Archive for category Sustainable travel
Tasty TwEats
Posted by TravelDesigned in My Travelin' Tweeps, Sustainable travel, Travel Information, TravelDesigned, Uncategorized on June 7th, 2010
But of course, we haven't been everywhere… so we're relying on you to contribute some of your favorite recipes. All submissions are completely voluntary and no money is exchanged between writers.
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Natural Wonders and Voluntourism Coast 2 Coast
Posted by TravelDesigned in Gap Adventures of the Week, My Travelin' Tweeps, South America, Sustainable travel, TravelDesigned on April 11th, 2010
Winner of the Gap Adventrues Create Your Own Adventrue Contest will be announced May 25, 2010
Voting has ended.
This is my dream Gap Adventure of the Week. I created Natural Wonders and Voluntourism Coast 2 Coast for the Gap Adventures Create Your Own Adventure Contest There were over 5000 entries. My tour made the Top 20 and is in the running for the Gap Adventure of the Year! Now I need your vote to make my dream a reality not only for myself but for others as well. Voting ends April 25, 2010, Please spread the word!
The concept of this tour is nature and volunteer work while traveling in style, with spa and beach time too!
This button will take you to the poll
Natural Wonders & Voluntourism Coast 2 Coast
Created by Stephanie
Brazil
Argentina
Tour Duration 16 days
Tour Description
Natural Wonders & Voluntourism Coast to Coast in South America
Created by Stephanie Diehl
Countries visited: Equador, Brazil and Argentina
Tour duration: 16 days
From city highlights, relaxation, natural wonders and voluntourism, everything is included in this coast to coast South American adventure. Voluntourism doesnt mean you have to sacrifice the comforts and conveniences or free time with this tour!
Day 1: City tour of Quito on arrival
Day 2(B,L,D): Planeterra Project in Quito: Your time will be spent helping children with their studies and they help you understand their daily lives.
Evening: dinner & folklore show
Day 3(B,L): 1/2 day Planeterra Volunteering
1/2 day Shopping & Spa
Evening is free to explore dining and nightlife on your own.
Day 4-8 Isabela Island -the largest island of the Galapagos, yet the least visited!
Day 4(B,D)
Day 5-7(B,L,D)
Day 8(B)
Nature awaits you with visits including:
*Flamingo Lagoon-the breeding ground of the flamingos
*Sierra Negra Volcano-by horseback- *Concha Perla-snorkeling
*Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
*The Wall of Tears-a former penal colony
*Islote Tintoreras-snorkeling with white tipped sharks
*Penguins, sea lions, marine iguana, many exotic colored fish
*Beach time
Day 8(B): Isabela to Rio de Janeiro
Day 9: Arrive Rio de Janeiro from overnight flight- city tour on arrival – free afternoon and evening to rest or explore on your own
Day 10-12(B,L): Volunteer at Planeterra's project -Favela Roupa Suja -learn about day to day living by helping with a 50 child full service day care. No special skills required-just the willingness to open your heart to help these children.
Evenings and free time in Rio are yours to explore the culinary delights and this magnificent city's treasures.
Day 13-16(B) Iguassu Falls -a UNESCO world heritage site!
Includes:
*1/2 day tour of the Argentinean Iguasso Falls
*1/2 day tour of the Brazilian Iguasso Falls
*zodiac tour-Argentian side
*helicopter tour-Brazillian side
*nature-bird park
*Evenings at your leisure
daily breakfast
all meals on Isabela Island
lunch on volunteer days
Dinner with the folklore show in Quito
dinner and folklore show
1/2 day Shopping & Spa tour
city tours Quito and Rio
volunteer project in Rio and Quito
Iguassu Falls trip (similar to code TSAIFS)
zodiac boat tour of falls
helicopter tour of falls
daily breakfast
all meals on Isabela Island
lunch on volunteer days
- Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
- Iguassu Falls (Brazil)
- Iguassu Falls (Argentina)
- Quito (Ecuador)
- Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
- Boutique Hotels
- Twin-Share hotel
- Boat/Sail boat
- Airplane
- Private Vehicles
Brazil Tall Ship Sailing Adventure
Posted by TravelDesigned in Gap Adventures of the Week, South America, Sustainable travel on March 27th, 2010
Tall Ship Sailing in Brazil with Gap Adventures
Day 1 Arrive Rio de Janeiro (D)
Arrive in Rio – board at 12 o'clock noon.
Day 2 Set sail from Rio de Janeiro (B, L, D)
Embark on your adventure with a scenic 12 hour sail along the Brazilian coast with unbeatable views of Rio's famous horizon, lush rainforest and long, lonely beaches. Onboard duties will be set out for everyone who wishes to help out.
