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What is ecotourism and why you should travel like this?

To many people, tourism means breathtaking views, pristine beaches, and the enthusiasm of discovering new destinations, incredible people, rich foods, and exotic sounds and smells. Tourism let us engross in new lifestyles and environments of cultures different and new than our own. But as you travel around the world, you must be mindful of the impact of your adventures on the places you visit. 

In this article, we will talk about ecotourism and why you should embrace this culture. 

Safari – Ecotourism in Kenya, Africa

What is ecotourism?

According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is “responsible travel that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” It is also referred to as “nature tourism” and its goal is to minimize as possible the effect caused by tourism on nature. 

Ecotourism involves taking into consideration environmental conservation as well as the knowledge of the local communities and their practices in order for tourists to enhance the quality of life in the locations they visit. 

The World Tourism Organization considers ecological tourism to have the following characteristics: 

  • Encompass educational functions: The greater emphasis is placed on responsible water consumption, recycling, walking or cycling instead of driving, and local crafts. Much emphasis is placed on the safeguarding of threatened or local species. 
  • Being a type of nature-based tourism: The main objective of tourists should be observation as well as an appreciation of traditional cultures and nature prevalent in pristine areas. 
  • The use of tour operator: If a tour operator must be used, it must be arranged by experts in the field and must be designed for only small groups. 
  • Maintenance of natural areas: Ecotourism must support the maintenance and safeguarding of natural areas used as ecotourism attractions, enabling these sights to generate economic benefits for the locals as well as raising awareness for the conservation of cultural and natural heritage. 
  • Impact on the socio-cultural and natural environment: Ecological tourism must reduce negative effects on the social cultural and natural environment. 
  • Provide unforgettable interpretative experiences to tourists that help generate sensitivity to the local environmental, political as well as social climates. 
  • Recognize the spiritual beliefs and rights of the native people in the community and collaborate with them to create awareness.

Ecotourism in Tulum, Mexico

Why you should travel like this

If you want to overhaul your traveling practices and become more ecological and sustainable, here are the benefits you will accrue if you travel like this: 

You will help preserve nature

By selecting your next destination to be an ecological tourist spot, rather than one that supports overcrowding, you are ultimately helping to safeguard the environment of the place you are visiting. Moreover, by traveling sustainably as well as taking into account our ecological surroundings when visiting new places, you can help protect the environment and flora and fauna for both tourists and locals alike. 

So, before you book your next holiday destination, make sure you choose ecotourism options, and when you reach there, be sure to buy fresh-grown and organic food, book eco-friendly hotels, be mindful of the waste, and pack lightly. 

You will be investing in the local communities 

Tourism is among the most rapidly growing industries today and many developing regions rely heavily on it for economic growth. But with the recent outbreak of the pandemic, the tourism industry has been massively affected by Covid-19. It is now important more than ever to use tourism in a manner that can help build both environmental and cultural awareness. Local communities can take advantage of ecotourism because it implies using raw resources and assets productively and sustainably. 

Your admiration for the local culture will increase 

Cultures around the world are very proud to help visitors discover their traditional customs as well as natural beauties. However, what they would like in return is for these guests to respect these traditions and customs. 

But on many occasions, customs and traditions are often disregarded or overlooked thanks to technological advances, to the extent where their exceptionality is drowned out. By choosing eco-practices and ecotourism, you are not only respecting the native people and their culture, but you are also educating yourself as well as taking part in unique, authentic traditions. 

You will raise awareness 

Mass tourism tends to offer everyone the same experiences, accommodation, and food. But with ecotourism, you choose local tourism as well as eco-traveling. Native people know where pristine beauty lies or where to find dishes prepared using local ingredients. So engage with the locals and listen to whatever they have to say because you have great stories that you can use to raise awareness once you return to your home country. 

Eco-friendly tourism is not only great for nature buffs but also for everyday tourists looking to try something new. Discovering new traditions and customs as well as interacting with nature profoundly will become an eye-opener for travelers and help local people become economically stronger.

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The most incredible places you must visit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is one of the most recognizable premium travel destinations in the world. It is a city of luxurious shopping malls, tall skyscrapers, and expansive deserts. Within three decades, Dubai has transformed into a popular destination du-jour, with visitors flocking to take advantage of sales bargains, family fun, and sunshine.

