The word eco-tourism has become one of the great buzzwords of the travel industry. What’s funny is that if you ask 100 people exactly what eco-tourism is, you’ll probably get 100 different answers! A simple definition of eco-tourism is travel to sensitive natural environments that focuses on sustainable travel by respecting the environment and preserving local cultures.

As demand for eco-tours and responsible travel have exploded, many adventure travel companies simply repositioned themselves as eco-tourism companies. But there’s more to eco-tourism than just a name. To Austin-Lehman, eco-tourism involves making substantive changes in operations which means keeping group sizes small, staying at real eco-lodges, and working to keep dollars flowing to the local economy.

Small group sizes reduce the footprint in sensitive natural environments and local cultures. There’s no way you can run tour groups of 25 people to the same places day in a day out and not have a massive impact on the environment and the culture. Austin-Lehman chooses to focus on small group and only doing most itineraries just a few times a year.

Using lodges built with local materials, in harmony with nature. Lodges like Casa Corcovado, Casa Turire, and Pacuare Lodge on Austin-Lehman’s, Costa Rica, Wilderness & Wildlife are carefully selected for their use of of natural wood, local materials, local labor, and harmony with the natural environment. Oh, and some of these lodges really are luxurious– just because it’s eco-travel, doesn’t mean it can’t also be luxury travel.

Eco-tour operators also have a responsibility to help grow the local economy of the places they impact. It’s important to keep as much money in the hands of the local businesses as possible. By using local tour in-country tour operators and suppliers, Austin-Lehman is able to distribute to really help developing local economies.

By focusing on small groups, staying in real eco-lodges, and working with local businesses, Austin -Lehman is actually doing something many companies aren’t — they’re making a difference.

Glen Spencer is the Managing Editor at InsidrInfo.com

When is the right time to exchange currency for my vacation?

Money always tops the list of concerns when planning a vacation in another country. An accurate vacation budget can be the difference between a great vacation and a difficult one, especially in today’s fluctuating currency market. One of the main ingredients in a good budget is understanding when and how to exchange currency, so you get the maximum value from each exchange.

Waiting until you arrive in Amsterdam or Rome for a European vacation of a lifetime to exchange money in today’s economy could destroy your budget if the Euro has gotten stronger over the course of a few days. Just a 1450 point difference could cost you an extra $145 plus the exchange fee if you are exchanging U.S. Dollars for Euros at the airport. That could be the difference between having lunch in a quaint Dutch or Italian bistro everyday and eating a Big Mac at the local McDonald’s.

The currency exchange is always changing, so it’s a good idea to exchange small amounts of money at different times while you’re planning the trip. By averaging your exchanges you know exactly what each exchange costs, so you can use exact values in your budget instead of estimates. Averaging offsets any currency surges that could ruin your trip. If you’re planning an extended vacation averaging is especially important; you need more money to cover expenses.

Where should I exchange my money?

Banks seem to be the first place people go when they need to exchange money. Banks do exchange currencies, but they add a fee to each exchange and they may only post one or two rates a day which means you may not get a real time rate. Some people like to use credit cards to exchange money. Credit card companies love to exchange your money; they use their own rate which includes their profit, plus they add a surcharge to every travel purchase, so you never know how much the trip actually costs until you get the statement. Airport exchange merchants may add a hidden fee to the rate and that means you have less money to spend on the trip.

If you use a reliable currency trader you can average your exchanges while planning your vacation and that strategy eliminates hidden fees, surcharges and phony exchange rates.  A professional can help you by giving you the real time rate every time you exchange money, which adds value to every trade.

Other travel ideas

Some countries have a limit on the amount of cash they allow through custom checkpoints. It’s a good idea to know what that limit is, because if you’re caught carrying more than the limit an official can confiscate your money. Cash should be carried in a hidden pocket or a money belt that’s secure and out of sight. Wallets and purses should only have enough cash in them to purchase incidentals. Hotel safes and other security precautions should be used when you arrive at your destination and it’s good to remember that common sense is your best security tool when you use it.

For a step by step guide to fundamental analysis of the currency market please visit ForexTraders.com.  Your ultimate source for currency exchange and forex information.

Many of today’s seniors are craving more time to connect with their grandchildren. That’s just one reason why multigenerational travel is one of the fastest growing segments of the leisure travel market. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, thirty percent of traveling grandparents in the U.S. have taken at least one vacation with their grandchildren and that number is expected to skyrocket.

