Climate change and concern for our environment means that many brides and grooms today are considering eco-friendly or ‘green’ wedding ideas for their wedding and they will also take this a step further and explore eco-friendly alternatives for their honeymoon.
You can with a little bit of planning and some effort have an eco-friendly honeymoon that fits within your wedding budget.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that eco-friendly or green honeymoon equates to roughing it a tiny two person tent in the middle of no where without any comforts of home or staying in a hippy style mud hut with shared communal facilities. Whilst, you can choose these options if you wish - you don’t have too.
There are many different eco-friendly options available ranging from luxurious eco-resorts and lodges, to eco-certified hotels, motels, guesthouses and bed and breakfast accommodation available to you that have some adherence to green tourism principles.
Yes, it is possible to have the eco-friendly honeymoon you desire and look after our planet at the same time.
By far the easiest option is to have an eco-friendly travel agent or consultant plan the whole trip. But if you are prepared to do some groundwork you can make savings and have some fun along the way.
Here are Your Wedding Wardrobe tips.
Take a look in your own backyard - consider exploring honeymoon destinations that are closer to home. You might be pleasantly surprised with the range of activities and attractions that are available just around the corner.
Traveling locally has the further advantage of minimising your travel footprint. You can use local public transport for sightseeing and take advantage of local guides and tourist information.
If you must drive your car be a safe and responsible driver:
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Maintain and service your car regularly for optimal efficiency.
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Upgrade your tyres when needed and inflate to maximum recommend pressure.
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Take your time drive slowly and use cruise control for a long trip.
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Don’t speed, brake heavily or accelerate too quickly.
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Don’t overload your vehicle.
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If driving a manual car - use the correct gears and place the car in neutral if stopped at traffic lights.
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Turn off the engine if stopped in heavy banked up traffic.
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Plan regular rest breaks and schedule time to meet the locals and for sightseeing and
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Most of all be courteous and respectful to other road users.
Find more driving safety tips and information on driving holidays at the local Automobile Association in your State.
Check out the Green Vehicle Guide for more eco-friendly driving information.
Carbon offset your emissions whether your mode of transport is by car or air.
Whilst the followings list is not exhaustive more information on carbon offsetting can be found on the following websites.
Carbon Neutral - turn emissions into trees. Website: http://www.carbonneutral.com.au/
Natural Strategies Group - started in 2005 to blend work, passion and personal growth into a vibrant business and sustainable lifestyle. Website:http://www.naturalstrategies.com.au/
Green Pig Carbon Offset - making it easy for you to do something for our planet.Website: http://www.greenpig.com.au/
Green Fleet - exists to make a difference not a profit. Website:http://www.greenfleet.com.au/
Choose a unique and memorable experience that you both like. Ideally your eco-friendly honeymoon should provide a touch of romance and togetherness without compromising your eco-friendly commitment to our planet.
There are many eco-friendly luxurious resorts, retreats and lodges in Australia and many offer a range of activities and indulgences that can be included in your honeymoon package such as:
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Spa treatments
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Massage
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Yoga
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Meditation
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Bush walking
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Canoeing
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Cycling
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Swimming etc.
Here are some more ideas.
If you want to experience indulgence and luxury.
The Canopy Treehouses is one of Australia’s most unique accommodation and wildlife experiences. We invite you to relax in the privacy and luxury of one of our six treehouses and enjoy the rainforest around you that is teeming with wildlife. Website: http://www.canopytreehouses.com.au/
Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa - Wake to the gentle sounds of nature and enjoy total pampering in the unique Daintree Spa. Website: http://www.daintree-ecolodge.com.au/
Paperbark Camp - provides a truly unique and genuine Australian bush experience that is both ecologically and financially sustainable. Luxury tented accommodation with wonderful food & warm hospitality, in beautiful Jervis Bay. Website: http://www.paperbarkcamp.com.au/
If you like adventure and the outdoors a walking or cycling holiday might suit you and your partner.
Australian Walking Holidays - experience the unique wilderness areas in Australia close-up with a fabulous walking holiday. Website: http://www.australianwalkingholidays.com.au/
Auswalk - easy on the sole offer quality accommodated walking holidays in Australia. Website: http://www.auswalk.com.au/
Cycling Tours bike riding excellence- offer guided or self guided cycling adventures in Australia and New Zealand. Website: http://www.cyclingtours.com.au/
Pedaloz - offer a 7 day tour of the Margaret River region including accommodation. Website: http://www.pedaloz.com.au/
Rejuvenate and relax in comfortable surroundings.
Voyages Hotels and Resorts Website: http://www.voyages.com.au,www.ayersrockresort.com.au/
Petrac Leisure Resort Website: www.noosanorthshore.com.au
Thala Beach Lodge Website: http://www.thalabeach.com.au/
For more information on eco- tourism and to find more eco- certified accommodation and tours go to the Ecotourism Australia website.
For more eco friendly honey moon destinations check out Natural Weddings and the Green Wedding Guide.
I hope that this article inspires you to try something different for your honeymoon and open your mind to different travel experience.
Trish Loader
www.yourweddingwardrobe.com.au
