Have you ever heard of one of the prime destinations for ecotourism? Nestled in Central America, between Nicaragua and Panama, lies a rare gem of beauty: Costa Rica. Besides being among the countries with the highest average happiness in the world, Costa Rica is a perfect example of the defense and, above all, the valorization of its rich biodiversity, with over a quarter of its territory being occupied by national parks. The beauty of its landscapes and the friendliness of its inhabitants make Costa Rica an ideal destination that could suit your taste. Here are 10 sustainable experiences for your next trip to Costa Rica.

1) Climb a Volcano

There are over 100 volcanoes in Costa Rica (of which 7 are active!), and visiting one is a truly unique
experience. The vegetaƟon changes radically, temperatures drop and the atmosphere becomes surreal in
the presence of the colored waters of the craters. The highest volcano of all is Irazú, standing at 3432
meters, representing a challenge for most Athletic ones (don’t worry, you can approach the summit by
car), as well as an incredible viewpoint. On sunny days with clear skies, you can see both the Pacific and
Atlantic Ocean from its summit. A unique opportunity!

2) Go Surfing

The beaches of Costa Rica are marvelous, and one of the most popular ways to enjoy them is surfing. There are many surf schools in coastal areas, so why not give it a try?

3) Sip on a Fresh Coconut

Thirsty at the beach? No problem, it’s the perfect opportunity to try a fresh coconut. The coconut water is
tasty, and coastal areas are full of coconut vendors, so you won’t have difficulty finding one. You can also get one on your own, but when you open it with a machete, be careful with your fingers!

4) Search for the Quetzal in Monteverde

Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s most famous national parks, thanks to the uniqueness of its biome. The Monteverde cloud forest is home to many bizarre and interesting animals but one in particular is the dream of many birdwatching enthusiasts. We’re talking about the legendary Quetzal, revered by pre-Columbian civilizations. This rare bird is known for its extraordinary beauty with emerald plumage and an elegant tail, but it is also known for being elusive. Do you want to try spotting one?

5) Canopy Tour in Monteverde

For adventure and adrenaline lovers, Monteverde offers an unmissable opportunity. In addition to trekking
paths and suspended bridges, this national park features the canopy experience—a zip line course that
traverses the forest, letting you fly amidst the majesty of its trees. The longest stretch is over 1500 meters… Would you do it?

6) Environmental Volunteering

The epitome of sustainable tourism is volunteering—an experience that allows you to immerse yourself in
the country you are exploring more deeply by helping the local reality. If your interest is focused on
environmental projects, know that you have plenty of choices. For example, you could participate in a
project for the conservation of sea turtles. Such projects are crucial because Costa Rica is a stronghold of environmental sustainability not due to the absence of problems, but because of the great effort it puts into addressing them. Smuggling turtle eggs is one of these problems and poses a serious risk to the species that pass through the country (5 out of 7 existing in the world): your help could be fundamental.

7) Social Volunteering

If you want to fully experience the culture and personality of “ticos” (the inhabitants of Costa Rica), social
volunteering is perfect for you. In urban areas (and even in rural ones, just much less), there are many
interesting projects. You could help take care of children in a school or even teach them your language. The possibilities are numerous.

8) Natural Hot Springs

How to combine the comfort of a wellness center with the pristine nature of Costa Rica? The answer is
simple: natural hot springs. It’s thanks to the high volcanic activity underground that the country has so
many thermal sites. We mention the most popular ones: the Tabacón River near the Arenal volcano, the
Negro River in the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, and the Celeste River in the Tenorio Volcano National
Park.

9) Experience Traditional Cuisine

Whether it’s a fresh ceviche or a common gallo pinto, eating poorly in Costa Rica is truly difficult. Simple but good dishes, that’s the watchword in “sodas” (local eateries). Here are the main ones to try:

• gallo pinto (rice and beans, the ubiquitous side dish),
• ceviche (marinated fish with onion, celery, lime, chili, and coriander, also to be enjoyed as street food),
• yuca frita (cassava boiled and then fried with a choice of accompaniment),
• patacones (smashed and fried green plantain, often accompanied by guacamole).

We leave it to you to discover but, above all, taste the others—you won’t be disappointed. Of course, remember to try the local coffee: that’s a specialty too!

10) Use Public TransportaƟon When You Can

Public transportation in Costa Rica exists and works, and offers you one of the best sustainable experiences. Bus routes don’t cover the entire country comprehensively, but they should help you for most of your travels. Besides being a conscious choice to make your journeys less polluting, public transportation is the perfect opportunity to experience “tica” friendliness. Chat with your neighbor, and ask for advice on what to see, what to do, and where to eat—local advice is precious, so always pay attention.

As a “tico” would say: ¡pura vida!

