I just finished reading the September issue of Conde Naste Traveller. The members of the WTA missed out on the World Savers Awards, a hat tipping to travel companies giving back to the environment and society, but not because they didn't qualify. In fact after reading about the winners I'm confident many members of the WTA are doing as much or more, especially when their relative size and revenue are considered. You can find out more about some of the stewardship initiatives of some of the WTA members here.
What I found most interesting in the magazine, though, were two articles on the benefits of travel, both related to overall health. The first article says a holiday of a week or more in length gives the most health benefit. The other plus for longer trips is that the overall environmental impact is reduced. More frequent, shorter trips create more carbon emissions, through flights and/or driving back and forth, and mean more impact from cleaning and washing accommodation. Plus, travel can be stressful and tiring.
Among the five tips offered in the article another rang true for me: Get off your beach chair. Being active is important - I know I always feel better if I get some exercise every day, especially on holiday. The good news is most of the members of the WTA specialize in active, week or longer vacations at lodges or on tours. Week long trips like sea kayaking on the B.C. coast where the chances of seeing an orca, like the one pictured, are high or ski touring at Icefall Lodge, a member of the Backcountry Lodges of BC, are both week long, active vacations. Search through more options here.
The other interesting article was more specific about how travel can reduce your chances of getting heart disease, depression and other health issues. Perfect: another excuse to pack my bags.
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