Sustainable tourism involves making a positive impact on the places you visit. Whether you travel often or you only go on the occasional vacation, ensuring that your actions are eco-friendly and beneficial to the social customs of the area is still important. But why should you care about sustainable tourism?

Your Actions Across the Globe Affect Your Home

Promoting sustainability wherever you go can also help promote sustainability in your own home. Although it may not seem like a few minor unsustainable actions in a faraway place would make any difference in your own home, actions can really add up and can come back to affect you.

The fact is that the world is a closed system, which means that actions across the globe will affect you environmentally, socially, and in other ways. Some things involved in creating sustainability involve the way you interact with others, the items that you purchase, and the way you use natural resources. Learn how you can reduce your environmental footprint while traveling, and make your next trip more earth-friendly.

If you’re interested in sustainability, an MS in MIS can supply you with business management skills and knowledge about emerging technologies so that you can use your education to better the environment.

It’s Courteous to Respect Other Cultures

Image via Flickr by Moving Mountains Trust

It’s a common misconception that sustainable tourism and ecotourism are the same things. Caring for the environment in your travels is just one part of sustainable tourism. Another part is preserving cultures across the world and leaving only a positive impact on them. If you have a strong sense of honesty and courtesy, then this aspect of sustainable tourism should be important to you.

While traveling, you can help respect other cultures by learning about them and promoting tolerance between your culture and the one you’re visiting. It is not sustainable tourism to criticize other cultures or to try to force your own upon the people of that area.

It Promotes a Great Experience for Future Tourists

If you really enjoyed your trip, then why would you deny someone else the same joys down the road? Maybe you want to go back and enjoy the destination again. But without practicing sustainability, it can crush the culture’s economy and dwindle their resources so that fewer people can enjoy the wonder of the area that you had the opportunity to see.

A lot of countries around the world rely heavily on income from tourists. In fact, tourism is the largest contributor to many countries’ economies. Imagine thousands, if not millions, of tourists flocking to one location each year. If each tourist were to perform even a few unsustainable acts, it could impact the area so much that it wouldn’t be a hot tourist spot any more. Sustainable tourism matters for the people coming after you, and it will matter for the people coming after them.

The next time you travel, keep these ideas in mind. How will you promote sustainable tourism on your next big trip?

With a fabulous history and with thinkers whose works lie at the very foundation of modern Western society, Greece has plenty of things to be proud of. If you add this to the fact that, every year, they attract people from all over the world and to the fact that their beaches can satisfy almost any kind of tourist, you definitely understand why Greece is so much beloved by so many.

Your 2015 all-inclusive Kos Holiday can be a dream come true. Somewhere in between perfect pricing and exquisite experiences, an all-inclusive holiday here can really provide you with all the peace of mind and fun you’ve been seeking this past year.

Which are the things everyone loves about the marvellous Greek island of Kos? Read on and find out more.

Refreshments in Kardamena, Kos, Greece (Creative Commons)

The Hippocrates Tree

Greek is a land sprinkled with legend and mystery – even today, when the vast majority of the country follows the Christian Orthodox religion. The Hippocrates Tree is the mythological tree under which Hippocrates is said to have taught his pupils. As you probably know it, Hippocrates is considered to be the father of modern medicine – even though The Hippocrates Tree cannot be actually confirmed to be “genuine”, it is still a nice attraction Kos offers. And if you do get to visit this, don’t forget about Asclepeion as well – an ancient healing centre also associated with great Hippocrates.

The Bubble Beach

Even if you are staying in a different resort, visiting the Bubble Beach is more than worth it – and even more so if you like water sports and swimming. This place is full of positive vibes and young people so be prepared to “recharge” yourself with great energy. Jet skis, parasailing and many other water sport fun options are waiting for you here!

The Kos Natural Park

If stunning landscapes is what you are searching for, you should not miss out on the fabulous Kos Natural Park. We guarantee the amazing nature you will find here will imprint in your memory and that it will stay there for a very, very long time! Come, breathe in the beauty of the nature here and relax your eyes and soul upon this park’s great marvels.

