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
Ask anyone, and chances are when given the choice to shop at a chain store, or a one-of-a-kind boutique, they’ll choose the latter. Certainly, department stores have their benefits. But, when exploring a San Diego neighborhood, the independently owned retailers reveal a regions personality. North Park has a bevy of curated shops selling eclectic collections unique to the district. Quaint storefront windows display carefully culled pieces, luring customers inside to make a purchase or two as a memento. Here's a select few. Shop/Good As I get older, I’m more aware of what I put on my skin. I look for wholesome products void of sulfates, petroleum and other chemical ingredients. Shop/Good takes a healthy living approach to make-up, lotions, and cleansers. For instance, their sunscreen is UV chemical free, using mineral based zinc-oxide. About ten years ago, I began getting facials, realizing I needed to nurture my skin after spending my 20’s baking on the beach slathered in baby oil. Shop/Good offers numerous options. The quick 45-minute deep clean, to the lux 75-minute ultimate pampering. In addition, salt scrub massage hand treatments and aloe gel masks to revive tired eyes will rejuvenate signs of aging. Pigment Pigment provides a feast for the eyes. Each pass through the space reveals another doodad, bauble or novelty to admire. There’s something for every room in your house with varying degrees from whimsical to the exquisite. Stationery and sweets to pillows and plants. An entire wall is devoted to a vertical display of cactus, succulents and houseplants. A nearby, large white table hums with customers creating their own landscape masterpieces. Customers are welcome to pull up a chair, and pair plants with any of the many pots available. Only pay for what you use. Or, bring your own container, and fill it with foliage.
Ask anyone, and chances are when given the choice to shop at a chain store, or a one-of-a-kind boutique, they’ll choose the latter. Certainly, department stores have their benefits. But, when exploring a San Diego neighborhood, the independently owned retailers reveal a regions personality. North Park has a bevy of curated shops selling eclectic collections
I've been to Baja, Mexico's Valle de Guadalupe wine country 30 or more times, so I thought I knew the area well. Until I stayed overnight at Adobe Guadalupe Vineyard & Inn. While it's only a two-hour drive SE of San Diego, California, it felt a world away. One-third mile down a narrow dirt road are the gates to 60 acres of sun-dappled splendor. Owner, Tru Miller, hosted me for a press trip. She and her husband purchased the land in 1997. They were only the sixth winery in the valley. Now there are 152. She was the first to provide overnight accommodations. Six fabulous guest rooms still welcome visitors today! There are fountains everywhere creating a feel of a grand European estate Manager Luis Garcia, and the entire staff of 63 are paragons of hospitality and graciousness. The Chef prepares a five course dinner and wine pairing each evening in the formal dining room just off the fountain courtyard. Crystal, silver, and china fill the dimly lighted room which holds 50 people. The adjacent living room offers post prandial relaxation at this Baja inn. One of Miller's pride and joy is her 26 Azteca horses, a breed she was instrumental in bringing to fruition years ago. They are equal parts Andalucia, Quarter horse, and Criollo — a Spanish Wild Mustang. Today, she breeds her beauties and sells them to people in Mexico, USA, and the Netherlands — her home country. Marci Plopper — a Canadian trainer — and three ranch hands baby the equine daily. The stables are gorgeous. Each Monday Plopper teaches a riding class to kids with Cerebral Palsy. They range in ages from six months to six years. There is also an opportunity for the general public to meet the horses at the Elegance in the
I’ve been to Baja, Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe wine country 30 or more times, so I thought I knew the area well. Until I stayed overnight at Adobe Guadalupe Vineyard & Inn. While it’s only a two-hour drive SE of San Diego, California, it felt a world away. One-third mile down a narrow dirt road
Yep, you read that correctly. I landed a big smooch on a 35 ton ballena’s schnoz in Mexico’s San Ignacio Lagoon. Gray whales begin migrating from Alaska’s Bering Sea in January to give birth to their calves in the warm Pacific Ocean off Baja. The beautiful behemoths winter roughly 550 miles south of San Diego, California, until they head back north in April. The Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/58c83999e4b05675ee9c5ad8
Yep, you read that correctly. I landed a big smooch on a 35 ton ballena’s schnoz in Mexico’s San Ignacio Lagoon. Gray whales begin migrating from Alaska’s Bering Sea in January to give birth to their calves in the warm Pacific Ocean off Baja. The beautiful behemoths winter roughly 550 miles south of San Diego,
