Seven Breathtaking Green Island Escapes
Image: Flickr, Jean-Marc /Jo BeLo/Jhon-John
4. Los Roques, Venezuela
The third time someone told me "you have got to see Los Roques," it landed on the bucket list. Famed for remarkably healthy coral reefs of incredible ecological value, the Los Roques archipelago has been protected as a national park since 1972. If by some fate one finds themselves in Venezuela, the best way to visit Los Roques is by chartering a sailboat. This will save both the emissions of the short flight out to the main island, and spare you a flight-hop that has received less than gleaming reviews for safety and comfort. Find one of the 300 islands where you can be alone in the world, or enjoy lounging in the modest establishments on the main island of the few remaining natural wonders open to tourists and protected from over-development.
Image: Port Antonio Travel
5. Jamaica
If the island above in your corner of the world just won't satisfy and the siren call of the Caribbean beckons, then the greenest course of action is to seek out establishments that work to protect the environment and community that draws visitors in the first place. One such tip comes from TreeHugger reader Rima Suqi. Sandwiched between Boston Beach (pictured) and the Blue Mountains in Jamaica, lies the Hotel Mockingbird Hill near Port Antonio, which Rima reports is "much more chill than Negril or Ocho Rios." She shares the eco-friendly practices which owners Shireen and Barbara have implemented: "They have solar power, use fans only (no air conditioning), sourced all furnishings and food locally, compost, and ask that guests who come with batteries and drinks in plastic bottles leave with them since they have no way of recycling them." The commitment the pair have made to offsetting their impacts and supporting the local community seethes viscerally from their website; this is one eco-boutique hotel which walks the talk. "A totally real place. For once." Thanks, Rima. If you can't make it to the island, at least check out the slide show.
Image: Blue-footed Boobies, Brian Merchant
6. The Galapagos Islands
The question is: To Tour or Not to Tour--Should An Environmentalist Visit the Galapagos? But for a vacation which comes to mind when "breathtaking" and "green" are on the agenda, the Galapagos fits the bill. So think it over carefully. If you do decide to go, do your homework on 5 Things You Must Do When Eco-Touring in Fragile Ecosystems. Then go. And enjoy. Care Fully.
Image: David Shankbone, Lower Central Park NYC
7. An Island Near Home
Because green is in the attitude as much as the scenery, consider a staycation getaway on an island near home. Explore the natural wonders within reach of boot or bicycle, where you can meditate on the greener world you are helping create. Even if there is not a chunk of earth surrounded by water in your neighborhood, find any place of refuge, a haven from the hectic of everyday life: an island of sanity. Pack an Emeril's Garden Pita Pocket picnic for the perfect afternoon.
More Travel Tips
Green Romantic Getaways
Galapagos Island Conservation Slideshow
How to Go Green: Spring Break
Best of Green Travel and Nature Slideshow
Plan Your Vacation with Green Roof Safari
What Will Consumers Pay for a Green Vacation?
Rules to Avoid Violating Endangered Species Protection Laws on Vacation
Do Something Good with your Vacation: Green Volunteering