The Eleftherias Square

If you want a taste of the local spirit mixed with the touristic buzz, don’t forget to visit the Eleftherias Square. Full of energy and packed with attractions and points of interest, this square will make for wonderful memories – and for great pictures as well.

Book your Kos holiday as soon as possible and you will reap all the benefits that come with being an “early bird” – including lower prices and more options to choose from. Aside from that, relax yourself and enjoy this amazing Greek island!

Christmas markets are a fine tradition which have thankfully being resurrected to widespread popularity. There’s no better way of getting in the festive spirit than going to your local Christmas market, tucking in to some seasonal fayre and listening to some traditional music. There is a variety of markets around the country in the style of those native to Germany, Italy, France or Victorian England. Have a look at this guide to the top ten and go to your nearest event or, alternatively, book a trip through UK Breakaways to one of the towns or cities on the list.

Lincoln Christmas Market

This Christmas market in the historic city of Lincoln takes place at the beginning of December and hosts 250 stalls as well as performances. With a medieval square, cathedral and cobbled streets, Lincoln provides the perfect backdrop for a Christmas day out

Caerphilly Medieval Christmas Market

Another historically themed market where you can enjoy traditional music, see the town’s Castle Jester and visit over 150 stalls. This is a great market if food is an important aspect of your Christmas experience. Caerphilly has continental food and a farmers markets to kick-start your Christmas feasting.

Christmas Market at Tate Modern London

A wonderfully unusual location for a Christmas Market, the Tate Modern gallery will host a variety of stalls and festive fun for the whole family. Take a trip along London’s Southbank for an alternative treat.

Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market

This market in Gloucester, the biggest in the South-West, goes all out in providing a full festive experience with Victorian characters, a huge variety of stalls and street shows.

Staffordshire Winter Wonderland

Not the most traditional of markets, but Tamworth’s Snowdome hosts a fantastic immersive experience with real animals, entertainment as well as real snow!

Durham City Christmas Festival

Taking place on the first weekend of December, Durham’s festival covers all bases with a crafts and gifts marquee as well as a local food producers market in and around the city’s spectacular cathedral.

Edinburgh Christmas Market

Edinburgh is a wonderful place to be over the festive period anyway but with three markets to choose from over the holidays it has something for everyone. The Children’s Market, European Christmas Market and Scottish Market provide fun, gifts and food for the whole family.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Claimed to be the biggest outdoor market in Britain, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Market offers a feast of German goodies from mulled cider to tasty bratwursts.

St Albans Christmas Market

With its great market tradition (the town has had a market since the 9^th Century), St Albans naturally excels at hosting a fantastic Christmas market.

Skipton Yuletide Festival and Christmas Market

This North Yorkshire market town is another great place to spend a few of your holiday days out. Skipton’s market runs down the length of its cobbled high street with lots of stalls and festive entertainment on offer.

In the event of a problem either with your travel plans, or during your time away, would you know what to do? Most people wouldn’t have a clue, because they don’t really expect anything to go wrong! Well, unfortunately sometimes things do go wrong, and the best and only thing you can do in advance is to make sure you’re well informed, and of course, well insured.

I always book a multi trip travel insurance policy at the start of the year, because that way I know my insurance needs are met, I don’t have to worry about it again, and all I have to do is make sure I take the paperwork away with me. If this sounds like a good option for you then the only thing you need to take into account is that you’re travelling to places throughout the year that are covered by your policy. If you take out a USA and Worldwide policy then basically you’re going to be covered for everywhere, but do read the small print, as companies differ a little.

We mentioned about being well informed and a good way to do that is to use a flight tracker before you leave the house for your travel day. Obviously knowing about a problem isn’t going to stop it from happening, but at least if you’re aware of it you can prepare yourself accordingly.