Author: Nicola Landi

The article 10 Sustainable Experiences in Costa Rica was originally posted on Ecobnb.

2022 is going to end very soon, a year that has marked the recovery of the tourism sector after the pandemic and that has brought us back to normality. 2023, based on research by booking.com, is going to be rich in surprises since there is going to be a new way of thinking about trips. This is especially thanks to the desire of people to start to discover the world again. Ecobnb has selected five of the most requested experiences of 2023 that you can experiment with thanks to the eco-friendly facilities you can find on our website. So, if you are curious to discover which are the most requested experiences of 2023, keep reading this article.

1. Community-minded

As you responsible travellers know already when you visit a place is important to respect the local community and the site, without defacing it or disturbing the people who are living there. Moreover, is important that the richness brought with your vacation has an impact on the territory and sustain the community which lives there. According to the survey by booking, 80% of travellers will look for one of these experiences in 2023.

So why you don’t think about sending your holiday in a small charming village or a diffuse hotel? Italy has many villages located in remote places but rich in history and beauty. Spending a vacation in one of these magical places will make you reconnect with traditions and it will leave you with your mouth open. And why not, also staying in a diffuse hotel made from conglomerates of ancient houses is also an experience you must try.

Where you can spend your vacation in a diffuse hotel or an eco-sustainable ancient village:

• At Torre Delle Botonta, close to Perugia (Umbria), an ancient fortress from the XIV century turned into a diffuse hotel;
• At Borgata Sagna Rotonda, an ancient village immersed in the uncontaminated nature of Maira Valley (Piemonte).

These are two experiences you must try!

2. Out of comfort zone

When you think about the comfort zone regarding vacation, what comes straight to mind is a person who is 20 years that goes to the same place and in the same hotel to spend his/her vacation.

Well, the trends from the 2023s experiences say that 73% of travellers want to choose a vacation that goes out of their comfort zone.

The definition of the comfort zone is very subjective, but why don’t you think about spending a holiday in a glamping or a tree house? For sure unusual accommodations are always requested from whoever wants to live an adventure without giving up any comfort.

Holidays in an eco-glamping are suitable for everyone, even for families with children or for whoever wants to experiment with an alternative romantic getaway. Furthermore, they are environmentally friendly and they have less environmental impact compared to a vacation in a hotel.

On Ecobnb you can find numerous facilities that propose this type of vacation, such as:

• The glamping Pian delle Ginestre, in Tuscany;
• The tree house Il Giardino dei Semplici, in Manta (province of Cuneo).

Here you can live an experience in contact with nature without giving up the comforts of modern life!

3. Adventurous backpacking but with all comforts

Backpacking and leaving for an adventure have been one of the preferred vacations by youngsters from all over the world. Nowadays this tendency is kept alive.

If back in the day, this type of vacation led to sleeping in uncomfortable places and giving up the comforts of everyday life, today is not like that anymore. Nowadays you can organize a holiday with a backpack without renouncing the comforts for a relaxing vacation. This type of experience is interesting for 72% of the people interviewed.

So, why don’t you think about spending a holiday in a farmhouse next to a natural park? Here you can hike and live a wild experience but instead of sleeping on the floor, you can sleep on a comfortable bed in a tent. Or if you are not afraid of camping, also an agricamping in the middle of an organic farm could be the right place for you!

On Ecobnb you can find various agricamping and organic glamping such as:

• Sant’Egle, in the Tuscany Maremman;
• Yuptala Agricamping, close to Pisa.

If you are looking for an adventure without renounce to comfort, these places are the perfect ones for you!

4. Spiritual stay and silent retreat

Among the most requested experiences of 2023, there will be a spiritual stay (44%) and a silent retreat (40%). Various travellers will take advantage of their days off from work to heal their body, soul and mind and to concentrate more on their mental and physical health.

The pandemic times have been hard for everyone and we have been forced to live in our houses. So it’s obvious that a lot of travellers want to take back their mental health and discover new sides of themselves. A lot of people, around 55%, want to experiment the digital detox and they want to deprive themselves of technology and in particular of smartphones.

So if you are looking for this type of vacation, a spiritual stay in a yurt could be the right place for you. Here you can meditate in the peace and silence of nature, and you can find again your interior peace and regenerate mentally and physically.

On Ecobnb you cannot miss two facilities:

• The first one is Yurte Soul Shelter which are some Mongolian yurts immersed in the woods of Turin;
• The second one is Casale di Montondo, located in the province of Arezzo, which has a yurt as well and also a little flat.

5. Surviving in the wilderness

In these difficult times is important to go back to the essentials that tie us to nature, trying to collaborate with it. Because of that, 67% of travellers are considering dedicating themselves to a vacation surviving in nature. in particular, 58% want to use their vacation to learn survival strategies, 53% would like to learn how to provide clean water for themselves, the 42% would like to learn how to light a fire and the 39% want to learn how to find food in nature.

