Greenloons Names Top Five Green-Friendly Family Packages

Greenloons, which guides travelers to sustainable vacations, offers its top five summer-break adventures for families in 2012. The following operators went through an extensive process of certified third-party vetting before being added to the Greenloons collection.

Spirit of Nepal (12 days; July, August departures; minimum age 12; $2,699 per person) -- This eco-luxury trip explores Nepal by trekking nature paths, viewing architecture including Pashupatinath Temple and the Buddhist holy cities of Boudhanath and UNESCO-protected Bhaktapur and more.

            Realm of the Polar Bear (eight days; June, July, August departures; minimum age 10; $3,599 per person quad, $4,099 per person triple, from $4,899 per person double) -- From close-up encounters with icebergs to the Arctic’s plentiful wildlife, this is a small ship voyage of nonstop highlights. Guests spot whales and polar bears, listen to and watch Arctic birdlife and glaciers, discover breathtaking ice-covered fjords, glimpse herds of Svalbard’s unique reindeer, brave the Arctic waters for a polar plunge and take advantage of time spent with expert guides.

            Swedish Timber Raft Adventure (six days; June, August departures; minimum age 6 and able to swim; from $1,775 per adult, $1,418 per child up to age 15) -- This trip goes rafting through Sweden’s southerly wilderness. Guests under supervision build their own log rafts before going down the river Klarälven, where they’ll pass small villages or just hear the sounds of the spruce forest along the way. Evenings are either in camps or in lodges (guest choice). Other activities include canoeing, photography, fishing, camping and adventure sightseeing.

            Peru Hike, Bike & Raft (16 days; July, August departures; minimum age 12; $2,999 per person) -- Guests hike, bike and paddle through Peru's Andes Mountains and into the jungle below. They conquer the whitewater of the Apurimac River by raft and hike the Inca Trail to the cloud forest citadel of Machu Picchu. Mountain bikes come into play on the descent into the Manu Cloud Forest. There’s more adrenalin to come on optional excursions such as swimming and spotting wildlife around the Palomina Islands.

            Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama (15 days; August departures; minimum age 16; $2,800 per person) -- Central America's narrow isthmus lends itself perfectly to exploration on two wheels. From the colonial hub of Granada to Panama City, guests discover Costa Rica's rainforests, La Fortuna's Arenal Volcano and the island of Bocas del Toro. They visit Lake Nicaragua, cruise along the Tenorio River and snorkel over Panama's reefs before biking along the Panama Canal. On average guests bike 22 miles daily on tarmac (80 percent) and groomed dirt (20 percent) roads.

Greenloons only works with third-party eco-certified tour operators and sustainable tourism accommodation providers. The company provides a level of assurance to eco-conscious travelers that these small group vacations not only offer distinction and quality in pristine natural surroundings, but they have also been independently verified as emphasizing conservation education, respecting local cultural traditions and supporting local communities. For more information, email irene@greenloons.com.