If the problem occurs whilst you’re away in resort, the first port of call will be your rep. If you’ve booked a package holiday then all you need to do is phone the number that you will find at the hotel reception, or on the information board. Your rep is there to help you, so don’t be afraid to call! Alternatively, your hotel receptionist is the next person you can report to. Most holiday companies will also have an emergency number if you’re desperate to speak to someone independent.

If it’s a medical problem, obviously you need to be attending a doctor or hospital. Your hotel will again probably have a doctor they use regularly, however this is where your insurance will be needed in a big way! Make sure you have your insurance details, passport, and any visa information with you when you go to hospital or a surgery, as you will be billed. If you’re visiting a country that is within the EHIC programme, which is the old E1-11 certificate, then take your EHIC card with you, which you can get for free online before you go away on holiday. Remember that this doesn’t take away the need for travel insurance however!

Hopefully your holiday will be totally happy and problem free, however in the event of a hiccup or two, your insurance and the people you can ask for help can and will see you through it.

Canada is the largest country within North America. Boasting nearly ten million square kilometres of land, Canada is also the fourth-largest country in the world. Having said this, such a wide expanse affords the visitor some of the most unique experiences on the planet. From stunning coastlines to majestic glaciers and countless acres of pristine forest, Canada can be seen as one of the last frontiers left in existence. This is the reason that nature lovers near and far flock to this paradise each year. Still, it can be difficult to decide which activities are the best due to the sheer variety of choices. Let us therefore take a quick look at some popular destinations that are sure to impress.

Polar Bear Tours

While it is never recommended to approach these majestic bears personally, there are a number of polar bear tours such as those to be found in Churchill, Manitoba. Expert drivers will provide you with an up-close view of such massive creatures and you can partake in their beauty within what can only be called a stunning arctic backdrop.

Gros Morne National Park

This is the largest natural park in Eastern Canada and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Newfoundland, the purple mountains, which overlook verdant green forests and placid lakes, seem as if they are more appropriate on a postcard. Not only are sailing and hiking excursions offered here, but also Gros Morne National Park is said to boast some of the best camping spots in the entire country.

The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Found on Vancouver Island in Western Canada, this is a massive preserve, which seems to capture the beauty and the allure that has come to define Canada. As it covers approximately five hundred square kilometres of land, the variety of landscapes and ecosystems is simply unimaginable. While the inland region provides panoramic views of snow-capped mountains reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, there is also a serpentine route, which runs along the coast that many visitors enjoy driving through. In this case, it is always a great idea to purchase car excess insurance in the event of a flat tire or any other unforeseen situation while out and about. Indeed, the entire island of Vancouver is beautiful and if you have the time, it is wise to set aside at least a few days to absorb all that this location has to offer.

Offering a natural beauty that has no rival, Canada is one of the last places on Earth where flora, fauna and geography all coexist in peace. If you are planning a holiday to this region, be certain to keep these three destinations in mind.

Are you planning a winter vacation? Poking around online, looking at the same old winter getaway packages? Wondering what’s the best way to have a great time with friends or loved ones, experience some excitement, and enjoy the true freedom of the great outdoors? If so, then heli skiing may be the vacation for you!

Although helicopter skiing might be considered by some to be an ‘extreme’ sport, it’s definitely safe, inexpensive, and ever more popular among vacationers. In fact, it has truly changed the way people ski. As the name suggests, helicopter skiing is somewhat self-explanatory. It’s downhill skiing made accessible by a helicopter. The chopper is used to transport you to the exclusive skiing destinations and then pick you up at the bottoms of your runs. Many resorts are located on magnificent, otherwise remote or inaccessible mountain ranges where there is a heavy amount of annual snowfall, such as beautiful Revelstoke or Golden, British Columbia—truly some of the most gorgeous locations in the world.

