Lounging in the pool, staring out into the darkening tropical jungle, I contemplated my difficult choices. A drink before dinner, or stay in the pool? Decisions, decisions. On a small group tour, that was about the toughest one I had to make.
I consider myself an independent traveler. From my first trip as an adult, backpacking across Asia and Australia, to current jaunts with my family, I like to do it myself. But a recent trip to Costa Rica reminded me of the pleasures and advantages of small group tours.
I was in Costa Rica for business, so was traveling alone. I had an open weekend, but only the weekend – I had to be back in San Jose on Monday morning. I decided to maximize my time by signing up for a tour to Tortuguero National Park. And I, super independent traveler, had a fantastic time.
I have been mulling a recent comment on an older blog entry. The person wrote “I was told by a wise woman not too long ago (who runs an ecological farm – Permaculture based) that: ‘There is no such thing as Eco travel. You wanna be Eco? Good – Stay Home!”
Is she right? Is travel itself intrinsically bad for the environment?
There’s no denying that flying is bad for the environment. Pollution from jets contributes approximately 3 to 5% of annual carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. By getting on a plane and flying somewhere, you are immediately contributing to that total.
But there are things you can do to mitigate it.
Next week, Christian communities around the world will commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Throughout Latin America there will be plays, processions, and vigils. But the most colorful, dramatic traditions can be found in Antigua, Guatemala. Antigua lies just north and west of Guatemala City. A taxi or van ride from [...]
El Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) is celebrated in Guatemala on January 6th. On the evening of January 5th, the children leave their shoes outside in the courtyard. Hay and water, for the Wise Men’s horses, is also placed in the yard. In the morning the proof of the kings’ visit is [...]
The Guatemala City airport remains closed, following the eruption of Volcan Pacaya, 17 miles south of the airport. The eruption spread ash across Guatemala City, and rained rocks onto several villages close by. There has been one confirmed fatality, and several people remain missing. At this point, it is not known when the airport will [...]
