Eco Travel

· Leave a Comment

Eco travel is a sustainable travel which is based on the idea of experiencing the balance of nature rather than upsetting it. Our earth is incredibly beautiful place full of rich ecosystems. But over the time the greenery is disappearing and plants and animals are going extinct gradually. That is why our tourism industry practices responsible tourism and foster awareness among the travelers. Eco travel aim at traveling with out disrupting or harming local culture or climate or damaging the ecology of that region. Preserving the natural luxuries, forest life and saving the environment around us is what the eco tourism all about.

Eco travel is a new concept of traveling, typically defined as travel to destinations where flora, fauna, natural heritage are main attractions. It also includes to enhance the cultural integrity of the people and also supports the program the minimizes the adverse effect of the traditional tourism on the natural environment.

Preservation of cultural, biological and historical resources along with sustainable development are some of the related field of Eco travel. Many well known personalities from different fields have been engaged themselves in formulating and developing ecotourism policies.

In today’s tourism industry eco-tourism is a fast growing industry. Not only in India but it has been getting importance from global market also. While going for an adventurous travel tour like camping, trekking, birding etc we should keep in mind not to create any mishap or disturbance in the life cycle of nature.

Each and every part of India is a collection of eco regions full of natural sightseeing locations. Even the majestic Himalaya alone offer many world famous eco sites, which offer activities like trekking, wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, orchid viewing, glacier viewing, birding, mountain-biking, nature walk and etc.

Know more about eco travel in ecoindia

Eco travel is a sustainable travel which is based on the idea of experiencing the balance of nature rather than upsetting it. Our earth is incredibly beautiful place full of rich ecosystems. But over the time the greenery is disappearing and plants and animals are going extinct gradually. That is why our tourism industry practices responsible tourism and foster awareness among the travelers. Eco travel aim at traveling with out disrupting or harming local culture or climate or damaging the ecology of that region. Preserving the natural luxuries, forest life and saving the environment around us is what the eco tourism all about.

Eco travel is a new concept of traveling, typically defined as travel to destinations where flora, fauna, natural heritage are main attractions. It also includes to enhance the cultural integrity of the people and also supports the program the minimizes the adverse effect of the traditional tourism on the natural environment.

Preservation of cultural, biological and historical resources along with sustainable development are some of the related field of Eco travel. Many well known personalities from different fields have been engaged themselves in formulating and developing ecotourism policies.

In today’s tourism industry eco-tourism is a fast growing industry. Not only in India but it has been getting importance from global market also. While going for an adventurous travel tour like camping, trekking, birding etc we should keep in mind not to create any mishap or disturbance in the life cycle of nature.

Each and every part of India is a collection of eco regions full of natural sightseeing locations. Even the majestic Himalaya alone offer many world famous eco sites, which offer activities like trekking, wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, orchid viewing, glacier viewing, birding, mountain-biking, nature walk and etc.

Of the many factors driving the green industry today, eco travel is one idea that is at once both attractive and controversial. So what is eco travel and why is it a hot topic of debate?

Eco Travel is a means of travel that considers economics and ecology in the decision making process of where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, where you’ll stay . . . and even what to do once you’ve arrived! At the core of understanding eco-lifestyle is the idea of minimizing our individual and collective human “footprint”, or the impact we make by our actions upon the environment. Let’s face it, every time you fly, drive your car or use other traditional modes of transportation for travel – it may get you to where you’re going fast, but the by-product produces a negative effective on the environment.

Millions of dollars are being spent by the travel industry at large.

From transportation and lodging, to service and touring organizations, the hope is to reduce or offset their business impact on the environment either because they are true eco stewards, or as a means to align themselves with a rapidly growing and highly publicized consensus that we humans “should” and desperately need to care about the one planet we all share.

