Forest reserves are what are left of our once beautiful, all natural world of forests, animals and mountains. Huge cities with their skyscrapers have taken over once pristine forest and steppe lands. Today, the few forest reserves we have in the world are precious land spaces that provide a heaven for the flora and fauna not found anywhere else. Here are the top 10 forest reserves for the nature loving traveler in you.

Serra do Divisor National Park

1. Serra do Divisor National Park, Brazil-Peru

The Serra Do Divisor National Park comprises a large slice of the world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon. The Amazon rainforest is as large as the United States or Western Europe, as it covers 5% of our planet’s land. It supports the most diverse and very threatened ecosystem; you’ll find 15% of the world’s mammals here, along with 15% of Earth’s terrestrial flora.

2. Muir Woods National Park, North America

Muir Woods National Park in the San Francisco bay area is one of Northern America’s last coastal redwood forests, one of the stalwarts of the US’s diverse and beautiful ancient forest ecosystems. The Muir Woods National Park is a great rainforest park reserve that stores massive amounts of the carbon our planet needs so badly. This reserve, along with the entire forest stretch, contains many large mammals such as the grey wolf, puma and grizzly bear. Click here to read more »

When you think of visiting animals in their natural habitat on an adventurous holiday, Africa may be the first place that comes to mind. While an African safari is definitely an adventure, may we suggest something a bit closer to home? Rather than heading toward the equator, set your compass north—to Alaska, to be exact.

A trip to Alaska offers an amazing opportunity to see a remote yet exciting part of the United States that many people don’t visit. If you love animals then seeing polar bears, seals and penguins in their natural habitat is an opportunity like no other. Click here to read more »

Costa Rica National Park

Ecotravel. By now we are all familiar with the term. Referred to as the latest trend, ecotourism is the newest buzzword in travel circles and advertising copy. But what is it? Perhaps the reason its been so easily tagged as a trend is that the definition of ecotravel can get a little gray. Ecotravel is, quite simply, the next generation of travel. Its definition continues to evolve, but for the sake of simplicity, think of it as a marriage of adventure, discovery and environmental responsibility. Its travel with a conscience, and all sectors of the travel industry are virtually charging down the many paths of ecotourism. This, is a good thing.

Ecotravel is changing the way we think about our vacations. The activism that we often lose sight of in our work-a-day lives is evolving into an important component of our leisure time. Explore, study, interact. Discover that rest and relaxation does not necessarily mean lying flat on your back on a beach somewhere, staring into the clear blue sky for a week (although we have to admit that sometimes that does not sound like too bad an option either!).

Ecotravel is the newest option for divers and the possibilities are limitless. Swim with orcas in Norway. Study and help researchers collect data on the coral reefs of Roatan, Honduras, or the endangered humpback whale in Costa Rica. Explore ancient Mayan ruins in Belize. Or go on a non-stop, action-packed ecoadventure in the national parks of Costa Rica. Of course travel is simply one aspect of a world that is using the color green more and more creatively. Click here to read more »

When it comes to planning family vacations the big challenge is choosing a destination that offers a variety of activities that both kids and adults will enjoy. And if you’re thinking that theme parks are the only option, it’s time to pack your bags for Park City, Utah, a year round resort and mountain community with a host of attractions, naturally designed with families in mind. Still not convinced? Here’s a list of 5 fun family things to do in Park City that you won’t find at any theme park.

1. Skiing:  Yeah, this one’s kind of a no-brainer, being that Park City is known for its legendary snow. From freshly powdered peaks to immaculately groomed runs accommodating skiers of all skill levels, Park City offers winter fun for everyone. And with a host of family-friendly accommodations to choose from, the fun doesn’t have to stop when you leave the slopes.
2. Alpine Slide: For families who prefer the thrill of speeding downhill in a warmer clime, Park City has plenty to offer long after the snow melts. With over 3,000 feet of track laid out over a substantial vertical drop—and 4 different runs to choose from—the Alpine Slide offers a riding and gliding experience in the tradition of the luge. And being that kids over the age of 2 and under 48” can ride with an adult, more family members can participate. Adults and older kids who are looking for a faster way to get down the mountain can take the Alpine Coaster or the Zip Line, while those who prefer a gentler journey can enjoy breathtaking vistas from the chairlift.

3. Olympic Park: Both winter and summer family vacationers alike will thrill to touring Olympic Park, the home of many skiing events in the 2002 Winter Olympics, such as Nordic jumping, luge, skeleton and the ever-popular bobsled. Visitors at Olympic Park can take tour of the facilities, watch Alpine athletes in training and even take an unforgettable bobsled run, reaching speeds of up to 70 mph. Click here to read more »

Tuscany - Image by italiabravia

Tuscany has become a very popular holiday destination in recent years, but with an ever increasing number of tourists descending on the region, it can be difficult to find a way of getting a genuine Tuscan holiday experience. One of the best ways of doing this is by going on an Agriturismo Vacation. Click here to read more »

With thousands of hotels to choose from when traveling, those that are Eco-friendly gravitate to the top of many traveler’s lists. For those tourists who make it a priority to bring their environmentally friendly attitudes with them even on vacation, an Eco-friendly hotel can be a real delight to stay in. From recycled grey water to compost piles in the yard, each of these top five eco hotels are among the best in the world:

Whitepod Eco Retreat - Станислав Сафро

Whitepod Eco Retreat: This incredible hotel found in Switzerland is the ultimate place to get away from it all. Located in the Alpine Mountains, the Whitepod Eco Retreat can’t be reached by a plane or a taxi. Instead, guests can choose to use snow shoes, skis or a dog sled to reach their individual accommodations. With a warming stove, spa, in room massages and lavish furniture, this oasis is anything but roughing it. Live among the mountains, but still enjoy the comforts of home and deliciously prepared meals in the most incredible natural scenery. Click here to read more »

Zambia is famous for its national parks and the Victoria Falls. One of its most famous parks is the Luangwa National Park, which is divided into north and south sections. Of the two, South Luangwa is by far the more popular. This has largely to do with the fact that the north section of the park was closed to the public for a number of years, as a result it doesn’t have the infrastructure of the south section. The upshot is that the north is a dedicated wilderness area and visitors still have to seek special permission if they want to enter by themselves. Otherwise they have to book tours and safaris through recognised tour operators.

Meanwhile, South Luangwa is in great demand. It’s much bigger than the north section (almost twice as big) and has many lodges, camp sites and chalets for visitors to stay over. Click here to read more »