The Transcarpathia region of southwest Ukraine is a unique area, a tourism pearl sometimes called "Little Switzerland." Photo courtesy of Iloveukraine/Tetyana

Today, this grand state beckons travellers to explore its intricate church architecture and delicate frescos, bustling cities and authentic rural villages, and gorgeous natural resources. Along the way, you will discover that there are plenty of cultural myths and stories, the kinds about unique local archetypal characters that will capture your imagination and keep you coming back for more local travel experiences in Ukraine.

Here are just three stories with which to whet your appetites.

The Babushkas of Ukraine’s Cities

Babushka (in Russian) or babusia (in Ukrainian), as Ukrainians call their elderly ladies, are an inevitable sight in any city or town in Ukraine, no matter where you go. Stroll along the cobbled sidewalks in Lviv and you will see them, chatting and singing folk songs in front of the impressive Opera Theatre. Hop on a train headed east and you will be greeted by their curious eyes and voices selling homegrown apples and freshly baked buns with jam or poppy seeds. Head further east and you will find them sitting on every street bench, letting the world pass by in the greenery of Kharkiv’s parks, or selling everything from sunflower seeds to flower bouquets in Donetsk.

Kyiv (Kiev) is the capital city of Ukraine. Photo courtesy of IloveUkraine/Marynka

The cultural phenomenon of babusia in Ukraine is directly tied to the country’s troubled history. The 20th century saw an epic tug of war waged between five empires parceling up the country, two world wars fought on Ukrainian territory, tragic famine and a repressive communist regime. Together, these afflictions laid waste to most of Ukraine’s men, leaving behind the now-familiar crowds of babushkas. It is the stories of these women that make Ukraine so different from other cities in Central Europe.

But there is much more to Ukraine’s cities. Charming Lviv will leave you with the smell of freshly ground coffee, the memory of cosy cobblestone streets in a World Heritage-listed town centre and the air of jazz and classical music. Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, has the ruthless bustle of a teenager, but also wide promenades and maple trees, the sparkling golden domes of St. Sophia Cathedral and painful insights at the National Chernobyl Museum. Further east and south, grandiose Tsars’ palaces pop up along the Black Sea shore, Tatar mosques call for prayer, and statues of Lenin and Karl Marx crowd the streets of like Donetsk and Odessa.

The Hutsul highlanders of Ukraine are an ethno-cultural that group that still uses ages-old traditional practices and wears traditional clothing for major celebrations. Photo courtesy of Igor Melika

The Traditional Hutsul Highlanders

Far from the urban scapes of Ukraine’s cities are traditional rural villages dotting the hills of the Carpathian Mountains. Lush pine forests and hard-to-access trails make it difficult for many travellers to explore the countryside of the Hutsuls, an ethno-cultural group of Ukrainian highlanders. Unlike more heavily explored areas in Central Europe, Ukraine’s Carpathian Mountains remain largely cut off from the main tourist routes. You will find few marked walking trails; organised campsites are virtually non-existent. Most highland roads can only be reached via four-wheel-drive vehicles, on foot or by the horse cart. Few if any people speak English, and most still live by the centuries-old customs of their ancestors.

Hutsul society was traditionally based on forestry and logging, as well as cattle and sheep breeding. Right up until the present day, the month of May marks the Hutsul’s most exciting and colourful celebrations, a time when Hutsul shepherds leave their homes to spend three months herding flocks of sheep and producing delicious cheese known locally as brynza.

Stepping into a Hutsul house in Ukraine is a trip back in time. One of the joys is a taste of delicious homemade cheese known locally as 'brynza.' Photo courtesy of Igor Melika

Stepping into a rural Hutsul house is a trip back in time: you can sample delicious homemade bread, enjoy fresh water from deeply-dug wells, taste vegetables from the local fields and even try on colourful Hutsul clothes, still worn on major village celebrations.

Hutsul people are also famous for their incredible craftsmanship. At the local bazaar, you may find beautifully and intricately decorated eggs, ornate clothing and delicate woodwork.

Travellers lucky enough to spend a day or two in the Hutsul villages during traditional holiday celebrations will come away mesmerised by the whirlwind of colours, timeless customs, plentiful dinners and authentic culture carefully preserved on the outskirts of Europe.

The Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine in winter. Photo courtesy of Igor Melika

The Vast Expanses of Nature

The Dnieper – Ukraine’s largest and Europe’s second-longest river – is bested only by the Danube. So great is its presence, ”Rare is the bird that flies to the middle of the Dnieper,” wrote Nicolai Gogol, a well-known Russian and Ukrainian writer. And while the Dnieper is definitely not the majestic waterway it was during Gogol’s lifetime, it remains an impressive and imposing sight, a symbol of Ukraine’s stunning natural landscapes.

Beyond the Dniepr, due to the sheer vastness of the territory, Ukraine can satisfy even the pickiest nature lover. Dense forests in the north hide countless rivers, marshes, lakes and swamps. In the west the gentle peaks of the Carpathian Mountains tower over the lush valleys, underground caves and World Heritage-listed beech forests boasting an abundance of wildlife. The south brings the warm sunshine, pebbled beaches and the grand Black Sea.

The Dniepr River is Ukraine's largest and Europe's second-longest river. Photo courtesy of Iloveukraine/Yevgen Pohulaylo

Whether you choose to go hiking in the Carpathian highlands, kayaking along the winding rivers or just enjoy sipping your morning coffee at the artsy cafes of Lviv, don’t forget to listen to the background stories of caring babusias, welcoming Hutsuls, cheerful women, ambitious youngsters, fearless Cossacks and countless others that form an eccentric and yet truthful-to-the-core mosaic of Ukraine, Europe’s largest unexplored frontier.

For an up-close glimpse of local Ukrainian culture – the unique combination of a proud and cosmopolitan European past, eclectic communist history and newly reasserted independence – try the wide range of Ukraine holiday packages available though Gunyah, a marketplace of authentic local experiences and tours for independent travellers.

Most of Corfu’s churches were built in the 17th and the 18th centuries, as a result of religious freedoms granted by the Venetians who held sway over the Mediterranean. Most of the churches belonged to guilds or rich families who were able to afford the construction costs. Characteristic features of the Corfiot churches include the style of their facades, influenced by Italian churches of the 16th century, their tower-like belfry and a ceiling decorated with paintings and frescoes.

Corfu Town has only about 20 churches – many of them very small. Because space in the town is limited, they are to be found squeezed in between houses. Corfu’s most famous church is the St. Spyridonas, which was constructed in 1590 and dedicated to Aghios (Saint) Spyridonas. According to legend, he twice performed the miracle of expelling the plague and the Corfiots call him “Αγιος Σπυρίδων ο πολιούχος” – “Saint Spyridon, the Keeper of the City” as a result. His relics are kept here in a silver urn from the 19th Century and four times a year (11 August, first Sunday of November, Palm Sunday and Holy Saturday) his relics are carried around the streets of the city, in memory of the miraculous actions that saved Corfu and its inhabitants.