A vacation in wild nature could be the right place for you, as well as an eco-stay in an adventure park where you can train your survival skills. Also, a stay in a B&B close to a natural park could be an occasion to test your survival skills.

Ecobnb suggests you:

• The Adventure Park in Madonie, an original village where you can sleep in tents suspended 7 meters from the ground;
• The eco-camp Banana Cabana in Azzorre Islands is a perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and bring into play your survival skills.

In this article, we have illustrated to you which are the most requested experiences of 2023 based on the survey from booking.com and we give you some advice on how to realize this vacation.

So, if you are curious to experiment with one of these experiences don’t wait anymore and book your next stay!

The article How are going to be the next year’s trips? Here you have five of the most requested experiences of 2023 was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Providing the best guest experience is essential for a successful hotel. All guests want to feel welcomed and relaxed. Even more, they want to feel special. Hotels that master the art of making their guests feel important are more likely to have repeat visitors and will attract new ones.

But how exactly can you make your hotel guests feel special? Here are seven simple and effective ways to do it.

1. Offer a Few Extras

There’s no better way to make your hotel guests feel special than to offer them a few extras during their stay. Hotel owners will find that even the smallest gestures will leave a huge impact on the guest experience.

You can add lighting to the hotel room to create a relaxing ambiance or add better quality linens for the beds. Your guests will notice these small extras that will improve their impression of your hotel and make them feel special. Nowadays, people are fascinated about sustainable holidays so you can gift guests an eco-friendly welcome hamper that will not only make them feel special but will be a budget-friendly and eco-friendly gift that is going to add a lot of value to your service.

2. Train Your Staff

Hotel owners should never underestimate the benefits of staff training. How your staff interacts with guests and the steps they take to resolve problems go a long way.

It’s vital that owners ensure their staff is trained to meet guest needs. Training staff isn’t a one-time deal either. Owners should implement training on a routine basis. The better prepared your employees are to meet the needs of all guests, the better experience you’ll create.

3. Offer Complimentary Items

Who doesn’t love complimentary items? Your hotel guests sure will. Your guests have already paid for a room and they expect an exceptional experience. Include complimentary items, such as free beverages, eco-friendly toiletries, and more.

4. Send Your Guests a Handwritten Notecard

The best way to make hotel guests feel special is through personalization. Sending your guests a handwritten notecard is a great way to bring attention to your guests and show that you recognize them and that you appreciate their business.

You can add anything you would like to your notecard. If you need some ideas, consider sending them a thank you notecard, telling them how much you appreciate them, or asserting that the staff is there to assist them throughout their stay.

5. Anticipate Needs by Providing Resources

Many guests that stay at your hotel will likely come from out of town. A great way to make these guests feel special is by providing them with resources that will help them easily navigate the area.

Let your guests know about local amenities, restaurants, and fun things to do in the area. By doing this, you’ll make their trip experience feel more seamless and will show guests that your hotel is there to anticipate their needs.

6. Send Holiday Greeting Cards

Making your hotel guests feel special doesn’t just stop once they’ve checked out of your hotel. Once you’ve earned a guest, you want to continue making them feel special. When done successfully, you can gain a repeat customer who may even spread the word about your hotel.

Sending holiday greeting cards is a great way to show previous guests that you haven’t forgotten about them. They will appreciate this effort, and you will ultimately put your hotel back on their minds.

A holiday greeting card is also a great marketing strategy. Many people travel around the holidays. Sending a card could prompt them to book a room with you for the upcoming holiday, or they might keep your hotel in mind for the next one.

7. Occasional Upgrades

If you really want to improve the guest experience and make your guests feel special, provide occasional upgrades for guests that visit frequently.

Hotel upgrades are a common practice for many hotel brands, and that’s because it works. If you have loyal hotel guests, you should reward them in exchange. A hotel upgrade is a great way to say thank you, and guests will appreciate the level of thoughtfulness for their loyalty.

Make Your Guests Feel Special With Ease

Creating a positive guest experience is key to a successful hotel. If you’re looking for more ways to make your guests feel special, consider trying these seven tips.

Cover image: photo via Canva PRO

Author Bio: Michelle Quill is a freelance writer who offers SEO Content writing and blogging services. She works closely in health, business, and technology niches. Apart from writing, she loves traveling and writing journey itineraries. Currently, she is working on projects related to sustainable holidays.