Independent grandparents who are seasoned travelers have taken this trend one step further by planning vacations alone with their grandchildren. This allows lots of one-on-one time together, forging strong bonds and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Many grandparents plan these events around a special occasion, such as a graduation or birthday. Others start taking regular trips alone with their grandchildren once the kids reach eight or nine years of age.

If you are contemplating traveling with the grandchildren in tow, make sure to walk before you run. Ease into intergenerational travel with careful planning and an open mind. Here are twelve tips to help make your vacation with the grand-kids an “awesome” success:

1. Have your grandchildren take turns. Many grandparents have found that traveling with one or two grandchildren at a time works out best. Taking two provides each grandchild with companionship and entertainment, but double the pleasure may not be double the fun. Traveling with one grandchild at a time is generally less stressful and allows more time for those special one-on-one bonding experiences grandparents crave.
2. Do a test run. Start with a short trip together before traveling alone with your grandchildren for an extended vacation. Take an excursion to the zoo, a day trip to a nearby lake or beach, or invite them to stay at your house for the weekend. This will let you see how you interact together and find out if your grandchildren are ready to go with you on a longer journey away from home.
3. Talk with the parents. Creating successful vacations with grandchildren depends on developing a good understanding of their interests, preferences, habits and personalities. Talk with your children about your travel plans and ask for their advice on the length and type of trip. Parents can provide invaluable insights about their children’s favorite interests, activity levels, needs for supervision and peer companionship, as well as their sleeping and eating habits. Use this information to help design your trip.
4. Consider health, safety and personality issues. Plan an inter-generational vacation that will cater to the needs of all ages rather than one solely designed with the grandchildren in mind. Be honest about your own preferences and limitations as well as those of the grandchildren, and keep in mind any activity, diet or health restrictions. If standing in long lines is not comfortable for you, think twice about going to a theme park. Likewise, if your grandchildren are accustomed to plenty of daily structured activities with kids their own age, you may wish to choose a cruise line, tour or resort that offers daily children’s and teens’ programs.
5. Brainstorm and plan the trip together Travel experts have found that the most successful family vacations are those that involve both parents and children in choosing destinations and planning for their trip. The same is true for intergenerational travel. Talk with your grandchildren about their interests, activities, favorite sports and dream destinations. Tell them more about your goals for the trip – such as having fun, getting to know each other better, experiencing enriching activities together, and learning about the world. Take the time to share your own experiences and travel interests as well. Through these conversations, you will learn more about each other and find destinations and activities that all of you can enjoy.
6. Look for travel agents with experience in intergenerational vacations. Trips with grandchildren have grown in popularity over the last decade. As a result, travel agents are more experienced in catering to the needs of this burgeoning market. Using the information gleaned from your discussions with your children and grandchildren, knowledgeable travel specialists can direct you to a variety of vacation destinations, tour companies, cruise lines, theme parks and resorts that will meet your needs. These agents can also help design a fun-filled itinerary that will allow you to bond with your grandchildren in a way that is only possible through travel.
7. Set a budget and shop for savings. Successful trips with grandchildren do not have to be expensive ones. The best intergenerational vacations are those that are designed with your personalities, needs and interests in mind. Decide on a comfortable budget for your trip and make sure to include such items as souvenirs, tips, and a few unexpected activities or necessities. To help stretch your vacation dollars, make sure to look for discounts provided by membership organizations like AAA and AARP as well as special travel promotions offered by cruise lines, resorts, and tour operators. Search the Internet for deals and discounts, too. When calculating your budget, however, be careful to consider the needs of your traveling companions and cut corners wisely. For example, even though on-property theme park lodging may be more expensive, it is often well worth the cost for easy proximity at naptime or to provide the chance for a relaxing afternoon swim. Go over your final itinerary with your children and make sure they feel comfortable with your travel plans.
8. Build in private time together as well as “down” or “apart” time. While the goal of your trip is to create shared memories, it is also important to remember that children need time to burn off energy and enjoy the company of kids their own age. Likewise, grandparents need quiet periods for rest and some adult company as well. Keep this in mind when sorting through your vacation options. Cruises and intergenerational tours are popular for this reason. They offer supervised activities and programs for children and teens, allowing grandparents to enjoy some time on their own. These itineraries typically also include blocks of time for shared activities, such as meals, tours, excursions to local attractions, entertainment, and group events. Remember to stay flexible on your trip, as children’s moods and interests can change constantly. If you and your grandchildren find something you’d rather do, be spontaneous and go with the flow rather than sticking with the planned schedule.
9. Keep up the excitement. Travel plans are often made far in advance of the trip, but out of sight doesn’t have to mean out of mind. Pick up some travel brochures and a guidebook and share them with your grandchildren. Look for books that are set in your vacation destination and send them along in the mail. The Internet contains a variety of websites with pictures of your destination and information on activities that can be easily shared via e-mail. As the date draws closer, send along a suggested packing list for the trip.
10. Be prepared and expect the unexpected. Make a list of items that you and your grandchildren will need to bring on your trip. These include identification, contact and health insurance information, a notarized letter empowering you to act in case of medical emergencies, recent photos, and medicines. In addition, check the latest federal requirements well in advance and bring the proper travel documents with you. If your grandchildren have any dietary needs or medication requirements, make sure to be aware of those and have a written record as well. In addition, bring along a notarized letter from the parents authorizing travel with the grandchildren if you will be traveling internationally. Some countries require this and rules vary, so it is better to be safe than sorry. Take a few additional items in your carry-on luggage along with medicines and travel documents, such as a cell phone for emergencies, a change of clothes and bathing suit in case luggage is lost, and travel games and snacks for the trip. Think ahead and plan for occurrences such as air travel delays, illness, and homesickness. If unforeseen events happen, stay positive. Your grandchildren will learn important life lessons from watching you on this trip.
11. Make space for a few favorite items. Allow your grandchildren to bring along a few comfort items on the trip, such as a stuffed animal or blanket, books, or a portable music source with headphones. If your grandchildren usually sleep with a night light, make sure to pack one for your room. Travel backpacks and activity kits can be a lifesaver on plane and car rides. Make one easily by filling a small backpack with items such as colored pencils, story books, activity books, magnetic games, card games, travel-size board games, hand held electronic games, sticker books, non-melting crayons, coloring books, Mad-Libs, paper dolls, magic slates, small cars, finger puppets, small action figures, felt books with stick-ons, sewing cards, puzzles, pipe cleaners, and origami paper.
12. Capture and preserve your vacation memories. Consider giving each grandchild a journal and a disposable camera to bring along on your journey. Kids love taking their own pictures and it is fascinating to see travel through their eyes. In addition, be sure to bring along plenty of digital memory cards or film to capture every moment of your trip. Pictures and postcards can be put into a scrapbook after you return, providing a lasting keepsake of your wonderful experiences together.

