Moon Travel Guides Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day
Moon Travel Guides donates trees to American Forests, hosts a green travel pack giveaway, and offers eco-friendly travel tips and advice—including a list of top eco-friendly travel destinations compiled by Moon editors—to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.
Berkeley, CA (PRWEB) April 20, 2010
Moon Travel Guides is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on Thursday by teaming up with American Forests to plant 1,000 trees to offset its carbon footprint, and to aid in creating healthy forest ecosystems for every community.
Moon Travel Guides have always focused on independent travel, accessible and fun outdoor exploration, and eco-inspired travel. To further promote the spirit of Earth Day, Moon. com is featuring eco-friendly articles, guest blog posts by expert Moon travel guidebook authors, and hosting a giveaway for the chance to win an eco-friendly travel pack filled with Moon guides and green travel supplies.
To draw attention to Earth Day, and promote green travel, the editors at Moon have compiled a list of their top-ten eco-friendly travel destinations. They include the following:
Costa Rica (http://www. moon. com/destinations/costa-rica/discover-costa-rica)
Costa Rica more or less invented eco-tourism. One of the best ways to experience the country’s commitment to ecology is by visiting the vast network of national parks, wildlife refuges, and biological reserves on a Biodiversity Tour. Costa Rica is also home to nesting grounds for various species of sea turtles; there are several opportunities to volunteer and get involved with turtle conservation efforts.
Honduras (http://www. moon. com/destinations/honduras/discover-honduras)
Going green in Honduras can reward travelers with more meaningful experiences and deeper connections with the people and land they visit. Whether you seek out environmentally friendly lodges or community-based cooperatives as part of your green strategy, you’re sure to enjoy your stay.
Belize (http://www. moon. com/destinations/belize/discover-belize)
Home to the Western Hemisphere’s largest barrier reef, Belize excels at underwater conservation. The only way to see the amazing shapes, colors, and creatures under the waves is to go diving. If you have time for an extended stay, consider alternative travel options including volunteer, field research, and educational opportunities.
Peru (http://www. moon. com/destinations/peru/discover-peru/explore-peru/21-day-best-peru)
There is no better way to experience the people, land, and culture of Peru than participating in the homestay programs offered at Islas Uros, Llachón, and Islas Amantanà and Taquile, on Lake Titicaca. Participate in daily household activities such as tending the sheep or the quinoa crop, or helping with the weaving. Peru also has hundreds of volunteer opportunities for travelers.
Dominican Republic (http://www. moon. com/destinations/dominican-republic/discover-the-dominican-republic/explore-the-dominican-republic/the-best-the-dominican-republic)
An astonishing 25 percent of the Dominican Republic has been designated as protected area, including scientific reserves, sanctuaries, and national parks. From excellent bird-watching opportunities at Parque Nacional Valle Nuevo to one of the country’s most pristine and isolated beaches at BahÃa de las Águilas, it’s difficult to imagine any nature lover not finding complete contentment on a Dominican trek.
Americans can also go green close to home. Here are some travel hot spots for thinking globally and acting locally:
Florida (http://www. moon. com/destinations/florida/discover-florida)
Florida has made great strides toward protecting the iconic and endangered manatee. These gentle “sea cows” are common throughout Florida’s waterways, their preferred place for wintering. See them (from a respectful distance) in the Everglades, Crystal River, and Homosassa Springs.
Maine (http://www. moon. com/destinations/new-england/maine)
Maine’s Monhegan Island is one and a half acres of idyllic natural beauty. It’s also free of cars, bikes... any kind of vehicle. Visitors to Monhegan travel on foot, and agree to some simple, common sense rules so as not to disturb the local flora and fauna.
New Hampshire (http://www. moon. com/destinations/new-england/new-hampshire)
Sampling and sourcing organic and locally grown food is not just an increasing part of traveling; it’s becoming part of many people’s daily lives. When traveling in New England, visit some of New Hampshire’s farmers markets.
Michigan (http://www. moon. com/destinations/michigan/discover-michigan/explore-michigan/the-best-michigan)
No place in Michigan conjures up as much history, attention, and affection as Mackinac Island. No cars are allowed on the island, and a full 80 percent of the land is protected as a state park complete with a historic fort, native flora, and trails through the undeveloped woodlands.
Oregon (http://www. moon. com/destinations/oregon/discover-oregon)
Portland, Eugene, and Salem consistently rank among America’s greenest cities year after year. And all 360-plus miles of its diverse coastline from Astoria to Brookings-Harbor are designated as public land, making Oregon a shoo-in as one the greenest destinations in the U. S.
For more green travel advice, or to enter to win the green travel pack, visit Moon. com all this week.
About Moon Travel Guides
Moon Travel Guides makes independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic advice, and an essential dose of humor, Moon guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Moon not only guides, Moon inspires. Moon is based in Berkeley, Calif. and is a member of the Perseus Books Group.
###