Despite being just 35 square kilometers, Dubai has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and entertaining things to do. Today I am going to walk you through the most incredible places you must visit in this glitzy United Arab Emirates travel destination. 

Visit Dubai Aquarium 

Dubai Aquarium

Housing 140 species of aquatic animals, Dubai Aquarium is one of the city’s leading tourist hot spots and it involves a massive suspended reservoir on the ground floor of the famous Dubai Mall. 

Visitors can view some sections of the aquarium for free, but the highlight is visiting the Underwater Zoo for three-story, 270 degrees vistas along the extending glass-panel tunnels. 

You can enjoy a wide range of marine life as well as a vast amount of aquatic experiences and close-up encounters with marine animals, including feeding eagle rays and driving with tiger sharks and reefs. 

Dubai Mall 

Located just above Dubai Aquarium, you do not need to leave the building to visit Dubai Mall. This mall attracts people from across the world looking for shopping bargains since it offers endless shopping opportunities with over 1200 shops as well as numerous dining options if you want to re-energize before you continue your shopping spree. 

Dubai Mall is such a delight and you wouldn’t want to miss shopping there, with international brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel, Burberry, and Amani among others, lining up the stalls.

But before you go, I should warn you that Dubai Mall tends to host regular live shows like fashion shows and music concerts. While these events are worth your time, the area can be pretty crowded. 

Souks of Deira 

Souks of Deira, Dubai

For something more traditional and cultural, head over to Deira souks located north of Dubai Creek. The twisting streets here divulge the melting pot of a variety of nationalities that migrated to Dubai. 

Lining up the shore of the creek are modem office buildings, hotels, and banks with constant sight of ancient dhows loading and unloading. 

Deira is known for its traditional markets or souks, which bustle with buyers and sellers 24/7. Deira Gold Souk is the largest renowned gold bazaar. 

If you are looking for spices, The Deira Spice Souk deals in all spices under the sun, with stalls swarming with bags of cumin, frankincense, paprika, saffron, thyme, and sumac just to name a few, along with rose water, fragrant oud wood, and incense. 

Aquaventure Waterpark 

Located at Atlantis, The Palm on the Palm Jumeirah, this water park provides the best spot to cool off after touring Dubai – one of the hottest cities in the world. 

The waterslide here is world-class and one of the best, with the longest slide in the world – the Aquaconda, providing a nine-story high slide. 

In addition to slides, visitors can also enjoy underwater safaris at a dedicated water play spot for younger kids with slides. 

Dubai Frame 

One of the most photographed structures in the world, a trip to Dubai is not complete without taking a snap of Dubai Frame. It is located between the older neighborhood and modern skyscrapers, standing 150 meters high. 

Inside this frame, you will discover the history of the city through the years before you climb up the Sky Deck where you will be greeted with some incredible views of the city – both new and old. 

Afterward, head over to Future Dubai gallery for a futuristic vision of what the city will look like in the coming decades. 

Desert Safari 

It is incredible how Dubai blends the sea, modern skyline, and expansive deserts. In fact, you don’t need to travel for kilometers to witness this metamorphosis – it takes around a 35-minute drive from the coastline to the desert. 

A one-day round trip will get you to the desert and dune fields protected under the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve as well as the orange-colored sandbanks of Maleha in the Emirate of Sharjah. 

The desert safari incorporates a number of activities including sand boarding, 4WD safaris, camel rides, and traditional Arabian falconry displays as well as some desert banquets under the night stars.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa Building, Dubai

The easiest landmark to spot and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, Burj Khalifa is well-known for being the tallest skyscraper in the world as well as the epitome of a man-made marvel. 

One of the must-visit places in the city, this incredible edifice boasts some of the world’s top-rated hotels and restaurants as well as the tallest observation deck in the world. The night’s darkness and the building lights transform Burj Khalifa into a different spectacle. 

The observation deck on the 124th floor offers visitors a chance to watch the dazzling views of the Dubai skyline up to 95 kilometers farther. In fact, you can see the shadowy outline of Iran from the observation deck on Burj Khalifa. 

