Now that you are required to have a passport  to go to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean; the U.S. State Department has introduced a simpler style passport card which serves the same purpose as the original passport book–only it fits in your wallet like a driver’s license!  This card cannot be used for overseas travel, but for people who go to either Canada or Mexico on a regular basis–it makes life much easier.

Swift Passport Services is offering both the passport card and book expedited for quick travel:

• Adult passport book $135
• Adult passport book and card $155
• Child passport book $120
• Child passport book and card $$140

Suddenly, from the rear of the plane, a tall man in a Marine uniform slowly walked up the aisle, approaching the boy’s row.  He motioned to the boy’s mother with a simple upraised hand.  Then, he swiftly dropped own on one knee so that he was face-to-face with the small boy.  He motioned for the boy to come  closer and he whispered to him in a deep, quiet voice which no one else could hear.

In an instant, the boy stopped crying.  He fastened his own seat belt, faced forward, and held his mother’s hand without making another sound.  The entire plane burst into spontaneous applause.

As he made his way back to his seat, one of the attendants touched the Marine’s sleeve.

“Excuse me, Sargeant,” she said quietly, “but can I ask you what you said to that little boy to make him quiet down?”

The Marine smiled.

“I showed him my pilot’s wings, service stars, and battle ribbons, and explained that  they entitle me to throw one passenger out the plane door, on any flight I choose.”

What is Eco Tourism and how does it different from regular travel?

Obviously the “eco” part of the phrase gives you a clue that the trip will be focused on traveling to places that allow you to enjoy the planet.  But it is much more than that.

According to the definition and principles of ecotourism established by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) in 1990, ecotourism is “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” (TIES, 1990).

This means traveling with the least possible environmental impact, and visiting places where you can enjoy yourself in an ethical, sustainable way. Believe it or not, there are a lot of amazing options for eco-tourists which do not include living in a tent and going without a shower for two weeks.

Every continent has options for individuals looking to explore without leaving a huge footprint.  The focus on eco-tourism is often as much about experiencing local culture as it is getting a spa treatment.

Ecotourism is growing more rapidly than any other aspect of the tourism industry with an annual growth rate of 5%.  Those who love to explore the planet are absolutely thrilled at the prospect of being able to do so without destroying it at the same time.  Here are some excellent resources for learning more about eco-tourism:

The International Ecotourism Society

The Nature Conservancy’s Eco Tourism Page

The Ecotourism Portal

Institute of Eco Tourism

Photo Credit:  Pete the Painter

Photo credit:  Julie Star