Another famous church is Pontikonissi which, along with the beautiful Vlacherna Monastery, is one of the best-known postcard motifs of Corfu Island. Pontikonissi is home to the Pantokrator monastery. Its white stone staircase, viewed from afar, gives the impression of a mouse tail which has resulted in the nickname ‘mouse island’ (and not because it’s home of many mice!). The legend says, that this monastery is the stone-still ship of the Faiakes (Corfiots, according to the Homeric epics) as the god Poseidon punished them for providing help to Odysseus.

Vlacherna with its little convent of the Virgin Mary is painted snow white and has a single tall cypress tree. Pontikonissi and Vlacherna, located in Kanoni, are absolute ‘must see’ sights – small taxi boats are available at Vlacherna to take you to Pontikonissi for a small fee.

Another religious site which is well worth a visit is the Byzantine monastery of the Paleokastritsa (West Corfu). Located on a green hill above the bay and dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary), it is also called Theotokos monastery. Parts of this monastery date back to 1228; however the current complex, the cells of the monks and the yard are from the 18th century. The monastery houses a small ecclesiastical museum with rare Byzantine icons, holy books and other relics. However, most interesting of all, monks still live here, conducting traditional masses, providing hospitality and offering regular tours of the grounds and museum.

During a trip to Corfu, you must take the time to visit one of the village churches as each location has its own captivating charm. Village churches are mostly placed in the village centre with the village square in front flanked by Kafenions. This is the traditional local gathering place and is also where many festivals are held.

Don’t just pass by. Pop in a Kafenion for a Greek coffee or a tsitsibyra (the tasty Corfiot ginger ale), watch and chat with the locals. You will love it!

Planning a trip to Corfu? Contact Corfu Sunspots, the whl.travel local connection (one of the best whl.travel local experts of 2011), for all expert advice about travel in Corfu, including accommodation, tours, activities and more.

Their practice in experiential and mindful travel and their locals’ knack for identifying, explaining and sustaining the distinctive qualities of a place make them the perfect go-to people for travellers looking for unique ways to experience a destination. But sometimes, when travellers prepare to hit the road, they’re not choosy about where they want to go: they’re actively looking only for the best of the best – the best experiences in the best destinations based on information from the best travel experts.

To facilitate that process, whl.travel has announced the winners of its 2011 internal competitive performance review. Based on their work in 2011, four tour operators – one from each of four broad geographical areas – have been singled out as models for a set of whl.travel standards critical to the operation of their own businesses but also fundamental to the success of the global network. Assessment criteria included response times and customer service, maintaining an active social media presence and keeping destination Web portals up to date.

The whl.travel local partner in Malawi: The Responsible Safari Company (left to right: Chimwemwe Siyabu, Kate Webb, Dom Webb, Andrew Kayuni). Photo courtesy of The Responsible Safari Company

Malawi Triumphs in Africa

In Africa, whl.travel is anchored in about 40 destinations across 20 countries. Taking honors on this continent was the Responsible Safari Company, the whl.travel local connection for Malawi. Apart from demonstrating a strong commitment to community development through sustainable tourism initiatives, they have proven that they are serious about client services.

The whl.travel local connection in Boracay, Philippines: Go Discover Travels (left to right: Kristiana Jorjah Espiritu, Trudy Allen and Chaddy Cocjin; not pictured: Helen Atanacio and John Maclang). Photo courtesy of Go Discover Travels

The Philippines Shine in Asia and the Pacific

The whl.travel local partners in Nepal, the Philippines and northeast India stood out from the mix of more than 70 destinations in 26 countries in Asia and Oceania; however, it was the Philippines’ Go Discover Travels, one of the first partners to join the whl.travel network, that came out on top for their whl.travel Boracay Travel website. They also manage portals in the Philippines for Cebu, Palawan and Manila.

The whl.travel local expert in Corfu, Greece: Corfu Sunspots Travel (right to left: Sandra Broedner and Chrysa Tsakalakou; Andronikos Moutos not pictured). Photo courtesy of Corfu Sunspots Travel

Corfu Takes the Limelight in Europe and the Middle East

Corfu Sunspots Travel Ltd, the whl.travel local expert in Corfu, Greece, ranked above approximately 40 other destinations in about 20 countries in Europe and the Middle East. What started as a small family-run business back in 1986 has blossomed into one of Corfu‘s largest, most reputable and successful agencies.

The whl.travel local partner in Santa Marta, Colombia: Las Pleyades (Fabiola Duerig and Oliver Blanco). Photo courtesy of Las Pleyades

Colombia Conquers in the Americas

The whl.travel local connection in Santa Marta, Colombia, was crowned the winner in the Americas, where there are about 50 whl.travel destinations in 15 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The site for Santa Marta is owned and operated by Las Pleyades, a small company that is a big player when it comes to developing social and environmental travel.

“While every network is only as strong as its weakest link, it’s also as ambitious as its strongest,” commented Rob Shortland, CEO of whl.travel. “whl.travel relies on each local operator to help build and develop our shared global brand. If we want travellers to support local companies then it’s essential that their service standards compete with, if not exceed, that of the large global powerhouses. Add in a large dollop of local knowledge and we’re tough to beat.”

This beautiful section of the Italian Riviera is known for its eponymous Cinque Terre or ‘Five Lands’ – five picturesque villages and the surrounding carefully-terraced farmland that have been insulated from outside influences for generations. This spectacular territory was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, but tourism has proven to be something of a poisoned chalice. The sudden inflow of visitors has placed major strain on the area’s infrastructure and the desire to capitalise has seen tension between developers and local residents grow.

It was the problems that these growing pains posed for the region that the Vendemmia documentary team set out to document when filming began in 2008. Then, unexpectedly, after the team wrapped up their filming in late 2010, a sudden series of events struck the area.

A scandal broke, revealing evidence of widespread political corruption, compounding the problems already facing Cinque Terre. Land deals and development projects that posed a threat to the area’s outstanding natural beauty and traditional ways of life were under way.

Local residents, already facing the challenge of coping with a booming tourist industry that threatened to destroy their livelihoods, were outraged at the extent to which the land which they called home was being exploited.

Further disaster came in the form of severe rainfall in October 2011. The extreme weather caused widespread flooding and mudslides, resulting in several deaths and major damage to two of Cinque Terre’s villages, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare.

Knowing that they could not let these new problems go undocumented and compelled by their love of the region and its people, Weller and Boeckle realised that they would have to revisit major sections of their film if it was to achieve its objective of bringing awareness and support to Cinque Terre.