Day 3 Ilha Grande, Enseada das Palmas (B, L, D)
Anchor at beautiful Ilha Grande. Explore Enseada das Palmas by sea, with a snorkel or kayak, or on foot. Settle your heart rate by watching the sun set at the stunning Lopes Mendes beach. Conclude your fun-filled day with dinner and drinks on the beach.
Day 4 Lagoa Azul, Saco do Ceu (B, L, D)
Set sail for Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon), Sítio Forte and Saco do Céu, with the possibility of a small hiking adventure through landscapes of beautiful deserted beaches. In the evening phosphorescent sea plankton give us a fantastic fluorescent show. Anchor at Saco do Céu.
Day 5 Mamanguá Ecological Reserve (B, L, D)
Depart early for Mamanguá Ecological Reserve, the only fjord in Brazil. Improve your tan relaxing on the beach or partake in your choice of activities for an up close and personal encounter with the local flora and fauna. After lunch enjoy a rainforest hike or waterfall expedition before nighttime festivities on the beach. Anchor at Mamanguá.
Day 6 Ilha da Beixiga, arrive Paraty (B, L, D)
Sail today to the pristine waters and islands of the Paratimirim Peninsula. Have a Robinson Crusoe moment during a visit to the stunning Ilha da Beixiga, a private island which only we have permission to visit. Only a short sail away is the historic port town of Paraty, a quintessential Brazilian colonial town famous for fantastic seafood, the Brazilian drink Cachaça, and the rhythms of Bossa Nova.
Day 7 Depart Paraty (B)
Explore the 16th century fort on the island and enjoy this tropical paradise for your final morning. Disembark the Tocorimé around noon. Boa viagem!
Cruise Only Price: $1549
Prices subject to change and availability
What's Included:
Name the Suite: Los Portales of Hacienda Tres Rios
Posted by TravelDesigned in Mexico, Sustainable travel, TravelDesigned on February 18th, 2010
Hacienda Tres Rios is having a contest to name their new suite. They have chosen select travel professionals and travel bloggers to help them name their new connecting Ceiba Junior Suites. I am one of the lucky chosen ones! My mission is to get all my friends and followers to first FAN Hacienda Tres Rios then vote/Like my suite on their Facebook page. If my suite receives the most LIKES/votes, I will win a 3 night stay!
So go to this link on Facebook, become a fan, click on the tab Suite Contest and look for my logo and Like it. 
Here is a bit about my suite name and the resort:
The tagline of the Hacienda Tres Rios, an all-inclusive luxury resort in the
P.S.S. Global Bloggers Network , bloggers everywhere and Matadors too– I am trying–I know I need more work, please fan and vote for me so I will have something to blog!
P.S.S.S. Terry–my very own personal luggage handler and love of my life –outside of social media–Thanks you too!
He is already packed-please don't disappoint him 
Culinary Mexico Mezcal and Mole
Posted by TravelDesigned in Adventures, Gap Adventures of the Week, My Travelin' Tweeps, Sustainable travel on February 13th, 2010
Culinary Mexico: Mezcal & Mole
Limited Dates & Space Available
Day 1 Arrive Mexico City (D)
Arrive in Mexico City at any time. Enjoy your first of many group meals exploring the tantalizing flavours of Mexican cuisine.
Day 2-3 Oaxaca (2B, L)
The colourful and lively markets and impressive Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban are just two of many reasons to visit wonderful Oaxaca. Enjoy an included cooking class to get the most out of the Mexican cuisine experience. Also visit mezcal factory which produces the fiery "other tequila" that is this region's specialty. Careful of the worm! Famed for its local handicrafts, Oaxaca is also an excellent spot to pick up souvenirs.
Day 4-5 Puebla (2B, D)
Head to Puebla, famous for its hand-painted tiles, unique handicrafts, mouth-watering Mole Poblano and rich colonial history. Visit the market here and learn how to make the famous mole sauce. Enjoy a meal at the famous Fonda de Santa Clara, where you'll be able to sample Puebla's unique seasonal specialties ranging from "chiles en nogada" (stuffed chilies covered with a creamy walnut sauce and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds) to "escamoles" or ant larvae sautéed in butter.
Day 6-7 Veracruz (2B, D)
No Mexican menu would be complete without the phrase "a la Veracruzana" somewhere on it; hit an ocean-side local restaurant while you're here to sample it. Don't forget to try the seafood – straight from the water!
Day 8 Mexico City (B)
This multi-layered megalopolis is home to an endless list of cultural wonders, including the best anthropology museum in the country, filled with Mexican archaeology, the largest plaza (the Zocalo), Aztec historical sites and a vibrant street life.