Some critics are proposing an immediate and aggressive change in travel behavior, such as opting not to travel and stay at home. But for many, that is an impractical solution to a broad and complex issue. Certainly, pondering such an extreme shift can bring one to come up with a multitude of less severe options along the spectrum…many which can be applied on a personal level, and some which could be shared with family and friends to help bring a brighter awareness to the topic.

According to the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) and Silvercliffe Media, Inc.

industry report for 2005, Eco Travel represents a $ 24.2B industry. Many countries depend solely upon tourism for their economic survival. So where do we strike a balance? For those who aren’t quite ready for homebound adventure, yet want to approach travel responsibly – here are a few resources to help you on your sustainable travel path.

CONSIDER ECO FRIENDLY LODGING

Great hospitality is something we all hope to fin d in our travels, but when it comes to green lodging, this can be a challenging task – especially for chemically sensitive individuals or those simply looking to be more in tuned with nature. From cabins and small inns, to major hotels and resorts, eco friendly lodging has become the new essential for travel.

Lapis Lane Guest House & Cabin, Whidbey WA

Lapis Lane Guesthouse and Cabin on Whidbey Island , WA are owned and operated by Elaine and Dimitri Michaelides. The property is situated on 6-acres; it’s private but easily accessible from the Clinton Ferry Station. The lovely tree lined sanctuary has been described as a “creative refuge”, donning two secluded , separate residences and a gallery/meeting space that can serve your solo retreat, romantic getaway, creative adventure or small gathering. Lapis Lane Guesthouse is situated on the west side of Whidbey Island, allowing you to capture magnificent views of the Olympic Mountains and beautiful sunsets over the Puget Sound.

“Enjoy an evening walk through wooded paths under beautiful old Fir trees. See and hear owls and coyotes. During the day bald eagles soar overhead. In August and September pick buckets of juicy wild blackberries right outside your front door.”

Both the Guest House and Cabin feature non-toxic, chemically-free living spaces, use of 100% Cotton Linens, and a recycling system. And, you won’t have to leave the property to find healthy produce. Just a short walk up the path from the Guest House is an organic heirloom garden, lovingly tended by owner and landscape consultant Elaine Michaelides – who graciously greets her guests with a bounty of fresh veggies upon arrival. Elaine created the garden herself, which provides year-round produce for her family and guests. In addition to managing the property with her husband Dimitri, Elaine extends her earth-friendly talents across the island, providing expertise in the methods of organic heirloom gardening, landscape, and seed cultivation.

The Lapis Lane Guest House is equipped with a full kitchen and pantry for your convenience. To help ease your cares away, the Guest House also features a wonderful sky-lit steam room with Jacuzzi bath. Practice your chanting while you’re in there relaxing and gazing at the starry night sky; the high ceilings provide amazing acoustics and give a whole new meaning to “singing in the shower”. If that’s not dreamy enough for you, wrap-up in one of the plush cotton robes provided, or simply melt into one of the luxurious featherbeds for the ultimate sunlit nap or an incredible night’s sleep.

When you’re ready to explore, continue a few steps further up the path from the garden and you’ll find the working studio of Elaine’s husband, Dimitri Michaelides, a nationally renowned glass artist. Michaelides who incorporates a practice of sustainability through the use of recycled glass and energy saving methods in his work process, was one of 72 artists selected by The Smithsonian, for inclusion in the permanent White House Collection of American Crafts. The Guest House and Cabin are graced with his beautiful work, distinguished by the use of bright colors to create vessels adorned with his signature hand blown birds.

If you’re lucky, you might catch Dimitri at work. The grace, speed and patience with which he works to create his art is magical . . . an amazing sight to see!

Next time you’re in the Washington area, be sure to discover Lapis Lane Guest House. It’s a lovely, relaxing and environmentally conscious option.