In order to finance the project, the team at Harvest Films Productions have opted to use kickstarter.com to raise the necessary funds. With nine days still to run, the project has already secured its ‘bare-bones’ funding package of $2,600, but additional support will contribute greatly to their ability to deliver an excellent and effective product.

We wish Weller, Boeckle and their team all the best for the project and join them in spreading the message about the importance of sustainability in tourism. The situation in Cinque Terre could apply to any number of other destinations.

Let’s not destroy what we’re trying to love.

Eastern Europe in particular is a great place to check out the growing markets – try those in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania – while farther in the west of the continent, the funky holiday Christmas stirred up in Amsterdam each year is not to be missed.

Riga, Latvia, site of the very first decorated Christmas tree, has not forgotten its heritage. Don't miss the annual Yule-log lighting ceremony meant to burn away the previous year's sins. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Jani.Halinen

Riga, Latvia

Nestled in the snowy enclave of Dome Square of Riga, Latvia, the two-month-long Christmas Market pays homage to the place where the world’s first Christmas tree was decorated! It was apparently adorned with flowers to honour the birth of Christ. Today, as we know, the practice has evolved and spread to all corners of the world. Still approximately 350,000 people visit the Riga market each year.

In addition to Christmas trees, visitors can peruse a variety of handmade wooden toys and woollen sweaters, sample freshly made gingerbread and sauerkraut (not together!) and, of course, imbibe some of Riga’s famous piping-hot mulled wine.

Be sure to book a hotel in Riga for the night of December 22, when the famous winter solstice celebration marks the decoration of the central Christmas tree in Riga and the lighting of the Yule log to burn away the sins of the previous year.

WHEN: The Christmas Market in Riga is usually from around the last week in November through the first week in January, and opens daily at 10am.

With its dramatic air aerobatics, numerous music concerts and Old Town charm, the Christmas Market in Vilnius, Lithuania, is quickly rivalling larger showings elsewhere in Eastern Europe. Photo courtesy of Evaldas

Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius’ Christmas Market is a newcomer to the Eastern Europe festival scene, but has quickly grown to rival its bigger brothers in Prague and Poland.

Music is the highlight of this celebration, with music halls and cafes enlivened by classical concerts and carols. Vilnius’ surrounding Old Town is set aglow with soft twinkling lights and rollicks with events in the city’s 50 churches.

WHEN: The Christmas Market in Vilnius takes place on Odminiu Square and runs from mid-December through early January with nightly fireworks displays and singing in the streets.

Home to 26 separate Christmas markets, from the funky to the aromatic, Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, can liven up any holiday, even at the Christmas Flower Market (seen above). Photo courtesy of Flickr/Northcountry Boy

Amsterdam, Netherlands

It should come as no surprise that Amsterdam is home to not one, but 26 Christmas markets! One of the more unusual of the bunch, though, is the Funky Christmas market, where craft stalls offer a variety of aromatic and handmade crafts. The Winterland Christmas market is much more traditional, complete with an ice-skating rink, snowmen and too-numerous-to-count Christmas trees between stalls of hot cocoa and mulled wine.

While choosing a hotel in Amsterdam can be a bit dizzying, all markets in the city are as unique as the districts in which they are held. The Flower District’s market, for example, is filled with the fragrance of pine and mistletoe.

Not to be missed is the mid-November Saint Nicholas Parade and the Christmas tree at Dam Square.

WHEN: The Amsterdam holiday markets are generally held throughout the month of December.

The Christmas Market of Tallinn, Estonia, may be off the beaten track, but travellers would be hard pressed to find a more fairytale-like display away from the usual crowds. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Katja Maasing

Tallinn, Estonia

In Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, the Christmas Market is legendary, hailed as one of the 10 best Christmas markets in Europe. It regularly draws tens of thousands of visitors to this picturesque town that, with its usually timely blanket of snow, resembles a picture-perfect Christmas card.

Although the temperature at Christmas in Estonia is customarily well below zero, it doesn’t stop revellers from bundling up and taking in the lights and wooden stalls of felted hats and holiday wreathes made from the finest artisans from all over the world. Also not to missed is the fairytale-like Christmas Village, where children can feed and pet rabbits and lambs, while dancers from Estonia’s ethnic groups take the stage. Kids also love to mail a handmade Christmas card home from the aptly named Reindeer Express located in Santa’s Cabin.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the food and Tallinn doesn’t disappoint. Wooden barrels are filled with mulled wine and long platters display spiced gingerbread, blood sausage, cookies and marzipan, while locally made honey and piping hot soups abound.

WHEN: The Tallinn Christmas market is held on Rotermann Square (not Town Hall Square) from the end of November until early January, every day between 10am and 7pm

Part of Traventuria's clean 10-vehicle fleet in Bulgaria is a Mercedes Sprinter that can fit up to nine people. Photo courtesy of Traventuria

Green Transfers and Tours in Bulgaria

For more than 10 years, Traventuria has been providing reliable ground transportation that focuses on all of Bulgaria, but also extends to and from major airports in neighbouring Skopje, Macedonia and Thessaloniki, Greece.

But what really sets Traventuria apart is its fleet of well-maintained vehicles that comply with either Euro 4 or Euro 5 emissions standards, a measure of the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of vehicles sold in European Union. Traventuria’s cars have all been equipped with particle filters and use autogas, a mixture of propane and butane that produces fewer emissions than regular petrol.

More than just a transfer and transportation service, though, Traventuria is an independent tour operator that offers to travellers a suite of tour services. The company has an enticing menu of Bulgaria excursions – everything from active short breaks and wildlife and walking tours to spa and wellness trips. Traventuria can even arrange skiing and snowboarding tours, demonstrating that there really is no such thing as low season in Bulgaria.

Bansko is one of Bulgaria's premier ski resorts that Traventuria services, and one of the pristine alpine landscapes that it cares to conserve

Grounded in Responsible Tourism

Through both transport services and tours, and drawing on years of experience as tour leaders and travelers, the staff of Traventuria demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, going green being something in which Green Path Transfers sees great merit.

“Lots of companies juggle with words like ‘responsible’ and ‘sustainable’ travel, converting them into clichés while giving them vague and broad meanings,” observes Atenas Zahariev of the Traventuria team. “As travellers ourselves, we believe that first-class experiences and unforgettable memories are granted in isolated communities, authentic cultures, preserved habitats and lively traditions. Naturally, we want to protect them for future generations.”

