Earth Day started in 1970 to shine light on our global impact and raise awareness of environmental conservation. Originally, it was only observed in the United States. But, in 1990, the movement went global with over 140 nations participating. A few facts about Earth Day: — After witnessing a massive oil spill spewing millions of gallons of oil off the coast of Santa Barbara, US Senator Gaylord Nelson organized Earth Day. — The first Earth Day was celebrated April 22, 1970. On that day, 2,000+ colleges and universities, 10,000 public schools, and 20 million citizens participated, about 10% of the US population at the time. — Wanting to help in the initiative, more than 100,000 people rode bikes in China to reduce CO2 emissions and save fuel on Earth Day 2012. — Some countries call it International Mother Earth Day. — Earth Day has a theme song written by an Indian poet. — Due to COVID-19, in 2020 an Earth Day Live event was hosted remotely. Approximately 20 million people worldwide tuned in to the 12-hour broadcast. Worldwide initiatives to clean up neighborhoods, beaches, rivers, and parks span the planet, teaching how environmental conscious is paramount. It doesn't take grand gestures to participate in Earth Day. Clean up trash outside, forgo using unnecessary electronics, or plant a tree. As a traveler, I visit some of the most beautiful natural habitats on earth. I know how precious these places are and the importance of conserving them for future generations to enjoy. Here are 10 photos to inspire you to take care of planet earth. San Blas Islands, Panama Todos Santos, Mexico The Exumas, Bahamas Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala Galápagos Islands, Ecuador Viñales, Cuba Grand Canyon, Arizona Sonoran Desert, Mexico Anza Borrego Desert, California Redwood National Park, California Our environmental awareness helps keep
Earth Day started in 1970 to shine light on our global impact and raise awareness of environmental conservation. Originally, it was only observed in the United States. But, in 1990, the movement went global with over 140 nations participating. A few facts about Earth Day: — After witnessing a massive oil spill spewing millions of
Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you explore solo, with girlfriends, or family, budget travel destinations can be found. Flights tend to be the biggest expense of a trip. So, planning ahead is imperative. Keeping an eye on travel websites and apps will cut both airline and accommodation costs. Furthermore, check airlines’ low fare calendars and skyscanner. Indirect flights are usually cheaper. Determine how much you want to spend. Then, search within those parameters. And, the destination will play a big part in your budget. Here are 10 budget-friendly travel destinations to visit on your next trip! Caye Caulker, Belize The laid-back Central American country has hundreds of small islands off the coast where you can stay. Two of the most popular are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The latter is less expensive and not as touristy. There are no cars on the island, so you can walk everywhere. Hotels are cheap. Although, check several comparison sites. Not every website offers the same price for the same room. Alternatively, search by price range. TripAdvisor lets you read about other travelers’ experiences. Renting an Airbnb is another option. For instance, one bedroom cabanas for as little as $50 a night are not uncommon. Many have kitchenettes, allowing you to cook meals and save on restaurant costs. The country's great exchange rate helps lower costs of food, transportation and accommodations without compromising quality. Their currency is the Belizean Dollar. 1 USD is about the equivalent of 2 BZD. Enjoy the beautiful beaches. Or, book a $40 tour to explore the Belize Barrier Reef UNESCO World Heritage Site. Caye Caulker Marine Reserve snorkeling trip lets you swim with harmless rays and nurse sharks. I had a blast frolicking with these sea sweeties! In addition, other tours explore further into the Hol Chan Reserve.
Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you explore solo, with girlfriends, or family, budget travel destinations can be found. Flights tend to be the biggest expense of a trip. So, planning ahead is imperative. Keeping an eye on travel websites and apps will cut both airline and accommodation costs. Furthermore, check airlines’ low fare
A highlight for me when visiting Antigua, Guatemala this summer was Valhalla Macadamia Nut Farm. It was opened in 1985 by an expat fire fighter and his wife. Their purpose was to introduce a sustainable income to the local people. After touring the five acres, I'd say the project is a big success. Peek inside............... The farm sits at 5,000 feet on volcanic soil. These ideal conditions help their 300 trees produce 90,000 pounds of nuts a year! The trees in Guatemala live for 200 years and bear nuts for 150 of those. This ensures a livelihood for people working the farm now and future generations. The nuts are not harvested off the trees, they fall to the ground when mature. Farmers collect the golf ball size, round pods and put them in a de-husking machine, resulting in the yummy, small white orbs we've come to know. When visiting Valhalla I had to try their famous pancakes made with macadamia flour and nuts, served with macadamia butter and blueberry jam! Afterwards, I was escorted to the spa area for a macadamia nut oil facial...Nirvana!! Unfortunately, Valhalla doesn't ship their pancakes to the United States. But, the organic oil, face cream, and lotion are available through Emilia Aguirre Skin Care. SHOP HERE: http://www.macskinoil.com/products.html Related Posts: Chocolate, Coffee & Volcanos in Antigua, Guatemala
A highlight for me when visiting Antigua, Guatemala this summer was Valhalla Macadamia Nut Farm. It was opened in 1985 by an expat fire fighter and his wife. Their purpose was to introduce a sustainable income to the local people. After touring the five acres, I’d say the project is a big success. Peek inside……………
