Oh the heels of Valentine’s Day comes weddings and honeymoons. Naturally most everyone dreams of an exotic honeymoon, away from family and friends in a relaxing, beautiful place without a care in the world.
But flying halfway across the world can still leave its mark on the environment. Popular spots like the Galapagos are now being hurt by too much tourism. In this case there are happy mediums for the earth-conscious couple to get away and still be content in the fact that their honeymoon is kind to the environment.
Go Local: I live in Maryland, and here there are options for local honeymoons from the beach to the mountains. You won’t spend a bundle on a plane ticket if you head for the shore and you’ll save emissions by knocking out the jet plane. In places like Chincoteague Island, Virginia you can rent bicycles and spend your time touring the town and islands by pedal. You’ll also get a lovely view of the state and national parks with their wealth of wildlife and the one thing all honeymoons need; the beach.
To the west we have the Appalachians, part of which extend through Catoctin Mountian Park, a wonderful place to hike the hills and get away from the bustle of life everyday life. Here there are numerous trails to hike, roads to bike, a lake for swimming, and sites for camping if that’s your forte. In the fall and spring it’s a lovely place to be alone with the one you love.
Of course these places may be a little far for you if you don’t live in the tri-state area, but look around your region for local state and national parks. They are usually places for vacations, but often they have nearby inns and hotels that can make your stay more relaxing and still give you the chance to see all the region has to offer. In the end, these local destinations are more about getting outside than staying in.
Choosing Wisely: Of course, you can also choose to stay in for your honeymoon. There are plenty number of eco-friendly spa retreats for you and your special someone. Jungle Bay Resort and Spa in Dominica in the Caribbean is just one. It fulfills all the dreams of a tropical honeymoon and getaway while also operating under a philosophy centered around environmental conservation, sustainability, local aid, heath and wellness, as well as centering on nature-based activities in the region.
But in the end it’s really up to you what kind of honeymoon you want to have. Anything from the wilderness to the beach is there for you, and if you look around you’ll find that a honeymoon can be not just a way for you to realize your love, but also fall in love with nature.