The article 7 Small Ways to Make Hotel Guests Feel Special was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Let’s discover together Ticino Park, green lungs a few miles from Milan, through bike routes and walks in beautiful art cities

A few kilometers from the metropolis of Milan, a beautiful natural landscape opens in front of us: here we are at the Ticino Park, one of the green lungs of Italy, where nature shines in the middle of one of the most industrialized areas. Let’s discover together the river and its valley, villages, and towns, for a weekend of nature and sustainability.

Ticino Park is the oldest regional park in Italy, an amazing natural oasis that you can visit in a thousand ways: walking, cycling, canoeing, on horseback. Perhaps a weekend isn’t enough to discover river landscapes, rice paddies, pristine woods, villages and towns immersed in the park. But we have prepared for you these 6 small tips to help you organize and experience a mini-holiday in this corner of Italy, savoring every nuance.

By bike in the Ticino Park

Photo by Josef Grunig via Flickr

The Ticino Park stretches over an area of ​​over 90,000 hectares, forming a greenbelt around Milan, Pavia and Varese. Inside there are more than 50 routes, 800 kilometers to discover on foot or by bicycle. We suggest you to venture into the Faggiole Woods, in a ring route that starts from Turbigo among broadleaf trees and a rich fauna, along the banks of the river and the canals. In the Lomellina, you can’t miss the Ronchi Ring , a trail between farms where you still breathe the atmosphere of agresti life. The most trained ones, on the other hand, can travel along the itinerary from Vigevano to Pavia, through beautiful natural landscapes.

Among Leonardo’s works in Vigevano

Vigevano is a real gem: a cozy, but lively, town with an important and illustrious past behind it. They said that its square is the most beautiful in Italy: Piazza Ducale leaves you breathless, as is the castle. It was conceived by Bramante, with the contribution of Leonardo Da Vinci who stayed in town for some years. To the largest genius of humanity is dedicated the Leonardian Museum, a unique place in the world that proposes an unprecedented itinerary through his life and all works.

One Sunday in Pavia

Photo by Giancarlo Scola via Flickr

During the week, the university town of Pavia is animated by its many students, but by visiting it on Sunday it will surprise you with its quiet and a bit laid-back atmosphere. With your camera at hand, your Sunday in Pavia will pass through the streets of the historic center, easily visitable on foot, discovering its medieval aspects, the beautiful Cathedral, the Broletto, the Basilica of San Michele Maggiore, and much more.

Sleeping at the B&B Maison 39

A beautiful and elegant bed and breakfast is waiting for you in Vigevano, the Maison 39, nestled in the heart of Ticino Park. Here hospitality is simple but refined, made of high-quality services, availability and attention to detail. The flagship of the accommodation is its attention to the environment: thanks to solar panels, class A++ air conditioners, the flow reducers, the hosts have managed to reduce their environmental impact. E-bike rental, a tasty and customizable breakfast, 4 comfortable bedrooms: hard to ask for more! The latest novelty of this eco-friendly B&B is the electric vehicle charging station.

Tasting the Figadej

Vigevano, Lomellina and the entire Ticino Park also offer many gastronomic delicacies. You just have to stop in a typical trattoria and enjoy the Figadej, a special sausage of pork liver, or the biscuits cent frank, a delight prepared with 4 types of local flour, all accompanied by exquisite local wines.

Walk along the Via Francigena

Photo by Josef Grunig via Flickr

The Ticino Park is crossed by the Via Francigena, the walk of Italy par excellence. For 25 kilometers, from Garlasco to Pavia, it is possible to pilgrimage in the countryside, between land and water, in a truly spectacular natural show.

Cover photo by Josef Grunig via Flickr

The article Green weekend in Ticino Park, Italy was originally posted on Ecobnb.

A land bridge between two continents and two oceans, an isthmus with an incredible and unparalleled biodiversity: Panama is an extraordinary place, an exuberant country rich in colors and nature.

But what are the ecotourism experiences to live in this enchanted land, made up of rainforests, crystal clear waters, rushing rivers, high mountains and historical and architectural treasures? Panama has a lot to offer to travelers eager to discover nature on tiptoe, to those who want to experience a tourism far from crowds. To those who, in a nutshell, want to live an authentic and surprising experience. Today we are going to tell you about the 10 adventures that you cannot miss in Panama, but to describe all the beauty of the country we’ll need much more time.

Volcan Baru National Park, the highest point in Panama

Photo via Canva Pro

One of Panama’s 18 National Parks, this place offers a truly unique experience. It takes its name from the Volcan Baru, a stratovolcano and the highest point in the state of Panama. At the top of its 3474 meters you can see an incredible starry sky and a breathtaking sunrise. But above all this is one of the few places in the world where you can observe both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The climb takes about 6-8 hours, it is tiring, but definitely worth it! It is possible to camp.

