Giving
the world a break
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Date: 19 January, 2003
Jennifer Everest from surefish.co.uk partner responsibletravel.com
offers ten ideas for ethical holidays. For more details about the
listed trips, either click on its picture or title
Had enough of the ordinary holiday? Why
not do something a bit different this year and feel the difference
while you make a difference. Here are ten top responsible holidays
that help to preserve environments, local ways of life and support
local economies, as chosen by responsibletravel.com. You'll get
a better holiday experience and give something back at the same
time.
Oludeniz
holiday hotel accommodation in Turkey
Black Tree is situated in a village 12km south of the resort of
Oldeniz off the beaten track in the foothills of Babadag. The nine
cottages range in size and sleep between two to seven people. They
are built in local style from stone and timber, have working fireplaces
and well equipped open plan kitchens with gas cookers and refrigerators.
Bread is made daily and organically grown food is served. Local
Lycian sites of Xanthos, Pinara, Letoon and Thlos are all within
easy reach. There are many isolated beaches and mountain bike hire
available for those keen to cycle.
Polis,
Cyprus villa & hotel accommodation
Combining hotel and villa accommodation this is a truly unique holiday
retreat. Set on a stunning location surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean
orchards and gardens you'll find a combination of unspoilt sandy
beaches, crystal clear waters and a beautiful countryside with a
very rich wildlife. The hotel possesses sixty elegantly decorated
bedrooms in the main building or in the garden wings. Each of the
five luxurious villas has its own swimming pool and three twin bedrooms
with en-suite bathrooms. The hotel operates important water and
energy saving practices and helps to operate a local conservation
centre. CY£26 per twin room (winter) - CY£56 per twin
room (summer) (1CY£=1.72 EUR approx)
Isle
of Mull Farmstay holiday
A unique collection of self catering cottages and blackhouses on
a remote headland overlooking the edge of Calgary Bay. Set within
1900 acres of organic farmland with four miles of coastline with
grassy cliffs tumbling into the sea, raised beaches and hidden coves,
the area provides wonderful walking and spectacular views to numerous
Hebridean islands to the north, west and south of Mull. Accredited
with a Gold Award by The Green Tourism Business Scheme they are
making that extra effort to ensure that the Scottish environment
remains as beautiful as possible. Cottages from £150 - £450
per week depending on the time of year.
Kenya
safari
A journey of discovery through Kenya amid contrasting scenery, Rift
Valley Lakes, Mount Kenya regions and the wildlife environments
and cultures of Kenya's savanna. As well as superb wildlife viewing
opportunities, insights into the way of life and cultures of local
communities are included. This results in a much more rewarding
and richer safari experience and the local community can gain a
direct share of the benefits that foreign visitors can bring. Accommodation
is in bush camps (fully supported), permanent tented camps and very
comfortable local hotels. £540 on our regular scheduled small
group departures, tailor-made options also available.
Conservation
volunteering in the UK
Our conservation taster holidays could include any range of projects
including: coastal conservation, wildlife habitat conservation,
waterways and wetlands and woodland management. Don't worry if you've
never tried done any conservation work before - full tuition will
be provided on site. You could be working on a variety of farmland
conservation tasks at an organic farm in northern Cumbria, helping
out with tree planting, bird box construction and scrub clearance
at community woodland in Scotland, or trying some wildlife gardening
in Derbyshire.
From £40 - £250 incl. food and accommodation. Weekends
and one to four week breaks
Algarve
bed & breakfast, Portugal
This rural guesthouse is ideally located in the heart of the unspoilt
Portuguese countryside, away from mass tourism amidst four acres
of rural countryside - with an abundance of old almond, olive and
fig trees. It consists of various renovated rustic buildings, in
which simple but comfortable accommodation is offered. The guesthouse
is situated on the south west corner point of the Algarve, 9 km
NW of Lagos and at walking distance from of Barão de São
João, an old authentic Portuguese village. A daily breakfast
is served and there is also possibility for camping. From 28 Euro
(1 person room) to 72 Euro (4 person apartment), low season
Walking
in Andalucia, Spain
Five days are spent walking through rugged hills, picturesque white
villages and tranquil olive groves. A variety of walks are included;
a walk round the trails and paths of Penon hill, close to the Cortijo;
a more strenuous walk amongst the granite peaks of the verdantly-forested
Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park; and an easier route along the
banks of the Guadalete River. We will walk for between 4 and 7 hours,
stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. From £555 (8 days)
inc. flights, £395 exc. flights
Dolphin
conservation in New Zealand
Together with world-renowned marine mammal biologist Dr. Bernd Würsig,
volunteers investigate the effects of tour boats on dolphins in
Kaikoura Bay. In the past ten years, Kaikoura has become a Mecca
for tourists who want to see whales and swim with dolphins. Clearly
dolphins are good for business-an excellent incentive to protect
them-but is business good for the dolphins? Teams will continue
to monitor the dolphins' movements, group sizes, and vocal behaviours
to help make recommendations on numbers and types of vessels to
affiliate with animals throughout the year. £1,095 excludes
international flights (12 days)
Barbados
beach hotel accommodation
This hotel is situated on a lovely sandy beach overlooking the tranquil
turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea on the south coast of Barbados,
1.5 miles from the capital, Bridgetown and two miles from the lively
St. Lawrence Gap area. The hotel is situated on one of the island's
foremost turtle hatching beaches and all hotel visitors are educated
on the importance of the preservation of the marine environment.
A stay at this beach hotel will provide a magical experience for
people of all ages, and a warm welcome that will draw you back time
and time again. Special rates until April 15, 2004 of US$123 per
night. The rates are valid for single or double occupancy.
Loch
Ness self catering accommodation
The cottage has a charm all its own and enjoys an elevated position
with a stunning view overlooking Loch Ness, at Inverfarigaig, midway
down the south eastern shore of Loch Ness, in the heart of the Scottish
Highlands. Traditionally built and clad in cedar shingles, it has
a restful atmosphere harmonising naturally in its woodland setting
on the edge of the Farigaig forest. Miles of waymarked trails meander
through the forest, to some of the finest viewpoints of Loch Ness.
The kids and the dogs will love it, and, with a secure fenced garden
to the cottage, you can relax with peace of mind. Accredited with
a Gold Award by The Green Tourism Business Scheme. From £240
- £515 per week
For more great suggestions
with holidays from leading responsible operators log on to www.responsibletravel.com
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