There are different approaches to spa holidays, I realise as I arrive at the hot spring wellness complex of Terme Snovik. Most people are dressed in pretty summer clothes, looking clean and relaxed.
09.08.2024 - 09:09 / lonelyplanet.com
Aug 8, 2024 • 6 min read
Sustainable travel is more than just a buzzword.
Planning trips designed to minimize environmental impacts while empowering local communities makes any vacation more deeply rewarding, creating lasting memories while doing good for Planet Earth.
With this simple yet all-too-often overlooked principle in mind, here are 10 adventures all over the world that anyone passionate about sustainability can get behind.
Costa Rica is famous for its eco-resorts, and few are more low-impact than Rancho Margot. The perfect base for exploring the hiking trails, bubbling hot springs and scenic lake of nearby Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal, this lush, off-grid retreat doubles as a sustainable learning center. Guests can opt for a tour of its self-sufficient practices (from organic agriculture to green-energy production) or sign up for a week-long immersion program to learn about sustainability initiatives you can integrate into your life at home. Twice-daily yoga classes and farm-to-table meals from the ranch's own garden are also included in all types of stays. If you're prepared to make a four-week commitment, volunteering here is also an option.
The Māori-owned and -operated Whale Watch Kaikoura supports the Indigenous Ngai Tahu community, located in Kaikoura on New Zealand's South Island. Its boats operate all year round, and sightings can include (depending on the season) gentle aquatic giants such as sperm whales, humpbacks, blue whales and orcas. Boats keep a respectful distance from these celebrity creatures, and the onboard commentary focuses on conservation efforts and cultural information. Kaikoura is roughly midway between Picton and Christchurch; take the local bus service along State Hwy 1 for about 2 hours.
Hidden deep in Amazonian Bolivia, a cluster of cabins occupies a lush area that is home to a whopping 11% of the world's species of flora and fauna. Chalalán Ecolodge is entirely managed by the Quechua-Tacano Indigenous community, and a share of the enterprise's profits goes to fund community health and education facilities. The compound is encircled by 14 well-marked nature trails, and the majority of guests choose to spend their mornings on jaunts through the jungle before spending the rest of the day swinging in the lodge's hammocks. The best time to visit is during the dry months, from May to October. From Rurrenabaque, head 30km (19 miles) west to Madidi National Park.
Home to Europe's largest population of brown bears, Romania is a fitting location for the continent's largest preserve for the animals. Libearty Bear Sanctuary near the town of Zărnesţi in Transylvania provides a safe, humane environment for bears rescued from cruel captive conditions – and offers the next best
There are different approaches to spa holidays, I realise as I arrive at the hot spring wellness complex of Terme Snovik. Most people are dressed in pretty summer clothes, looking clean and relaxed.
The condors appeared at 5,000 meters. They were not real.
When it comes to cruising, Australia and New Zealand are often intertwined into a single sailing — these two countries have a complementary relationship, offering a diverse array of attractions and experiences. Plus, their relative geographic proximity makes it convenient to check both of these bucket list destinations off your list simultaneously, creating one unforgettable vacation.
Aug 9, 2024 • 7 min read
Flyr, an airline retail platform, said Thursday that it has raised a $225 million series D round, one of the largest single raises ever for a travel tech company and the largest so far this year.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Charissa Enget, a content creator and cybersecurity architect who gained her graduate degree in Thailand. It has been edited for length and clarity.
The Nordic countries are well known for their stunning natural landscapes, but they also offer unique urban sanctuaries that provide an ideal blend of culture, nature and mindfulness. From serene sculpture parks to tranquil botanical gardens, here are some of the most captivating mindful retreats in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.
Residents of the central Romanian village of Șimon have launched a project to restore old houses in a bid to attract tourism to the area.
Singapore has been recrowned as the country with the world’s most powerful passport in 2024.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Camille Fahrnbauer, a 26-year-old travel nurse from Georgia currently working in New Zealand. It's been edited for length and clarity.
Wellness travel is booming, and hotels large and small are wooing guests with state-of-the-art spas, fitness centers, classes and retreats. Here are some of the latest properties, where wellness goes beyond facials and yoga to sleep tracking, local rituals and even medical services like getting an echocardiogram. Whether you want to sink into a hot spring in Japan or receive a massageon a train as it rolls toward a Malaysian jungle, these getaways strive to transport you in more ways than one.
August has just begun and with it comes the final hurrah of summer—but the savings aren't stopping yet for eager travelers looking to end this season on a high note. This month we're seeing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity courtesy of a Marriott and Blade collaboration, where guests who book suites in New York City can avoid the traffic by hitching a complimentary ride on a helicopter to and from the airport. For travelers still looking to beat the heat, head across the equator with Air New Zealand's offer of round-trip flights for as low as $998 to some of Australia's most popular cities—Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne—from LAX and SFO.