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Europe
Europe
Since it’s connected and all, I thought we’d take an easy trail right over to eco-Europe, and see what it has to offer.
In my visit to Ireland a few years ago, I hadn’t yet reached the mindset of finding ‘green’ ways to transform my travels. Looking back, there’s plenty I could have done to be a friendly ecotourist while still seeing all the major sites. A friend of mine went over to Ireland with the sole purpose of being green. And rather than book a tour, she found she could plan her own trip just as easily. Upon arrival, she rented a bicycle and rode from place to place, participating in WWOOFing programs (Willing Workers On Organic Farms), and generally leaving no trace whatsoever.
I definitely admire my friend for her…strength. I’m not always up for daily several-kilometer bike rides. And, given that we’re talking about a spring break trip, I’m assuming most who choose to visit Ireland for this purpose won’t quite have the time to do so either. However, the Ireland Eco Tour bus company runs buses off of plant oil for travels near and far. Aside from that, Ireland is well know for its walking tours, spanning from one day to several, and guided or independent. As for accommodation- eco lodges abound (for when it’s too rainy to camp, of course).
It’s difficult to know where else to go in Europe- there are just so many options! But my instinct is to check out Greece. It is both a dream and a plan of mine to sail through the Greek Isles and Aegean Sea. Fortunately, for an amazing eco-sailing adventure, there is Mystic Blue, a company that strives to preserve the natural environment in a very tourist-ridden 
area, educate all who come through, and still offer an incredible adventure. From refurbishing second-hand boats to recycling, eliminating the use of petrol, etc. Mystic Blue takes countless measures to offset their carbon footprint. I am so there!
Finally, I think we should see our options in Russia. I know, I know most of the land mass is in Asia. However, it’s technically Eurasian, and more of the people are on the European side. Therefore, we’re going to check out what I found. After extensive reading, I decided I liked what I saw in a seven-day extreme adventure through the Ural Mountains, including skiing, riding on sleighs, visiting local villages, etc. While not the ‘greenest’ option we have yet seen, it is relatively low-impact, and the benefits to the local people are well worth the trip.
Aaaaannd that’s it for Europe! I wish we could have seen more, but Africa calls!
Tags: adventure, eco-friendly, ecotourism, europe, greece, green, hot spots, ireland, russia, sustainable
Posted in: Protecting the Earth, EcoTourism Hot Spots
Things You Can Do:
Easy
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Rent a bike to explore cities you visit
Medium
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Use transportation that runs on alternative fuels
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Visit Mystic Blue's Web site and learn about their eco traveling alternatives
Hard
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Travel and make the world a better place by partaking in programs like Willing Workers On Organic Farms
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Take a eco-sailing adventure
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