any time of the day is ideal. Few hotels provide kitchenettes in the rooms, but I have stayed in one or two, so if you’re persistent you will find them.

Find the Best Travel Search Engines

By now you should have decided on your final destination. Things get easier from here on in. When you know where you’re going, do a simple search for ‘family accommodation in [destination]’.

The results will show sponsored links first. Some people choose to ignore these and scroll down to the main results, but I often click on them as I really don’t mind if my click will send money their way, they’re doing me a massive favour. These companies obviously have enough dosh to be able to promote their brand so they must be doing something right, and you’ll often find they’re offering exactly what you’re looking for. Good targeted advertising, that is!

Go With Your Gut

Open all the links you like the look of, or that say they’re offering what you’re looking for. Ignore the review-type websites, for now. You can read reviews later in the search, if you’re on the fence.

Often, you’ll be drawn to a site that suits your sensibilities. It’s a very subjective process. What might appeal to one person may not appeal to another. It’s usually down to how good the website looks, and how easy it is to navigate. If people can’t get past that the rest of the site doesn’t matter.

Set Your Search Criteria

Once you’ve opened a few accommodation booking websites, set your search parameters. So if you’re looking for child-friendly places with a pool or somewhere that provides cots tick the specific boxes before you search.

And don’t rule out some of the larger websites like HostelBookers, where I’ve just been hunting for hotels in Barcelona for our upcoming trip. On first glance they appear to only offer hostel accommodation, but they also have a good selection of hotels, guesthouses, apartments and campgrounds on their books, which are perfect for families. Also, using them allows you to check a number of options through the one portal, saving valuable time… and headaches if you find all this searching a chore.

Double-check Your Search Parameters

If you’re booking for a family of four, many accommodation systems will try and fob you off with a studio containing a double bed and sofa bed. That’s not a good idea if you’ve got toddlers.

You need at least one bedroom so when it comes night time you’re not forced to go to bed at 7pm with the kids because you can’t cook/watch TV/have the light on. And make sure you’ve checked the ‘lift/elevator’ option for accommodations in Europe. You don’t want to arrive at your bodacious abode to find out you’ve got to traipse your brood and luggage up four flights of narrow winding stairs.

Use Tabs 

The easiest way to do a mammoth search online is to use ‘tabs’. It’s amazing how many people don’t know the joy of tabs. Regardless of whatever browser you use, there will be the option to open links in new tabs. (If you don’t know where to find it, do a search for – finding new tab in [your browser]). This is the key to being able to search for and discount things quickly.

When you look through each accommodation company, simply open the apartment/hostel in another tab; don’t look at it, just keep browsing and opening tabs.

Become a Scanner

If you’ve gone tabtastic and have clicked on pretty much every option there is, you need to cull. To become a champion culler, you need to be a champion scanner. This is a worthy skill to possess in the age of the Internet, and is also a case of practice makes perfect – the more you do it, the better you get.

Click on the first link, check out the important information first. If it’s not offering what you’re looking for in the quick details, dismiss, move on. Be brutal!

Review 

Once you’ve chosen a few options that will suit now is your time to check for reviews. I don’t often, but then I’m usually pretty happy with what I find and have years of practice at booking my own accommodation.

Also, people are more inclined to leave feedback online if they’re disgruntled. This means the majority of reviews will be negative, so it’s hard to get a balanced view. Unless there are glaringly obvious problems on review sites, again, go with your gut.

Read the Fine Print

Before you go booking any accommodation online, check first if the company has a booking policy that involves a cash deposit. I’ve been caught by this before, and it’s a pain.

Many of the apartment sites, especially, will require you to give the accommodation owner a cash deposit in the local currency when you meet to collect the keys. This can be annoying because then you’re left with a wad of cash in a currency you no longer need when you leave. Try and arrange a credit card deposit instead. Be aware, if you book through an apartment-only site, there may also be hefty cleaning charges when you vacate the property, too.

Final Checks 

Before you book, double-check if the accommodation ticks all the boxes, then check what is available nearby. Is it close to transport/the beach/sights etc? Also, check the cancellation policies of the site. Oh, and if you haven’t already done so, book travel insurance!

If you travel as a family, what is your favourite type of accommodation? Do you do luxury hotels, apartments or campsites?

Please join in with any tips you have on booking family accommodation in the comments.

*This post is kindly sponsored by HostelBookers.

Tiny traveller from the Tiny 365 Project by Paloetic on Flickr.

At the beginning of the year, I published a survey looking for feedback on Eco Traveller. I wanted to improve the functionality of the site and maybe change a few things around, but wasn’t entirely sure I’d be doing the right thing so asked for reader’s opinions.

Weirdly, of the 470 people who read the page only a handful filled out the survey. Still, I am ever so grateful for the feedback.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer the questions. It really was incredibly helpful.

Here are the results:

~ Of those who filled out the survey, 63% were returning readers.

~ When asked if the home page was too busy, 56% of respondents think the home page is fine the way it is. Although, this is the majority, I will probably still make a few tweaks to improve the look of the site.

~ Most people (63%) thought the site is easy to navigate. Thankfully no one thought it was a nightmare. Phew!

~ It seems that a static features box is the way to go, and something that I suspected – 74% preferred the static screen. I’m not a fan of the swift scroller either, but was keen to know what the consensus was among readers.

~ It was a tie between having a destination orientated menu or leaving the way it is. What I plan to do is incorporate a destination menu into the existing one, or have it as a separate menu in the side bar. I just need to find the right widget.

