Category: Travel Inspiration

The USA is home to one of the most diverse landscapes in the world. As a result, it is no surprise that it is a popular destination for thrill seekers from all over the world. Rafting the Grand Canyon and rock climbing in Zion National Park are listed among the most popular bucket list items for adventure enthusiasts. In every state there is excitement to be had for adrenaline junkies of all levels, but which state offers the highest number of heart-pounding activities?

Golden Getaways: Exploring Senior-Friendly Destinations

The golden years are some of the best to travel in, to be able to explore new places and discover new cultures. Whilst traveling is enjoyable at any age, not worrying about the stress of work and being able to travel with your grandchildren make some of the best vacations. Whether that be a trip of a lifetime touring the temples of Thailand or relaxing on the beaches of Greece.

Traveling can come with its own challenges, and at InsureMyTrip we’ve created an index that ranks 50 cities worldwide, considering what is important for senior travelers. An overall score for each city allows you to see what we believe is the best city for senior travelers. You can also see how cities rank for each category.

 

Best City for Senior Travelers

The best city for senior travelers is Istanbul Turkey, with an overall score of 8.09, the average quality of things to do at 4.63/5 stars, and the city has just 2,523 people per km². Boasting Mediterranean beaches and ancient cities Turkey is a great place to visit for travelers wanting a bit of everything.

In second place is the ancient city of Athens, Greece with an overall score of 8.03 and over 180 senior tours on offer and an average population age of 45 this city is great for people looking for a more adventurous vacation. In third place is another ancient city, this time the capital of Italy, Rome, with an overall score of 7.99, the average quality of things to do at 4.65/5 stars.

The remaining cities in our top ten are Bangkok, Thailand (7.92), Tallinn, Estonia and Vilnius, Lithuania (7.68), Prague, Czech Republic and Riga, Latvia (7.61), Berlin, Germany (7.53) and Helsinki, Finland (7.5).

Best Cities for Seniors: Tourism

For some tourism is the most important factor when booking a vacation, whether that be requiring a lot of tours to fill the days or highly rated attractions. Sneaking into first place for the best rated attractions is Vilnius, Lithuania with 4.66/5 stars. Boasting a mix of highly rated museums and gardens, Vilnius has a broad range of attractions to enjoy.

Our cities with the highest number of tours are Athens, Greece with 181, Colombo, Sri Lanka with 121 and Rome, Italy with 107. All these tours are designed for people over seventy and can be short one-day tours or up to a weeklong.

Best Cities for Seniors: Wellbeing

Sometimes things don’t always go to plan when traveling, and if medical care is required it’s important to be in a country with a good healthcare system. From the cities analyzed Seoul, South Korea has the highest score on the Numbeo Healthcare Index with a score of 83. We would recommend always purchasing travel health insurance to avoid any unexpected costs when traveling abroad.

Another important element of wellbeing is how peaceful a country is, feeling safe and wandering around is an important factor in picking a vacation. According to the Global Peace Index, New Zealand is the most peaceful country on our list, with a score of 1.27.

Best Cities for Seniors: Mobility

The elevation of a city can be preferable to those who don’t want to walk up steep hills, from our data the city with the least hills is Amsterdam, Netherlands. The city lies 6.6ft below sea level, some of the inclines in the city are the bridges over the extensive canal system.

Public transport is also an important factor for those with less mobility as, when spanning a whole city, it can be a great way to get from attraction to attraction. Of the cities analyzed the one with the highest number of public transport users is Zurich, Sweden whose network uses a mix of trams, buses, boats and trains.

Best Cities for Seniors: Demographics

It can be important when traveling to blend in with those around you, to be a similar age, and not feel too crowded in a small space. Tokyo, Japan has the highest average population age at 49, meaning that the city is more likely to be designed for older travelers. The least crowded city on our list is Bratislava, Slovakia with 1,297 people per km², making it a less stressful environment to be in.