Nancy Schretter is the Managing Editor at Family Travel Network
www.familytravelnetwork.com

“Fifteen red poison dart frogs!” yelled seven-year old Cammy Resnick excitedly as she hopped up and down on the jungle path.

“Now it’s sixteen… No, seventeen!” her nine-year old sister Katie hollered back.

It turned out to be an eventful morning. By the end of our short hike, our small group of family adventurers saw eighteen red poison dart frogs, nine tiny long-nosed bats clinging to the bark of a tree, an assortment of howler monkeys, several colorful toucans, a pair of raucous scarlet macaws, a large brown caiman, an army of leaf cutter ants, and two nests filled with tiny baby birds. Our naturalist guide, Federico, made it easy. He knew just where to look to spot the wildlife in this verdant Costa Rican jungle.

As an avid independent traveler, I must admit to having been a bit wary of group family tours and planned vacations. My recent trip to Costa Rica with Austin-Lehman Adventures changed all that, however. Travel with a tour and naturalist guide in Costa Rica is clearly the best way to go – especially for families who want to see abundant wildlife and experience adventures while still enjoying a stress-free vacation.

Costa Rica is teeming with wildlife, but families may miss much of it without a naturalist guide. Animals do not appear on cue like characters at Disney World, and children’s attention spans and patience can quickly vanish when wildlife is not spotted promptly. Highly experienced guides know where to look for nature in this jungle paradise, and can point it out even when it is camouflaged by water or lush foliage. Some of the highlights of our trip were close-up views of flamboyant toucans, languid sloths, animated howler and spider monkeys, brilliant blue morpho butterflies, a red-eyed tree frog, dazzlingly iridescent hummingbirds, and giant nesting sea turtles.

