As eco-tourism gains more and more recognition, Ethical Travel has compiled a list of the ten best “ethical destinations” on earth. These are countries that are “working to maintain strong environmental, human rights, and eco-tourism values,” according to Ethical Traveler’s website. And the world’s 10 best ethical destinations (in no particular order) are… 1. coque iphone 8 The Bahamas – The Exumas‘ two national parks are the ideal spots to admire nature in a ecologically responsible way. coque iphone 2019 Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is the first “no-take reserve” (fishing is prohibited) in the Caribbean. 2. Barbados – Barbados has strictly enforced environmental laws to preserve the island’s natural habitat. coque iphone soldes 3. Cape Verde – Spinguera Eco-Resort, on the island of Boa Vista, is one of the many eco-friendly resorts on Cape Verde. coque iphone The resort is integrated into the landscape and relies on renewable energy sources. 4. Chile – Chile has no shortage of natural wonders. Ecocamp Patagonia lets travelers get totally absorbed in the world around them. Located in Torres del Paine National Park, Ecocamp is the region’s first fully sustainable destinations and features awesome geodesic domes. 5. Dominica – Dominica is known for its biodiversity. The island offers a number of eco-resorts that are devoted to conserving and preserving the land. coque iphone 8 6. Latvia – Fun fact: Latvia is one of the only countries in the world where natural ecosystems and forests still comprise half of its territory. This untouched natural wonder is perfect for sustainable exploration. 7. Lithuania – With a dedication to preserving its natural environment and both urban and rural eco-tour options, Lithuania offers stunning national parks, lakes and beaches. 8. Mauritius – Clear waters, lush green forests, pristine beaches… Mauritius pretty much has everything you could want. The country’s natural wonders are well-protected and eco-hotels, like Lakaz Chamarel, offer environmentally responsible stays. coque iphone 9. Palau – Palau is insanely beautiful. It’s one of the best diving locations on earth. soldes coque iphone In February 2014, the island nation banned all commercial fishing to preserve the stunning reefs and lagoon waters and establish a “100 percent marine sanctuary.” 10. Uruguay – With plenty of eco-friendly lodging and tours and rich natural habitats to explore, Uruguay is a well-established destination with a focus on sustainable travel.
Travel & Adventure
10 Reasons to Quit Your Job and Move to Costa Rica
10 Reasons Why You Should Quit Your Job and Move to Costa Rica By Camille Nationals and residents of Costa Rica seem to all share one integral thing: a deep love for the country that surrounds them. Native Costa Ricans, expats, and even travelers who have spent time in this land of monkeys, waterfalls, and surfing, speak about the area with deep admiration and pride. Costa Rica has become one of the most popular places in the world for North American retirees and expats to relocate. What exactly is it about this beautiful country that lures people to pack their belongings and invest their lives there? Here is our list of the top ten reasons that inspire many people to make the move to Costa Rica. 1. Stunning Nature Abounds Costa Rica is literally covered in natural wonders. It has epic volcanoes with spewing lava that create natural hot springs you can soak in. It has tall mountains you can climb to see the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. It has hundreds of miles of shoreline varying from black to pink to gold to white. It has dolphins and whales for you to watch on and off shore. The sea varies from enormous waves for exciting surfing to calm and still for snorkeling and diving. The land is covered in old growth trees, swaying palms, and beautiful flowers. Rushing rivers and waterfalls flow through mangrove forests or reveal themselves deep in the jungle. Animals take refuge in the lush landscape and the Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Howler monkeys live in the trees in your backyard. soldes coque iphone Sloths cross the road causing traffic jams. Toucans and scarlet macaws fly over your head. Costa Rica is easily one of the most magical and beautiful countries on Earth. 2. coque iphone en ligne Great Healthcare is Affordable Healthcare is top-of-the-line and inexpensive, which has brought a new kind of tourism to the country: medical tourism. Hospitals in the capital of San Jose offer world-class care. Procedures including dental work, surgeries, and more are available at a fraction of the cost of the U.S. and are extremely high quality. Costa Rican citizens receive free healthcare and residents can pay a low fee to join the national healthcare program. Private healthcare plans are incredibly affordable starting at around $50 per month. Even the out-of-pocket medical costs for those with no coverage is staggeringly low compared to the U.S. 3. Comfortable Climate Year Round While there is a distinct wet and dry season in most of the country, temperatures on both coasts average between the high 70s and low 80s year round. Even in the rainy season there is typically some sunshine every day. This comfortable weather allows you to enjoy outdoor activities and nature every day of the year. 4. Its Proximity to North America The capital city of San Jose is an airport hub for flights to North America and has inexpensive, direct flights to major cities in the U.S. including Houston, Fort Lauderdale, Boston, and New York. These flights often cost less than national flights across country. coqueiphone This makes it easy to stay close to family, have visitors, and run home to stock up on certain comforts that can’t be found in Central America. 