Top Locations for Fall Colors

Ah, fall! For many Americans, it’s the most beautiful time of the year – especially if you live in rural areas populated by trees that, when conditions are right, ripen and burst into gorgeous shades of red, yellow and orange. Fleeting and often subject to a combination of unpredictable weather patterns, autumn’s annual show is truly a sight to behold. Soon, dedicated leaf-peepers will be taking to the roads to hunt down and drive (and walk) among one of nature’s most curious displays. But with only a limited number of days to choose from, where are the best places to see fall foliage?

First off, start with foliage reports or maps and be sure to gauge exactly where and when you’ll want to go; peak foliage times can vary for different locations. Assuming you can schedule your visit to the trees at just the right time, here are several of the best places to see fall foliage around the country. And while you’re there, add in some wine tastings, antique shopping and hiking – because soon enough, we’ll all be hibernating, just like the trees, as winter comes!

1. Lake Placid, New York

With the Adirondack Mountains in full color, the contrast of earth tones and the crisp clarity of the lake are not to be missed. Maples, aspen, oaks and beech trees are all part of the Olympic Trail scenic byway that runs for over 170 miles. Another idea: The Fall Foliage Train Tour, which runs on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.

2. Aspen, Colorado

When your town is literally the name of a tree, that’s a good sign. The ski resort area of Aspen has a brief foliage season, but the sheer majesty of the golden tree-covered landscape makes it a must-see. Consider a drive through Maroon Bells, the peaks considered the “most photographed” in all of Colorado, just 10 miles west of Aspen.

3. Massachusetts

Few states come into their own in the fall months better than Massachusetts, home to the historical “witch” trials, rolling hills of the Berkshires, colonial towns like Sturbridge Village and over 130 craft breweries. Drivers can then hit the road and in the matter of one weekend leisurely cross the state to see all it offers – from western hills to Boston Harbor.

4. Bar Harbor, Maine

In 2018, Travel & Leisure plucked the far north tourist town of Bar Harbor, ME, as the top spot for fall colors. A lot of travelers have discovered this gem, experiencing the vibrant mid-October leaves. And when the sun sets for the day, you still won’t be disappointed with the Maine night sky – full of stars without city lights to distract you. Whether you adore quaint bed and breakfasts or adventuring through the trails of Acadia Park, you’ll fall in love with this fishing town.

5. Franklin, Tennessee

If you miss out on classic New England foliage, consider heading south; fall colors are available all the way into early November in Tennessee. Downtown Franklin is south of Nashville and provides a chance to stroll among the trees along a 16-block walk that’s part of the National Register of Historic places. Afterward, check out the Natchez Trace Parkway, which provides hundreds of miles of further chances to catch the beauty. Drivers can also take a ride through the Cherokee National Forest by way of the beautiful Cherohala Skyway.

6. Taos, New Mexico

While most think you have to visit the northern states to see the leaves change in autumn, locals to Taos, New Mexico know otherwise. Travel & Leisure recommends to drive the Enchanted Circle: an 83 mile route that connects the towns of Taos, Eagle Nest, Red River and Quanta. You can use an interactive foliage map to pick the right time to visit!

7. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Oregon is notable for being scenic all times of the year, but in fall the big-leaf maples, cottonwoods, ash and twisted pines all come together for a marvelous show in the fall. Drive along the Columbia River, hike trails or kayak/raft down the river, while Mt. Hood rises over 11,000 feet to provide an even more beautiful backdrop.

Many foliage chasers hop in the car to get the most out of the autumn leaves. Consider packing up the car and taking a road trip through one or multiple locations. If you’re a fall lover, a relaxing ride in the car is the perfect way to take in the change of seasons. However, road trip insurance is a must, so you and your passengers stay protected against unexpected breakdowns and other surprises.

Top Vacation Spots for November Travel

November is a great time to explore the United States! While Thanksgiving weekend may be one of the busiest travel weekends, the rest of the month is considered far less hectic. So, why not plan a last-minute getaway? It’s a perfect way to prepare for the busy season ahead. Here’s some of our favorite destinations to visit this November, that will surely make you unwind.

