Ecologically-Conscious Trips
Sustainable ways
to travel are most preferred by new-age travellers
ECO-CONSCIOUS VACATIONS AHOY!
Region: Belize
Belize Barrier Reef is considered the second largest
in the world, after Australia’s. It is home to over 100 kinds of coral and
over 500 species of tropical fish. Naturally, it is a definite
paradise for visitors who are into scuba diving and snorkelling.
Imagine swimming through azure blue waters and
a world of myriad marine life opens up in front of your eyes. You can witness
fresh live coral, brightly coloured fish and turtles swim by. As you go deeper
with a trainer, you also have an opportunity to perhaps go exploring underwater
caves and walls and the world-renowned Blue Hole.
One of the most intriguing experiences is that of
island living on the sandy cayes. Here, you can spend your days kayaking,
windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and enjoy lazy
sunsets from your retreat. Sound like a perfect tropical vacation,
isn’t it! Inland, you will be able to visit many national parks and wildlife
sanctuaries. The wildlife (including the national animal of Belize — Baird’s
Tapir along with even a jaguar) can be spotted. Photography trails
and birdwatching is common here as birders can spot many hundreds
of species, often by the rivers and lagoons and in the
accessible areas of the forest. If you like hiking then get ready to spot
howler monkeys, peccaries, gibnuts and green iguanas. Luck may
favour you if you look keenly and spot the keel-billed toucan –
the national bird of Belize.
REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
Region: Thailand
When Visa-on-Arrival is an option
that you can explore whilst planning a last-minute getaway, then Thailand is
bound to feature in your online searches. This time,take a different route, opt
for eco-friendly vacationing ways. We know that Thai wildlife and
lush greenery are a reality. The Thai locals preserve the
nature’s gifts and are helped by the authorities too. This time, you can make
your travel environmentally-friendly. Look for holidaymkers that can offer
sustainable experiences like living with local communities and respecting the
norms of a wildlife sanctuaries.
Holidays that give you an opportunity to enjoy a
vacation that brings luxury within affordable means and adds an idea of
co-living with local hosts can be a great way to discover a new destination.
With this, you can learn to cook traditional Thai dishes. Your kids
can attend workshops where craftwork such as umbrella making and painting is
done. Go fishing with the local fishermen and make this a part of the special
explorations part of your travel diary.
BULGARIAN TREAT
KUKERI TRADITION
Region: Bulgaria
Elaborately costumed Bulgarian men perform
traditional rituals that is practiced to scare away evil spirits. Sounds
familiar? Such traditions are found throughout the Balkans and Greece. What
makes this a must-witness activity is the costumes and decorated wooden masks
of animals and large bells attached to the belt.
AKAUK TAUNG
AKAUK TAUNG BUDDHA CARVINGS
Region: Myanmar
The Pyu Ancient Cities provide the earliest testimony
of the introduction of Buddhism into Southeast Asia. Taking a boat ride here is
an activity high with visitors as the beautiful carvings can be seen. It is 1.5
hr drive from Pyay, crossing the main steel bridge to the other side of
Irrawaddy River. You can also hire a boat and take a boat ride that will take
you to the hill side where many ancient Buddha carvings can be visible. Make a
stop at the base of the hill and if you can you must trek up to the hill where
you can witness many more buddha carvings. Take a look around and move toward a
point from where, you can have a spectacular view of the great Irrawaddy.
‘HOLLOKO’ FUN THE LIVING
TRADITION OF ‘HOLLOKO’
Region: Hungary
According to a several hundred years old tradition of
Hungarian villages, young men pour water on young women who in
exchange present their sprinklers with beautifully coloured eggs on Easter
Monday. This living tradition has been marked by UNESCO as a ritual worth
witnessing.
For the opportunity to taste traditional Páloc
cuisine, experts claim that a nice leisurely trip to Holloko’s Easter
Festival is a must. What goes around here is that on the Saturday before
Easter, you can see a range of traditional Hungarian delicacies prepared
by the locals that can be enjoyed at the village’s events. We suggest, you try
the Hungarian Easter Ham (it is smoked and preserved for months before being
eaten).
Definitely take some time out to visit a food market
showcasing local produce with delectable jams, baked goodies and
honey.
Donning the traditional attire and
participating in the eventful ceremonies makes this living tradition even more
interesting.
Compiled by Nimisha Tiwari
ETTR7JUN18
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