As this awareness of and concern for a sustainable future guides much of Traventuria’s growth, the company is always thinking of new and better ways to act on its guiding principles and to set examples for other tour operators. For example, Traventuria has supported a number of local and international nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) in Bulgaria: as active partners with the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) in Bulgaria, they help conserve the precious ecosystems of the lower Danube River area; they also work with the Cooperation for Voluntary Service in Bulgaria to encourage international exchange and volunteering in Bulgaria; three other partnerships are with the Regional Environmental Center, the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation and the Balkani Wildlife Society.

“We’re involved with basically every NGO that works with nature conservation and protection in Bulgaria,” says Zahariev.

A Traventuria vehicle drops off passengers at the Sofia airport in Bulgaria. All the petrol vehicles in the fleet have been converted to use Autogas LPG. Photo courtesy of Facebook.com/Traventuria

A Bright Partnership

Traventuria has high hopes for Green Path Transfers and the mission to turn more people on to greener forms of transit and transport.

On having joined the innovative Green Path Transfers network, Zahariev says, “We are looking forward to collaborating with Green Path Transfers in Bulgaria to help them extend their presence worldwide, and to help us broaden the number of travellers serviced.”

“We couldn’t have found a better fit for our partner criteria in Bulgaria than Traventuria,” Adrian Cordiner, founder of Green Path Transfers, comments. “They really embody the kind of tourism and transit that Green Path Transfers is about.”

To learn more about Green Path Transfers and the carbon-neutral transfer services it offers growing number of destinations around the globe, visit www.GreenPathTransfers.com.

The author grates zucchini under the watchful eye of Koula Barydakis, the chef-instructor who believes that the food of Crete, Greece, is the healthiest in the world. Photo of Heather Rath

Koula Barydakis, our ebullient chef instructor, began our local cooking lessons by pouring a shot of raki for herself and her students as we toasted the traditional Cretan diet, one of the healthiest in the world, which is a quality Barydakis makes clear in her book, Foods of Crete: Traditional Recipes from the Healthiest People in the World.

Cretan Cuisine Through the Eyes of a Local

“We Cretans eat abundantly but simply, consuming much olive oil, olives, seasonal fruits and vegetables including wild mountain greens (horta), yogurt, cheese, lentils and beans,” Barydakis explained to us. “We eat meat once a week and on special occasions. We always drink a lot of mountain tea (malotera, good for the stomach) while eating bread and olives.” It doesn’t hurt that the food is routinely flavoured with native herbs like oregano, thyme and sage, and that red wine commonly accompanies lunch and dinner.

Even cats have something to contribute to food sustainability in Crete, Greece. Photo courtesy of Heather Rath

When it comes to food, Barydakis even proudly proclaims that Crete has practised sustainable living without using the name. Raki is derived from the residue of grape pressings. Most fruits and vegetables consumed are seasonal, not imported from faraway places. Crops are grown naturally without fertilisers and pesticides, just as they have been for generations. In Barydakis’s village, goats make short work of any scraps of food. Chickens are free range and their fresh eggs contain bright orange yolks. Even the scavenger street cats of Crete are part of the solution!

Modest Origins, Modest Practice

Barydakis recalls how her parents sent her to hairdressing school to learn how to earn a living unaware she also attended cooking school, where she refined the culinary skills learned from her mother and grandmother. At 16, she left Crete to travel abroad but spent most of her new life as a chef in Toronto, Canada’s Greektown before her “blessed island” lured her home again.

Delicious handmade dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with rice) are typical of the cuisine on Crete, Greece. Photo courtesy of Heather Rath

Now she conducts her cooking classes under a patch of cobalt blue sky in an old olive oil press building renovated 10 years ago in Vamos, a traditional Cretan village. In case of rare inclement weather, she moves to a house.

During our session, we chopped, grated, mixed, pressed, formed – and dined on – rooster with Cretan pasta, kalitsounia pies (a sweet cheese pastry), grape leaves with rice (dolmades), zucchini fritters, Greek salad and garlic beets with yogurt salad washed down with liberal amounts of village wine.

A Greek Island Full of Grace

Cretan cooking is not the only lesson Barydakis taught us. She is an exuberant ambassador for her island.

“Crete is a beautiful island filled with bountiful food.’ she enthused. “The wild, natural beauty of the mountains and the ocean make you think that when God created Crete, He created all the beauty the human mind can imagine. The land is so rich with olive, lemon and orange trees, and gardens, the smell alone can make you drunk. The wide variety of herbs and flowers from ancient times found on Crete is still used to cure pains and diseases. Writers, explorers, scientists and tourists all come to Crete to see it, study it, eat the tasty foods, drink the raki and get high on its immortal wines. The people of Crete live simply and always win your heart.”

The market of fresh greens in Crete, Greece, help to make the local cuisine so rich in variety of and nutrition. Photo courtesy of Heather Rath

Barydakis lives her philosophy. Following my lesson, our weekends in Crete soon featured Saturdays with Barydakis. Each week we met for coffee in a different place of Chania, the ancient city on the island’s western shore, after which she took us on a leisurely walking tour to show us excellent local restaurants, and markets, and pointed out where to purchase good local wines. She led us to special churches, monasteries and gave us a thumbnail sketch of Cretan feast holidays. Our education included the island’s Second World War history and how it affected her village and family.

A Dish to Savour: Cheese and Spinach Pie

The dough
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup raki (Barydakis says white wine or lemon juice can be used instead)
a pinch of salt
warm water (as much as needed)
½ cup olive oil

Directions
Mix the ingredients and knead them well. The pastry must be a little soft. Leave it to ‘rest’ for half an hour, covered with a towel.

Zucchini fritters frying in olive oil in Crete, Greece. Photo courtesy of Heather Rath

The Cheese stuffing
Ingredients
Equal amounts of ricotta and feta cheese
2 eggs
chopped sprigs of fresh mint
salt

Directions
Mix all the ingredients together and place on the pastry as below. Roll the dough until it is not more than 1-2 mm thick and then cut it into round shapes of about 8 cm in diameter. Put in a little stuffing and fold in a half moon shape. Seal the edges with a fork. Fry in hot olive oil. When they are browned on both sides, remove and serve.

Kali oreksi, enjoy your meal!

While UNESCO approval of these seven sites is still pending, their worth is certainly not negated by bureaucratic delays. In fact, their absence from the official list means that they have been kept just outside the UNESCO spotlight and perhaps a little farther off the tourist trail than the three recognised attractions: the capital city of Valletta, the fascinating rock-cut chambers of Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and the Megalithic temples of Malta have been on the list since 1980 and experienced heavy tourist traffic as a result.