~ Favourite type of posts, are: [multiple answers allowed]

• Personal Travel (89%)
• Inspirational (56%)
• News (39%)
• Culinary Travel (39%)
• Educational (33%)
• Opinion (11%)
• Lists (6%)

~ People would like to see more of:

• Personal Travel Stories (50%)
• Planning info (50%)
• Interviews (50%)
• Opinion (25%)
• Reviews (19%)
• News (13%)

I’m especially happy to see 50% of people want more planning info; it’s fits in nicely with my plans for the site, which I’ve been harping on about for a while, but haven’t totally come clean about. Guess this is a good a time as any…

As of next month, we will start publishing our own series of guides!

Yes, that’s right, Eco Traveller Guide will finally be doing what it says on the tin!

Producing a series of eco travel guides to some of the most visited destinations in the world has always been a long term goal for the site, so it’s great to be in the position to take the blog to the next level… and be able to help our readers more in planning their trips. I hope you enjoy the new series, and if you have anywhere in particular you would like covered, please get in touch or leave a comment below.

~ AND it looks as if I’ll be starting a newsletter.
Of those who responded 56% were interested in a newsletter, 28% if it offered different content than the blog.

So, it seems were going to be busy, busy, busy behind the scenes here at Eco Traveller!

Thank you again for participating, and, as promised, I have a winner of the Wild Junket annual subscription. The winner was drawn in the good old pull the name of a hat fashion.

Drum roll, please…

C Nuggent, congratulations! I haven’t got your email here, but will be in touch via Twitter. Hope you have many wonderful travels as a result of all your reading and planning.

And, please GET IN TOUCH if you have any further thoughts on how you’d like to see Eco Traveller evolve.

While ecotourism has finally been accepted into mainstream travel (for the most part) it remains a novel concept to many, and is still so misunderstood.

Many people equate eco travel with roughing it in thatched roof accommodation where electricity is replaced with candle light and hot water baths are a rare luxury. Straw mattresses covered with hemp hand-woven sheets are the beds and simple fare cooked on an earthen stove is the only nourishment for the entire duration of your stay.

Charming and rustic, but far from the truth.

Ecotourism, as defined by the International Ecotourism Society, is “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people.” Now, more than ever, eco-minded travellers have a staggering range of options to choose from, many of which combine high-end luxury with a conscientious green soul by incorporating sustainable hospitality practices, waste management, and energy reduction.

So, for those times when you want to enjoy your creature comforts without feeling guilty of treading too heavily on the ecosystem, check out these 5 super luxury eco resorts to see how ingenious minds have blended the best of both worlds.

1. Turtle Island, Fiji

Richard Evanson, tired and burnt out with his existing lifestyle, escaped the Western civilization by taking shelter in the Fiji Islands. He went on to buy Nanuya Levu – an island that was just as much in need of tender loving care as he himself was. So, they decided to heal each other.

Giving it a new name of Turtle Island, Evanson began working on turning the 500 acre barren land into a veritable paradise. The locals got together and helped him plant 500,000 trees and today this erstwhile reject of nature has become a leading destination for eco-lovers and honeymooners.

Setting an example in sustainability, virtually everything on the Turtle Island has been sourced from land or sea. A 10-acre garden provides organic produce for the kitchen; furniture is handcrafted on the island, a man-made lake capable of holding 8-million gallons of water services the needs of the resort; and energy is produced with the help of solar panels. It’s beautiful, it’s stunning, and it’s responsible living like never before.

2. Ariau Amazon Towers, Brazil

If living in a treetop house has always been a fascinating, but hitherto unexplored fantasy, you wouldn’t want to miss out on Ariau Amazon Towers in Brazil. Travel Channel has declared this place to be on its list of “A Thousand Places to see before you Die”. One look at this place and you know why.

Built by Dr. Francisco Ritta Bernardino in 1987, the aim of this resort was to help preserve the fragile and threatened ecosystem of the magnificent rainforests of the Amazon. Built on stilts using Native Amazonian construction techniques, this place had just one tower and four suites to begin with.

Today, Ariau has seven towers and 288 suites that are connected by more than five miles of walkways snaking and intertwining through the forest, allowing for a more intimate nature-based experience.

3. Tiamo, South Andros Islands, Bahamas

Like Turtle Island, Tiamo also believes that small is, in fact, large. The accommodation here is limited to only ten cottages, but you can imagine how this wealth of privacy can magnify your holiday experience.

All cottages in Tiamo are built from pinewood and they are elevated on stilts to facilitate a natural cooling process. Thatch roofs insulate the living quarters and help regulate a pleasant room temperature, while the power needs of the resort are met with the help of solar panels. Most of the food served to guests is grown within the resort and served by a Michelin-trained chef. Anything that isn’t grown onsite is sourced locally.

With the carbon footprint taken care of, its time to turn to luxury. The cottages are plush and luxurious enough to spend the entire day in, but when you do step out, there are activities like sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, Catamaran sailing, and fishing.

4. Klein’s Camp, Tanzania

Klein’s Camp offers all the wonders of African wild life, with a twist. This intimate camp, with only ten cottages, is tucked away on the edge of Kuku Hills. To the north sprawls the Masai Mara National Park and on the West is the Serengeti. The location is unbeatable, giving a vantage view of the rolling grasslands, thick jungles, treacherous marshes, and gentle river banks in all their raw and untamed glory.

The terrain might be rugged on the outside, but inside you are greeted by massive fireplaces, delicate china, shining silver, rich furnishings, and fine linen. Sitting in the comfort of the private veranda you are allowed uncensored view of cheetahs, leopards, and lions stalking their prey or the march of the wildebeest during their annual migration.

