There has been considerable excitement (and press) about green travel certification initiatives. Everyone agrees that sustainable practices in tourism is important and good. But plenty of questions still need to be answered about global sustainability criteria, application and monitoring standards. Meanwhile, everyday more green travel products are being offered to travelers. Often, travelers buy travel offerings based on “good faith” because they have no way to evaluate providers’ green initiatives.
There has been efforts to develop a Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, but Professor Harold Goodwin of the International Center for …

People across the globe have started to adopt “greener” ways of living, including the hotels that they stay in..

Part of traveler’s philanthropy is being aware and mindful of our impact and responsibilities as we travel around the world. This mindful travel is also referred to as ethical or responsible travel. As travelers, we often look for places to visit, why not consider destinations that have made a commitment to improve sustainability and to benefit local communities?
Jeff Greenwald and Christy Hoover of EthicalTraveler.org recently released the 2010 Ethical Destinations Report and named 10 destinations in the developing world (often off the beaten path) that have plenty of natural wonders, …

In a move to offer travel packages to an increasingly popular alternative travel market, a major airline, Air Canada, has partnered with Gap Adventures on a collection of 30 adventure travel packages.
The co-branded collection includes 30 authentic travel experiences created exclusively for Air Canada Vacations by Gap Adventures. The style of travel is described as sustainable and authentic which means they will take travelers to places that may be off the popular tourist track. This could include sampling mysterious foods in Japan, watching the sunrise at Machu Picchu in Peru …

Tourism is the number one industry in the world with about 700 million people spending $2-$3 trillion annually on travel. Travel can be divided into two main categories: conventional travel, like trips to Disneyworld or Paris, and alternative travel, best described as a new travel ethic that is aware of the finite, interconnected and precious nature of our world. Alternative travel is expected to grow most quickly over the next two decades.

With popularity for alternative travel growing, niches are springing up all the time…

Once again, Sustainable Travel International (STI) is running its Green Travel Auction. The auction will run until October 30. This is your chance to get some fabulous eco-adventures, green hotel stays, and incredible tours at a fraction of the retail price and support a great cause at the same time! There are 43 travel items being auctioned with low opening bids. Here are some great deals to be had:
3-night stay and community project tour in Cambodia    $220
Spend three night at Journeys Within B&B in Siem Reap, Cambodia and enjoy a …

Peru is a land that is full of nature’s beauty. While most people come to Peru to see the “Lost City of the Incas,” there’s much more to see beyond Machu Picchu. The country is also known for its culture, food, vast rainforest, temples, and a variety of wild life that roams the land. There are many mountains and deserts that provide a gorgeous backdrop. For natural wonders, Colca Canyon and Cotahuasi Canyon are the two deepest canyons in the world. The Cordillera Blanca mountain …