I spent a few months researching a trip to Belize, hoping to spend 2 ½ weeks there this summer, but due to unforeseen circumstances, lack of funds and schedules we won’t be able to vacation as many days this year.
That said, spending 8-9 nights in Belize would be WONDERFUL and winning a trip like this would make it feasible for me and my 14 year old daughter.  We try to leave a small footprint when …

Some vacationers view ecotourism with skepticism, thinking it’s merely a less fun form of travel. On the contrary, ecotourism allows adventurous souls the opportunity to learn about their environment and access it in a much fuller way than the average tourist. They are able to make exciting discoveries and leave their destination better than they found it, instead of lounging at a resort pool, complaining that no one speaks their language.

I would choose Chaa Creek Belize as my ecotourism destination for several reasons. First, the country of Belize is blessed by an abundance of animal life, natural environments, and outdoor activities. People can see animals around the world, but I imagine that nowhere is quite like Chaa Creek. It’s about “being there” but with balance, humans and animals coinciding peacefully and learning about each other through observation and interaction.
While we are intrigued by our …

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.

While an artistic painting, photograph or sculpture may be captivating in its own way, nothing can compare to the natural beauty of nature that envelops all of our senses. Imagine standing on a green mountaintop as the sun is setting, painting a backdrop of oranges, reds and purples. The wind is in your hair, the aroma of flowers is wafting around you and you hear birds and insects chirping away.

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 …

Help our friend get to The Lodge!

At 5 PM on a weary Sunday night, I sit still with my head rested on my hand. I close my eyes and think back 3 years ago. I was camping in the middle of the Grand Canyon. I lay still in my tent staring at the sky. Thousands of stars look down on me, satellites circle my vision. I feel the happiest I have ever felt; full of life and excitement. I can’t wait for the next day. I close …

When our planet started to exist, only plants and animals inhabit our world. We humans would wait millions of years to begin our evolution and eventually emerge as the supreme and most dominant species in our territory. It would take a combination of natural calamity (asteroid impact killing all dinosaurs) and a rational mind (that which sets us apart from other life forms) to seal our fate as rulers of the earth.

“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.

We desperately need this vacation more than anyone because together we’ve battled more than most people do in a lifetime and we’re just now getting our life started together at 30 & 40 years of age. We truly deserve to lay back and relax for once. We can’t wait to spend a vacation in Belize together, as husband and wife!

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.

The carbon footprint we leave must be minimal and carefully considered when traveling to places that have history, natural beauty and cultures before us. We be must be considerate of this and we must ensure future explores enjoy the history before us which must be carefully managed for the future. Well, I found this and more at Chaacreek resort, A ECO resort that that has been recongized as the best of the best with it’s owner leading the ECO industry with there stewardship in maintaing one of the worlds gifts.

I would like to visit a Belize rain forest for a once -in-a-lifetime opportunity to see nature up close and learn about the lush variety of plants and animals that still live in their natural habitat before they are lost – just the way the diversity of life has been lost where I live. The diversity is greater, the colors are brighter and more exotic in Belize, with rare tropical birds and lush native flowers. The Mayans that lived in Belize long ago have left archaeological treasures that I would love to explore and learn about. A trip to Belize would be an experience I will always remember, especially if I get to see the Great Blue Hole.

Belize’s premier eco resort is offering an all expense paid, all inclusive Belize adventure vacation package for writers submitting the best 300 word piece about responsible travel, and explaining why they would choose Chaa Creek Belize as their ecotourism destination.

Our writing competition offered literary contestants a chance to win free eco holidays inclusive of luxury jungle cottage accommodations, all meals , round trip transfers from the International Airport or Belize City, a visit to the Belize Zoo with transfer on arrival or departure, Guided tours of the Natural History Centre, Butterfly Farm, and Belize Rainforest Medicinal Trail, Canoeing on the Macal River, and guided Early Morning Bird Watching tours. One full & half day tour to Belize’s Maya temple sites, sacred caves or nature reserves, and a Snorkelling Tour to Belize’s magnificent Barrier Reef off South Water Caye are also included in the winners package.

And there’s something to tantalize the nature lover in everyone – on land, sea or air. Land lubbers everywhere will be awed by thrilling adventure tours — to sacred Maya temple sites, in deep hushed caves, at special nature reserves, or there’s even a unique rainforest medicinal trail! There’s no telling what you might discover as you explore Belize’s fascinating concentration of rich Maya archaeological sites, sure to please the amateur historical anthropologist in all of us.

After hours of researching, trying to find that perfect place that fits all your romantic honeymoon fantasies without costing you an arm or a leg, or God forbid, all your marriage funds, Belize came into my mind when I was going through a stack of travel magazines with my lovely fiancé. Being a typical guy, I was darting through the pages quickly, musing at the pictures of couples snorkeling in islands that were way beyond our budget.

Belize is a land covered by plentiful, lush forests. The possibilities are endless with an environment like this. Hikes can be taken through the Belizean rainforest, where one is able to encounter the various tropical plants and herbs that the ancient Mayans used for medicinal purposes. Once you witness the abundant vegetation, you will be blown away to learn that not a single tree or bush has been brought in and planted. Belize is proud to be the home of natural diversity from forest to forest. And if plant diversity is not enough for you, then just glance upwards.