Utah

Discover rock-art at Colorado Plateau or camp among the juniper at White Sands and climb the sand dunes. If you are a powder-hound, get a jump on the ski season with a visit to Park City. After the slopes, tour the countryside by horseback or mountain bike. Wind down fireside with some hot cocoa at Montage Deer Valley.

New York

New York is the place to be in November for a full autumn experience. Manhattan is known for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but Upstate is where you should start your fall adventures. Start at the Holiday Valley Beer and Wine Festival it has been running for over 15 years! Get a taste of the midwest with the Adirondack Stampede Rodeo. Then travel down to the City for the holiday celebrations at the end of the month.

Tennessee

Grab your cowboy boots and head to the southland. Ride the tram through the gateway of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg. Chow down on some chili at the city’s annual cook-off before heading over to Ober Gatlinburg to snow tube down the Smokey Mountains. Then, get an early start on some holiday shopping at Jonesborough’s craft show. If you head west, make a music stop in Nashville and then swing through Memphis for a peek inside Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland.

Hawaii

It’s the perfect time to visit Hawaii as the weather is milder, and the snowbirds haven’t yet arrived! Go on a whale watch cruise to spot a humpback or hike it to get a rare glimpse of Kilauea volcano’s lava flow hit the ocean. After that, you may want to perk up with a visit to Hawaii’s oldest food event, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Finally, after a long day touring the islands, kick back in your very own vacation rental home.

Virginia

Virginia is all about National Parks, cider and oysters this month. So, why not raise a shell and hit the Oyster Trail, a 250-mile guide to the state’s oyster farms. Hard cider fans can also drink up at one of the many cider events underway. Before you leave, take a 2.6-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail to Harper’s Creek and cross the famous hand-build swinging bridge over the Tye River.

Maine

Pack a parka and hop in the car for a drive northeast to experience Maine’s coziest season. For stunning views, stop at the summit of Mt. Battie in Camden Hills State Park before hitting Freeport to shop at L.L. Bean. If you continue to Portland, board the ferry over to Peak’s Island. Better yet, head straight to Kennebunkport for a lobster roll at The Clam Shack.

Florida

While Walt Disney World tends to have fewer crowds and mild temperatures, there is far more to enjoy beyond Orlando’s theme parks. Explore the Space Coast, home to Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center. If timed right, you might even catch the November rocket launch at Cape Canaveral. Hotel goers should find deals aplenty, which is why it’s on the list of best November travel destinations.

Colorado

Craft beer lovers will enjoy hop-and-malt heaven with beer festivals around the state. But if that doesn’t get you jazzed, grab some binoculars and hit the road for wildlife sightings instead. Elk can be spotted this time of year, bugling around in Rocky Mountain National Forest. For the last hints of autumn color before winter moves in, make the drive from Denver to Aspen. It certainly won’t disappoint travelers looking for the best vacation spots in November.

Creating the Ultimate Vacation Playlists

Traveling is increasingly diverse, we are spoilt for choice with vacation options. Every vacation, however, needs a playlist of songs to enhance our mood and capture our unique experiences. To cater for all needs we decided to compile a variety of playlists using data analysis techniques.

Using Spotify Playlist Miner the InsureMyTrip Research Team has found the most popular songs for: road trip playlists, surf playlists, beach playlists and sailing playlists. Spotify is the largest streaming platform in the world, with more than 100 million free subscribers actively listening each month. Use these links to jump to a playlist:

• Road Trip Playlist
• Surfing Playlist
• Beach Playlist
• Sailing Playlist

 

Data-Driven Curation

We were intrigued to find out exactly what links a song so specific to a travel activity. Therefore, we decided to analyze the common factors across each playlist, indicating what is necessary for an anthem in each category. We have looked at the valence, acousticness, and energy of each playlist as analyzed by Spotify’s algorithm.