Boquete, between flowers and coffee

Photo via Canva Pro

Right at the foot of Volcan Baru is Boquete. This mountain resort perfectly combines city life and culture with pristine nature and is therefore perfect for our eco-friendly journey. Here you can experience the thrill of a local music concert, get contaminated by the sympathy of locals, enjoy excellent citrus fruits or visit the beautiful and fertile coffee plantations. There are also opportunities for sports lovers, including trekking and rafting.

An eco-friendly stay on an organic farm

A little gem awaits you 20 minutes from the town of Boquete. I’m talking about Eco Horqueta, a 4-hectare farm that welcomes travelers from all over the world by providing suggestive bungalows surrounded by greenery. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking sky, participate in yoga classes and meditation sessions, or discover all the secrets of the local coffee plantations.

San Blas Islands, a pristine paradise

Photo via Canva Pro

378 islands and atolls, of which only 49 are inhabited, form an uncontaminated place that leaves you speechless. Here you can go on a sailing trip, discovering each small atoll and imagining your life surrounded by water, or get in touch with the Kuna people, discovering ancient traditions. It remains one of the few earthly paradises, a place so beautiful it doesn’t seem real.

Panama City, the encounter between modernity and nature

Photo via Canva Pro

Why do we include an ultra-modern city in Panama’s ecotourism experiences? The capital of the country is the most developed in all of Latin America, but it is surrounded by virgin nature. A few minutes from the center there is, for example, the Metropolitan Natural Park, which is home to 284 species of trees, over 250 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles and amphibians. Near Panama City you can also experience whale watching. Don’t miss Casco Viejo, the historic district of the city.

Darién National Park, the wilder side of Panama

Photo via Canva Pro

World Heritage Site and a place far from the modern world, one of the most primordial left on Earth. In the nature reserve, the roads are almost absent and the park can only be explored by walking or in riverboats that cross the impenetrable rainforests. It is one of the best bird-watching sites in Central America. And it’s also home to rare monkeys, jaguars, and ocelots.

The underwater world of Bocas del Toro Archipelago

Photo via Canva Pro

An archipelago of extraordinary beauty and above all a tropical paradise with unforgettable seabeds. The 6 main islands and its 100 small islets are an unmissable destination for snorkelers and surfers. The largest island is Colon where you can find the capital of the province, Bocas del Toro, founded in 1826.

Sip local coffee and discover new flavors

Photo via Canva Pro

The high altitude, the volcanic soil, and the tropical climate mix in this strip of land to create an ideal environment for the production of coffee. So we just have to stop and sip a cup of coffee. But all the cuisine and gastronomic tradition of Panama, between ceviche and yuca fritters, is a wonderful discovery to live!

Coiba National Park, pure ecotourism

Photo via Canva Pro

Coiba Island was once used as a prison island. Today it is a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to its history, it has managed to remain intact. Thriving thanks to limited human contact, today the island and the Park are defined as the new Galapagos Islands.

Amistad International Park

Photo via Canva Pro

Between Panama and Costa Rica, a breathtaking rainforest awaits us. This park stretches 5700 square kilometers across the Talamanca mountain range. It is a wild and remote territory; it offers an extraordinary biodiversity, including big cats, 600 species of birds and an immense variety of plant species.

Ready to experience all these experiences and the extraordinary beauty of Panama?

The article Ecotourism in Panama: 10 experiences you can’t miss was originally posted on Ecobnb.

It is time to live a different experience, a travel to detach and learn something new. Here are some ideas for an alternative vacation.

From time to time we really need to live something new, to treat ourselves with an unusual experience. To find new places and ourselves. To fall in love with the beauty of the world. So space for creativity and let’s go for an unusual trip.

Let’s find out the best ideas for an unforgettable and unusual trip this year:

Digital Detox

We are always online and spend many hours in the company of our smartphones. Our travel may therefore be the right time to disconnect and regain the pleasure of connecting with nature and with each other. On an island away from everything, or in an old village where the connection is poor, we can try to stay without TV, phone and computers for a few days.

Solo travel

Maybe we all should try it at least once in life. With a bit of courage, going solo in an unknown place means put yourself to the test and getting out of your comfort zone. And who knows what we will find out about ourselves!

Vacation at home

They are called staycation, and maybe the right idea to enjoy a few days of relaxation, away from work, without spending too much. We can spend a week between home aperitifs with friends, movies and tv series nights, but also discovering hidden corners of our city and its surroundings.

Sharing and meeting

From couch-surfing to eco-communities: there are many opportunities to live a sharing-based holiday. It’s the best way to meet new friends and live the place you visit just like a local.

Between holiday and volunteerism

Working the vegetable garden in exchange for hospitality or volunteering among sea turtles: joining a travel to solidarity means living a profound, very fulfilling experience that can teach you so much.

What will be your unusual trip out this year?