In addition to the exhilarating drives that are conducted during the day, as well as the night, you can also participate in the interpretive bush walks. They take your interaction with the jungle to a whole new adventurous level as you are led by a skilled African guide and Maasai tracker into the dark belly of the jungle. It’s just you and the elements of the nature. What’s going to win?

5. Punta Caracol, Panama

After having explored a tree-house resort, an island resort, and a jungle resort, let’s make our way to an aqua lodge. Punta Caracol, from a distance, looks like it is floating on water. On closer inspection you discover the cabins in this resort are suspended on stilts and balanced by a wooden frame.

Only natural building materials have been used to construct these cabins and the roof is made from palm leaves. However, the guest quarters have every kind of luxury imaginable – hardwood floors, sofa beds, French windows, private verandas, and steps leading to the sea in case you feel like taking a dip any time of the day.

The setting is rustic and the lifestyle is eco-friendly. Solar panels for electricity, bio-digester to clean and filter waste water and gas cooling for freezers and refrigerators. The solar panels produce just enough power to run the fans and lights in each bungalow, so you can forget about watching a movie on your laptop. However, with a gorgeous sunset to feast your eyes on and the pristine beauty of the Caribbean at your disposal, who wants television anyway?

Have you stayed in a luxury eco resort? If so, where?

There’s something about the order of insect trays I find extremely satisfying. Browsing them, I often feel as if I’ve missed my calling — I love making lists, putting things in order, labelling; organising anything, really.

This tray shows a selection of beetles from around the world, and is one of almost 100 trays found in the insect room at Melbourne Museum. I could wander around there for hours, and often do. It’s especially good for young children; not so good for arachnophobes – although, I seem to be somehow desensitizing myself with each visit.

If you’re looking for something to do in Melbourne, this is the perfect spot to while away a few hours.

Sunset, West Bali National Park. All images © Natasha Von Geldern

When I stayed at The Menjangan, an eco resort in the West Bali National Park, I had an opportunity to have a frank discussion with the manager about the challenges of running eco-branded property in developing countries.

To start with, there is no doubt the people of West Bali care deeply about the environment. Ten years ago the local fishing community decided to stop fishing (often with dynamite) and concentrate on running diving and snorkelling trips. The result is the healthiest coral and most abundant sealife in Bali.

The Menjangan – run by the Lifestyle Retreats group – is a sensitively constructed, responsibly-run resort that works proactively for the conservation of the national park. This property is the only property to have a license to operate within the park itself.

Swimming Pool at The Menjangan.

However, as the manager pointed out, he can ensure eco standards are maintained within the resort but, for example, once carefully recycled waste leaves the property, there is no control over how Bali deals with it.

The park is home to a lot of significant wildlife, such as deer, macaques, monkeys, wild pigs and many birds, including the endangered Bali Starling. But a wild pig is worth 3 million rupiyah dead – up to three months’ wages for some Balinese – and if the pigs happen to wander out of the park…

The Menjangan, West Bali National Park.

So the environmental motivation is there, if not always the knowledge, or the public infrastructure. I suspect such challenges arise for eco businesses in many parts of the world.

What is West Bali National Park like? And how about staying at The Menjangan?

It is difficult to be prepared for what the park is like. The best way I can think to say is that when I arrived I thought I had been transported from tropical Bali across continents to Africa.

The jungle is made up of primarily deciduous trees that are quite bare in the dry season, making for great wildlife viewing conditions. The accommodation is lodge-style and tucked gently into the landscape. There are horse riding, mountain biking and bird watching tours available.

The view of West Bali National Park from the Bali Tower at the Menjangan.

The only obvious architectural feature is the Bali Tower, a thatch-roofed building that offers blissful breakfasts on the deck and stunning sunsets over the savannah, the Bali Sea and the mountains of Java.

Safari vehicles transport guests between the various parts of the park and I saw tiny brown Barking Deer, and the large soft-gray Menjangan Deer browsing in the undergrowth. A sparkling blue Kingfisher swooped through the trees to alight near the track.

Menjangan Deer in West Bali National Park.

Down at the beach there are loungers, private pavilions, lanterns and a romantic restaurant. While I was waiting for my food a Menjangan deer and her fawn came picking their way through the mangrove shallows under a starry sky and crescent moon.

The Blue Illusion dive centre offers a full range of services, including boat trips to the excellent ‘house reef’ in Banjul Bay and also to Menjangan Island. As promised it is a lovely reef, with hardly any of the dead coral I have seen in Thailand and other parts of Asia.

Diving Menjangan Island, West Bali National Park.

Clown fish ducked in and out of their swaying anemones, Parrot fish swayed up from the depths, and the coral is subtle colours of lemon and pink, with the occasional splash of amethyst.

The West Bali National Park is several worlds away from the over-developed horrors of south-east Bali and it is good to know that there is an eco-resort partnering with the locals to keep it that way.

Image from Cancun in Mexico.
© WWF Mexico Fabian Caballero

It all began in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, when the lights went out across the city at 8pm, for one hour. Restaurants lit candles, offices switched off lights overnight, all non-essential street lighting was switched off; all in an attempt to save some energy. And the world took note.

“Earth Hour is a global movement uniting people to protect the planet. Towards the end of March every year, Earth Hour brings together communities from across the world celebrating a commitment to the planet by switching off lights for one designated hour.” EarthHour.org

Two million people took part in the first Earth Hour in Sydney alone. Then, following Sydney’s lead, 24 cities around the world took part in Earth Hour 2008, with about 28 million people being involved globally.

Last year, Earth Hour 2012 took place in more than 7001 cities and towns in 152 countries across all seven continents. Hundreds of millions of people switched off their lights for the hour.

Edinburgh Castle in Scotland.
© Maverick

Now in its sixth year, the global movement is expected to be bigger than ever before.