For over 20 years, Austin-Lehman has led family-oriented trips to a wide variety of destinations. The company introduced a special family trip to Costa Rica designed specifically for families with children ages 5-12. Rather than re-purposing their already existing trip for the younger age set, Austin-Lehman designed a new trip from the ground up taking into account shorter attention spans, differing safety requirements, and the special needs and interests of families with younger children. The result is a brilliant itinerary that provides a wonderful balance between fun and learning, organized activities and freedom.

In eco-rich destinations such as Costa Rica, exceptional naturalist guides are key. Austin-Lehman’s tour operators and guides have “been there, done that” many times before and can save families time, money, and make more memories as a result. Experienced travel guides know where the wildlife can be found at different times of the day, where to take the best pictures, and hidden spots to make holiday dreams come true when time and vacation days are in short supply.

While nature and wildlife are an important part of any trip to Costa Rica, no vacation to the region would be complete without experiencing a little bit of adventure. On this trip, Austin-Lehman managed to bring adventure safely down to the level of an elementary school child. Our small group experienced an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip, mounted surefooted horses for a leisurely afternoon ride, paddled kayaks along narrow jungle waterways, hiked to cascading waterfalls, took a nighttime beach walk to watch Atlantic Green sea turtles lay their eggs in the dark sand, and cruised through an intricate web of jungle canals.

Opportunities for cultural enrichment also added a unique family focus to our itinerary. Special activities for families include a morning visit to a local farmers’ market, classroom activities with third-grade students at a public school, lunches at local area restaurants, a visit to a banana plantation and banana processing plant, and interactions with residents in the village of Tortuguero. Our little group learned much from these cultural activities and all of us came away with vivid memories of these experiences.

Family travel tours such as Austin-Lehman’s distill the best of Costa Rica into a short period of time, allowing families to make the most of their vacation. On our trip, we managed to pack in a number of activities within driving distance of San Jose, as well as in Tortuguero and the Orosi valley regions. Itineraries are “road tested” by tour operators and families, so vacationers get the best of what works and is most appealing to parents and their younger children.

As any parent knows, family car trips in unfamiliar foreign destinations can often be a nerve-wracking and painful form of torture – especially with younger children. On this trip, however, navigation and transportation were a breeze thanks to Felipe, our experienced van driver, and Federico, our kid-friendly guide. They knew all of the best places for souvenir purchases, unexpected bathroom stops, and roadside refreshments for our group. Federico captivated the children with nature stories and tales of Costa Rican culture, the kids sang songs together to keep themselves entertained, and a series of interesting planned stops helped to break up any long travel times.

An added bonus of our Austin-Lehman Family Adventure was the camaraderie that developed between members of the group. These unique tours allow families with children ages 5-12 to travel together, enabling kids to make new friends and contributing to a more relaxing vacation for adults. Designated family departures are designed to meet the needs of families with younger travelers and the specially selected tour guides understand the importance of kid-friendly foods, parental concerns about safety, entertainment on van trips, and other common family travel issues. Itineraries have been adjusted to match the rhythm of family travel with younger children and distinctive kid-friendly accommodations with pools were chosen for a peak family holiday experience.

Parents who enjoy independent travel on most family vacations will find that Austin-Lehman Family Adventures meets their needs for spontaneity and individual experiences. The guides and operations staff work hard to ensure that they exceed each vacationer’s expectations. Although group activities have been designed for families with elementary school aged kids, there is enough free time to accommodate individual activities and the particular interests of adult group members. For even more customization, family groups of ten or more can put together their own exclusive group adventure or take over one of the existing Austin-Lehman trip departures. For families with teens, Austin-Lehman’s Costa Rica Multi-Sport trips are just the ticket, providing more intense excitement and adventure.

For more information on Austin-Lehman Family Adventures, call 1-800-575-1540 or visit the company’s website at www.austinlehman.com.

