Tropical paradise

There are many suggestions offered by the family when conversations around the dinner table turn to holiday destinations. The kids will probably have some sort of entertainment-based suggestions, and the older set will probably want to go somewhere and sit around a lot! All these are fine ideas, and each has its merits. However, you may have something else in mind. The next time it becomes the topic of conversation, throw the idea of eco-tourism into the ring. The kids are likely to groan and the older family members will take on a tired look! However, armed with the following information you can pitch this idea and watch the excitement grow.

In the past ten to twenty years there has been a boom in the interest of travelling to places rich in natural history. There are spots around the world that are worthy of holiday simply because they exist. We humans almost forgot what it meant to commune with the natural world simply because it is here! The last great trend of this manner was in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In response to the growing urbanisation and industrialisation in our lives, we sought out the tranquillity and clean air of “the country.” Back then this was limited to locations in relatively close proximity to home unless you were among the wealthier set. Transportation was crude or cost prohibitive. Now times have changed.

The great bonus to this revival is that we do not have to completely forgo the creature comforts we are all so used to in our lives, nor do we have to limit our choices based on distance. We have the world as a destination and the modern transportation to carry us there! One of the most pristine destinations on the planet for eco-tourism is the Galapagos Islands. This group of 13 islands was made famous by the visits of Charles Darwin. As a result of his experiences, he penned his Theory of Evolution which impacted human thought around the planet. Most people have seen the movies and specials on the TV all about the islands’ natural beauty. Now there are many opportunities to actually visit.

What an amazing place to visit!

The Galapagos are located 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador. The weather is hospitable year-round so any dates are good choices for holiday travel. June to December is considered the dry season and the tradewinds make the waters cooler. This is an excellent time for viewing the activities of sea mammals and birds. The season between December and May, called the warm season, is more tropical in temperament and is therefore perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The capital city of Quito or the city of Guayaquil will likely be your hopping off point for flights to the islands. There are three flights daily leaving for the Galapagos, so there are no long-term delays in reaching this nature haven.

If cruising is more your speed, there are many tour companies that offer all manner of water transportation to the islands. You will have a choice of more intimate small crafts of 20 or so passengers, which allow very up-close and personal docking experiences. Or you may desire a larger ship with more amenities and lots of opportunities for the older generation to “sit” if so desired! The latter are limited to 100 passengers for the safety of the eco-system.

You can come in by boat

Now in order to silence the groans of the kids, you may want to avail yourself of the many adventure travel packages in the Galapagos. These are real-life telly adventures in and among the indigenous wildlife of the islands. There are guided kayak tours with the dolphins, mountain biking in the pristine wilderness areas, snorkelling multi-colour reefs, plane hopping between islands and the ever-popular speedboat rides. These are infinitely more thrilling than that amusement park the kids thought they wanted to visit! If there are no kids in the picture, you can choose this option and a level of difficulty to make this a true outdoor adventure.

If you would like to stay on the islands, there are several first class hotels to accommodate you. These are not the huge impersonal chains where we often find ourselves on holiday. The offerings in the Galapagos are almost as interesting as the island itself with their rich histories and unique architecture. Recently the islands have added luxury tent accommodation to allow the visitors to have an explorer’s experience, without all the inconveniences of days gone by, of course.

There are some excellent hotels

The main reason to travel to the Galapagos is to have an unfettered experience with the wildlife. Gawking and camera snapping from we humans nonplus the animals of the islands. Here you can have interaction with the creatures we share the planet with in their natural surroundings. The giant tortoises, land iguanas and marine iguanas are there in abundance. Lava lizards and three species of snakes, all non-venomous, are also inhabitants along with two species of bats. There are no large carnivores, which is the speculated reason that all other land animals have seemingly lost their “fear” response.

The waters around the island are rich with sea turtles; several whale species and the frolicking of bottle-nosed dolphins that love to ride the bow wave of the ships. There are also rays, California sea lions and fur seals. Remember this home belongs to the plants and animals of the Galapagos, and we are merely visiting. The rule in the Galapagos is “people cannot touch them, but they can touch us.” It is a thrilling experience to have a baby sea lion nuzzle your feet as you stand at the water’s edge!

See some of the cool wildlife!

Tourism to the Galapagos has increased from 1,000 visitors per year forty years ago to 80,000 visitors per year in the recent past. This impact is strictly regulated and the fragile eco-system carefully guarded by the local authorities. The unique quality of the islands should not be compromised by thoughtless tourists but rather respected and preserved for its beauty and importance in the world of nature. Be mindful of your actions while on or around the Galapagos, and strive to leave no evidence of having ever even been there!

Author: Rick Freeman

Before you go on your holidays to Malta, you may wish to find out a little bit more about it. The Islands of Malta in the central Mediterranean Sea have only three large islands that are inhabited, with Malta Island being the most popular. You will find sunshine almost all year long enabling enjoyment of the spectacular beaches, safe bathing bays, the Blue Grotto, and other outdoor life. At the other extreme is touring historical artifacts that will greet you everywhere you look. Some archaeological sites are older than the Pyramids!

Approximately 7,000 years of history are still evident in the temples, fortified cities, museums with a wide variety of treasures, palaces, cathedrals, 364 churches, watchtowers, and unique villages. The old capital of Mdina is on one of the highest hills and is a medieval town. Some of the awesome gardens stem from the days of being part of the grounds for palaces and the palatial homes of rulers and go back to the 1600’s. Many give a grand view of the Grand Harbor.

The capital city of Malta is Valletta, which is a World Heritage Site. Former palaces have been made into museums such as the National Museum of Archaeology with prehistoric collections going back to 5200 BC and including temple carvings, animal and human figurines and statuettes, pottery, and ornaments.

Explore the Grandmaster’s Palace Armoury Museum, which has full suits of armour, guns, and cannons from the 15th century.

The National Museum of Fine Arts features paintings and sculptures along with silverware and silver snuffboxes.

When you are taking your Malta holidays, there are many cultural events that occur year round, such as an International Jazz Festival, Opera Festival, Arts Festival, Christmas Pantomime, music concerts, bands, classical music, and performing arts at the 18rh century National Theater. Historical parades and multi-vision shows take you back in time.

There are spas at the hotels and water sports, rock climbing, and hiking throughout the islands for those looking for healthy pursuits and exercising.

Local cuisine includes fresh fish, a traditional rabbit stew, multicultural dishes, and many fine wines.

Visit Malta Holidays to find more
information and facts about where to go and what to do in Malta. Or go to
http://www.maltaholidays.org

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