Valence describes the musical positivity conveyed by a song. Songs with high valence sound more positive (e.g. happy, cheerful, euphoric), conversely songs with a low valence sound more negative (e.g. sad, depressed, angry). Acousticness detects whether a song has been electrically amplified. High scores in acousticness indicate there is little to no electrical interference while low scores indicate a song has been produced with electrical equipment. Finally, energy is a measure of song intensity and activity. Energetic songs are fast, loud and noisy.

We took an average of all songs in each playlist to give us an overall score in each category.

From ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ to ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ no one can be disappointed with this list of karaoke gems.

To make a road trip classic just ensure positive energy and catchy lyrics!

For the top two tracks, no introduction is needed. 15.3% of playlists selected Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama. Eagles’s Hotel California comes in at second with 9.8%. Finally, evidence to show these are the go-to crowd pleasers.

Born in the sixties, made in the noughties. Thanks to Jack Johnson and co. surf music has reached new acoustic heights. But the emergence of reggae is expanding the culture’s horizon.

10.1% of playlists selected ex-surfer Jack Johnson with his simple but relaxing song ‘Better Together’. The next most popular was reggae band Sublime with Santeria receiving appearances in 8.2% in all playlists.

Beach vacations are the preferred option by most of us across the globe. Whether you are into topping up the tan, making sandcastles or keeping cool in the ocean, a good beach playlist will always make you want to keep hanging out in the heat.

When creating your next beach playlist be sure to include songs with a high valence and energy to ensure a carefree atmosphere!

8.3% of playlists selected Zac Brown Band’s Knee Deep (feat. Jimmy Buffet). Zac Brown Band’s country tracks are obviously very common with beach goers, they have also taken the second spot with Toes. It must be the southern twinge with hints of Caribbean rock.

Sailing and music are the perfect pairing. The wind, water and rocking motion begs for one final addition. Music.

Old school rock is the way to go, just make sure it’s not too heavy and ruins everyone’s soothing sail!

23.8% of playlists selected Christopher Cross’s Sailing. Rod Stewart lags significantly with 9.7% but remains popular. Why? The clue is in their title.

America is home to many haunted places. Gruesome historic incidents at many homes, hotels, and other buildings have left their impression on these locations. Visitors frequently report seeing apparitions and experiencing other paranormal phenomena. Whether or not you believe travelers really see ghosts when they visit these haunted locations, their histories are enough to give anyone chills. Read more about the history and haunting of these famous places in the U.S.

The Whaley House

The Whaley House is also called the “Most Haunted House in the U.S.” It is located in San Diego, California and was built by Thomas Whaley in 1857 partially on top of an old cemetery. As soon as the Whaley family moved into the house, they believed it was haunted due to the sound of heavy footsteps that they heard in their home. James “Yankee Jim” Robinson had been hanged on the property, and the Whaley family thought it was his ghost they heard walking throughout the residence. The house is now said to be haunted by members of the Whaley family as well as the original ghosts.

History of the Whaley Family and House – Details the history of the home and the stories of those who died there.

Winchester Mystery House

The Winchester Mystery House is located in San Jose, California. The estate was owned by Sarah and William Winchester. Construction began in 1884 and was guided by Sarah Winchester. She requested constant construction and new building on the home. Sarah believed that her home and family’s fortune were haunted and thought the constant new additions to the house would keep the ghosts from inhabiting it. Many additions to the home seem nonsensical in construction, such as stairways and doors that lead to nowhere. Sarah thought these would confuse the ghosts. Today, it is believed that these ghosts still haunt the house, including Sarah herself.

Winchester Mystery House – About Sarah Winchester’s home, construction, and haunting.

The White House

One of the most recognized houses in the United States is also thought to be haunted by numerous ghosts. Abigail Adams, the wife of second president, John Adams, has supposedly been seen in the East room of the house where she used to hang the laundry to dry. Abraham Lincoln’s wife claimed to have heard the ghost of Andrew Jackson while residing in the house. Harry Truman also wrote about seeing Jackson’s ghost. Abraham Lincoln’s ghost is the most frequently reported sighting. Eleanor Roosevelt and Winston Churchill have both reported seeing his ghost.

