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This month we celebrate the glories of Mother Nature with
articles on gardens and nature's beauty throughout the world – both ones that have been masterly
crafted by people and those created randomly by nature.
If you prefer your nature wild and untamed – Botswana’s
Okavango Delta, the national parks of the United States or the cloud forests of
Costa Rica – our hosts can help you explore nature in its elemental glory.
For those of you who enjoy the handiwork of man, we have
dozens of tour hosts, museums and gardens where you can feast your eyes on
native and transplanted flora and fauna – trimmed, hedged and molded to fit
human ideals.
Whichever path you take into this wonderful world of plants
and animals, remember that we are all interdependent. If we abandon tending to
the needs of our environment and the creatures with which we share this planet,
nature will in short order cease providing us with the clean air, water and the
food
we need to survive.
Responsible and eco-friendly tourism is essential in assuring
our existence. When making your travel plans, please look for companies that
give back to their communities and follow basic guidelines for sustainability.
Together we can make a difference.
This
month's tour hosts review:
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National Parks and Conservation Association
Pick of
the Month |
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Location: United States |
| Specialty: Multi-day guided tours
through the parks |
| Why
We Like Them: Encompassing all of America’s national parks, the
National Parks and Conservation Association is the top pick for travelers
wanting to explore a variety of the nation’s natural treasures in one trip.
Founded over 80 years ago, the Association displays eco-tourism’s principles
at their best. Offering a great educational experience for nature lovers young
and old, the Association’s mission of ensuring that future generations will
have the ability to discover the wonders of our diverse geography and the
natural glories our country, makes it a natural choice for the month’s Tour
Host Pick.
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Eco Africa Botswana |
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Location: Botswana |
| Specialty:
Luxury mobile photographic and general interest safaris |
| Why
We Like Them: Raised in the safari business, Roger Dugmore combines his
love of photography with his knowledge of Botswana to create wonderful
experiences for camera fans and general nature lovers. Eco Africa Botswana’s
mobile safaris allow travelers to get closer to the animals in their
native habitat than lodge-based options. Offering both set-departures and custom
designed mobile safaris, the company’s all-inclusive journeys are sure to
please. |
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Adventure Photography |
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Location: Western United States |
| Specialty: Wildlife photography tours |
| Why
We Like Them: Cathy and Gordon Illg have been photographing wildlife for
over 20 years. Their tours lead the determined photographer to places of
remarkable beauty where you can get up close to the animals in their own
habitats. Seasonal tours visit meadows, forests, beaches and deserts, and
include wildlife refuges, national parks, the open plains and the majestic
Rockies. |
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Article:
Beauty & the Beasts
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Red Rock -n Llamas |
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Location: Utah |
| Specialty:
Llama treks into the red rock canyons of Southern Utah |
| Why
We Like Them: Explore the wonders
of Southern Utah with expert guides and friendly pack llamas. A deluxe camping
experience where travelers can learn about the geology of the canyons and mesas,
as well as the flora and fauna, archeology and history of the region, make this
a wonderful adventure for nature lovers. Offering a different destination each
month, Red Rock allows hikers of all skill levels explore and discover the
ecology of the area. |
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Article:
Escalante Canyons Explorations
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Yawanago |
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Location: Belize |
| Specialty:
Educational tours exploring the beauty of Belize and Guatemala
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| Why
We Like Them:
Besides exploring the archeological wonders of the country,
Yawanago includes visits to the abundant natural delights of the region. Their
12-day tour includes Mayan ruins and other archaeological splendors, as well as
wildlife and marine reserves. Discover one of the world’s most biologically
diverse regions with a small group of intrepid travelers, and savor the beauty
of the local people as well as the land. |
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Article: An Intrepid Tour of
Belize’s Wild Gardens |
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Chicago Botanic Garden |
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Location: Midwest United States |
| Specialty: 26 separate themed gardens |
| Why
We Like Them: 2.2 million plants on 385 acres allow visitors to discover
the garden’s collection of flora and fauna in a naturalized setting. Enjoy an
English walled garden, a Japanese garden, native plants, a prairie setting and
even a section of the Skokie River that has been developed to demonstrate
options for natural methods to enhance urban waterways. Every season has it own
special blooms and the garden has a fantastic web site that lets visitors
virtually explore a wealth of garden types and plants from around the world. |
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Church House Tours |
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Location: Dorset England |
| Specialty:
Unique accommodations and local day tours |
| Why
We Like Them:
Accommodations in an 18th century thatched house with a
wonderful old world garden and personalized day trips to the surrounding area
are the highlights of a visit with Paul
and Susy Wilson, proprietors of Church House Tours. Tour options include The
Ocean and The English Seaside, The Wye Valley and Secret Gardens,
or have Paul and Susy custom design a journey for you. |
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