For Reservation and Rate Info Contact:

Elaine Michaelides

(360) 579-2009

http://www.lapislane.com

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge, Homer, AK

The Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge in Alaska, has been recommended as one of the best green lodges in the U.S. by a host of well-respected environmental organizations including ‘E’ The Environmental Magazine, Earthfoot, Adventure Quest, Green Hotels, and The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies to name a few. Sadie Cove is a private property, surrounded by Kachemak Bay State Park. It is touted as, “One of North America’s Top Ten Eco Resorts” by Natural Home Magazine; and voted one of Forbes Traveler’s: “Ten Best Green Hotels in America “. This green treasure is described as a sheltered oasis, a visitors adventure – reachable only by water or a short helicopter ride.

This green treasure is described as a sheltered oasis, a visitors adventure – reachable only by water or a short helicopter ride. The lodge lies just north of Tutka Bay, midway between Seldovia and Halibut Cove, and only 10 miles by boat from Homer, Alaska, the “Bear Viewing Capital of the World and the gateway town for the Kenai Fjords National Park, Lake Clark National Park, and Katmai National Park.”

The lodges were custom hand-built in the mid-70′s from scavenged driftwood by Keith Iverson, owner/operator of Sadie Cove Lodge. In the spirit of eco stewardship, Sadie Cove is doing its part to leave a lighter footprint. The facility runs entirely off the grid, utilizing wind and hydro-electric resources for its alternative energy power. Also featured are a creek-side sauna, bath house and family entertainment lounge. Treat yourself to a professionally prepared meal by the resident chef in the lodge dining hall. For people who want to view the beautiful landscape or simply experience the serenity of this retreat, kayaking or fishing are an option. The lodge provides you with all the gear you’ll need, free of charge.

There is a current ad campaign being hosted by the State of Alaska, ” Alaska before you die!” It urges people to see Alaska now, before it’s gone to progress.

If you’ve ever dreamed of touring this beautiful region, now may be just be the time!

Be sure to add the Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge to your list of “must experience” eco adventures.

For Reservation and Rate Info Contact:

1-888-283-7234

http://www.sadiecove.com

Marie Gunter, is the Co-Founder of One Green Globe, a leading online community for conscientious individuals, businesses and groups promoting sustainable and healthful living. Marie is an experienced holistic healthcare practitioner, and seasoned promoter of innovative technololgies, working in both the corporate and non-profit sectors and across various industries. She is a life-long proponent of holistic systems and sustainability. Marie provides independent consulting, business development and public speaking services throughout the U.S. Contact: 206-905-9254 for details.

For more information on One Green Globe check out http://www.onegreenglobe.com

Get healthful living updates from our eNewsletter, The Green Page eNews!

SUBSCRIBE: http://onegreenglobe.com/news/2007/09/

One Green Globe © 2006 All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprints acceptable ONLY if the entire article remains the same, including this author resource box! All links must remain active, give author name credit.

Discount Textbooks

· Leave a Comment

In this fast-paced age of information and technology, where people fast? No “time for reading. However, there are many people to read books you love and are always possible, speaking with the reading can be. For students, is to keep the textbook buyback sites
required for the pursuit of their studies to obtain . Now you can buy books, rent and sell on the Internet so stress-free. There is also off and manual off of money on the Internet, you can greatly benefit.

Money plays a crucial role in what ever you buy, and is also the case if you need to buy books because they are often expensive, it’s true. University students and parents know their children study, like most of the costs behind the cost of school books and tuition fees. Although it will cost you much if you buy books online, but fortunately you can find money-off and discounts that can help your money.

If you use the Internet to find, sell the source from which it is right to buy, rent or browse through the books, you get so many options, but can be more rewarding for you Textbooks.com. You can see on this website comes down to himself, how can you enjoy great service and the best deals on books you want to have or sell.

If you rent for books or looking to buy via the Internet, will focus on how to get your benefits or discounts. With a little ‘exploration and visits to sites, you can get some sources from which the money starts and discounts are available. Textbooks.com is such a beautiful place where you can be up to 90% discount on textbooks. Also, if you save your purchase using discount in view of the money, you can more freely with fast shipping Save on your order over $ 25.

