Sharing the honor with other Top Green Travel destinations such as Loas, Coral Bay Australia, the Galapagos Islands, Kaikoura New Zealand and Dubai, Eco Belize has been selected as a top Green Travel destination by Care2 and Planet Green.

SUNDAY July 31, 2011 – This morning began like the seven before it as 24 sleepy headed eco-campers rallied to the 6:30 wakeup call and gathered round the fire hearth to commence their daybreak muster of liven up songs before breakfast.

FRIDAY July 29, 2011 – Today’s theme for the day was Responsible Tourism and Chaa Creek managers all participated in giving the eco kids a little lecture on the lodge’s ecotourism model and why responsible tourism is such an important feature for Belize.

My job as Global Ambassador is to help Belize to shine on the world stage of tourism, to assist BTB in reaching its strategic marketing goals, and to position Belize as a leader among tourism destinations worldwide. Ladies and gentlemen, Belize is “Nature’s Best Kept Secret,” and it is time to let that secret out! Let the world to discover this country’s treasures, along with Belize’s sustainable tourism leadership in protecting these treasures for future generations of Belizeans and travelers who come to enjoy this wonderful country.

Ever felt suffocated and congested in hotel rooms? You are experiencing nights during your vacation where you tossed and turned because of the lack of oxygen or fresh air in the room? When you are supposed to be relaxing and sleeping…you are actually developing a migraine because of the lack of sleep and comfort.

Your meals wear you down. You can’t seem to put a finger at what causes you to feel that way after every meal. Is it the greasy food or the artificial ingredients that were added to the cooked food? What happened to the old-fashioned goodness home cooked meals that they advertised?

In our country Belize we need to educate the people more about healthy, clean and Eco friendlier ways of living in order to have a beautiful Belize. We as proud Belizeans should stand up and let people know the proper ways to dispose garbage and other waste. We need to reuse, like reuse plastic bottles or old tires to plant different plants in. Reduce, reducing the amount of electricity you use or water, instead of using an automobile walk or ride a bike. Limit the amount of gas you use because the car exhaust is damaging the ozone layer and making more hazardous rays coming in and being trapped in our atmosphere making it hotter.

Ecotourism is a movement that respects the established culture and ecology making the temporary contact between traveller and resident a long-term winning strategy for both. However, there is no reason that responsible travel must be associated with primitive food and lodging. Chaa Creek is impressive with their emphasis on a ‘wildly civilized’ vacation opportunity. The eco-lodge offers relaxation and comfort with the assurance that a holiday in Belize is one that also respects and maintains the fragile rainforest and rich local culture.

As gas prices climb each and everyday around the globe, as responsible citizens and travelers, we can’t help but think about our lifestyle. Are we wasting and living too large? Are we transferring the living large concept to the places we visit?

Then the bird spoke to me, saying, “I was in Belize this winter and I am going there from now on!” Instead of saying, “You can talk!” I asked, “Why do you say that?”He said, “I found a nice place to go where there was sparkly water and bright, beautiful flowers. There were humans there, too, but I hardly noticed them as I flew around. They sometimes came in groups, but they only looked at me through some kind of round things. I think you do that, too!”

Who travels responsibly? Anyone can be a responsible traveler! You can get back to nature, or bathe in luxury… hike into the rainforest, or explore the city… stay close to home, or travel to the exotic location of your dreams. Responsible travel provides many options and is often very affordable.

By exploring alternative travel choices, you can have a unique trip and avoid leaving negative marks on cultures, economies, and the environment.

1. At the hotel: Ask about environmental policies and practices. Talk with staff about working conditions. Does the hotel support community projects?

2. Language: Learn a few words of the local language and use them.

3. Dress: Read up on local conventions and dress appropriately. In many countries, modest dress is important.

Dear Chaa Creek Staff Members,
Below is a recount of my day August 4th 10 AM (Portland, Oregon time)
Today I brought my daughter to the train station after a brief rather
emotional visit, she had tears in her eyes as I turned to walk away…
She did not say why, but as her Mom I knew, she was worried, she could
see the sadness in my eyes.

Belize Eco Tourism Vacation Sweepstakes

I was initially drawn to Chaa Creek because of my passions: medicine and
rainforest conservation and art.  Chaa Creek is still the perfect place to
satisfy all of these while enjoying spending time with my husband.  But as I
perused more information about Chaa Creek, I came to realize that it is an
even more perfect place for us!
 
I am fascinated by the beauty and behavior of butterflies, and am a firm
believer in efforts to protect them. As I read …

Hitesh Mehta, 50, is the director of HM Design, and one of the world’s leading authorities, practitioners and researchers on ecotourism physical planning, landscape architecture and architectural aspects of ecolodges. I was introduced to Hitesh by Lucy Fleming of Chaa Creek Lodge in Belize, an earlier “Peer to Pier” subject—fitting for a column about global connections. That theme is reflected in Hitesh’s life work and the Jain philosophy that is its foundation.

Ethical Traveler’s new report, “The World’s Best Ethical Destinations,” identifies the 10 countries in the developing world that are best protecting their natural environments, promoting responsible travel, and building a tourism industry which provides real benefits to local communities.

I would love to visit the Lodge at Chaa Creek in Belize’s tropical rainforest.  Based upon the images and descriptions on the website, the resort seems to be the perfect combination of respite and excitement-with opportunities to rest and relax, while learning about the surrounding ecosystem and culture.  
I live with my wonderful partner/boyfriend in Vermont.  We are both environmental professionals who care deeply about the natural world.  He has dedicated his law career-two decades so far-to protecting the environment and …