Exploring those natural, uncharted environments makes the heli-skiing experience all the more amazing, as you are truly free from any long line-ups, noisy crowds, or predetermined restrictions. The natural topography, trees, glistening snow, blue skies and rapid contours make the experience a stunning revelation. Because heli skiing is off-trail, you can literally carve your own path through the powder. A few feet of light snow overnight is all it takes to cover all traces of other skiers who’ve come before you, allowing you to explore and carve your own way. Snowboarding or skiing on two feet of powder will make skiing on the packed snow of traditional ‘hills’ all the more unappealing.

Powder Guides Backcountry Skiing & Heli-Skiing is not only a wild adventure, but it’s a fantastic sport that few people will ever experience, or even consider. Once the helicopter takes off, you’ll find yourself in the middle of nowhere, on a virgin peak where the snow conditions are ideal. Heli skiing allows you to be transported to the best ski conditions in the world. It’s a skier’s dream. You won’t be following in someone’s tracks, so each turn you make will be in new snow. The sport can accommodate small groups of people (perfect for friends and family), and each run will be accompanied by a trained and trusted guide. No chairlift shuttling skiers up the mountain (and no snow-plowing kids slowing you down) means it’s just you, your friends, and the mountain.

An incredible heli skiing adventure in BC will provide you with all necessary safety equipment, warm and cozy lodges for delicious meals and comforting drinks, and competitive prices. If you need any assistance with choosing the best run or the right equipment, help is always available. So this winter, instead of thumbing through the same old ads, or driving to your nearest bunny hill, consider heli skiing! It’s more than a vacation—it’s an adventure!

Charming Salcombe (Creative Commons)

Although it’s a small and picturesque seaside town don’t let its looks deceive you, Salcombe has some wonderful shops tucked away in its winding streets. Even if you’re visiting Salcombe to get away from the frenzy of city living you’ll probably want to indulge in a little retail therapy. With that in mind be sure to visit these 5 Salcombe shops.

Bibi & Mac

If you’re looking for quality clothing then you have to drop in to Bibi & Mac. Renowned as one of the best Salcombe shops thanks to its great stock and always stellar service, you’ll find plenty to browse here. They also have a second shop, located a little further down Fore Street, which is home to beautiful home-ware products as well as a delightful café, so you can relax with a coffee.

Will Bees Bespoke

Located on Island Street this new addition to the Salcombe shops offers gorgeous bags, purses, and other ladies accessories. Exuding vintage class, the store is a joy to peruse, while the staff are welcoming and professional without being overbearing. You’ll find an incredible range of leather and fabric bags and accessories, all made in Britain and with exquisite craftsmanship. You can have your initials embossed onto the products for free so these make a perfect keepsake to remind you of your holiday, or a personalised gift for a loved one.

Quba & Co

Of all the Salcombe shops this is one that has truly become a cornerstone of the town. First established in Salcombe by Jim Hartley and Willam Bees, it began by creating one-off jackets from reclaimed sailcloth. The Salcombe jackets became wildly popular with sailors and landlubbers alike. Now a chain of stores across the South West and Southern England, Quba & Co stocks a range of timeless and understated nautically-inspired clothing for men and women. Salcombe is home to two Quba & Co shops, one stocking their standard range, the other focusing on their heritage products, where every item is truly unique.

Explosures

This photography gallery has been running for over a decade now and has built an enviable reputation among the community of Salcombe shops for providing stunning images from local photographers. You’ll find a huge range of prints on sale of Salcombe and the surrounding area which are just calling out to find a new home on your wall, a constant reminder of your blissful holiday.

Cranch’s Pantry & Sweetshop

Indulge your sweet tooth at Cranch’s, a longstanding institution among Salcombe shops. Popular with young and old, nothing beats picking out a bag of old favourites like cola bottles, aniseed balls and bon bons. It’s not just sweets though, in the pantry you’ll find groceries and other odds and ends to help complement your holiday in Salcombe.

Salcombe is home to a fantastic range of shops, and these are just some of the more iconic independent retailers that are proud to call the town home. Be sure to explore these and all the other Salcombe shops when you stay in the town.