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These Are Considered The Most Beautiful Beaches In Mexico 

Mexico is one of the most beautiful countries in the world to visit. It is known for its extensive and beautiful coastline spreading around 10,000 kilometers along four major water bodies namely the Pacific Ocean, The Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of California, and the warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean. As a result, Mexico has more than 500 beaches and several inhabited atolls such as the Isla Mujeres. This makes it difficult to find the best and most beautiful beach to enjoy. 

The most beautiful beaches in Mexico 

Akumal Beach 

Found in the Riviera Maya, Akumal Beach is one of the most beautiful famous beaches in Mexico, attracting both locals and tourists. 

Its name Akumal means ‘Place of Turtles’ because the beach is a favorite for giant sea turtles who like to come here to lay eggs. 

In addition to coming up close with these large reptiles as they lay their eggs, you can also explore scuba diving and snorkeling at Akumal Beach. The area has incredible coral beds that house various fish species.

Additionally, the beach also has five bays several hotels, restaurants, and bars. Travelers with the family will appreciate the fact that the beach is ideal for swimming and you can find a private spot to enjoy with your children. 

Tulum, Mexico

Tulum 

Known for its 13th-century Mayan remnants, Tulum beach is the best bet destination for history enthusiasts. It is found at the southern edge of Riviera Maya, a tow hour drives away from Cancun. 

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in North America, Tulum has crystal clear waters and pristine white sand fringed by palm trees. There are a number of limestone pools for visitors to swim as well as several beach hotels to relax. 

Despite being a picturesque beach, it is usually less crowded compared to other popular beaches in Mexico. So if you want to get away from the busy crowded sand beaches, Tulum should be the first consideration. 

Beach in Cancun

Cancun Beach 

This beach is not only well-known in Mexico but it is one of the most famous beaches in the World. Stretching 12 miles, Cancun Beach features crystal clear waters and pristine white sand and was originally a part of the prehistoric Mayan civilization. As a result, the area around this beach is littered with ancient attractions to explore. 

Visitors can enjoy the incredible coral reef while snorkeling or scuba diving or simply go fishing, paddle boarding, or kayaking. 

There are also several dining options around the beach with both outdoor and indoor spaces where you can munch on a variety of native dishes.

Cancun Beach is one of the busiest in Mexico, with all the high-end hotels, entertainment options, and resorts located there – kind of like the Las Vegas strip. 

Playa Norte 

Playa Norte is the main beach on the famous Isla Mujeres and has shining white sand and clear waters.

It is an ideal beach for families with children because the waters are not only crystal clear but also calm and safe for swimming. Moreover, there are also lots of beach bars, restaurants as well as accommodation facilities around the beach. 

While this is without a doubt one of the most picturesque beaches in the country, it tends to get overcrowded on the weekends. So make sure you arrive very early in the morning and pick a spot to beat the crowd. 

Playa Las Gatas 

This white-sand beach is located around 3 miles south of Zihuatanejo and got its name after the whiskered nurse sharks that resided in the waters many years ago.

You can access the beach by boat or following a steep trail. Playa Gatas is so popular due to its rocky coves and coral reefs that are ideal for snorkeling. 

If you want to eat something before you continue with your adventure, there are a number of restaurants scattered along the beach. Make sure you check out Otilia for some of the best coconut shrimps. 

Puerto Vallarta Beach 

Puerto Vallarta is one of the best resort towns in the country thanks to its perfect tropical climate, cobblestone streets, and plenty of attractions. The town’s main beach boasts exciting water activities including sailing, fishing, and diving. 

Protected bays can also be great for snorkeling as well as whale-watching and deep-sea fishing. 

Make sure you set aside a few hours to explore this beautiful town including its restaurants, bars, and shops as well as the incredible views of the Sierra Madre Mountains. 

Zipolite 

In the 1960s and 1980s Zipolite beach was the most popular destination for hippies and was even deemed a free love location. Today, the beach doesn’t attract many hippies, but it is still one of the best places to come and do yoga or surf. 

The beach is still among the most visited in Mexico due to its numerous variety of budget accommodations as well as luxurious hotels and world-class restaurants. 

Anyone looking for a calm and serene beach for vacationing should give Zipolite Beach a chance.  

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Why Kenya is incredible?! Discover the most beautiful places in Kenya!