Here are the seven additional sites that Malta thinks deserve an equal shot at UNESCO protection and a place in the sun:

The coastal cliffs of Malta, nominated as a natural heritage site, rise straight up from the Mediterranean sea. Photo courtesy of flickr/Marc-John Photographic

The Coastal Cliffs

Whereas the three official World Heritage sites have been categorised as ‘cultural’ heritage, the coastal cliffs qualify as a piece of ‘natural’ heritage. Considered a characteristic feature of the region’s landscape, these staggeringly tall limestone precipices rise vertically from the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean. Severe and inaccessible, they provide an important refuge for a number of endangered Maltese floral and faunal species. Here, endemic species like lizards, crabs and moths flourish alongside human thrill-seekers indulging in climbing and abselling.

Grandmaster Lascaris' tower in Dwejra is part of the Qawra/Dwejra area on the Maltese island of Gozo that has been up for UNESCO natural heritage nomination since 1998. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Sudika

Qawra/Dwejra

Just as ‘natural’ a heritage site is the Qawra/Dwejra area on the Maltese island of Gozo. It contains a wealth of geological history, rocky shorelines and diverse wildlife. What gives this area the “universal value” needed for UNESCO status is significance in ongoing ecological and biological processes, evolution and biogeography; the micro-evolutionary processes and development of communities of plants and animals; the exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; and the significant natural habitats set aside for the conservation of biological diversity.

The medieval hilltop city of Cittadella is an area of unofficial cultural heritage on Malta's sister island of Gozo. Photo courtesy of flickr/Bada2222

Cittadella, Gozo

Also on the island of Gozo, Cittadella is an ancient hilltop village, the original settlement of which dates back to the Bronze Age. From this elevated vantage point, the earliest inhabitants could keep an eye on coastal waters and defend the island. Some of the most important Baroque architectural remnants in Cittadella are the cathedral, the prisons, the law courts and the old Bishop’s Palace. Concern about deposits in the vicinity that are being disturbed without prior scientific investigation help Cittadella also meet the criteria of a site of archaeological importance.

Fort St. Angelo, located at the tip of Birgu, is a great example of the various fortifications built by the Knights Hospitalier in the 16th century. It represents Malta's military cultural heritage. Photo courtesy of flickr/bazylek100

Knights’ Fortifications Around the Harbours of Malta

The island of Malta is located in a strategic position that has appealed to militaries throughout history. Defending the island has always been a top priority for its people. As a result, Malta contains one of the finest, most concentrated collections of military architecture in the world. In the 16th century, for example, the Hospitalier Knights began work on fortifying the Grand Harbour. They continued building ramparts at other strategic points, such as Birgu and L-Isla. Two hundred years of construction later, the Knights had erected a huge network of permanent fortifications, with the city of Valletta as a focal point.

In a visit to Mdina, the walled former capital city of Malta, you will pass through this decadent Baroque city gate. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/jean-Christophe

Mdina (Citta’ Vecchia)

Mdina is the old capital of Malta, and well worth a visit for its Baroque architecture and deep, layered history. Thousands of visitors each year flock to Mdina to see the sights and find out why it is nicknamed the Silent City. Highlights of a Mdina tour include passing though the walled city’s majestic gate and up to the imposing bastions, which open to panoramic views overlooking almost all of the island.

The Catacombs of St. Paul in Rabat, Malta, are an example of the island-wide cluster of catacombs that represents a rich cultural heritage. Photo courtesy of flickr/lloydi

Maltese Catacomb Complexes

Whereas much of Malta’s recognised cultural heritage dates back to medieval times, the republic’s network of catacombs traces its roots as far back as the Roman era of the 3rd to 7th centuries AD. The subterranean burial grounds are concentrated under the town of Rabat. Hewn out of live rock, they represent the co-mingling of religious traditions of the time; rites from Christianity, paganism and Judaism were all practiced within the walls of the catacombs.

The Victoria Lines are a series of walls and fortresses that fall right on the natural fault line that divides Malta in half. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Rolf Krahl

Victoria Lines Fortifications

The width of Malta is divided naturally by a geographical barrier called the Great Fault. In the 18th century, the Knights of Malta were the first to use this natural trait to their advantage: they built a series of military entrenchments to protect against invasion from the northern side of the island. Over the next century, the defenses developed into a string of walls and fortresses, armed heavily with cannons and guns. By 1907, the so-called Victoria lines lost their military importance and were abandoned.

Do you want an insider tour of Malta’s rich natural and cultural heritage? Get in touch with Mark and the team at EC Meetings, the whl.travel local connection in Malta for a local travel experiences with local Malta experts.

True, Albania might not come to mind as a destination for amazing ruins and cultural heritage, especially in the shadow of an archaeological giant like Greece, its neighbour to the south. Yet ancient civilisations have left their fascinating marks throughout the Balkan peninsula, including Albania. In fact, all of Albania’s three UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites exhibit grand-scale traits to rival any of their Balkan neighbours. And the tale of the Cyclops from Homer’s epic Odyssey is understood to have been set in Albania.

Like a thousand unblinking eyes, the famous windows of Berat, Albania, stare back at admirers. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Joonasl

Berat, City of a Thousand Windows

The historic centre of Berat, also known as “the city of a thousand windows,” made the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2008. Walking next to the river and wandering through Berat’s narrow alleys, takes you back in time and reveals the rich history of a settlement dating from 2600-1800 BCE, making it one of the oldest towns in Albania. The interesting architecture shows Islamic influences from the Ottoman period, but also of Christian Orthodox traditions. On top of the hill is a beautiful medieval citadel with a lively village, beautiful churches and a mosque inside the fortress walls.

Are there really a thousand windows, as stipulated by the city’s epithet? An official count hasn’t surfaced yet, but looking out onto the layers of whitewashed buildings that make up the face of Berat, you do indeed get the impression of thousands of eyes (the rows and rows of windows) gazing back.

Gjirokastra in southern Albania is known as the "city of two thousand steps." Three locals have picked one of them for spending a quiet afternoon. Photo courtesy of flickr/formanella

Gjirokastra, City of Two Thousand Steps

Located in the beautiful Drinos River valley in Southern Albania you’ll find Gjirokastra, a city with a tumultuous past. It has served as a feudal stronghold, Ottoman jewel, Italian colony and territory occupied by the Greek army during the first Balkan war.

Gjirokastra is hometown to two of the most notorious Albanians: Communist dictator Enver Hoxha and writer Ismail Kadare. The city retains an impressive fortress, a bazaar, an 18th-century mosque and several churches. It was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2005.

Gjirokastra’s unique architecture, developed in the 17th century by the Ottomans when building on steep hills, features distinctive stone roofs, wooden balconies, whitewashed stone walls and many stepped passageways. This is why Gjirokastra carries the nickname “city of two thousand steps.” Again, an official count has yet to be made, but wandering up and down the steep alleyways of Gjirokastra, you will have little doubt that the city has certainly earned its nickname.

