Inspired by Southeast Asia's natural beauty and rich culture, many travelers are showing an interest in the area's alternative "eco" vacations, like the one offered in the Thai National Forests.
Approach planning an eco-vacation as a fun exercise.
Check out The International Ecotourism Society at http://www.ecotourism.org/ for more information on quality assurance of your eco-vacation choices.
There's no need to have a hair shirt mentality about eco-vacations.
"Not everyone wants to have to take an entire eco-friendly vacation just to stay in an eco-friendly place," said Colm Hanratty, the editor of the hostelworld site, which in addition to recommending stays in places like a farm in rural England and a treehouse in the Philippines also lists hostels in some major cities.
Dana Mayer, the owner with her husband, Stephen Carroll, of two eco-friendly vacation homes (one in Sedona, Ariz., and one in St. Augustine, Fla).
You can also go to your Internet search engine and enter keywords such as "eco-friendly vacation magazines" to find additional publications.
If you want to take an eco-friendly vacation similar to a "road trip," consider taking a scenic train trip cross-country or through a specific region.
The emerging trend is called eco-adventure vacations.
Tambopata Rainforest Expeditions (www.perunature.com) is an award-winning ecotourism organization devoted to providing exceptional, eco-based vacations in South American rainforests.