What comes to your mind when you hear the word Kenya? Marathon runners? You are right, but that is not the only thing this great country in East Africa is known for. Kenya is also known for being a gateway to East and Central and is one of the most visited countries in Africa. Wildlife safaris are almost the signature of Kenyan tourism, but cultural diversity, endless white sand beaches, incredible hiking trails, and breathtaking landscapes have all played an important role in the tourism sector for decades in the country. 

The most beautiful places in Kenya 

Maasai Mara National Reserve 

Maasai Mara is loved by locals and foreigners alike and a trip to the country is not complete without checking out Maasai Mara National Reserve. Mara is among the most glorious game reserves. It borders Tanzania and forms an extension of the Serengeti, forming one of the most spectacular wildlife corridors between these two countries. This also means that you can access Mara from either Kenya or Tanzania. 

The game reserve is known for its annual Great Migration, which involves thousands of zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, and zebra travel to and from the park between July and October. 

Elephants – Amboseli National Reserve 

Amboseli National Reserve 

With Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest peak in Africa) in the background, Amboseli along with Mara is one of the most popular parks in Kenya. 

It boasts the best place in the region to view up close large herds of elephants. But other animals such as cheetah and lion can also be spotted at the park, as well as impalas, giraffes, waterbuck, gazelle and over 600 bird species. 

Amboseli is also a great place for nature lovers who can explore up to five diverse habitats including Lake Amboseli’s dried-up bed, savannah, wetlands, and woodlands. 

Tsavo National Park 

Located in Taita Taveta, halfway between Kenya’s capital Nairobi and Kenya’s second-largest city Mombasa on the coast, Tsavo is the largest park in Kenya, taking up four percent of the entire country’s landmass. It is home to rivers, cascades, volcanic hills, a savannah, impressive flora and fauna, and a large lava-rock plateau. 

Comprising Tsavo East and Tsavo West, these two parks are known for the sightings of large herds of elephants bathing and rolling in red dust. The Galana River meanders through the park, creating contrasting habitats. 

In addition to large herds of the biggest land mammals, visitors can also enjoy sightings of the Mudanda Rock, the Lugard Falls, the longest lava flow in the world, and the Yatta Plateau. 

But you should expect two different offerings between Tsavo West and Tsavo East. The former is known for having a wetter and varied topographically with some stunning sightings of the Mzima Springs, crocs, hippos, Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, and Chaimu Crater. 

The view from Baboon Cliff, a lookout point overseeing much of Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park 

Located in Central Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the most incredible places in Kenya. Why? Because of large flocks of flamingos thronging Lake Nakuru – which accounts for up to one-third of the total area of the park. 

Lake Nakuru National Park is home to over 450 bird species along with a rich variety of other fauna. Expect to find leopards, lions, pythons, waterbucks, warthogs, white rhinos, and hippos. 

What makes this park unique is the varied landscape, which can vary from woodland and rocky cliffs to expansive grasslands bordering Lake Nakuru. 

Moreover, the park is also home to Africa’s largest euphorbia candelabrum forest, which and endemic to the park and offer contrasting textural element to the largely arid topography. 

Nairobi National Park 

Telling from the name, the Nairobi National Park is located in Nairobi –Kenya’s capital. Its location in the city makes Nairobi the only city in the world with a national park right on its doorstep. 

The park is located just 15 minutes from the city center and provides visitors with an opportunity to go on a safari without leaving their accommodations. 

Visiting Nairobi National park is often among the top things to do in the city and for those who are unable to reach one of the four largest reserves in the country this can be just as rewarding. 

You will find all traditional safari stars at this park, including lions, buffalo, zebras, leopards, hippos, cheetah, wildebeest, and elephants. 

Moreover, you can also have a glimpse of some of the most endangered species of rhinos in the world at the park’s sanctuary.

There is Nairobi Safari Walk, which offers adventure-seekers a satisfying chance to spot game animals and birds on foot, including over 400 bird species like the grey crowned crane. 

Before you leave, make sure you check out the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery. 

Lamu Island 

This small island is located northeast of the second largest city in Kenya, Mombasa. It is one of the oldest towns in the country with its old town listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The town dates back to the Arab period of the 12th century. 

To experience Lamu’s rich history, stroll its labyrinthine cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture of the building from the Arab era, Europeans and Indians. 

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