If you want to discover Salcombe for yourself visit Coast & Country Cottages today and browse their range of luxurious Salcombe holiday homes.

While in many parts of the world, train travel is simply the fastest and most efficient way to travel from point A to point B. But there are still some train journeys that exist merely because they are a pleasure in themselves, that they offer a unique insight into the landscape that the train takes you through, or because they perfectly encapsulate the old saying that the journey is more important than the destination. There is something very old-world about the pace and style of this type of train travel. In this article we take a look at three of our favourite train journeys.

Bergen Line, Norway (Creative Commons)

The Bergen Line

This train in Norway takes you from the capital city Oslo all the way to Bergen – it is considered to be one of the most beautiful, exciting and scenic train journeys in the world. One of the unique aspects of this train is that it travels across Europe’s highest mountain plateau – the Hardangervidda, travelling above the tree line through this rugged terrain. This train is surprisingly busy in winter as it is one of the main points of access for Norway’s winter sports resorts. One of the most popular places to stop en route is the small town of Finse – this was the location that George Lucas used to create the ice planet Hoth in the 1979 movie The Empire Strikes Back.

The Glacier Express

An express in name only, this unique train journey in Switzerland holds the dubious honour of being the slowest express train in the world. While it is express in the sense that you don’t have to change trains at all, it will take you nearly eight hours to travel the 291 kilometres of this journey from St Moritz to Zermatt. The reason that the journey is so slow is because the train is traversing the steep mountainsides of the Swiss Alps and the scenery is spectacular. The Glacier Express has become such a tourist attraction that the train’s first class carriages have now been fitted with panoramic windows that extend right up over the ceiling of the carriage making your journey through the stunning mountain ranges jaw-droopingly exciting.

The Orient Express

It’s impossible to think of journeys on the Orient Express without bringing to mind the famous murder/mystery novel written by Agatha Christie. Thankfully murders are quite rare on this incredibly historic train, but it is an exciting way to travel nevertheless. Dating back to 1883, the route of the Orient Express has changed many times over the years, but its name has become synonymous with luxury train travel across Europe. Today’s Orient Express travels from London to Venice, and features some of the original carriages from the historic Orient Express trains.

If you are not in a hurry, if you are more interested in immersing yourself in the world around you than dashing off to your next meeting, then you should definitely consider embracing the old world charm of some of the great train journeys in the world.

Navigating your way around a new country is never easy, and dining out is a past-time especially fraught with etiquette pitfalls. In a city like Abu Dhabi, considering what to wear and how to behave is not only a matter of respect, it will help you fit in with the local community, and avoid causing offense, particularly at Ramadan. Fortunately, the restaurant scene in the city is buzzing, and with new eateries opening all the time, you’ll have plenty of incentive to venture out for a culinary adventure. There’s a venue for every occasion, so read on for a few options to ease you into the experience.  

For takeout

Whether you crave sushi or pizza, sometimes food just tastes better when you don’t leave the building to get it. In Abu Dhabi restaurant delivery is a doddle, with hundreds of places offering to bring you a sampling of cuisine from across the city. Bring the old school American diner home with some burgers and fries from Johnny Rocket’s, or settle down with a Domino’s for two in front of a movie.  

 For morning coffee

Leopold’s of London is a swanky little café serving up superior coffees, brunch and take-out in several relaxed but smart venues around the city. Munch on eggs benedict or vanilla bean pancakes for breakfast, watch the world go by, or indulge in a cake and some coffee prepared by their expert baristas for a weekend treat.

 For a business lunch

If you’re in a hurry, don’t squander productivity on waiting for your food to be prepared. Abu Dhabi excels at the buffet, so grab a plate and join the queue at Citrus in the Millennium Hotel. The lunch buffet kicks off at noon, serving up an international selection as well as more traditional Arabic fare, along with a rainbow selection of deserts worth leaving room for.  