Ghost Stories Haunt the White House – Multiple residents of the White House claim to have heard and seen ghostly inhabitants.

The Forgotten Ghosts of the White House – A brief overview of the less famous ghosts that linger through the President’s home.

Villisca Axe Murder House

The Villisca Axe Murders took place in 1912 in Villisca, Iowa in the Moore family’s residence. Two guests staying in the house as well as the other six members of the family were found dead early in June. All died from axe wounds to the head. The crime was never solved even though there were several suspects. The dead family now haunts the home. It is said that most of the paranormal activity occurs at 2 a.m. – the time when a train drives through Villisca. The sound of the train causes a repeat of the murder night’s events; it has been assumed the murderer or murderers used the sound of the train to cover up their activity.

Axe Murder House – Paranormal investigations of the Axe Murder House.

The Sultan’s Palace

Also known as the Gardette-LePrete Mansion, this house was the scene of a gruesome mass murder. It is located in the French Quarter of New Orleans and was owned by Jean Baptiste LaPrete as a vacation home. LaPrete used the home as a rental property and found a renter from Turkey known as “the Sultan.” Soon after the Sultan rented out the home, a passerby noticed blood dripping down the stairs in front of the house. All the occupants had been murdered and the Sultan’s body was buried in the backyard.

The Sultan’s Ghost – All about the murders at the Gardette-LePrete Mansion and its current ghostly inhabitants.

Jacob’s Well

Texas is hot, but the cold water of Jacob’s Well has lured victims to its depth for centuries. Take the daring dive from a nearby ledge, but aim carefully. The opening to this well is only a mere measure of yards and plunges you to depths over 100 feet. Jacob’s Well has claimed the life of more than one explorer, but are you bold enough to venture below the surface?

Jacob’s Well – History and visitor information for the unique artesian spring.

Marshall House

Savanah may be the most haunted city in America. The whole area is rich in history, war, and rebuilding. The Marshall House was used as a hospital during the Civil War, and then again as a place of refuge and treatment during two yellow fever outbreaks. There are horror movies with the same plot! You can imagine how October would be a busy time for the hotel, but you just may find yourself in luck. The scariest part may be the rates, which are spine-tinglingly affordable.

Marshall House – History, directions, and tour information.

More Haunted Places & Spooky Vacation Ideas

Get out there and have a frightfully good time! Halloween only comes once a year, so pick one of these spooky vacations to celebrate.

If you’ve got Spring fever, it might be nice to usher in the warmer weather by watching the ice melt and looking for the first signs of blooming flowers here at home. However, if you’ve got Spring fever and a bit of Wanderlust, you could always step out a bit and try greeting springtime in another culture. These unusual rituals around the world seem like an interesting way to say goodbye to Winter.

Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling

Since the fifteenth century, people have been gathering at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, UK to roll a 9-pound wheel of cheese down the hill. As the wheel of double Gloucester cheese descends, the idea is to chase after it – though with the cheese itself reaching up to 70 miles per hour, the likelihood of actually catching it is relatively small. The first person across the finish line wins the cheese and, as tradition holds, then performs a shirtless victory ascent to return the cheese to its hilltop throne.

Heahta Marjjabeivviid (The Festival of Saint Mary)

The Festival of Saint Mary in Finland is a weeklong event, featuring many religious, cultural, and artistic programs. Of particular note, however, are the reindeer competitions, in which top Sami athletes showcase their traditional hunting and herding skills. Reindeer lassoing and reindeer racing – done on skis behind the animals – are popular events during Heahta Marjjabeivviid, bringing a new meaning to the term “reindeer games.”

Combat des Reines

Valais, Switzerland is home to this centuries-old festival, in which cows compete with one another for…bovine dominance? All joking aside, the cow fights are taken quite seriously by all concerned, particularly farmers, who can earn lucrative prizes and income for breeding and showing top cows. The fights don’t generally produce any injuries (either to spectators or to the cows) and may end up in nothing more spectacular than the two combatants giving up to graze.

