Is This the Golden Age of Green Travel? Plus: Five Bargains on Five Continents

Beyond Green Travel is a blog written by Global Travel Editor Costas Christ

Photo courtesy of Black Sheep Inn

Over the last 12 months, a lot of progress has been made in sustainable travel: The World Travel & Tourism Council has issued a ten-point action plan to combat climate change; four international airlines have tested their first bio-fuel supported flights; the United Nations Foundation has launched the world’s first set of Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria; and Americans have elected their first president who equates going green with economic growth. It is tempting to think that, if it were not for the economic recession, we would be entering the Golden Age of sustainable tourism right about now. But here’s another thought: Maybe we already have?

Gone are the days when environmentally and socially responsible practices were the hallmark of just a few jungle lodges and safari operators. Today, we have reached a tipping point where sustainable tourism practices are being more widely accepted across the full spectrum of the global travel industry. (Who would have imagined that Marriott Corporation, one of the largest hotel companies in the world, would be spearheading the protection of 1.4 million acres of Amazon rain forest, or testifying before the U.S. Government to gain support for biodiversity conservation—they are doing both.) The very term “ecotourism”—which was originally coined to describe conservation-minded mom and pop lodges before it was applied to $500-a-night jungle resorts—has also come full circle. Small outfitters are again setting the pace for tourism done right. So, when contemplating whether to shelve your travel plans until the stock market picks up, consider this: Your dollars will stretch farther today, and do more good, than ever before.

Here’s a sampling of four places on four continents, that are committed to the Earth, to benefiting local communities, and to offering more affordable travel (then check out Costas Christ’s 50 top ecolodges picks):

New England Outdoor Center, Maine, (North America) – Set in the heart of Maine’s vast northern forests and lakes, NEOC offers a full spectrum of nature activities and traditional wooden cabins. Local eco-entrepreneur, Matt Polstein, has put in long hours to build understanding and cooperation between nearby communities once heavily dependent on the timber industry and those who are advocates for ecotourism and conservation as an alternative. His new Ktaadn project will be Maine’s first sustainable-designed resort. (Cabins sleep up to six people, from $195 night; www.neoc.com)

Green Box, Ireland (Europe) – Spread across five counties, Greenbox is an ecotourism partnership of small inns, tour operators, family farms, and country-side retreats spanning the mountains to the coast. The goal? Take green travel beyond what a single company can do and, instead, create an entire sustainable tourism destination. (Among many options, Gyreum Ecolodge from $24 per person a night; www.greenbox.ie)

Black Sheep Inn, Ecuador (South America) – Inca ruins, cloud forests, deep canyons, caldera lakes, and colorful markets surround this Andes eco-enclave that features woodstove fire places, hot tubs, and farm-to-table meals. They have garnered some of the top ecotourism awards in the world for environmentally-friendly practices and a deep commitment to the well-being of indigenous communities. (From $32 per person a night, with all meals www.blacksheepinn.com)

Community Action Treks, Nepal (Asia) – Launched by Doug Scott, the first British climber to reach the summit of Everest back in 1975, Community Action Treks is a combination mountain outfitter and non-profit NGO that runs trekking holidays as a way to support community development in the far reaches of the Nepalese Himalaya. Among other accomplishments: six healthcare centers and on-going funding for the sixteen trained nurses who staff them. (14-day treks and up, starting at $1300 per person, all inclusive; www.catreks.com)

See Costas Christ’s 50 top ecolodges picks >>