Each year, thousands of tourists visit the ancient ruins of Butrint, Albania, reaffirming its need for both UNESCO and governmental protection. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Marc Morell

Butrint, Preserved for Visitors in the Thousands

Situated on a small peninsula surrounded by a picturesque lagoon in southern Albania, Butrint is arguably the most interesting archaeological site of the Adriatic Sea region. Inhabited since prehistoric times, this site has been home to Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians who built their monuments in glades in the forest. Butrint is both an archaeological site and also a beautiful natural habitat with diverse plant and bird life.

Butrint was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1992. Five years later, during the period of civil unrest in Albania in 1997, Butrint was removed to the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. As a result, huge investments were made to protect the archaeological site and to extend the protected area to include the surrounding landscapes. That led to declaring the 29 square kilometres around it a national park in 2000 and the park has since been extended to 86 square kilometres. The site was removed from the ‘in danger’ list and its status now helps curb encroaching construction. Butrint attracted around 20,000 visitors in 1996 and the number grows each year, confirming its importance to Albanian heritage and tourism. Its doubly-protected status as UNESCO site and a national park helps ensure that tourism pressure is regulated and tourism dollars keep the site preserved.

Are you planning a trip to Albania? Check out the villages of the northern mountains, the coasts of the Adriatic and Ionian seas, and the rich cultural heritage with Outdoor Albania, the whl.travel local connection headquartered in Tirana, Albania.

One such effort has been initiated by Ski-Lifts Ltd., an airport transfer and ground transportation operator with its operational headquarters in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. Now also in cooperation with the global, eco-friendly transport network called Green Path Transfers, Ski-Lifts Ltd. has found a cleaner and greener way to transport skiers from airports to the slopes all over Europe.

The stunning slopes of Morzine, France, are just one of many ski destinations that Ski-Lifts Ltd. serves with its innovative airport transfer service. Photo courtesy of flickr/eGuide Travel

The Idea: Fewer Empty Seats

Ski-Lifts Ltd. saw an opportunity when its founders noticed the large number of empty seats on private ski shuttles and microbuses between area airports and the French Alpine ski slopes. They knew that this represented a lot of waste and missed opportunity, especially at a time when resourcefulness and cooperation should be part of every business’s credo.

So Ski-Lifts Ltd. devised a streamlined way for skiers to book individual seats on vehicle with the knowledge that they would share the ride with others travelling at approximately the same time. Ski-Lifts Ltd. also started offering larger vehicles (with passenger capacities of up to 53 seats) in order to cut down on the number of engines on the road.

Ski-Lifts Ltd. is headquartered in the town of Morzine in the French Alps. The company began by offering airport transfers to and from Geneva, Switzerland, which remains its busiest transport hub. Today, however, after five years of business growth and success, Ski-Lifts Ltd. has expanded its network to resorts all over Europe. It offers the widest range of ski-resort transfers in the world, connecting outdoor sports enthusiasts to their destinations from 32 airports in Europe, Canada and the United States, as well as train stations in Europe.

Ski-Lifts Ltd. greens your transit from the airport to the Vanoise Express ski lift in the Paradiski area in France. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Parisdreux

Cooperation Is Key

A critical quality of the Ski-Lifts Ltd. model is cooperation with other companies. After all, rather than two businesses running two half-filled buses, it makes financial and environmental sense for both companies to fill just one. Ski-Lifts Ltd. also coordinates with local operators at various resorts to avoid long-distance trips between resorts with no passengers at all.

Ski-Lifts Ltd. even fosters cooperation between passengers. For example, in 2010, a shared transfer service was launched from one of the train stations in Cluses, France, to a nearby ski resort. Carbon-conscious skiers were offered a choice between the ski train (which often fills up) and sharing a Ski-Lifts Ltd. vehicle.

Partnering with Green Path Transfers

For a business like Green Path Transfers, Ski-Lifts Ltd. is a perfect partner, one that shares a vision of eco-friendly airport transfer services available across the globe (Green Path Transfers is now anchored in more than 100 destinations).

As Adrian Cordiner, CEO of Green Path Transfers, puts it, “Our partnership with Ski-Lifts Ltd. is a small step in trying to help preserve the pristine environments in which they operate.”

A skier admires the landscape of Espace Killy, one of the most popular destinations in France serviced by Ski-Lift Ltd. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Jmex

For its part, Ski-Lifts Ltd. has high hopes about the new partnership and its potential for the upcoming ski season. The Ski-Lifts Ltd. team was very interested in Green Path Transfers when word of it first reached the office. “It is our firm belief that cooperative alliances between companies is the future for this industry and that is why we are keen to be involved,” commented Richard Smith on behalf of the Ski-Lifts Ltd. crew. “We’re now approaching our high season and we’re looking forward to seeing what this partnership will yield. We’re hoping for big things!”

To learn more about Green Path Transfers and how to be part of carbon-neutral travel arrangements that emphasise green technology in a growing number of destinations around the globe, visit www.GreenPathTransfers.com.

At Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, the inside of the biertzelt (beer tent) is packed and lively. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Gutsul

But only Munich, Germany, is the home of the original Oktoberfest, where festival-goers begin gathering in front of immense beer-branded tents in the early hours of the morning, eagerly awaiting their turns in packed communal drinking areas. It’s the Mecca of brew, imitations of which have sprouted all over the globe, even in places as far away as Canada, Vietnam, Australia and Argentina.

In a tribute to Oktoberfest, The Travel Word brings you a selection of seven special brews from different parts of the world. Although beer is the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage, finding hidden gems requires a bit of digging, so we asked some of our WHL Group local partners across the globe to bring forth their beers of choice. Here are seven of the more surprising ones.

(For more just-as-surprising information about local drinks – and lots about local eats, check out our Culinary World Tour of Local Food.)

Baja Blond is the local's favourite beer in Los Cabos, Mexico

Mexico’s Cerveza of Choice

According to Karem Matamoros, the WHL Group local partner in Los Cabos, Baja Blond is the Mexican beer locals love. The fledgling brewery opened in 2007 in the Mexican state of California Sur and has already made its marks in the highly competitive world of brewing. Their hallmark is the Baja Blond “Cream Ale,” described as having a light golden colour, a whole-bodied flavour and a good balance of sweet and bitter. Locals abide by it and take great pride in promoting the only brewery in their state.

Travel to Los Cabos, Mexico, the home of Baja Blond, with Karem.

A local enjoys a fresh brew of artisanal 'pito' from a calabash shell in Ghana. Photo courtesy of Marian Thompson

Ghana’s Ethnic Beer

Marian Thompson, the whl.travel local partner in northern Ghana, gave us the scoop on pito, which is Ghana’s artisanal, village beer. It is brewed from fermented sorghum (also known as guinea corn) in the northern parts of the country, where it is very popular and widely consumed. Its production methods have remained traditional and are therefore quite labour-intensive, providing a number of people with a local livelihood. Traditionally, a calabash bowl is used to share pito, the ultimate refreshment under the scorching Ghanaian sun.