 For a romantic dinner

Indulge in a lobster dinner with your significant other in Pearls and Caviar, a venue that boasts a terrace with a view of the canal and Sheik Zayah Mosque. The modern, sleek design has the texture of a monochrome perfume commercial, have a glass of champagne on the roof terrace before descending for dinner to feel like a true celebrity.

 For something different

Lovers of literature will be enchanted by Shakespeare and Co., a quirky chain with décor that defies description, but if you were to have a stab at it, you might venture shabby-chic baroque. With venues in several of the malls this café and patisserie has a palpable Parisian vibe, with eye-snagging cakes and jewel-like chocolate boxes just begging further exploration for those susceptible to a sweet treat.

Abu Dhabi is certainly one place where you won’t go hungry. Not only that, you certainly won’t have to worry about getting bored of eating the same thing over and over again. You can somewhere different every day. There’s plenty of supply. You just have to make your demand (but politely, of course).

Images by Carolyn Coles and valkyrieh116, used under Creative Commons license.

Easter Island, Chile (Creative Commons)

Among other things, people travel to unwind and to get away from the stress brought about by everyday life. With the innovations in modern technology, you can still stay in touch with the rest of the world, receive urgent messages, settle bills and other payments, and even play bingo games anywhere on your mobile or tablet. The internet combined with the current technology makes it possible to manage tasks and other paperwork from a remote site should there be a need to do something right away making it totally possible for you to go on a much needed holiday. If a trip to unwind is just the kind of getaway that you are rooting for, here are some suggestions on the best places to rest your mind and your body:

Necker Island, Caribbean. Most of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean still belong to the British Government but this particular island is privately owned. The island is owned by Richard Branson, a popular entrepreneur who is the founder of Virgin Group. Necker Island can be rented from August to October and you can own the entire island complete with the staff and the accommodations.  The rent doesn’t come cheap but it is totally worth it as there is nothing more exciting than owning the entire place even just for a while.

Chiang Mai, Thailand. If tranquility is just the thing that you are looking forward to during your holiday, then Chiang Mai happens to be one of the best destinations as you are surrounded by a rural scenery featuring Mt. Suthep and the river on the other side. There are also a lot of five star hotels in the area. North Thailand has a wealth of culture and you can have a better appreciation of this when you decide to drop by the shrines and temples that showcase fancy designs and ornate decorations. You can also grab the opportunity to explore Siam, the country’s former capital.

Chiang Mai, Thailand (Creative Commons)

Maldives. This may be but a small place but it has a bottled up beauty which makes it attractive to a lot of tourists. With over a thousand islands, Maldives is certainly one of the best getaways for those who are looking for some peace and quiet. The soothing view of the sea, in all directions, will surely direct your stressful thoughts away with its awesome marine life. Diving and Snorkeling are favorite activities in Maldives aside from bumming in the beach and swimming. Expect a Maldivian holiday to be filled by a serene charm as you enjoy your time tasting what heaven might be like while on earth.

Maldives (Creative Commons)

Patagonia, Chile and Argentina Border. If a combination of beauty and peace is what you are looking for, Patagonia is certainly a good choice. This place is not really unknown and there are also tourists who are visiting the place to relax. With its warm weather and constantly cloudless blue skies, you can feel a sense of being at peace while enjoying the view before you. The place is dotted with small resorts, so you won’t have a lot of problems should you decide to stay for a bit.

Easter Island, Chile. If you wish to be far away from other people and crowds are the last thing that you are looking forward to during this vacation, the Easter Island is definitely a good destination. The Easter Island is full of stone structures which are fashioned into huge heads and are ancient and they have been around for years. However, the mystery as to why they exist and who created them is still shrouded by doubt.

Life can be a bit demanding at times especially when you have a really stressful job but it is not an excuse to miss out on some well-deserved rest and recreation. If you are willing to pay for some peace and quiet, these destinations are definitely a must.