It’s the summer season again! We all know what this means! Sand, sun, sea and surf! Locals will again groan in annoyance as tourists fill their beaches. More people will make travel plans to the world’s best shores. Expect more Americans relaxing in the Caribbean. Yep, just another summer for all of us.

This summer, however, I’ve decided to make a little different. I’ve decided to take my friends on an eco-friendly beach trip. It’s kind of like a normal beach trip, but more environment-friendly like. But I would need guidelines. These are the tips I came up with so that this summer, you won’t be like those people who litter on the beach without a care.

1. Don’t take anything! I know the urge to keep that beautiful shell is overwhelming, but maybe it’s better if you leave it there as it is. I confess that I’m guilty of this. This has the added benefit of avoiding anything stinging or pinching you! I remember the last time I tried to catch a crab in a beach. I can barely remember it, but there was pain and screaming, and at the end, no crab. Just really sore fingers, and other parts I won’t mention. Sea urchins? I never want to touch one. If you absolutely have to take something, make do with a photo.

2. Don’t leave anything! It’s easy to forget cleaning up your mess when you’re having such a good time, but remember, this isn’t a house party. This is nature. Trash drifts off to sea and can endanger wildlife. Pick up after yourself like your mother always told you! Or have the woman herself along. My mother just loves to tell me to pick up after myself. I learned that at five, thank you mom.

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3. Watch the pets. Some of my friends bring their dog to the beach and the furry things always poop all over the place! This, if you’re not aware, is a bad thing. Feces can house many forms of bacteria that can be washed out to sea and straight in your mouth. Take a moment to consider (and purge from your mind) that mental image. If you’re bringing an animal, look out for their droppings and clean them. Plus, spreading poop around ruins the view. Try to keep them away from the water, too. If they pee in it, it won’t be good for you or any of the people around you.

4. Sail slow. Motorboats are fast, but eat fuel and release harmful gases into the air. If you want to go out to sea, why not use a sailboat? Try not to use that backup motor and just use the ocean breeze to get you where you want to go. To me, drifting along the waves is very relaxing instead of speeding along it.

Whew! I know it will be a pain to get them to follow, but I’ll do my best. What eco-friendly tips are you practicing this summertime? Tell me so I can have one more over their heads. Hehehe.

Gosh!  One of my closest girlfriends just got married!  Whee!  I’m so excited!  (You’re probably a thousand-plus altitudes above sea-level by now.)

Weeks before, she was consulting me about The Perfect Honeymoon.  (And you’d have to take note that I put in proper capitalizations on that one, because honey, if you’re reading this, I know you and Rowell will grow old together, so there won’t be anymore chances to take that honeymoon!)  If you haven’t already noticed, I’m pretty partial to sunshine-y tropical lands.  You know what I told her?  “You know what the big boss of romantic getaways is? — The West Indies.”

“It’s not as tourist-loaded as the Bahamas, and probably has less celebs (and the paparazzi posse that follows them!) than Barbados, so it’s perfect!”

Then we started talking about what we’d do there — a morning dip at the beach, some pancakes and tropical fruit juice for breakfast, biking by the street sides, haggling with street vendors for that cute little trinket, a nice long bath, an afternoon at the spa, beach volleyball, a nice swim during midday, a nice long stroll as the sun sets, followed by a candlelit dinner by the beach.  Cotton House or Rendezvous seem perfect for doing all these. 

Call me cheesy, but yes!  I’m a tad bit jealous!  Congratulations!

P.S.

They went to Jeju Island instead.  Oh well, there’s always a second honeymoon … or my turn!

If you’re not a lover of nature, you may stop reading this.

And for those nature lovers and nature wanderers, explore what nature brings to you the luxury of a tranquil and relax world. Witness the agape while communing with nature.

This is no way near serene. I love exploring wonderlands. The hills, the mountains, the seas, and even the underwater, the sparkling springs, and a long stretch of pristine beach are like a sprint to paradise.

That’s me!

For others this is almost unreal in a modern day world. But I still keep my faithfulness to nature and its laws. Almost three times a year, I see to it that I would have my island destination. Where there is a luxury link to a pristine without remaining primitive, convenient and comfortable without annoying commercial – a long stretch of beach.

I see to it that there is abundance of natural attractions on a small price of land lying of the coast. I usually go for a cheap but luxurious travel that is included in vacation package. In my last vacation, the island is about an hour drive around. This island has waterfalls, hot springs, cold springs, caves, Spanish galleon era relics, even volcanoes and a pool of soda water. Where we actually drink the water we swim in! Hahaha

I love the beach, farther out is a blinding strip of white sand above a gleaming turquoise sea. Below the water are reefs, one of which are canyon ridges that were formed from a past volcanic eruption. This is now laden with aquatic life that is celebrated as prime dive sites. With a ten-minute banca ride from the shore brings us to this impressive sandbar that bulges out of the open sea. As we are looking for a beach in this island, it leads us on this islet. This is a good focal point for travel or should I say exploring the island.

Inland, there are numerable sites that will keep a nature lover like me busy for days. The Falls is easily accessible and refreshing while therapeutic hot springs is located further on. Camping grounds surround the little steaming pool. Sadly to say, this is an island in stasis – modernization and progress is making its inevitable way in.

Still at the dive site, a pair of eel that stare curiously at the camera.

We happen to chat up with a fellow American, who happens to be a resident here. We were offered a dive, beer and pizza! There are even motorcycles for rent. I’m lucky enough to borrow a bicycle. The best way to explore the coastal road is on two wheels. Coz’ the rolling terrain cuts through tree lined villages, forest patches, seaside cliffs and breezy and elevated plains. Since arriving in this island I have ridden my borrowed bike around the island everyday.

We saw a rare Green Sea Turtle at the dive site, was so relaxed that it had to be waken up for this photo.

After almost travelling around the world, I don’t want to leave this island anymore. This is rare, perfect island, a paradise.