Sometimes, it’s fun to think about all the different cuisines and delicacies that may await travelers in different destinations. Ice cream is such a popular treat that we couldn’t resist looking up some of the well-loved flavors in other countries. Our research led us to some unusual ice cream flavors that may (or may not!) be worth the trip.

Garlic Clove Ice Cream

Unsurprisingly, at the rather famous Gilroy Garlic Festival, they’ve made garlic into just about anything you can think of – including ice cream. Fans line up each year for a cone, and those who have tasted it swear that it’s not as, uh, pungent as you might imagine.

Spaghetti & Cheese Ice Cream

Heladeria Coromoto ice cream shop in Merida, Venezuela makes a habit of mixing up unusual flavors. It’s rumored that, while they sell only about 100 flavors each day, they’ve offered as many as 900. Once you reach that number, you realize that at some point, spaghetti and cheese must be just about the only thing left you haven’t done.

Lobster Ice Cream

Where else but New England? Ben and Bill’s ice cream shops have been much hailed for their lobster ice cream. Their description sheds a bit of light on the flavor: Butter ice cream, mixed with chunks of lobster meat. If you can’t get to them at one of their locations in Massachusetts or Maine, they do ship the stuff…

Parakeet Flavor

Don’t worry: Apparently, no parakeets were harmed in the making of this ice cream flavor. Nor cockatoos. Nor any other species of pet bird, though the Japanese café that created the flavors has several bird-inspired varieties. The descriptions provided by Torimi café are impressive if confusing; they claim that the ice creams variously conjure up the images of pressing a pet bird to your mouth, falling asleep and having a bird stick its foot in your mouth, or eating ice cream while smelling your pet bird. Yeeeeahhhhh.

When you are investing in a cruise vacation, you really want to book a trip you’ll love. But how do you do that, especially if you have never cruised before? We have some good guidelines for you when planning a cruise.

How Do I Choose a Cruise Ship?

Amenities

What do you like to do when you’re on vacation? Drink at every bar available? Sunbathe by the pool? Experience a luxury spa package? Jet down water slides with the kids? Whatever your thrill – you’ll be able to find a cruise ship that meets your needs. When looking at which ship you want to cruise, look at the list of amenities to make sure you aren’t going to be bored during the sea days. No one likes to be bored on vacation.

Ship Size

Whether you are concerned with the number of travelers on the ship or the height of the ship if you walk near the railing, the size of a cruise ship can make a difference. Some ships tower over the ocean surface between 200 and 250 feet; others can be only half that. If you are afraid of heights, maybe a river cruise is more your speed.

Cruise with Kids

If you’re taking a family cruise vacation, you’ll probably be looking for a very different kind of ship than a couple traveling sans children. Don’t worry! If you want a kids-free vacation, there are adults-only cruise itineraries to choose. But there are also several choices to keep the kids engaged, safe and making memories to last forever!

Sailing Location

Cruises literally touch every corner of the globe. If you aren’t someone who likes the heat and sun of the Caribbean, why not try a river cruise in Europe or a slow moving cruise through Alaska? The general location can also be decided by the type of ocean. A Caribbean cruise is typically smoother sailing than, say, a transcontinental trip to Europe – but that often depends on the time of year too. Once you pick the part of the world you want to visit, you can look at the specific itineraries available for these areas.

Which Cruise Itinerary is Best?

Original Port

Many travelers choose their cruise itinerary based on the place of original port. This is the place where the cruise launches from and, typically, docks at when it’s finished. Choosing an original port for a Caribbean cruise, for instance, may depend on the region in which you live or the budget you have for the trip. For a specialized cruise, such as a river cruise, Alaskan cruise or an artic cruise, the port of call may not be as important for the traveler.

Ports of Call

Each stop along the way can be very important for some travelers. Many choose the cruise, not based on the amenities or length of the trip, but simply based on the ports of call. They vary for each cruise by the number, time in between each one and time spent at each. The ports of call for a cruise can determine your excursions and experiences – some think that makes the trip.

