Ecotourism focuses on appreciating nature

Green your winter getaway

Some Central New York travelers are looking for something different, something greener when they travel.

Ecotourism is "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people," according to an 18-year old definition from The International Ecotourism Society.

"We're seeing more," said Phyllis Wolinski, owner of Aladdin Travel. "People love enjoying mother nature. There's a lot of family ecotourism."

Wolinski said ecotourists choose places such as Costa Rica, Tahiti and the Galapagos Islands -- the South Pacific archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of natural
selection.

If you so choose, you can hike, kayak or climb on your vacation. Wolinski said she has booked trips for people who want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in sub-equatorial Africa. That's no trip for a couch potato, she said. It takes months to get in shape to reach the 19,340-foot-high peak.

And there are less strenuous ways to travel green. Resorts in Costa Rica and the Caribbean cater to ecotourists, she said.

Cruises can appeal too, said Shaun Seufert, speaking for AAA of Western and Central New York.

Seufert said AAA, the largest travel agency in Upstate New York, has members interested in "destination-based ecotourism." They want to "really connect with nature and wildlife and at the same time embrace the culture of the local people."

And, he said, members who want to travel "green" are seeking out hotels that operate more sustainably by doing such things as reusing towels and linens.

Some ecotourist destinations

Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the "eco-adventure capital of the world," said Seufert. Flights run about $900 per person roundtrip. Hardcore travel option: AAA recommends the Tree Houses Hotel where guests sleep in the jungle canopy. Rates are $95 per night.

Luxury travel option: AAA suggests the Lapa Rios Rainforest EcoLodge or the Hotel Arenal Paraiso.

Australia
Australian ecotourism is flourishing, Seufert said. Airfare is about $2,300 per person.
For luxury eco-travel, AAA recommends the Daintree EcoLodge , on the northeast tip of the continent near Cairns, Queensland. For seven nights, expect to pay about $300 per night.

Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands, in the South Pacific, stand out as a eco-tourist destination because of their isolation and uniqueness. Tours often go through Quito, Ecuador. Airfare runs about $900, Seufert said. AAA recommends guided packages starting around $2,700 per person.

Syracuse
Burning jet fuel or gasoline to travel increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. You could reduce that by traveling locally.
The Syracuse Visitors Center suggested a "green" stay in Central New York. There's the Jefferson Clinton Hotel in Armory Square, environmentally friendly restaurants such as Empire Brewing Company on Walton Street (powered by 100 percent New York state-produced renewable energy), and the vegan Strong Hearts Cafe, 719 E. Genesee St.
Want wildlife? Visit the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park .

Ithaca
The Ithaca Visitors Bureau suggests EcoVillage at Ithaca , a sustainable community overlooking Ithaca that includes a number of bed and breakfasts.
There also are tipis at Turtle Dreams Bed and Breakfast in Groton, and yurts at Climbing Vine Cottage in Newfield.