Travel to Northern Ghana with Marian, who can introduce you to pito, as well as other qualities of village life.

Cisk lager is a best-selling brew on the island of Malta. Photo courtesy of Marco Attard

Malta’s Favourite Malt Beverage

If you’re wandering through Malta’s history-imbued villages, do stop at a bar to try some brew. Simonds Farsons Cisk PLC is the Maltese beer company that Marco Attard, the WHL Group local partner in Malta, swears by. The veteran brewery opened in 1928 and has never changed the recipe or production process of its best-selling Cisk Lager, a golden-coloured, bottom-fermented beer with a distinctive and well-balanced character.

Travel to Malta with Marco for a taste of Cisk Lager.

Birra Tirana has a billboard display in downtown Tirana, Albania. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Rainchill

Albania’s Best Brew

When in Albania, do as the Albanians do, which is drink lots of local brew. Albania’s Birra Tirana is the beer that the WHL Group’s local travel expert, Laura Payne, prefers. Only the freshwater sources of Tirana’s surrounding mountains are drawn upon to manufacture this prized drink. Critics seem to agree it has a nice colour with moderate carbonation. The aroma is smooth and richly malty.

Travel to Albania with Laura, who also knows the Albanian Alps from which Birra Tirana’s waters flow.

Itaipava is a big hit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, especially when served ice-cold in the summer. Photo courtesy of Luiz Renato Malcher

Brazil’s Carioca Beer

Luiz Renato Malcher, the WHL Group local expert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, says that Cariocas (people from Rio) love their pints of Itaipava beer. Why? For starters, it is lighter than the others and can be drunk in larger quantities on a hot sunny day without making you feel full. It is best served trincando, as locals say, which means near-frozen. Known to be a light-bodied, soft and rounded beer, it is distinctively sweet and grainy on the palate. To enjoy a chilled Itaipava on Rio’s beach strip with a nice view of the sea is a classic Rio moment.

Travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with Luiz and learn where to get the best Itaipava.

Pilsener, one of two very popular beers in Quito, Ecuador, competes with Club for #1 status. Photo courtesy of Maria Fernanda Cabascango

Ecuador’s Draft Duo

A palpable rivalry reigns between Ecuador’s two best lager beers. Even Maria Fernanda Cabascango and Sebastian Sierra, the WHL Group local partners in Quito, Ecuador can’t come to a consensus. Maria vouches for Pilsener, whereas Sebastian is a staunch defender of Club. Pilsener pours with a pale yellow colour and a creamy white head. It is brilliantly clear and has a distinct corn edge to its flavour. Club beer, while also a clear lager, picks up a noticeable earthy and peppery flavour from the hops. Guess you’ll have to visit Quito to decide for yourself!

Travel to Quito, Ecuador, with Maria and Sebastian, and plan for Pilsener-or-Club blind taste test.

A window display of craft beers at Oktoberfest in Villa General Belgrano, Argentina. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Ord

The Argentinean Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest in Argentina – a country known more for its fine wines than its beers – is one of the largest outside of Germany. At this time of year especially, the village of Villa General Belgrado (in the province of Cordoba in the Argentine Pampas) draws large crowds interested in its cervezas artesanales (craft beers). Wandering the streets of Villa General Belgrado with giant beer steins (or mass as the Germans call them) in hand, Oktoberfest-goers are transported into a little piece of Germany in the southern hemisphere. The town was founded by two Germans in 1930 and their influence is obvious; buildings have characteristically Bavarian facades, shops sell handmade strudel and chocolate, and microbreweries supply craft beer.

Cynthia Ord, the manager at WHL Assist, is currently headquartered in Argentina and reports that the variety and quality of local craft beers is impressive; you can find lagers, stouts and all sorts of creative brews. During the two-week Oktoberfest celebration, when hordes of people enjoy spring weather and asado (barbecue), the goal is to keep your stein full of something until the small hours of the morning, reminding you that you are in Argentina after all.

Such is the case with The Region Initiative (TRI), a broad-based, tri-regional responsible-tourism partnership founded in May 2010 and spanning South Asia, Central Asia and Eastern Europe with the goal of connecting communities along the ancient Silk Road. By working with a coalition of nongovernmental stakeholders, including tour operators, nongovernmental organisations, tourism experts, academia and youth, TRI hopes to push beyond the similar threats and challenges faced by destinations along the Silk Road and sharpen the focus on the regions’ shared opportunities, particularly with regard to responsible travel and tourism.

An Enduring Ride on the Silk Road

What is known today as the “Silk Road” (also called the Silk Route) is a vast network of interconnecting routes that was arguably the most important transcontinental trade road in history. It once extended nearly 12,000 kilometres and linked many powerful civilisations across ancient China, India, Tibet, Egypt, the Persian Empire and the Mediterranean. Beginning around 200 B.C.E., merchants managed highly lucrative businesses along these interweaving long-distance tracks, bartering for all manner of goods that included spices, tea, gold, jewels, ivory, silk, carpets, porcelain and much much more.

But the Silk Road was more than just a channel for trade. Following in the footsteps of these tradesmen, other travellers, such as nomads, missionaries, pilgrims, conquerors and early explorers (some of them long before Marco Polo), set forth from all corners of the world, forging cross-cultural connections that encouraged the spread of spiritual wealth, religious doctrine, great scholarship, art and architecture, and resulted in numerous intellectual exchanges. Strong echoes of the ties born in these early times still exist to this day.

The modern “Silk Road” also remains an inspiration and magnet for curious and intrepid travellers. In fact, for decades, the growth of tourism in regions along the Silk Road has been steady, bringing with it new challenges as well as the strong potential for improving local economies. And now, in a good 21st-century twist, there’s growing community-led unity behind a quest to promote sustainable tourism and travel along the Silk Road.

In Nepal, one of the Silk Road countries participating in The Region Initiative, emblematic eyes are painted on Swayambunath temple in Kathmandu

Creating Sustainable Tourism Connections

While governments often put politics ahead of policy and sometimes fail to establish strong international collaborative ties among those in the tourism sector, other groups, like TRI, are leading the process of building cross-border partnerships in the industry and to encourage responsible tourism.

TRI has already established its presence in 15 Silk Road countries: Armenia, Bangladesh, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Tourism operators in each of these countries have adopted the aim of encouraging local travel professionals to share ideas and strategies that minimise the negative impacts of mass tourism and instead encourage sustainable, long-term and responsible practices, focusing more on history, people and culture than on the their outer trappings.

