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Italian Agriturismos: Lux Eco-Getaways with a Farm Stay Price Tag

Published by Gabi Logan

living room of italian agriturismo montestigliano
Courtesy of Montestigliano

When is a farm stay not just a stay on a farm?

Having spent a lot of time in Italy both living there and visiting from abroad, I’m always hearing about the country’s agriturismos or farm stays.

And I always gathered that they were just that. A stay. On a farm.

Nothing particularly local, sustainable, or eco-friendly. More of a farm holiday away from the city. A way for urbanites to experience “the country.”

But on a recent in-depth trip to the Le Marche region – one of those historically-rich, agriculturally-blessed areas that somehow people never go to – I found out I was dead wrong. Agriturismos are actually regulated by the government to ensure they provide a localvore, community-benefiting experience.

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A Disappointing Night Trek to Mount Bromo, East Java

Published by Linda McCormick
Mount Bromo panorama by Robert Machacek.

Mount Bromo panorama by Robert Machacek.

Rubbing bleary eyes, I gurn and moan to myself about the ungodliness of having to get out of bed at 3am.

Generally, the only way I’m up at this hour is after a night out. That’s acceptable. What is not so acceptable is being talked into doing a trek up the side of a still-smouldering volcano, agreeing to it – under duress – only to discover the intrepid adventure requires a 3am start.

Not happy.

Yep, you’ve guessed it; I’m not a morning person. Never was, never will be.

On the upside, having my grumpy face on this particular chilly morn means fellow trekkers give me a wide berth, automatically negating the need for small talk. Small joys!

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Air New Zealand Wins Sustainable Tourism Award

Published by Linda McCormick
Walking Track near Milford Sound, via Air New Zealand

Walking Track near Milford Sound, via Air New Zealand

After writing about whether it was appropriate to promote airlines on an eco travel blog last week, I discovered Air New Zealand was named the winner in the Global Tourism Business category at the 2013 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Held by the World Travel & Tourism Council, the awards recognise best practice in sustainable tourism within the tourism industry worldwide.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the award recognises the airline’s commitment to maintaining and protecting the country’s clean, green image.

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How to Find Family-Friendly Accommodation Online

Published by Linda McCormick

Family Accommodation

If there’s one thing that makes me happier than chocolate coated strawberries it’s researching accommodation options.

I know, I’m a total square.

There’s no denying it, it gets me all fired up every time. Maybe it’s the pre-holiday anticipation; when you get as far as actually booking where to stay you know the trip is not far off.

I also know that I am very much in the minority when it comes to getting a kick out of finding accommodation online. Most people would rather poke their own eyeballs out with toothpicks than search for hours for places to stay. Me? I need to give myself a time limit or I’d be whiling away the days in cyberspace.

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High-End Eco Travel: 5 Luxurious Green Getaways

Published by Linda McCormick

While ecotourism has finally been accepted into mainstream travel (for the most part) it remains a novel concept to many, and is still so misunderstood.

Many people equate eco travel with roughing it in thatched roof accommodation where electricity is replaced with candle light and hot water baths are a rare luxury. Straw mattresses covered with hemp hand-woven sheets are the beds and simple fare cooked on an earthen stove is the only nourishment for the entire duration of your stay.

Charming and rustic, but far from the truth.

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Explore and Unwind in West Bali National Park

Published by Natasha von Geldern
Sunset, West Bali National Park.

Sunset, West Bali National Park. All images © Natasha Von Geldern

When I stayed at The Menjangan, an eco resort in the West Bali National Park, I had an opportunity to have a frank discussion with the manager about the challenges of running eco-branded property in developing countries.

To start with, there is no doubt the people of West Bali care deeply about the environment. Ten years ago the local fishing community decided to stop fishing (often with dynamite) and concentrate on running diving and snorkelling trips. The result is the healthiest coral and most abundant sealife in Bali.

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Earth Hour: Do You Embrace or Ignore It?

Published by Linda McCormick
Image from Cancun in Mexico. © WWF Mexico Fabian Caballero

Image from Cancun in Mexico.
© WWF Mexico Fabian Caballero

It all began in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, when the lights went out across the city at 8pm, for one hour. Restaurants lit candles, offices switched off lights overnight, all non-essential street lighting was switched off; all in an attempt to save some energy. And the world took note.

“Earth Hour is a global movement uniting people to protect the planet. Towards the end of March every year, Earth Hour brings together communities from across the world celebrating a commitment to the planet by switching off lights for one designated hour.” EarthHour.org

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Orana Wildlife Park, Christchurch, New Zealand

Published by Linda McCormick
orana park christchurch

Overview of Orana Wildlife Park

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

OK, so there are no bears here, and “Oh my!” weren’t the exact words in my head as I stood motionless in front of a very curious and very hungry lion, not two meters from my face.

Thankfully, said lion was safely ensconced on the other side of a sturdy fence that contained me, along with 15 other brave – or stupid – visitors to Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park.

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Discover Tory Island ~ Oileán Thoraí, Ireland

Published by Linda McCormick
Oileán Thoraí

Fáilte go Oileán Thoraí – Welcome to Tory Island

It’s not often that visitors are greeted personally by the King upon arrival, nor is it customary to meet him in the local pub for a drink, but this is what often happens on the windswept island of Tory, 14 km off the north coast of Donegal, Ireland.

Despite its relative remoteness in the harsh Atlantic Ocean, Tory Island has a die-hard population of around 170 people, all of whom proudly speak Irish as their first language.

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