In other words, the purchase of books and have them delivered to your home, you can save big. In addition to these attractive offers are available to use textbooks as well as money saving coupon codes online.

Some students find it more expensive to buy textbooks, even if they receive discounts and then to arrive at the apartment. It ‘a good idea to rent books, if you do not want them not to buy more. Textbooks.com makes it easier for you to have them rent. In addition, through its buy-back program by the book, you can sell and get money for books.

select: More Textbooks Articles

Home Inspection

· Leave a Comment

What is a home inspection and why is it important? Home inspection is an examination of a property without being invasive. This is usually done as a requirement for home purchase or sale. A professional home inspector does this. He is trained to inspect all areas of the house. He normally carries gadgets and other equipment to carry out his duties. After the inspection, he issues his home inspection report.

The home inspector covers a lot of area in the house. He checks the air conditioning system, the basement, electrical aspects, the heating system, the plumbing, structure, the water heater and the like. He checks for irregularities and for improper practices in the structure. He also checks for the different hazards that might be present at home such as those relating to fire and safety. He also points to the different maintenance issues that need to be addressed.

The report will be given to the home owner. It is detailed there what needs to be done and repaired. The report will be the basis of the owner for repairs and upgrades.

A home inspection is very important especially to those who are planning to purchase a house. In fact, most real estate agents will require their clients to hire a home inspector before letting them purchase any property. Even the sellers are encouraged to have their property checked before opening it to the market. Some of the reasons why home inspection is important regardless of what party you are representing are stated below:

1. It gives you peace of mind. Once you have the property checked, you can be certain of its condition. You will have an assurance that the property is in good shape. If it is not, at least you are aware of what you need to repair or change.

2.

This will also give you a reason to renegotiate the initial price presented to you. This is true especially if there are problems identified. Either the buyer can ask for a lower purchase price or the seller can agree to fix the problems.

3. After the home inspection, the buyer can change his mind. He can discontinue the purchase once he discovers that the properties have many problems. There are instances when repairs are not enough.

4. This will also set the expectation of the buyers or the home owner. If the inspector sees that a feature of the house is still working but may require replacement after three months, then the owners can prepare for it. The buyer, on the other hand, is aware of the additional expenses he might incur in the future for repair and maintenance.

5. Inspections also help the sellers. First, this will help sell the property faster. He can make the necessary repairs or disclose the problems to the buyers, which will explain the discounted value of the property.

Home inspection is indeed beneficial for both the buyers and the sellers. It may cost them additional charges, but it will definitely be worth it. Many buyers did not have their property inspected beforehand and regretted it because of the problems they are facing with the property acquired.

MLS Real Estate in Chandler offers a lot of wonderful homes. Visit Chandler Homes as well.

Vacation Rentals

· Leave a Comment

Vacations are the time when you pack up all the routine activity and go in for a place or time to enjoy some kind of leisure activity. It again also depends on person to person as some would prefer adventure in a vacation and hence the basic needs of a place to live to spend the vacation become essential. The first step to plan a vacation becomes the location depending upon the activities you are wishing to carry out and then the place to live be it a cottage, a hotel room etc. where on can settle down for few days.

Vacation rental are becoming a competitive activity among tourist spots. People are developing new places to rent for the people coming in for a vacation. As large number of people pour into a location, just providing a place to live does not assure customer satisfaction. Hence more and more features needs to be provided in an affordable or luxurious way to satisfy different group of customers. To achieve maximum occupancy Vacation rental owners try to advertise in maximum possible ways and 555 rentis one such place where you can put up all possible information of your vacation rental units so as to attract thousands of possible tourists to land into your location. Treating every customer with respect and courtesy from their first enquiry becomes an essential in the current market trend. This also can give a regular average occupancy and a solid booking during the peak season time with a large number of returning customers and 555 rentmultiplies your possibilities.