Yet, surprisingly, when I speak to people about it; ask them what they’re doing to mark the occasion I am met with blank stares, a fleeting smile, and then, something like: “Oh yeah, (laughing) is that when you invited us over for dinner and made us sit in candlelight for half the night?”

I don’t understand why, still, so few people know about it, or care about it. Why it only seems to be shared in like-minded circles (which is just preaching to the converted). Why all the campaigns and marketing never quite seem to reach the average Joe..

WWF Earth Hour event 2012, Berlin in front of the Brandenburger Tor. Image © WWF-Germany.

Or why those that do know all about it decide to ignore it and carry on regardless.

Is it pure denial? To acknowledge Earth Hour is to acknowledge your environmental impact.

Is it arrogance? Ignorance? Or just plain laziness?

I do understand that it’s not possible for many people to take part – we live in such a technological world, which makes it pretty much impossible for everyone and everything to switch off.

It’s just sad so few do.

And I know it’s not just about the hour. I know people should extend their personal environmental policies past the end of March every year and make it all year. I just wish more people knew about it, and did something about it.

But then, that’s just me.

What will you be doing at 8:30pm on Saturday 23 March 2013?

Overview of Orana Wildlife Park

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

OK, so there are no bears here, and “Oh my!” weren’t the exact words in my head as I stood motionless in front of a very curious and very hungry lion, not two meters from my face.

Thankfully, said lion was safely ensconced on the other side of a sturdy fence that contained me, along with 15 other brave – or stupid – visitors to Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park.

We were partaking in one of the daily animal encounters available at the 80-hectare open range zoo, where visitors have the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the wildlife during feeding times.

Meet the Animals

It certainly made for a strange afternoon. Fifteen excited lion lovers had boarded the enclosed safari truck, along with one of the park’s keepers, and an inordinate amount of fresh meat. We were then driven into the depths of the lion’s enclosure and waited for their next move.

Of course, the lions in residence are well-versed in this daily process, so are a lot more relaxed about the whole affair than the truck’s passengers, each lion prowling menacingly closer to inspect the contents of the truck. It’s lucky for us they’re more used to dead fresh meat than alive fresh meat!

Alternative feeding time at the zoo!

Still, as a group we huddled together, probably closer than we needed to be. All need for personal space was abandoned. Survival instincts took over. Yep, even in the back of a truck in a zoo. Or maybe we’re all total wimps.

It was definitely a remarkable way to see the lions. Beats ye olde walkabout from the outside looking in, hands down.

Other encounters include, meeting the tigers, giraffe, cheetah, rhinos and lemurs. The rhino encounter was especially popular as only a few months before our visit a baby rhino had been born at the zoo. Unfortunately, the day we visited she was having a day off with her mum.

Tamer Things to Do

There are tamer things to do in Orana Wildlife Park. Located about 20 minutes from the centre of Christchurch, it is perfect for a family day out. As New Zealand’s only open range zoo it boasts an impressive array of wildlife. And although animals from the African savannah dominate, there are a number of native New Zealand species on display, too. But it’s the meerkat enclosure that’s guaranteed to draw a crowd.

Take a free Safari Shuttle around the park, or walk through it at your own pace. I was visiting with friends and family, so we had four young children to entertain for the day. And that’s what’s great about the park, it caters to all ages.

Farmyard Experience

Before I had my fun with the lions, our group visited the farmyard section. This area caters predominately to young children, with plenty of opportunity to pet and feed the animals. Although, only the animal food available to buy at reception on entrance is allowed to be given to the animals, so keep your ham sandwiches under wraps!

We slowly meandered past the goats, pigs and chickens, watching as they wandered around their enclosures with little regard for us… until the temptation of food was rustled in their faces by tiny little hands. It didn’t take long before we had to fight off a small herd of goats.

Aviary and Kiwi Enclosures

Moving quickly on, we sought out the walk-through aviary, which, as aviaries go, is pretty impressive. Although the birds are enclosed the netting reaches relatively high, so they seem to have enough room to have a decent flight, which is something that always makes me uncomfortable with aviaries. I’m sure some of the birds have been born in captivity so probably wouldn’t survive in the wild, but I always seem to have to fight back the urge to set them all free. But, yet again, I managed to contain myself.

The Kiwi house was a bit of a highlight of the visit. Kiwi conservation plays an important role in the wildlife park, and here the endangered North Island brown kiwi is bred in the onsite kiwi breeding unit.

The elusive North Island brown kiwi.

As nocturnal birds, the kiwis have a whole blacked-out building dedicated to them. I thought the younger children would be slightly panicked by the darkened enclosure, but it seemed they were too young to have developed a fear.

Meanwhile, us adults clearly had overactive imaginations from watching too many Jurassic Park type movies. Every little movement on the periphery of our vision resulted in a slight jump or flinch, even though we knew there were only kiwis inside… or were there?

Admission Hours and Prices

Orana Wildlife Park is opened from 10am until 5pm. Adult tickets cost $25 NZD, children’s tickets are $8, and under-5s go free.

Guided tours operate daily, with 15 daily animal feeds. Feeding and encounter times vary so check what’s happening on arrival.

Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

If you want to know more, check out this great video by BareKiwi:

Images: My own images seem to be hiding in a deep, dark crevice in my laptop somewhere, so thank you to everyone below for allowing your images to be used under Creative Commons. When I eventually find mine I’ll replace the ones displayed.
Thanks to – Pseudopanax / Greg Hewgill / Brendon Gloistein / Bannon Keft The Rohit

Fáilte go Oileán Thoraí – Welcome to Tory Island

It’s not often that visitors are greeted personally by the King upon arrival, nor is it customary to meet him in the local pub for a drink, but this is what often happens on the windswept island of Tory, 14 km off the north coast of Donegal, Ireland.

