Safety is becoming more of a factor in the choice of a Spring break location, and this trend is prompting resorts and their guests to consider safe travel options.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize’s first eco resort and most vocal advocate for responsible travel, has posted an unusual obituary that highlights Steve Job’s contribution to environmentally sound business practices.

The highly sought after Green Globe worldwide certification is considered to be the “International Standard for Sustainability” and is granted only after a rigorous auditing process against recognised benchmarks and carbon footprint calculations. The Lodge at Chaa Creek has once again been awarded the Green Globe Certification “as a mark of quality, sustainability and climate action,” according to Green Globe.

Situated some 12 kilometres north of San Ignacio town and straddling the Belize – Guatemala border, El Pilar’s 100 acres contains over 25 plazas, temples, palaces, residential structures, and causeways. Inhabited continuously between 800BC and 1,000AD, it supported a population of over 20,000 at its peak, and was one of the most important centres of the Lowland Maya. For us, one of the more interesting aspects of El Pilar is not just what has been found, but the way in which the research is carried out.

The Academic Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students undertaking study in various levels of education, including high school, colleges and university. The rigorous scholarships selection process is based on academic performance and financial needs, with an aim towards assisting Belizeans who show academic promise in attaining their goals

It is estimated that Ambergris Caye had been continually occupied by the Maya for some 2,000 years until it was abandoned around 1500 AD, with some 20,000 Maya inhabiting the site at its peak between 1200 to 1400 AD. The Maya islanders most likely engaged in fishing, trading and salt production, as Ambergris would have been strategically located on the main coastal trading route. However, due to the lack of significant structures and the paucity of artefacts, the island never received the attention the grander inland sites such as Caracol and Xunantunich did.

I hope human life will soon come to see how great this Earth is and embrace…Ecological diversity is so important for humans and wildlife.
If I go on this trip it would be the best time of my life!

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?

Belize has a rich heritage and is filled with many vibrant cultures, which is why the Lodge at Chaa Creek is here to introduce you to see what all Belize has to offer and they always endeavored to share their love for what makes Belize so special, and the need to protect this vibrant yet fragile ecosystem.
Chaa Creek has been in existence since 1981, which has create a true jungle experience and the result is an exquisite blend of natural beauty and man-made comforts. It continues to win recognition as one of the Caribbean region’s best examples of sustainable, Green tourism.

I think responsible travel is encapsulated in the famous travelers saying: Take nothing but pictures leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time. Travelling is every one’s way of getting away from the hustle and bustle of life and sometimes, because we are so engrossed in our desire to enjoy and have fun, we tend to forget that the we live in one  and that we are all responsible for it. That one little candy wrapper that you threw outside …

“Responsible tourism”, I think, “not anything I’ve ever done”. And I think it’s time. I think it’s time I see what it means to co-exist with the plants, the little green tree frogs, and the butterflies. To not just look at nature from afar or on the tv, but to be a part of it. And that’s what responsible tourism is – coexisting. Not plowing through or tearing down, but fitting in. Fitting in with nature. Afterall, that’s what we all want, what we all need…to fit in.

Most recently I joined the Sustainability Committee at work so I asked myself why not think sustainably while I’m on Vacation too? Preserving that which has not yet been lost. Your “Carbon Footprint” can be reduced by thinking and going green so it’s a great idea to be environmentally responsible. After all we are the only solution to our problems.

This vacation would be a FUN adventure for my family that I could feel good about. Eco-tourism is a wonderful tool in the protection of natural resources for areas in need of the business. It provides a reason to keep diverse, natural habitats and provides, perhaps, a sense of pride for the local community.

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.

I believe that winning the responsible traveler sweepstakes would offer an opportunity to delve into the philosophy that Chaa Resort exemplifies, and would be a wonderful way to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in my life, I am currently studying Massage & Holistic Healing in Portland, Oregon, at East West College of the healing Arts, my focus will be on Woman’s fertility, I am writing my final paper on Mayan Fertility Massage (inspired by my sister’s premature ovarian failure,) and researching the renowned Dr. Rosita Avrigo, and hope to begin attending her Mayan Fertility workshops upon graduation.

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.