5. coque iphone 6 The Established Expat Community Because Costa Rica has been popular among expats for years it has a well-established supportive community in most of the coastal towns as well as in San Jose. These communities have created excellent schools for children, health-focused stores, markets, restaurants and cafes, and other practices like yoga, pilates, and bodywork. The communities are very supportive and make integration into a new country much easier. Living in a small town with like-minded people, you may even find yourself in a closer community than the one you were in back home. coque iphone xs max 6. A Healthy Lifestyle Eating less processed foods and more local fruits and vegetables, being outside with nature every day, and using your body to achieve more tasks are all changes that take place for most people who move to Costa Rica. Many report losing weight because they become much more physically active. The slower-paced lifestyle and immersion in nature help one to fully relax which is incredibly health beneficial. Not to mention, outside of the city there is much less pollution and toxic fumes than cities in North America. coque iphone 8 7. coque iphone 6 The Stable Government and Economy Costa Rica abolished its army in 1950 and has kept its spot as one of the most stable democracies in the world since then. It is the only country in Latin America to make the list. The economy is also experiencing steady growth with greater foreign investments as well as tourism which bodes well for those looking to invest in the country. 8. Kind, Generous Local Culture Local Costa Ricans, Ticos, are some of the most hospitable, nature-loving, peace-oriented people on earth. They love their country and are welcoming to tourists and expats who love it too. Costa Rica has a 95% literacy rate and nationals are highly educated. Raised in an amazing ecological environment, most are quite knowledgeable on plant medicine, wildlife, and other aspects of nature that many people in North America never study. The smaller coastal towns tend to have very integrated communities where locals, long-term tourists, and residents are friends. It’s also fairly common for families to be multicultural with one local Costa Rican parent and one foreign parent. 9. Outdoor Adventure Opportunities With unlimited hiking trails, white water rafting, excellent swells for surfers, rivers for kayaking, and standup paddleboarding, Costa Rica is an adventure lovers dream. High adrenaline activities are very popular here including ziplining and bungee jumping. In Costa Rica, even a simple walk on your nearby beach can become an adventure. 10. The Pura Vida Lifestyle What may truly set Costa Rica apart from the rest of Central America is its dedication to the words “pura vida”. Pura vida is more than a phrase, it is a way of life. When locals say “pura vida” it is a reminder to themselves and the rest of the world to relax, let things go, and be grateful for what you have. Isn’t that why most people get off the grid after all? It may not be the place for everyone, but Costa Rica is an exceptional option for anyone looking to live abroad in Latin America.
Video: Road to Machu Picchu – In Stunning 4K
My Inspirational Visit – Shasta Abbey
T.B. Fairbanks, Yahoo Contributor Network
Shasta Abbey located at Mt. Shasta, California, is a Soto Zen Buddhist Monastery where I had my inspirational experience that has changed my life. I have been self-studying Buddhism for about 11 years before coming to Mt. Shasta. I was first introduced to Buddhism while in my senior year in high school when we read Siddhartha. I was interested in discovering whether it was possible for one to alleviate suffering in their life and live an existence full of compassion and loving kindness towards others. I did not set a definite course of path to take to Buddhism; I read books by various monks and nuns from a wide-range of sects. I wanted my journey to be all inclusive, so I would take what I liked from H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, Thich Naht Hahn, Nishitani Keiji, and Aung San Suu Kyi, to name a few. I took vows of refuge in the Tibetan tradition at Columbus KTC Columbus, OH from Lama Kathy Wesley back in March of 2006. My time at the center although brief made me feel as if my choice in Buddhism was the correct one for me and how I wanted to view the world. Whatever was spoken about that I could not quite wrap my head around; I would discard it, because from my viewpoint, as long as I do not hurt another sentient being and I strive to do well, I’m on the right track. That all changed once I discovered Mt. Shasta.