If You Go:

• Make sure to take along a good camera, several disposable cameras for the kids, extra batteries or a battery charger, binoculars, rain gear, insect repellant, sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or higher, sunglasses, copies of all passports, a travel clock with an alarm, travel Woolite, at least two sets of clothes that dry quickly, and plenty of film. If you will be visiting during turtle nesting season and plan to participate in the evening turtle walk, dark slacks, shirts, and closed-toe shoes are also needed.
• Be aware of seasonal weather differences and plan your vacation accordingly. Costa Rica’s rainy season (often called the Green season) generally stretches from May through late November, while the dry season is generally December through April. Peak travel season is during the drier months, so trips will be more expensive during those times. If seeing nesting Atlantic Green sea turtles is important to your family, the months of June through early September are best for travel.
• If your family enjoys beach destinations, consider planning a trip extension to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The beaches are beautiful and there are a number of family-friendly resorts and unique nature-oriented destinations along the coast. Tour companies such as Austin-Lehman can help in making travel plans. In addition, Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com) offers small ship cruises to unique destinations along the Pacific Coast with family departures during the summer months.
• Advise Austin-Lehman in advance if your family has any special preferences or needs. Austin-Lehman is highly customer focused, and the company sends every guest a questionnaire in advance to help learn more about their requirements. In addition, if any specific aspects of the itinerary are particularly important to you, make sure to let the company know in advance so that they can help in choosing the best departure date for your interests.
• Costa Rica’s schools are often in need of supplies. For your school visit, consider bringing along inexpensive supplies such as pencils, markers, pens, and other items. Postcards and maps from home are also appreciated. If you are interested, contact Austin-Lehman in advance of your visit to find out what items might be most useful at the time.
• The Caribbean Conservation Corps in Tortuguero offers the opportunity for visitors to adopt a sea turtle. The adoption package is beautiful and was highly personalized at the time of our visit, making it a wonderful souvenir. If you are interested in adopting a sea turtle, make sure to budget the $25 needed for each adoption kit.

Nancy Schretter is the Managing Editor at Family Travel Network
www.familytravelnetwork.com

Family vacations always involve a lot of taking. We take plane trips and tons of pictures. We take excursions and take in all the sights.

Taking a family vacation to an interesting destination is exciting, but it’s often more rewarding when we give back as well. As my mother always said, “It’s better to give than receive.”

Traveling with a purpose adds meaning to trips, provides opportunities for personal development, and offers new perspectives and real-life insights about the world around us. Many families would like to help others when they travel, but don’t have the time or money to take a separate vacation focused exclusively on volunteer travel. Doing good while on vacation is easy, you just have to know where to look. Our family has made giving back an integral part of many of our vacations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, and these unique experiences have often been one of the most memorable parts of our trips.

Giving back on your next family vacation requires a little pre-trip planning, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Just bring along a backpack of school supplies or take some extra clothes in your suitcase when you go on a cruise or travel to a resort location. There are schools and orphanages that desperately need your help in many locations throughout the world. Just make sure to check out the customs laws for the countries you will be visiting to see what is permissible to bring. Detailed information on country customs requirements is available on the U.S. State Department website.

Numerous resorts and cruise ports in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America are located near schools, orphanages and other community organizations that urgently need in-kind donations of school supplies, books, clothing, shoes, and other personal items. Some resorts, such as Casa de Campo, Barceló Punta Cana and the Sun Village Resorts in the Dominican Republic, have established formal volunteer and in-kind donation programs to support organizations in their areas. Still others have established U.S. non-profit funds to support their local communities, such as the Old Road Fund at Curtain Bluff in Antigua. At many resorts, informed concierges may help you achieve your goals. If you are vacationing at a resort and would like to make a difference while in the area, see the related article on helping others on resort vacations for detailed tips and suggestions.

Cruise vacations are some of the easiest vacations to combine with giving back, as independent shore excursions can often make a stop at a school or orphanage along the way. In some ports such as Cozumel, a number of attractions and beach clubs serve as convenient drop-off points for donations of school supplies for local charities. In other locations, a few organizations will come to the cruise port to pick up items. In Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, the interest in social responsibility and giving back has become so significant that local tour operators have added pages on their websites to provide detailed information on giving back to local schools and other organizations. See our article on helping others on cruise vacations for tips on combining cruise vacations with giving back to others.

If you are going on vacation to the Caribbean, Mexico or Central America and would like to make a difference, take a look at the country links on the right-hand sidebar of this article to locate just a few of the many organizations that can use your help. Through our research, the Family Travel Network has located schools, orphanages, charities and organizations that welcome in-kind donations to assist in their endeavors. A number of these organizations have been visited. In many cases, we have relied on the information provided by volunteers, directors, and other individuals involved with these groups and we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. We encourage you to use the information you find here as a starting point for doing your own independent research on these organizations and determining which, if any, you would like to help on your travels.

Nancy Schretter is the Managing Editor at Family Travel Network
www.familytravelnetwork.com