Despite its relative remoteness in the harsh Atlantic Ocean, Tory Island has a die-hard population of around 170 people, all of whom proudly speak Irish as their first language.

The King of Tory, Patsy-Dan Rodgers

The island’s history can be traced back 4,000 years to Neolithic times and counts Colmcille, or St. Columba, as one of its more famous sons. He built a monastery here in the sixth century, which dominated island life until it was destroyed by invading English troops in 1595; now only the bell tower remains standing.

Accessing the island can sometimes be a challenge as high winds and furious seas dictate ferry times more than the timetable, but once on land all memories of a rocky trip are forgotten when the King of the island extends his hand, offering a warm welcome.

Tory Island, Donegal

There are a few places to stay, including the hotel near the port and a hostel, which are by no means luxurious, but you don’t visit Tory to wallow in luxury, no, you visit for the craic (If you’ve miraculously never met an Irish person, or someone with a distant Irish relative, the craic means ‘good times’).

And the Irish are renowned for having a good time, all the time!

Listen to Patsy-Dan Rodgers – the King of Tory, and a fine accordion player and artist – regale you with tales of the island in the Club Sóisialta (social club); sing and dance with the locals at a ceilidh or explore the nooks and crannies of the island that hold secrets of the past.

King of Tory Plays in the Pub:

However you choose to spend time on Tory, a visit to this weather-beaten little island teetering on the edge of civilization is sure to shake off the cobwebs.

Happy St. Pat’s!

Images: Liam Moloney / LittleIreland / Kay Atherton

March is upon us already. Easter bunnies are on their way, and I have yet to post my wonderful Instagram travel photos of 2012! I have decided you’re getting them anyway. They’re kinda cool, so I think you’ll like them.

Before the year bounds on any further, there is something I’ve wanted to share with you for a while, but for one reason or another have only been able to now. Some of you wily readers may have already found the new Eco Traveller Team page, so award yourself 10 points for being on the ball.

On there you’ll see we’ve added another member to the team – Natasha von Geldern.

Welcome to the Team!

Natasha is a freelance journalist, travel writer and editor, and runs her own blog, World Wandering Kiwi. Check out her biog here. She joined the Eco Traveller team a few months back as Editorial Assistant and has been contributing articles and working across various social media platforms on behalf of Eco Traveller since.

It’s a real pleasure to be working with her.

Natasha will be appearing as a panellist at the Australian Festival of Travel Writing in a few weeks (22-24 March), so if you’re in Melbourne and want to know more about this travel writing malarkey, get booking.

Other speakers include, Tony Wheeler – the co-founder of Lonely Planet, Rolf Potts from Vagabonding, Justin Jamieson – publisher of Australian travel magazine Get Lost, and a plethora of award-winning travel writers and journalists.

I’m super-excited about it, mostly because it’s in Melbourne and so is easily accessible for me, but also because there will be such a lovely bunch of like-minded people in the one place talking about their shared passion – travel.

I will be there on the Saturday 23 March, so please come up and say hello if you’re there. I mean it. It’s always great to meet other travel enthusiasts.

Where in the World is Gabi?

I think we need to start a side blog for our senior writer, Gabi. She seems to travel more than she’s home, which I guess is what travel writing is all about. And, yes, I am just jealous.

This week Gabi is getting under the skin of things at ITB Berlin – the world’s leading travel trade show. If you’re there and would like to collaborate with Eco Traveller in any way, Gabi is our ‘go-to woman’.

Going Local

Back in Melbourne, I will be visiting Melbourne’s Wildlife Sanctuary at La Trobe University, and seeking out what’s on at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, which this year is all about returning to the source – Earth.

The festival is geared towards getting your hands dirty, growing and making it yourself, and savouring local produce.

All sounds good to me!

Slow Travel by Mari Rhydwen.
Allen & Unwin, 2004

If, like me and many others, you have a dream of selling everything you own and heading off around the world, then read this book with caution as you might just end up living the dream.

It’s the third time I’ve read this book. [Aside: My memory is shocking. So bad that I sometimes worry about Alzheimer’s in the future. On the upside, I get to see movies and read books over and over again without knowing (remembering) the ending.]

Each time I read Slow Travel I getting this niggling, pulling, wrenching feeling to just go travel. Just pack it all in and go.

I used to be in the position to do that, and would often. As soon as I felt the tug, I’d be off. Times have changed. Things change. And now my life has other tugs and wrenches. Still, a woman can dream.

Mari Rhydwen and her husband, Allen, sold their home in Western Australia and set off on a voyage that would take them around the Indian Ocean for three years, stopping along the way at various out-of-the-way ports and islands.

Slow Travel is a journey of self-discovery. It portrays the joys of diving head long into your dreams, shaking loose the shackles of the everyday rat race.

Describing the frustrations and elations of travelling by sea, it reveals the downside of sailing that few who dream of doing it long-term think about – the harsh reality of being stuck in the middle of the ocean for three weeks with no wind to power the sails and not being able to do a thing about it, of the gruelling hours of labour required to keep the vessel in good working order, the days without food and the nights spent alone on watch in a vast empty ocean.

But for all the low points there are infinitesimal highs, which seem to make it all worthwhile.

The happiness of reaching port after a few dodgy days at sea, catching up with friends at various harbours who were once merely a voice at the other end of a CB radio, being able to dive off the side of the boat on a whim; of having a shower after going without for days and weeks at a time.