The article Top 5 Ideas For An Unusual Trip was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Hiking is a great activity that can help you connect with the environment and nature. It is an activity that urges you to spend more time outdoors, breathing fresh air and admiring nature’s beauties.

When people want to lose weight, they mostly think of buying a gym membership or going jogging in the nearest park. These activities are useful, but hiking is the one that tests your limits and offers you a combination of activities and movements. Depending on the trail you choose, you can just walk on a plain trail or you can go uphill a few kilometers.

Hiking is an activity that comes with a lot of fun moments and mesmerizing landscapes, but also with unpredictability. And this is what makes it one of the nicest and most challenging activities to do in nature.

However, if you are a beginner, you might find it hard to plan your hiking trip and choose the best trail and gear for you. Here are five tips you need to know before you go hiking.

1. Choose the Best Trail

Photo by Ugne Vasyliute on Unsplash

Nature is a wonderful place to spend your time in and there are lots of trails you can choose from. The most important thing is to know your limits. Hiking often comes with unpredictable trail parts so it is better to prepare beforehand. So, choose a hiking trail that offers you amazing views, but also one that it is not difficult to hike. Walking on plain terrain and going uphill are two different things and usually, the latter one is more difficult than you imagine.

The best thing you can do is to choose a short hiking trail, without too many hills or mountains to climb. Test your limits and see how much effort you are up to. Like this, you will know what hiking trail to choose for your next trip. Get information on the length of the trail, the portions that are more difficult to hike, how long it is going to take you and what to expect. You can choose a beginner trail, no matter your physical condition, and test your limits.

2. Get the Best Gear

Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash

If you begin with an easy hiking trail, it will take no more than one day to do it. So, you do not need so much gear and you can easily manage to face this challenge with things you already have. The most important thing about how you can prepare as a beginner for hiking is the choice of clothes. There are so many beginners that fail to choose the right ones and end up hiking difficult parts of the trail with their casual clothes on.

Well, the most important thing you need to keep in mind is that jeans, shirts or jackets are not suited for hiking. Instead, you should choose lightweight clothes and if you have waterproof ones, better. Hiking is an activity that comes with effort and you will probably sweat. Having clothes that dry fast will help you not catch a cold. Choose pants and shirts with long sleeves.

Another important aspect is the shoes. Choose a pair of hiking boots or comfy sneakers that give you the comfort you need and that keeps your feet still. They are the best in preventing ankle sprains.

3. What to Pack

Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse on Unsplash

No matter how long the hiking trail is, you need to pack the essentials and have them with you. Choose a small but lightweight backpack where you can put some things you might need on the trail. Because you will make a lot of effort, you need to have a reusable bottle of water with you. You may find a spring on the trail and you can refill it.

Also, pack some snacks and extra water if you know there are no springs on the trail you chose. It is useful to have some extra layers of clothes with you, along with waterproof clothes. The weather is often unpredictable so it is better to be prepared for rain or a temperature drop. Avoid overpacking and choose only the essentials.

4. Check the Weather and Prepare Accordingly

Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash

It is important to check the weather before going hiking because this allows you to prepare accordingly. It also gives you the opportunity to time right your experience to maximize its benefits. Besides the essential clothes, socks, and boots, you can also have some useful gear.

If you do not manage to return to your starting point before nightfall, you must have with you a flashlight or headlamp. If the weather is going to be hot, you should have sunscreen and sunglasses with you. Also, be sure you have with you any first aid supplies in case you scratch yourself.

5. Let Your Family or Friends Know About Your Adventure

Photo by Kristina Wagner on Unsplash

No matter how much you prepare for this, unexpected things can happen and something can go wrong. Even though you know your map and trail, you might get distracted and lose track. It is something that even expert hikers experience some time.

So, let them know that you are going on a hiking adventure and tell them how long is going to last. Nowadays it is easy to get in touch with rescuers via your phone, but it is better to have a backup plan just in case. Like this, your friends can alert the authorities if you do not return until a certain hour. Leave yourself a buffer time to explore the surroundings and admire nature’s beauty.

Conclusion

Hiking for the first time might seem a challenging activity to do. There are a few tips that can help you prepare better for this adventure. Choose an accessible and easy hiking trail and do not force yourself from the first time. Choose lightweight clothes and comfy hiking boots and pack only the essentials and necessary accessories. Let someone know of your adventure and always consider a buffer.

Cover image: photo via unsplash

Author Bio: Isabell Gaylord is an essay writer and manager at a writing service. She enjoys traveling and she has seen over 15 countries until now. Isabell loves hiking and spending time in nature and she shares hiking advice with her readers.