I needed to get away for a bit and reassess my life and figure out a way to deal with the stresses of my life through my spirituality. I searched on line using “Buddhist retreats” as my keywords. I found many, but the reason why I chose Mt. Shasta was because of the fact that they did not charge for participating in their retreats! I was amazed to say the least. The reason for this was that the monks of Mt. Shasta practice and believe in the spirit of Dana-giving and receiving which underlies the true spirit of generosity. I applied on line to go to one of their beginner’s retreat and I was set to go at the end of February.
I took a long bus trip from Albuquerque, NM to Weed, CA were one of the monks came to the visitor’s center in town to pick up myself and a couple of retreatants who happened to be on the bus. The retreat was for 3 days, we stayed at the Abbey’s guest house, had meals together with the guest master and lay residence who were living at the Abbey and participated in assisting monks various activities from helping in the kitchen to preparing meals generously donated by the community (Dana), helping in the guest house, or work in the temple. Our days began at 4:30 a.m. and ended around 7:30 p.m. We had our days planned after the 5 a.m. meditation period, which included the aforementioned activities. Retreats are open to all who earnestly want to learn about the Abbey and the work of the monks.
After the retreat, I decided to stay 9 more days. I wanted to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings, the knowledge and wisdom the monks offered in a safe and secure place, and be around sincere individuals that were serious about learning more about Buddhism. Shasta Abbey offered spiritual counseling, where all your questions and concerns about Buddhism or life in general could be answered as fully as it can be by the senior monk available. I participated, asking questions that I found along the way during self-study and my time at the Abbey. Then during meditation, I had an image that I have for years tried to repress. I had a suicide in the family 11 years ago that prompted my search for meaning in life and how could someone so dear to me, suffer in a way that suicide was the answer. I could not get this image out of my head for 11 years. I could not sleep at night, despite prescription anti-depressants, sleeping pills, or anxiety medications. I signed up for spiritual counseling after seeing this image again in meditation and spoke to the monk about what was going through my head. She explained things in a way that let me understand what was needed of me to assist with my guilt, anger, frustration, and pain that I was feeling about the situation. I did what she instructed (which involved meditation) and I worked through the tears, the pain, the anguish, and the distorted memories to see the truth, I loved my brother and he did what he thought was the best way to deal with whatever it was he was going through. After coming to terms with that, that night, I slept. I was not plagued by nightmares, or distorted images that haunted my memories. For the next couple days during meditation periods, I came to those thoughts from time to time and sat with them all, not judging them and not pushing them away. I felt lighter. I felt free to just be okay.
I’m so grateful that I found Mt. Shasta. Even today I can have email spiritual counseling. I do from time to time, to get grounded on some issues that I face in everyday life, and even though the monks are busy, they take time when they can to help. The monks inspired me to see that there is no inadequacy within me or others, it’s true I do lapse from time to time, but I always remind myself of the lessons I learned at Shasta Abbey.
www.shastaabbey.org
3724 Summit Dr
Mt Shasta, CA 96067-9102
(530) 926-4208
Enlightening Adventures – Martyn Williams
Martyn Williams is an internationally known explorer and teacher of enlightenment sciences. He is the first person in the world to lead expeditions to the three extremes, Everest, the North and South Poles. He has created international youth empowerment projects that involved 60 million youth.
He has taught enlightenment sciences to thousands of people worldwide. His work has been featured on major TV and media outlets worldwide. Martyn is renowned for his bliss, humor, energy and love of life. Most recently he spent 7 years as a monk studying and teaching yoga and enlightenment sciences to thousands in India and around the world.