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Heroic Honeymoons

No Haul

There is a trap (that I have heartily fallen into in my time) of thinking that the more miles you travel, the more amazing the destination. However, (and it might come as a shock) this, is not true.

If all you want to do after your wedding is retreat to a romantic idle in the country, you can search out a nice eco hideaway near-by. Apart from overcoming wedding fatigue, the planet will also get a break with your miniscule carbon costs. Search out farms, cabins, hotels and B&B’s around you that promote fairtrade-organic or self-catering and minimise environmental damage. But, even if you don’t find one, you will have done the greatest part in not travelling far.

 

Short Haul

The most genius thing about living in Europe, is Europe. As a European living in North America, I received a heady revelation: distance is relative. My childhood epic journeys from England to Southern France appeared to me at the time to rival Columbus’ voyages. From my new vantage point across the pond, England to France looks like popping next door to ask for sugar. And so, a honeymoon to an ancient and beautiful foreign nation, just got closer.

Europe’s concentration of nations and cultures makes distance to a foreign land, a mere tootle across a border or two. Along with my cousin Françoise (who commutes from Paris to London) and the diaspora of young backpackers, Europe’s extensive rail network is still the glamour travellers’ mode of fair transportation. The railway carriage has long been finely fitting for a honeymoon or grand tour of the romance continent. From Orient Express to the TGV, impressive travel by rail will whisk newlyweds away with an eco-conscience to boot.

Your starting point gets closer (your local station rather than a hike to the airport) and relaxation begins immediately. Enjoying the journey is back on the map. You can honeymoon in Venice, or Vienna with urban chic or hide away in simplicity from the enchanted Scandinavian North or the baking lands of the med.

The same is true, of course, wherever you find yourself. North Americans can hit the glamour coasts of Florida or California, the souring heights of the Rockies, the glitz of New York and San Francisco, the tropical paradise of the Caribbean or the cultural adventures of Mexico and Central America.

South Africa has access to the best safari country of Botswana and the tropics of Madagascar. Japan and Australasia have the wonders of the China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and New Zealand. Wherever our starting point is, there is somewhere near that is out of this world.


Long haul

Contrary to what you might think, long-haul honeymooning is not all-together ethically crazy. Indeed, the age old (well actually quite recent) debate of ethical vs. eco is a slight issue for long haul honeymoons. Ethically, you can invest in communities worldwide by going long-haul, but there’s always the ever increasing carbon footprint with long flights. However, do not panic amidst this ethical mine-field, there may just be a route out yet.

It is after-all the rapid increase in the number of short-haul flights, which has so dramatically impacted the environment. Long-haul is of course also costly to the environment. However, learning to love our planet involves seeing it, tasting it, smelling it and meeting local people. Nothing prepares you for the smell that hit you as you walk out of an Indian airport. It’s unique and you cannot find it in any travel book. Learning to love your planet is one of the greatest investments you can make into it’s future. After all, you care for what you care for.

A honeymoon is a special trip. Going long-haul for your honeymoon doesn’t mean you have to make it a standard for all your other vacations. If you are going to take that trip of a lifetime, this is a good time to go!

You can also use your long-haul trip to invest in communities and environments that otherwise would go unnoticed and without help. You can use ecological resorts, offset your carbon, spend money with locally run businesses and visit projects or even volunteer if you’re adventurous!

 

Resourses 

Responsible travel is the best place to start perusing. They have everything from luxury resorts in the Maldives and Nicaragua to adventure treks through African jungle.

For tours visit Awimaway

Wild frontiers tailored trips is a great place to start for extraordinary honeymoons. Read  tales of honeymoons to Rajasthan
and wild winter wonderlands in Belize.

eco travel directory to book your own honeymoon almost anywhere.

For conservation specialist's try Eco Tours

North American active adventures

Pioneer tours

I like Ethical Escape for a rustic hideaway.

 

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