The article Hiking: 5 Need-to-Know Tips for Beginner Hikers was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Imagine a travel experience different from those offered by the classic travel agencies. An authentic, immersive and eco-sustainable experience through Italy. This is what Britt Voorsmit proposes. After graduating in International Tourism Management at Breda University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), with a thesis that explored the experiences of Ecobnb in the Veneto countryside.

“I would like to offer exclusive one-to-one travel services.” – Britt tells me. “Immersive and sustainable travel experiences in Veneto and northern Italy“. It’s here, in fact, that Britt decided to move to live. Attracted by the landscapes of the Venetian Lagoon, the unique culture and nature of Italy, and the love that it has encountered in our country. To build its itineraries Britt collaborates with Ecobnb and with the best eco-sustainable realities, which he personally meets. Let’s get to know you better in this interview.

Britt, writing in the Italian countryside

Where does your passion for travel come from?

This started already when I was young. My family likes to travel a lot and I developed the same love for seeing different places. Italy was one of my favorites because of the culture, the foods, “the good life” people seemed to live. I started my Bachelor study in Tourism Management and Consultancy and chose the Italian language specialization. I got to know more about Italy and wanted to dive deeper and deeper. It resulted in my thesis study where I interviewed local small business owners and this grew into the project of Imtrex Travel. I listened, I observed, I reflected and I knew that I wanted to work with these local small business owners and connect them with travelers that are looking for a meaningful travel experience.

What is your idea of sustainable travel?

To travel sustainably for me is to travel with awareness. Be aware where you are, be aware what local people do, be aware of the nature you are in, be aware of all the senses that you feel. I believe that subsequently the rest follows by itself. An example of travel with awareness is to listen to the story behind your breakfast in your accommodation from the one who prepared it. In this way you are open-minded and you create understanding. Being aware of what you have in front of you and where it comes from might make you choose what you pick in a more reasonable way. Of course, you would need the right locals who would like to share this with you.

I believe that the sustainable travel behavior of people should come from the inside out instead of the outside in. Therefore, with Imtrex Travel I try to give each traveler their own Immersive Travel Experience by connecting them with local suppliers who offer this. In this way I hope to contribute to this idea of sustainable travel. Contribute by inspiring people to search for these kind of meaningful travel experiences, not only in Italy, but everywhere!

Visiting local small business owners in Trentino-Alto Adige: Barbara, host of Les Gomines B&B, and Britt

What has fascinated you most of Italy and you want to convey to those who visit it for the first time?

What fascinates me most about Italy is the richness and great variety in nature, arts, architecture and history, I think that’s what Italy is also known for. It’s for example amazing how you can combine different landscapes in one itinerary. In 2018 my father and sister visited me in Italy and in only 4 days we went from a light jacket in Venice to the snow covered mountains in ski clothing! Additionally, travelers will be amazed by how many traditional habits and customs the people of Italy have that are not very well known and explored. These traditions in combination with the rich landscape diversity are fascinating in that each visit offers a unique look and lasting impression of Italy.

Britt Visiting places

Why did you choose Ecobnb as your partner? What struck you about the green accommodations you visited?

Ecobnb is a beautiful and inspiring concept because it is different than the generalized platforms where competition is based on prices. When I started visiting Ecobnb accommodations I found out that it is on the Ecobnb platform where you can find those small-scale enterprises with rich backgrounds and traditional habits. These people want to share their quality and what they stand for instead of seeing tourists only as a money flow. These people are all aware of what they’re doing and all had their own road throughout their lives to get there, with eco-friendly results. This is something very valuable and I knew that if I would send travelers to Ecobnb accommodations they will guaranteed have a meaningful experience. As such, I knew that Ecobnb would be the perfect partner!

The article Unique and Immersive Experiences among Italian Eco-BnBs was originally posted on Ecobnb.

The wild, mysterious and immense sea hides a rich and surprising life, made up of fascinating, elegant and often imposing inhabitants. Spotting whales, turtles and seahorses is a truly unique experience that can be worth a whole trip. We have selected 10 locations around the world where you can meet the inhabitants of the sea closely, all in full respect of their freedom, the ecosystem and the environment. Ready to leave?

The Caretta Caretta turtles in Lampedusa

Our journey through the wonders of the sea begins in this small island of Sicily. Lampedusa with its beach of the Rabbits is the only Italian site in which the Caretta Caretta turtles regularly lay their eggs. You can snorkel hoping to sight them in their habitat, or watch the suggestive hatching, with the small turtles that emerge from the sand and head towards the coveted sea.

Green tip: On the island there is a WWF center that takes care of the protection of the turtles and of the injured specimens. It is possible to volunteer.

Discovering the sea in Florida

The manatees can reach 4 m in length and 600 kg. It is a species at risk, as well as a really funny animal! In winter, these mammals move into the warm waters of the Crystal River, where you can swim with them.