Vacation rentals are a real good option for a big family to avoid the major expenses of a luxury hotel while on a vacation to a distant place. Vacation rental units are just like a complete home with a living area, bed rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, lawn area etc. Some also provide cooks and house keeping so as making ones leisure time an enjoyable one. 555 rentgives you an opportunity to select among various kinds of vacation rentals with various features like swimming pools, gyms, etc and also in varying budgets. 555 renthelps you to make your spending a full valued one by providing reasonable to luxury vacation rental information.

Depending up on your specific needs like taking along pet family members etc the agreement points can be made along with mentioning of the rent to be paid. Freedom is one of the major points that vacation rentals provide. As in hotels you have many people living around you where as vacation rentals at isolated locations give your family the privacy and opportunity to enjoy at your convenience. Also a big family can enjoy more in a vacation rental dwelling than a hotel as they all can be in a single dwelling. Another advantage being that the check in and check out procedures is reduced a lot as the major points are already mentioned and agreed in the vacation rental agreement.

555 renteven takes care of the main thing while going in for a Vacation rental and that is the Vacation rental agreement.

Vacations are the time when you pack up all the routine activity and go in for a place or time to enjoy some kind of leisure activity. It again also depends on person to person as some would prefer adventure in a vacation and hence the basic needs of a place to live to spend the vacation become essential. The first step to plan a vacation becomes the location depending upon the activities you are wishing to carry out and then the place to live be it a cottage, a hotel room etc. where on can settle down for few days.

Vacation rental are becoming a competitive activity among tourist spots. People are developing new places to rent for the people coming in for a vacation. As large number of people pour into a location, just providing a place to live does not assure customer satisfaction. Hence more and more features needs to be provided in an affordable or luxurious way to satisfy different group of customers. To achieve maximum occupancy Vacation rental owners try to advertise in maximum possible ways and 555 rentis one such place where you can put up all possible information of your vacation rental units so as to attract thousands of possible tourists to land into your location. Treating every customer with respect and courtesy from their first enquiry becomes an essential in the current market trend. This also can give a regular average occupancy and a solid booking during the peak season time with a large number of returning customers and 555 rentmultiplies your possibilities.

Vacation rentals are a real good option for a big family to avoid the major expenses of a luxury hotel while on a vacation to a distant place. Vacation rental units are just like a complete home with a living area, bed rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, lawn area etc. Some also provide cooks and house keeping so as making ones leisure time an enjoyable one. 555 rentgives you an opportunity to select among various kinds of vacation rentals with various features like swimming pools, gyms, etc and also in varying budgets. 555 renthelps you to make your spending a full valued one by providing reasonable to luxury vacation rental information.

Depending up on your specific needs like taking along pet family members etc the agreement points can be made along with mentioning of the rent to be paid. Freedom is one of the major points that vacation rentals provide. As in hotels you have many people living around you where as vacation rentals at isolated locations give your family the privacy and opportunity to enjoy at your convenience. Also a big family can enjoy more in a vacation rental dwelling than a hotel as they all can be in a single dwelling. Another advantage being that the check in and check out procedures is reduced a lot as the major points are already mentioned and agreed in the vacation rental agreement.

If you are traveling alone or with others, vacation rental is a new concept makes you consider because you need to know about hotels and time-shares. You couldn’t stop thinking about it, if wanting the vacation rental idea.

 

I’ve always wanted to vacation in Europe, haven’t we all, but I could never really give the idea credence because, in the deep recesses of my brain, I knew hotel accommodations would be just too cost prohibitive. When I began to explore the vacation rental, I realized that a European vacation might be within my grasp after all!

 

Comparing hotel rates with vacation rental rates, it is apparent that I can get more for less with a vacation rental. If you’re traveling with another couple or a group, the per person savings can be tremendous.

