BY CLAY LARROY
Do
you feel like it is time for a short vacation? Once you decide to travel, how
good you plan the trip will help you feel comfortable and be comfortable at
your destination. Not only will you feel less anxiety before the trip, but you
can rest assured that once you arrive where you're going you will have a good
understanding of what's going on there. When you need to plan a vacation contact me!
Destinations
The
eco-cruise industry provides itineraries in every possible destination.
Antarctica is one of the prime destinations for eco-cruise companies. Far from
being a lifeless desert of snow and ice, Antarctica has abundant sea life and
opportunities for exploration. Itineraries are often photography tours of
southern Argentina, the Falklands and the adjacent islands, as well as the
continent itself. Steeple Jason Island in the Falklands is the world’s largest
albatross nesting area, and visitors to this part of the world are treated to
large penguin rookeries, giant elephant seals, fur seals and pods of orcas
careening in and out of the icy channels.
The
Galapagos Islands are the home to the species that gave Charles Darwin much of
his inspiration for the theory of evolution. Many animals here remain largely
unafraid of man. The great diversity of the bird species is truly amazing:
flightless cormorants, Galapagos Penguins (on the equator!), Galapagos hawks,
finches and blue-footed boobies. Seals and sea lions, iguanas and giant
tortoises abound. Travelers who want to snorkel or scuba will see marine
iguanas, manta rays, hammerhead and white tipped sharks, sea turtles and a
great variety of other pelagic species.
A
cruise down the Amazon is perhaps one of the most exotic eco-cruise
itineraries. The rainforests of the Amazon are home to the world’s broadest
biodiversity. On either side of the river, the shores are thick with dense
rainforest canopy. Pink river dolphins and colorful birds are common sights.
The otherworldly Amazonian sloths meander in the tops of the trees and toucans
and howler monkeys provide a daily serenade of sound. Many excursions involve
meeting the local population and allow travelers to learn more about the river
culture and how modernity is affecting their lives. The trips often foray into
small tributaries, channels and passageways as the naturalists on board guide
passengers through waters churning with life.
Some
of the most accessible of the eco-cruise itineraries go to Alaska. The
combination of scenery and wildlife create a high demand for Alaskan
eco-cruises. Whales, both orca and humpback, eagles, salmon, seals, walrus,
polar and grizzly bear appear against a scenery of high mountains and calving
glaciers. Zodiac rafts launched from the small ships allow travelers to get within
a hundred yards of newly formed icebergs as they fall from glaciers overlooking
the sea. Naturalists that accompany these voyages know the best possible
locations for wildlife viewing, far from the reaches of the mass cruise line
market.
The
Sea of Cortez, where the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean meet, is a
fantastically rich feeding ground for aquatic life of every variety. Especially
important to travelers are the California gray whales that calve here. But note
that over 35 species of whale and dolphin make their home or transit through
the Sea of Cortez. Travelers make frequent sightings of whale sharks and giant
Pacific manta rays. Large pelagic fish of almost every variety are found in
these waters, along with the spectacular coast line and reefs that make diving
and snorkeling popular activities. Inflatable excursion craft frequently ferry
travelers to uninhabited islands to dive and explore. So important is this
vitally sensitive area that on July 14, 2005, UNESCO registered the region as a
World Heritage Site.
During
your search for an eco-cruise tour operator, consider the reputation of the
eco-cruise line and its history of working with travelers. It is an unfortunate
fact that too many hotels, resorts and others in the travel industry bill
themselves as eco-friendly without a great deal of substantiation. The lack of
globally recognized standards for being ecologically sound makes the process of
selecting a tour operator a bit more difficult. Many countries have enacted
their own local standards for hospitality industry participants, as has the
World Travel and Tourism Council.
In
addition, the manner in which your cruise operator interacts with the local
cultures and environment will play a role in how you ultimately remember and
relate to your voyage. To the extent that your eco-cruise line seeks actively
to minimize the impact of its activities on the local environment, the better
for all concerned. It is entirely appropriate to ask a cruise ship operator
about its environmental philosophy and whether it has published its standards.
You will also want to inquire as to the training and expertise of staff members
who will be accompanying you on your trip. The end result should be a solid
environmental and cultural travel experience.
You will
want to determine that not only the character of the cruise line, but also of
your fellow participants, will be a compatible fit. Ask about the passenger
demographic and age range. Inquire about the number of passengers on a typical
voyage and the ship’s capacity. Make sure that you will be able to participate
fully given any physical limitations you may have by informing your cruise
operator early on of access issues for you or your traveling companions. If
traveling with children, make sure that the policies of the cruise company
accommodate their age and maturity level.
Your
cruise line will provide to you a list of recommended clothing and gear. As
always, pack as lightly as possible, and remember to take along the essentials
for recording your voyage on film or in a diary. Binoculars, sunglasses and
sunscreen are some important items often left behind. Ask a doctor about any
recommended medical treatments or vaccinations for your planned destinations.
Ask your travel consultant about travel insurance to cover unexpected
cancellation and medical events or trip interruption due to sickness. Finally,
make sure that your travel documentation is appropriate and in order for your
chosen destination.
Eco-cruising
presents a real opportunity for personal excitement and growth. The options are
many, affordable and accessible -- why wait?
REFERENCE SITES:
“A nation that destroys its soils destroys
itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh
strength to our people. ”
― Franklin D. Roosevelt
― Franklin D. Roosevelt
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