Green tip: swimming with the manatees, but not only. At Crystal River you can take boat trips, do birdwatching and visit the archaeological park that tells the past of Florida.

Sea lions in California

For our third trip to discover the most beautiful creatures of the sea we move to the West Coast of the United States. In sunny California it is easy to see sea lions: in La Jolla, a locality of San Diego, these elegant creatures roam the beach among tourists.

Green tip: In California you will find many eco-friendly accommodation, here you can find some really beautiful ones!

Whale-watching in Norway

Andøy Island, Norway, is home to a large number of whales, making the country one of the most famous hotspots for whale watching, especially in summer. Taking part in a whale watching safari means creating unforgettable memories, living a unique experience that is impossible to describe.

Green tip: during your trip to Norway do not miss the chance to stay in a truly unique hotel in the world: Juvet Landscape Hotel blends with the surrounding nature becoming as one.

In the sea of ​​Genoa following the dolphins

Let’s go back to Italy, to explore the blue sea off Genoa. During a trip by boat to the Sanctuary of the Cetaceans it will be easy to admire the jumps of the friendly dolphins that follow our wake, but also for the luckiest whales and spearm whales.

Green tip: in the heart of Genoa you will find the Cairoli Hotel that tries every day to respect the environment.

The life of the sea in Canada

Canada offers modern cities, striking views, breathtaking landscapes and even the chance to swim together with the belugas that every summer gather in the Cunningham Inlet. The belugas are playful and social creatures that stand out for their white color and extraordinary submarine vocalizations.

Green tip: Canada has 47 national parks, which include an incredible variety of ecosystems.

Close encounter with white sharks

Those who love adrenaline and are looking for strong emotions on the go certainly can not miss the chance to come face to face with a white shark. In Umkomaas, a small town in South Africa, you can dive into the sea inside a cage and admire up to 50 sharks in one dive.

Green tip: even in South Africa you will find sustainable accommodations.

On the Island of Elba for seahorses

Seahorses are considered by many the most beautiful creatures of the sea, for their unique elegance. The backdrops of the island of Elba are a perfect spot to meet them, diving or snorkeling.

Green tip: Hotel Capo Sud is one of the island’s accommodations that respect the environment and is perfect for those who want to enjoy the beauty of this paradise.

Sea crocodiles

By Tourism NT

Australia is famous for many things, including the presence of rare and often dangerous animals. For example, in the north of the country lives the sea crocodile, the largest living reptile in the world. It is a national icon and a protected species. You can see these deadly predators safely, inside a cage in the water. Some tour operators also organize trips to sight them, but we recommend maximum attention.

Green tip: among the many eco-friendly accommodations in the country we recommend this beautiful organic farm, nestled in the rainforest and just steps from the sea.

In the crystalline sea of ​​the Maldives

There are many reasons to visit the Maldives and certainly you already have thought a hundred of them. Add also the fish-rich backdrops that include the huge manta rays. Hanifaru Bay has become a UNESCO heritage for the passage from May to November of this particular animal that looks like a large undulating and drifting blanket.

Green tip: forget the cover resorts and live the islands authentically and with full respect for the environment. You can contribute to the protection of the coral reef and marine life by contacting one of the many local workers.

Cover image: ph. by Wynand Uys via Unsplash

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The article 10 trips to meet the most beautiful creatures of the sea (and oceans) was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Near the center of Istanbul, a beautiful and innovative park will be born: in Parkorman you will be able to experience nature in a new and surprising way.

Suspended trails between trees, trampolines and hammocks: the park designed by the New York Dror studio will be spectacular. Man and nature meet here in Turkey in a surprising way.

Parkorman will be the largest urban central park in Istanbul and will be an amazing trip that will make us fall in love again with nature, greenery and trees. Let’s forget the traditional parks and prepare for this completely new experience.

The park will have five different areas, each with its features:

• The square, at the entrance of the park,
• The Loop, where hammers are hovering over the woods,
• The Pool, inspired by Turkish markets;
• The Chords, with pedestrian paths between the trees that interweave creating great trampolines,
• And the Grove, a labyrinth populated by sculptures that recall the landscape.

Each visitor can create his own experience within the park without following any predetermined path and thus living nature through play, adventure and meditation.

Here’s what the architects of the Dror studio say:

We set out to create a park that dissolves the anxiety and fear that often accompanies an unfamiliar environment through a network of conditions that fosters unconditional love,” explain the architects. “We imagined the most profound experience delivered through the lightest touch; an effort that preserves the lush forest and leaves every tree in place, as mandated by the city.

We look forward to Parkorman Park being ready, we will surely be among the first to visit!

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The article Parkorman: the park where you walk among the trees was originally posted on Ecobnb.