Botanical Travel Beauty

That’s right… we have tired travel tresses.  As a result, we’re always on the hunt for the best eco-friendly hair and beauty products (that are 3 oz. or less, of course).  That way, we can haul our gorgeous mane from Guadalajara to Geneva without looking like Roseanne Rosannadanna.  Our hair is volatile and when we travel it’s somewhere between frizzy, flat, and funky.  So, when we happened upon the botanical travel products for tired tresses, we happened upon Philip B.’s four pack of shampoos and conditioners.  Say hello to botanical and bodacious!

The package contains:

• 2 fl oz/60ml Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo
• 2 fl oz/60 ml African Shea Butter Gentle & Conditioning Shampoo
• 2 fl oz/60ml Nordic Wood Hair & Body Shampoo
• 2 fl oz/60ml Light-Weight Deep Conditioning Crème Rinse (Paraben Free Formula)

For only $30.00, it’s a botanical steal.

http://www.philipb.com/travel-paraben-free-p-1958.html

InterContinental Moorea: The Turtle Care Center

Here little Chordata…

Oh, we can’t say enough about how much we love the Marquesas. We also can’t say enough about turtles.  We’re wild about them. We don’t know what’s wrong with us, but… we’re a little obsessed.

Apparently, we’re not the only ones.  In February 2004, amid concerns for the green and hawkbill turtles that were found wounded or ill, the InterContinental Moorea actually did something about it.  Now, if it’s not enough to be in one of the most beautiful places in the world, on one of the most beautiful properties, the InterCon Moorea has created a turtle clinic to fit out part of its private lagoon!  We have to say… the water of Moorea is truly like nothing you’ve ever seen.  Light blues clearer than a swimming pool, bright greens and aquas, sting rays and turtles swimming side by side right in front of your face, the fresh seafood, the kind people, ah!  The champagne…

Among the glorious Tahitian island chains, Eco-Adventurers have voted: Bora Bora and Moorea, those are the favorites.

When it comes to properties, the InterContinental is right up there (if not finer) than competing properties island/motu wide.  It’s the choice of seasoned diplomats, Hollywood celebs, wealthy Japanese couples, your regular run-of-the-mill high-end honeymooners, and you. If that doesn’t motivate you to start stacking your clams, maybe this might… the turtle center has already successfully released over thirteen turtles and rescued fifty more! Oh, and did we mention they also have a Dolphin Center?  The only dolphin center in the area?

Here they have created a huge natural home for four bottlenose dolphins brought from a similar facility in Hawaii or “retired” from the US Navy. Aware of its pedagogical role and educational mission, some of the proceeds will benefit Te Mana O Te Moana, a non-profit association focusing on the protection of the stunning Polynesian environment.

Prices from $345/per night and up

http://www.moorea.intercontinental.com

Quebec: Eco-Travel, The Summit of Mt. Tremblant

I love a good gondola experience.  There’s nothing quite as breathtaking (and as terrifying) as teetering on a wire suspended above a mountain in mid-air.  So we say, “Scale new heights with the Exhibit at the Summit at Fairmont Tremblant!” It’s easy to think green with packages like the following, offered by Fairmont resorts.

This package provides two special treats.  1. The chance to hang on a ski mountain in the summer and enjoy that crisp sweet mountain air.  2. Learn a bit about climate change.  Guests at the Fairmont can take a panoramic gondola ride to the top of Mont-Tremblant followed by an interactive tour through the ‘Under the Weather exhibit,’ a fun science exhibit incorporating games, models and hands-on activities provide an informative and entertaining way to learn more about our precious planet.  We say, ‘Bring the kids or bring out the little kid in you.’ Afterward, sit back with organic cocktails for two in the new Nansen Lounge and admire the green vistas of this pristine mountain resort.

Rooms are comfortable, tastefully designed, and right in the heart of the bustling mountain town.  Breakfast for two at the Windigo restaurant is also included, along with complimentary valet parking for hybrid vehicles.

Available until October 13, 2009, rates start from $249 CAD (~$228 USD) per night.

http://www.fairmont.com/tremblant/

Volunteer Travels: How to Choose Your Program

The world of Voluntourism is growing each and every year, and truthfully, we couldn’t be happier.  These days, it seems that global nomads everywhere don’t just want to take in a pretty sight, they want to improve upon it.

To that end, we receive countless emails asking us which programs are the best or most rewarding.  Since each and every one of us is different, we decided to scour the internet and ask around to fill you in on a great site that matches voluntourists with the programs that might be right for them. Volunteer International is one such organization that offers an in-depth overview of programs from all over the world. The International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) is an association of non-governmental organizations involved in international volunteer work and internship exchanges.  Specifically, IVPA is an association of volunteer sending organizations but does not organize or run its own volunteer programs.  Rather, they introduce you to all the best.

When you visit their site, go to ‘Current Members’ and scroll down to ‘Search Member’s Programs.’ Here, you can choose by region, countries, skills, and duration.  We think it’s the Google of the Voluntourism World. So go forth, young one… inspire those around and within.

http://www.volunteerinternational.org