Slow travel, in the real sense, may be about taking your time to get to know places, people and cultures. To leave with a greater understanding of where you’ve been and the people you’ve met, but sometimes it’s about slowly getting to know yourself and what travelling can teach you and realising that, like all great adventures, the crappy times are needed to make the good times shine. After all, they frequently end up as the best memories; the ones that stick around long after the bright orange sunsets have faded and gone.

It’s books like this, that don’t cover the blemishes and paint a rose-coloured scenes throughout that inspire me to do the same. To see for myself what it’s like. Experience the rough with the smooth, the highs and lows. Books like Rhydwen’s keep me planning, hoping, dreaming… and travelling.

What is your most inspiring travel book?

I’m hungry.

I’m hungry, and home sick for Barcelona – my spiritual home. By spiritual, I mean I’m there in spirit, pretty much every few days.

It’s a place I love, and have lived in for a short time. Too short. But it’s a place I will get back to. Move to. Live in again.

I love the fact that it’s right on the sea, but close to the mountains. I can go sailing on the Med in summer and skiing in the Pyrenees in winter.

I love the architecture, and have a dream of finishing my architecture degree there one day. Don’t care if I’m the oldest chick in the Uni; it would be a privilege to study in a city that gives so much architectural pleasure.

I love the shopping, the bars, the vibe. See, told you I was home sick.

And, oh boy, do I love the food.

Food has to be one of the greatest joys of life. You can learn so much about a city, their culture and people just by what they consume. I like to get to know them real well!

La Concha, Plaza George Orwell

One of my all time favourite restaurants in Barcelona is La Concha, on Plaza George Orwell.

Whenever we headed to the city for a weekend break we’d always get a flight from London after work on Friday that would get us into the centre for about 10.30pm. In many other cities the chance of finding somewhere still serving at this time is often slim. Not in our beloved Barca.

Without fail, each time we landed, we dump our bags where we were staying and head to La Concha. Frank, a stern looking man in his 60s, would greet us, then quickly a flash of recognition would help spread a smile across his face and we’d converse in stilted Spanish till we were firm friends again.

He’d produce the late-night menu, and after a few visits realised we’d always order the same thing: Serrano ham, Manchego cheese and a carafe of vino tinto. Happy days.

La Boqueria, Las Ramblas

Set just off Las Ramblas, The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria (known simply as La Boqueria) is the perfect pit stop if you’re feeling a little peckish but don’t know what you fancy.

The colourful stalls and variety of foods never fail to entice. There are the usual fruit and veg stalls, like any market, but here you can also savour local cold meats, Spanish and international cheeses, and chocolates. Lots of chocolates.

Stall owners stand proudly by their produce, never pester and always smile. Not sure I could offer too many smiles if I was in their position. But then any job where I’d have to get up at the crack of dawn, or before, would doubtful bring me happiness.

What does bring me happiness, however, is beer… and tapas, and in pretty much any market in Barcelona you will find tiny tapas bars tucked away in corners, usually with elbow room only. They serve cold beer and an array of tapas sourced from the stall holders of the respective market. It’s a great way to taste local produce on the hop.

And if you’re not sure what you want, then head to Sants train station and stand forever and a day in front of this monstrosity. I guess this is what they mean when they say there’s something for everyone!

Biggest Vending Machine in the World!

In case you’re wondering, no, I didn’t get anything from it, but I did stand there mesmerized for about 10 minutes!

Have you been to Barcelona? Do you have a favourite tapas bar?

]]> http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/2013/02/a-taste-of-barcelona/feed/ 15 http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/2013/02/a-taste-of-barcelona/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EcoTravellerGuide/~3/_-tDRgPc_Jo/ http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/2013/02/ecolodge-china-recipe-success/#comments Thu, 21 Feb 2013 03:56:42 +0000 Natasha von Geldern http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/?p=6145 All images © Natasha von Geldern

Yes, China is the world’s second largest emitter of greenhouse gases and the pollution in major cities is rising to hazardous levels. In fact, on the day I arrived people were being warned to stay indoors in Beijing. But last month I stayed at a real gem of an eco lodge – the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat – that just warmed my heart with its commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.

While I was travelling in China I saw ample evidence of the government making concerted efforts to reduce the problems. There were solar panels on many buildings and I saw a lot of electric motorbikes and cars. Far more than I have ever seen in a so-called developed country.

The Yangshuo Mountain Retreat is run by American expat Chris Barclay, whose vision is to create a sustainable business model that helps preserve Yangshuo’s natural beauty and promote its unique culture.

Sit in front of a cosy fire at the Yangshou Mountain Retreat, China

For a start – and referring of course to the Eco Traveller guidelines on green accommodation credentials – the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat generates energy from solar panels and has a natural, self-contained septic system with zero contamination of ground or river water.

The staff all come from local villages, creating employment opportunities and community involvement. In addition, five per cent of profits are donated to the China-US Medical Foundation.

And there is a strict ‘no single use’ policy, from toiletries to napkins, there are no disposable products. An attitude I’m sure we could all integrate more into our own daily lives.

But what is it really like to stay at the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat? In some ways I need go no further than the view from my bedroom window. I hope a picture is worth a thousand words because this scene of the Yulong River is too beautiful to describe:

The lodge itself is a restored old farmhouse, all rustic stonework, and decorated in a traditional Guangxi style. It feels like a real mountain lodge but with a high degree of comfort.

The restaurant is open all day and late into the evening with delicious Chinese food, including local delicacies such as beer fish. There is also western food available. I visited in the winter and after days spent cycling and rock climbing in the beautiful countryside I loved coming back to a mulled wine in front of the open fire, with the hotel cat curling around my legs.