Length of Trip

Cruises can last anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks (or more!) The length of cruise you choose should depend on three things: the strength of your sea legs, the amount of vacation time you can take off and the limit of your budget. We are certain that you can find a cruise that fits within all three of these requirements (no matter what they are), as long as you’re willing to possibly sacrifice other things like the itinerary options, amenities and size of ship.

Which Cruise Cabin Do I Book?

Budget

The main factor on your cabin choice will most likely be your budget: the larger your budget, the larger your room. Not many cruise ships, if any, have the same cabin size throughout the ship. Most have varying rooms to choose from like inner ship cabins (without any windows) or multi-room staterooms (with balconies).

Level of Claustrophobia

If you are looking to save a little money and you aren’t at all claustrophobic, an inner room is probably a good option for you. You get all the benefits of the cruise, without the high ticket price. Really how much time are you going to spend in your room anyway? If the answer to that question is “a lot”, then we’d recommend steering away from an inner room and trying to get a room with a porthole, balcony or multi-rooms.

Occupants of the Room

Sharing your room with multiple family members? Either look into the price for two rooms or entertain the idea of a multi-room suite. The last thing you want to do is crawl over your teenage daughter’s pull-out bed covered in the five dinner dresses between which she can’t decide. Also a benefit of some larger rooms: multiple bathrooms.

In conclusion, a cruise vacation is a great option for several types of travelers. We are confident you can find one that fits most of your vacation requirements. Once you’ve decided and booked – come back and compare travel insurance plans to protect that trip investment!

Impact of Travel on the Environment

As much as we love to travel the world and experience its beauty, some of this travel can be harmful to nature and all that live in it. Ecotourism is a way to experience the wonders of the world without challenging the locations way of life.

Defined as “responsible travel” to areas of the world that “conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and involves interpretation and education,” many people are embracing this holistic travel experience.

In hopes to sustain the elegance of nature and the locations culture, the industry of ecotourism has reached all corners of the globe. The goal: provide visitors with an amazing, “green” vacation experience and bring the area financial benefits while expanding environmental and cultural respect.

Traveling in the ecotourism industry have come a long way in a short time. It wasn’t too long ago that a “green” travel experience would find you sleeping in a yurt and foregoing indoor plumbing. These eco-friendly travel options, below, are among the many worldwide that are bringing environmentalism in travel to a more sophisticated, even luxurious level.

Responsible Romance

Lovebirds of all ages and income levels are seeing the appeal of enjoying nature’s solitude together. At the 35+ Six Senses Spas and Resorts around the world, an eco-friendly retreat for two doesn’t have to mean sleeping outdoors and living out of a backpack. The luxurious accommodations are as cushy as a traditional spa, but come without environmental guilt due to the resorts’ focus on water conservation, all-natural treatments, renewable energy and on-site organic gardens.

Affordable Agritourism

For those whose budgets are a bit smaller than their travel aspirations, a number of well-regarded working ecotourism opportunities may be the answer. One such program is World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, which provides travelers the chance to stay on organic farms around the world in exchange for their labor. It probably not be for everyone, but imagine harvesting organic grapes in the scenic Italian wine country for only the cost of your transportation and a small registration fee. If you’re able-bodied and short on cash, there are worse ways to travel.

Family Friendly

There are plenty of eco-friendly resorts and destinations worldwide that cater to families, but Kingfisher Bay Resort in Australia is among the top picks, if only for location alone: the Great Barrier Reef. This is arguably one of the world’s greatest environmental treasures. With tons of wildlife; a kids’ club for the little ones; activities for older kids, teens and tweens; and a variety of family-friendly meal and program options, there’s something for everyone at this eco-tourist’s haven.

Green and Galactic

Of course, you could always celebrate the Earth by viewing it from above. Virgin Galactic’s space tourism program will not only give you the chance to see the planet from a whole new angle, but will also do so in an environmentally responsible way. By using cleaner technology, such as air launch systems and hybrid fuel mechanisms, to power their spacecraft, Virgin Galactic tries to reduce their impact on the Earth – even as they soar above it.