Day 9 Depart Mexico City (B)
Land Only Price: $1299 per person
Prices subject to change and availability
Contact me TODAY to reserve YOUR Gap Adventures!
Experience Adventure in Africa As You Help Sustain Local Communities
Posted by TravelDesigned in Africa, Hills of Africa, My Travelin' Tweeps, South Africa, Sustainable travel on November 30th, 2009
Please follow Sandy on Twitter: Hills of Africa
Zimbabwean, changing lives one journey at a time through customized African safari vacations, 2 kiddies & lovely hubby.
Experience Adventure in Africa As You Help Sustain Local Communities
Emerging as a key influencer in sustainable tourism efforts, South Africa is taking great strides to promote a sustainable economy and community through eco-tourism companies. When the proceeds from eco-tourism companies are given to employees—who are locals—the money then goes directly back into the local economy. This means that schools can be rebuilt, education programs restored, homes built, families fed, and locals employed. When you participate in eco-tourism companies, you are not only helping to sustain the local economy, you are also bringing joy to a community that has been struck by the devastating effects of poverty, and giving the environment the chance to thrive and live on.
With an array of accommodations and touring companies that pride themselves on sustainable tourism efforts, you can choose to take part in this incredible movement to bring happiness, education, and jobs back into local communities, while experiencing a luxurious and adventurous South African family vacation or honeymoon.
The official certification for eco-tourism companies is the Fair Trade in Tourism (FTTSA) certificate. Several accommodations throughout South Africa that bear this prestigious certificate include:
Cape Grace in Cape Town, South Africa: Radiating elegance from every intricate detail, Cape Grace is nothing short of exceptional. Its location in Cape Town’s famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront make it a close walk to some of Cape Town’s most celebrated shopping hubs, restaurants, and hot-spots.
Designed with elegant, comfortable, and sophisticated décor, each of Cape Grace’s 121 rooms is individually designed with subtle reflections of Cape Town’s bright spirit and accents of authentic Cape culture.
In addition to its luxurious décor and prime location, Cape Grace prides itself on its personalized and exclusive services and amenities, including its private yacht charters and the Spa at Cape Grace.
Djuma Vuyatela in Kruger, South Africa: With privacy, intimacy, and eclectic style as the main characteristics of this lodge, you’re sure to find complete relaxation in Djuma Vuyatela. Located on the private Djuma Reserve, the Djuma Vuyatela offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and its magnificent wildlife. Each of the lodge’s eight chalets feature king sized beds, and a private plunge pool and teak deck that overlooks the sprawling Savannah.
Adding to its luxurious appeal and African spirit, Djuma Vuyatela features an exceptional dining and socializing experience as well as a deck equipped with a fireplace to sip a cocktail as you peer over the African bush.
Buffalo Ridge in Madikwe, South Africa: For the ultimate wilderness retreat, Buffalo Ridge is the place to go. Sitting atop the Tweedepoort Ridge, Buffalo Ridge overlooks the vast plains of Madikwe Game Reserve, one of Africa’s most wildlife-abundant reserves. With a variety of safari tours to choose from, Buffalo Ridge’s experienced guides take you deep within Madikwe Game Reserve to observe some of Africa’s most mesmerizing wildlife, including the black and white rhino, leopard, elephant, cheetah, lion, and more.
Aside from its exceptional safari tours and magnificent views overlooking the Madikwe, Buffalo Ridge features eight thatched suites decorated with earth tones and materials that inspire complete relaxation. Inside each of the lodge’s suites you’ll find your very own outdoor patio, luxurious interior décor, and the finest bed linens.
In addition to South Africa’s many FTTSA certified accommodations, the country is also home to a handful of FTTSA certified touring companies. Sustainable touring companies in Cape Town include AWOL, Uthando, Marine Dynamics, and Anduela. AWOL is primarily famous for its bicycle tours throughout local townships, Marina Dynamics is renowned for its shark diving tours, and Anduela is known for its cooking tours in Cape Malay.
To learn more about the FTTSA certification, visit their website
Sandy Salle is CEO and co-owner of Hills of Africa Travel. A native of Zimbabwe, Sandy was born and raised in southern Africa. She believes that the next best thing to living in Africa is sharing it with others.
Hills of Africa Travel specializes in providing customized African safari tours. They offer spectacular adventures with personalized and customized service, guaranteed to provide you with the experience of a lifetime.
Sandy, my China, (friend) I really do appreciate you sharing with us about sustainable travel. I have arranged several safari and adventures to Africa but now I am so excited to be able to work with you knowing the travel we plan will not only benefit our clients but the local communities as well! Thank you so much for sharing with us about a new way to travel. – Stephanie aka TravelDesigned
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