Beer fish – at the Yangshou Mountain Retreat in China

In the morning the ladies who work there sit around the fire doing their needlework, heads bent as they make handicrafts to sell. They exude an atmosphere of peaceful industry as I sit in front of the fire and sip my (real) coffee.

Perhaps peace is the key word here. China is a busy place. It’s not just the population, the whole country sometimes feels like one big construction site. Travel here can be gruelling because of the distances involved.

But here, on the Yulong River where no motorised traffic is allowed, and yet only a 15 minute drive from the bustling centre of Yangshou town, I felt like I had truly found the legendary beauty of southern China.

Disclosure: Natasha was a guest of the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat while travelling in China, but all opinions remain her own.

]]> http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/2013/02/ecolodge-china-recipe-success/feed/ 11 http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/2013/02/ecolodge-china-recipe-success/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EcoTravellerGuide/~3/LcmEchl05UU/ http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/2013/02/sustainable-air-travel-virgin-atlantic-is-making-it-happen/#comments Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:45:19 +0000 Gabi Logan http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/?p=5823
Image by Flickr user BC Gov Photos

Could sustainable, low-pollution jet fuel be right around the corner? Virgin Atlantic seems to think so.

While scanning the available movies and TV shows on a recent Virgin Atlantic flight to India, I found a short film about their sustainability programme. Specifically, they were highlighting a programme to develop sustainable jet fuel.

I was intrigued.

Virgin Atlantic’s Sustainability Goals

Image by Flickr user happyrelm

Conde Nast Traveler just reported that in 2013, “sustainable air travel will be a hot topic . . . [even though] a few months ago, U.S. airlines fought off an attempt to include their flights in a European Commission plan to reduce aviation’s carbon emissions.”

While the major American airlines are resisting a more sustainable path for air travel, Virgin joined the EU Emissions Trading Scheme at the outset of 2012, voluntarily committing to buy permits for every tonne of carbon emitted.

Virgin Atlantic has set itself the goal of reducing all of its flight-generated carbon emissions by 30% between 2007 and 2020. It’s ambitious, but in just the last five years they made quick work of greening their operations.

What They’re Doing Now

Image by Flickr user emseearr

It’s rare to see a large company that publicly professes its commitment to the age-old environmentalist mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle,” but that’s Virgin’s motto when it comes to waste. They’ve done away with styrofoam and non-recyclable plastic, though unfortunately EU regulations keep them from recycling food-containing items from outside the EU within the UK.

They’ve made sure that not only the ingredients they use, like their Fairtrade coffee (Virgin was the first airline to introduce it), but all of their products (including their stylish crew uniforms), are sourced responsibly and sustainable. Virgin’s sustainable procurement policy requires that all vendors pay their employees a fair charge, do not employ children, and meet other environmentally-related conditions.

But where Virgin is really making a difference now is reducing their emissions by working with what they have. By reducing the weight of everything in their planes – from the seats to the wine bottles to the cutlery to the storage units – Virgin has saved 1.3 tonnes of weight per plane. Lighter planes mean less drag and less fuel needed to keep the planes going.

How Virgin is Changing Air Travel

Image by Flickr user David Cushing

Virgin Atlantic has set up or become an integral member of the most influential groups pioneering sustainable aviation, including the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group, Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels, UK-centric Sustainable Aviation, and the Carbon War Room and their Operation Renewable Jet Fuels.

Already, in partnership with fuel company LanzaTech, Virgin has developed a low-carbon aviation fuel made from converted steel waste gases. Though it’s not in circulation yet, they’re in the middle of getting it approved and plan to fly a demo flight in 2013 and begin manufacturing commercial quantities in 2014. Because the fuel is made from pre-existing waste materials, it will be easy to produce in quantities necessary for commercial distribution at viable prices.

It takes fifty years – from initial research to world-wide implementation – for any sort of main source of energy to change completely, so we may not see sustainable jet fuel become mainstream anytime soon. But at least it’s on its way.

Do you think air travel can ever really be sustainable? What do you think of Virgin’s efforts to reduce air travel emissions?

]]> http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/2013/02/sustainable-air-travel-virgin-atlantic-is-making-it-happen/feed/ 4 http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/2013/02/sustainable-air-travel-virgin-atlantic-is-making-it-happen/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EcoTravellerGuide/~3/7RpNfERHZM4/ http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/2013/02/love-all-around-hearts-in-nature/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:52:28 +0000 Linda McCormick http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/?p=6093 Ladybug Hearts
nutmeg66

Recognised across the globe, the heart is a symbol of love, life and compassion … in every country and culture. But where did the connection of the heart and love begin?

Pandiyan, whose image of a leaf appears below, says:

“People like Aristotle trivialised brain and gave heart a more significant place in human anatomy. He extolled it as the seat of reason, thought and feelings. Buddhism talks heart not as a symbol of love but enlightenment. However, the credit for raising popularity of the shape in iconography and symbolism should go to Christianity and Europe.

The most interesting story of how heart symbolises love comes from Africa however. Ancient city of Cyrene in North Africa was one of the richest before the rise of Alexandria. Cyrene’s economy depended a lot on a plant called Silphium which was a herbal contraceptive and it refused to grow anywhere else. Its seeds were shaped like, yes, a heart. Hence the heart-love connection. Now the plant is thought to be extinct. For any further research, we have to go to Libya as the ancient city Cyrene is located there.”

I’m sure many cultures have their own stories of how the heart and love are connected. If you know of any, share them with us in the comments below.

In the meantime, to mark this Valentine’s Day, instead of sharing ideas of where to stay and what to do for the occasion I thought I’d share some wonderful images I’ve found of naturally occurring hearts. Enjoy!