 

Check out this example for Paris:

I located a vacation apartment rental in the Latin Quarter for $ 1465.00 per week.

It has two bedrooms, each with a private bath. There is a kitchenette, Internet access, and cable TV. It is a five minutes walk from Notre Dame.

 

For 4 people, that works out to $ 366.25 per person per week or $ 52.32 per day per person.

 

For comparison, I located a Mid Scale hotel called Adagio Paris Opéra, in roughly the same area. The rooms start at $ 302.25 per day, which is $ 2115.75 per week, roughly $ 75.00 per person per night, based upon 4 people.

 

There, you have one bedroom with two single beds and a sofa bed in the living room. It also has cable and Internet access, but only one bathroom.

 

From strictly a cost standpoint, the vacation rental is the better deal, but there is more to consider than just money.

What about comfort? What about privacy? Certainly, the private bath is plus for the vacation rental as are two bedrooms rather than one. I like to have my own personal space in which to relax. The vacation rentals seem more like “home” than the hotel atmosphere. There are other advantages worth mentioning. Families can be together as opposed to scattered about in different hotel rooms. Then there is the problem of tipping, taxes, schedules for meals and so on. You have more room in a vacation home in which to relax. Plainly said, it is just more like home!

 

So, what is the downside? You will not typically find support staff on premise, so if you have a problem, large or small, its resolution may take some time. Transportation may be an issue. Look into this before you finalize your plans. You probably won’t have maid service. Be prepared to clean up after yourself. When you arrive, you may be disappointed. Hey! Even I look good in photos.

 

If you are diligent in your research, ask the right questions and are realistic in your expectations, you will likely find the vacation rental to be a more than satisfactory experience.

 

David K. Bradley is a writer for Indovillas Bali which specializes in Bali Villas and Bali Vacation Rental as well as tour and activity arrangements. They offer an assortment of holiday packages and property deals on the island of Bali.

select: More Vacation Rentals Articles

Green Living

· Leave a Comment

Green living is not all about compost heaps and solar panels, the design trend for this season is bringing the outdoors in with fresh green shades that remind us that Spring is not far away. One of the key areas for using green is in the bedroom and home office. You need to ensure your shade of green blends with wood you have chosen for your bedroom furniture or desk.

A simple colour scheme to incorporate into a bedroom would be wallpaper with big bold white flowers, set amongst a background of apple green; this will bring crispness and a cutting edge to the bedroom. The skirting boards and ceilings need to be a bright white emulsion to enhance the apple on the walls. This combination works equally well within the home office, for the fresh urban nature vibe.

The ideal furniture needs to be streamlined and of wood appearance, not too dark like mahogany but a warm oak shade, of course because the theme is white and green, you can also match white wardrobes to good effect.

A gloss wardrobe would be very dramatic, bringing nature towards modernism. Your choice in bedroom furniture does depend on taste and also budget, however, try to avoid over complicated pieces of furniture that detract from the overall appearance, nature is all about simplicity and harmony.

The soft furnishings of the room, should give the morning dew effect, so curtains should allow light to diffuse softly over the room and bedding should appear as crisp and clean as the walls. If you are recovering cushions, a good idea would be have varying textures; you could even add another colour to compliment the green. Imagine a woodland floor, what flowers would you see?

This thought should also transpire to the floor, if you already have wooden flooring then there would be little need to change this. However, if you thinking of re-carpeting the room, then a soft caramel would look fantastic against the backdrop of the walls and bedroom furniture. You could also place a rug in the room to pick out the colours of the cushion covers.

Green living is a just not just an ideal, it can be a reality if we look at it a little laterally and there is no need to worry if you haven’t got the budget to change your wardrobes, just look to nature to see the colours that would work with the colour of the bedroom furniture you have already.

Philip Sedgefield is an interior designer who has worked on many home improvement projects including bedroom furniture and home office furniture using original and unique designs of home furnishings including wardrobes and desks.