Heart Nebula in Cassiopea
Zio81

Pelican Heart
Alex Proimos

Cactus Heart
Factofphotos

Heart Reef
Thomas Leplus

Random Heart
Pandiyan

Wooden Heart
Angi Unruh

Fractal Heart
Glisglis

Rock Heart Shadow
nirvanabg

Cloud Heart
identifyed-tehself

Leafy Heart
Mike Chernucha

Bleeding Heart
Olga Oslina

Marble Heart
Kate Ter Harr

Wood Heart
Matt

And if that’s not enough lovin’ for you, check out this Pinterest page, which is ladden with heart-shaped pics.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

]]> http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/2013/02/love-all-around-hearts-in-nature/feed/ 2 http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/2013/02/love-all-around-hearts-in-nature/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EcoTravellerGuide/~3/DvVeDIcsQrc/ http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/2013/02/exploring-melbourne-by-kayak-at-night/#comments Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:56:55 +0000 Linda McCormick http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/?p=6027

Drifting slowly along the Yarra under bright moonlight, water laps gently against the side of the kayak. I’m lulled by the rhythmic rocking of the tide. My breathing slows, keeping time with the dip and rise of the oar and I wonder why it’s taken me so long to explore Melbourne this way.

Life on the water has always appealed, even if for a few hours in a kayak. And because I’m always urging people to discover what’s going on in their own back yard, I thought it was about time to bite the bullet; practice what I preach and investigate life along the Yarra from a different perspective.

The evening tour I was booked on with Kayak Melbourne set off from the boat sheds at Docklands at 7pm sharp. It’s summer here, but it still gets dark early so you don’t have to wait too long to get a view of the cityscape at night.

Having a quick lesson on how to steer a tandem kayak
Photo credit: Kayak Melbourne

After a five minute lesson on how to manoeuvre a tandem kayak I’m introduced to my partner for the trip, the lovely Lissa. In the throes of a whirlwind tour of Australia, like me she has never used a tandem kayak. We set off slowly, getting used to the paddles and pedals, trying hard to keep each other on the straight and narrow, quite literally.

Rowing towards Ethiad Stadium and the city.

Slowly, we circle the docks in front of the Ethiad Stadium, practising our new moves and limbering up for the next few hours of paddling ahead while our guides Kent and Matt reveal little morsels of Melbourne history along the way.

The Docklands served as a main hub for migrants to the area in the 1850s and was a busy port during the gold rush in the region, but in the 1960s, when container shipping became commonplace, the existing docks were too small to keep up with demand so trade moved to bigger wharfs. The area remained relatively untouched until the early ‘90s, when it was earmarked for massive redevelopment as an urban waterfront.

Now tall, glass-shrouded skyscrapers line the docks, with only a handful of luxury yachts using the moorings.

It is here we pull up, tie up and wait while our complimentary meal of good old-fashioned fish and chips is brought to our laps. It’s a chance to grill Kent as to why he left his high-powered job in the city to run kayak tours, but as the sun sets, throwing a kaleidoscope of colours across the sky, lighting the surrounding buildings in violet and orange, it’s pretty obvious why this office is a much nicer place to be.

Enjoying fish ‘n’ chips, à la lap

Heading off towards the Bolte Bridge, now fine silhouette in the setting sun, I’m told the towers straddling either side are not just higher than Sydney Harbour Bridge, but that they’re not even attached to it. It’s an impressive bridge from a distance, with its tall towers stretching for the sky, but somehow I much prefer the view from below. The long lines of the concrete roadways above are lit from below, giving it a 1920s Art Deco feel.

A different perspective: the long sleek lines underneath the Bolte Bridge

It just screams to be photographed. So I try, and discover it’s not so easy to take still photographs while half paddling a kayak – or rather while your partner is paddling the kayak!

After the bridge we take a left turn into the Yarra and discover just how fast we can row when we realise the lights in the distance are those of a scenic cruise heading straight for us. Like oversized ducklings, we quickly follow Matt’s lead and hug the side of the banks, trying not to capsize in the wash of the passing boat.

We had been assured at the beginning of the tour the kayaks are pretty much uncapsizable, then some bright spark pipes up, “That’s what they said about the Titanic.” Still, we manage to survive our little brush with the ripples and continue on our way.

We row past the disused warehouses that could tell a few stories of old Dockland living. The giant wooden sheds are blackened and broken with age. They sit empty, staring across to the city like worn-down old men trying to make sense of it all.

Now the only life here seems to be a few well-loved yachts and the seagulls.

We pass fancy vacant tri-level houses and lively bars and restaurants – the sprawl of the new age – until we reach the Crown casino. Here the tour stops and waits for the fire ball show that lights up Southgate every night. For some, this was the highlight of the tour. Once finished we meander at a leisurely pace on past more crowded bars and restaurants, vibrant with the usual clamour of an evening before arriving at our end point: the rowing sheds just past Flinders Station and Princes Bridge.

Melbourne sky line at night.
Much nicer is real life, but hard to get a good shot while paddling a kayak!

Lissa and I try and replicate Kent’s fancy parking method – taking a good run – or row – up to the ramp, but fail miserably and have to be pulled in like everyone else.

Surprised at how good I feel after three solid hours of rowing, I promise myself to explore more of my adopted hometown before all of its old heart is razed forever. And may even, maybe, take up rowing!

Disclosure: My place on the tour was complimentary through Viator, all opinions and blurry photos are my own.

]]> http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/2013/02/exploring-melbourne-by-kayak-at-night/feed/ 15 http://www.ecotravellerguide.com/2013/02/exploring-melbourne-by-kayak-at-night/