Unfortunately, the way ahead is not as smooth as silk. With current or recent armed conflicts in Afghanistan, India, Nepal Pakistan and Sri Lanka in South Asia, as well as economic and political unrest in several Central Asian republics and in Eastern Europe, there are many obstacles to overcome. But high hopes persist through the efforts of The Region Initiative to support small community-based tourism stakeholders who work as accommodation providers, tour operators and guides.

For more information about The Region Initiative, please visit www.theregionaltourism.org.

Turtles are curious creatures that have walked (and swum) this earth since the time of the dinosaurs. Little is known about this migratory animal that often will swim thousands of miles across oceans to return to the very beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. This green turtle was photographed in Seychelles, an image courtesy of Flickr/whl.travel

Saving the marine turtle just may be one of the few things the international community can agree on these days. This seafaring migratory creature doesn’t know anything of borders, fishing routes or beach resorts properties. Unfortunately, though, these are the very factors threatening the sea turtle with extinction; finding ways to help them hasn’t been easy.

Despite being the subject of much inquiry, marine turtles have proven to be elusive subjects, creatures that date back to the age of dinosaurs, spend most of their time at sea and swim thousands of miles each year. In fact, female turtles only come to shore in the summer months to lay two to four batches of eggs. Each one digs a nest about 40-centimetres deep and lays 80-100 soft-shelled eggs. The mother turtle then leaves the nest and, after two months of incubation, the hatchlings emerge and make their way by the light of the moon to the sea. A lot can go wrong in this delicate process, which explains why, on average, 1 in 1,000 hatchlings survives.

Threats to Turtle Survival

There are seven species of sea turtles, only two of which are prominent in the Mediterranean – loggerhead and green turtles, although there have been occasional leatherback sightings as well. No one knows for sure how large the turtle populations once were in the Mediterranean, but in the 1950s and 1960s, turtle soup was considered a delicacy and the green turtle female population was notably weakened to fewer than 500 individuals. In the last 100 years, human factors in the region have continued to threaten these species to the point of endangerment.

Most turtles are caught as they push up the beach to lay their eggs. Many are killed and large numbers of their eggs harvested for food. Laws now outlaw such practices, but turtle populations have yet really to reinforce their numbers. Part of the reason for this is turtles are just as vulnerable at sea as they have been on land, as many sea turtles are routinely caught in long fishing nets and lines and are either drowned or, when released, prone to die of the injuries sustained in the nets.

Perhaps most devastating of all is the boom in beach developments along the Mediterranean coast and islands. Each turtle will only lay her eggs on the same beach where she was born. This means that if a beach is lost to a resort or seaside restaurant, an entire colony of turtles can be wiped out.

Turtles are at their most vulnerable when laying their eggs. The number of human-caused obstacles that occur at this delicate time are innumerable, from bright hotel lights and over-trodden beaches to trash, large fishing nets and beach development. This green turtle was seen in Sandakan, Malaysia, photo courtesy of Flickr/whl.travel

The Benefits of Turtle Tourism

In the face of all these challenges, marine turtles persevere. The most populous loggerhead and green nesting grounds in the region are in Kefalonia, Greece, with other prominent sites in North Cyprus and Dalyan, Turkey. On the nearby Arabian Peninsula, one beach in Oman hosts 15,000 green turtle nests each year, the largest nesting site in the region.

Thankfully, in recent years, several of these key nesting sites have taken a different approach to tourism. Local tourism providers have realised – some faster than others – that keeping turtles around isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for business too. By offering turtle-safe viewing areas and organised volunteer activities, such as beach cleanups – or ‘turtle rescues’ from traditional shallow nets – animal-curious tourists learn about local turtles and how to protect them. It’s a self-fulfilling circle that provides education for tourists and locals alike while giving the turtles what they need to survive.

Turtle Security in Action

When in the Mediterranean, if you want to see turtles or volunteer for a local organisation, there are several places from which to choose. In the Middle East, the most prominent one is Ras Al Jinz in Oman, home to 15,000 green turtle nests, the largest concentration In the region.The community of Ras Al Jinz has embraced the turtle phenomenon and, thanks to the centrally located Scientific Research Center and the cooperation of many hotels in Ras Al Jinz, the beach as maintained as a nesting site and the turtles are well cared for.

For example, the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve hotel has minimal lighting in order to not disturb the nesting turtles at night. The nearby Turtle Beach Resort is great base from which to explore the surrounding wildlife; it offers turtle, bird and dolphin watching, along with snorkelling and diving trips. You can even stay adjacent to the Ras Al Jinz Scientific Research Center at the Carapace Lodge, which is ideally situated for early-morning and late-night turtle sightings far from the other accommodation. There are also many tours in Oman that combines visits to the Wahiba sands with experiences at the Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve.

Right in the Mediterranean basin, the three main loggerhead- and green-turtle viewing sites are in Kefalonia, Greece; North Cyprus; and Dalyan, Turkey. On the island of Kefalonia, Mounda Beach is the most famous nesting site for loggerhead turtles. Fears of overdevelopment and burgeoning tourism have seen the establishment of associations like the Katelios Group, an assembly of locals who began working together in 1994 to help conserve the turtle population and natural wildlife.

Turtles are natural seafaring creatures that can measure up to 51 inches (130 centimetres) in length and weigh 660 pounds (300 kilograms). They are the earth's oldest living reptiles. Known for their shy defensive mechanisms, turtles actually have some of the best night vision in the animal kingdom. This loggerhead turtle was is off the coast of Turkey near Kas. Photo courtesy of Flickr/whltravel

In North Cyprus, tour operator Kaleidoskop Turizm often sends turtle-seeking guests to the Marine Turtle Conservation Project, which cooperates with post-graduate students to research the effect of fisheries on turtle populations. Turtle watching in North Cyprus can be arranged through a variety of tours, though viewing through a conservation project is usually most beneficial to the turtles as they have closely monitored nesting times, migration patterns and feeding habits.

Dalyan, Turkey, is one of the most famous examples of successful turtle conservation in the Mediterranean. In 1986, Izutuzu Beach (now known as ‘Turtle Beach’) was slated for a large luxury-hotel development. However, because the beach is one of the key nesting grounds of the loggerhead turtle, international condemnation, helmed by David Bellamy himself, successfully reversed the decision and now the beach is a protected site. Wooden stakes mark nesting sites and visitors are encouraged to be careful where they walk, as the sand could get packed down and make digging a nest more difficult. Izutuzu Beach was named the world’s best beach in 1995 and is regarded as a hallmark of successful conservation. Many beach hotels in Dalyan are located near the site, but the part of the beach housing nests is closed during incubation and hatching periods.

Beach Rules to Follow

Many beaches are still unprotected in the Mediterranean and Middle East, where turtles are facing an uphill battle. But all is not lost. For tourists, following a few simple guidelines is essential and could mean the difference between extinction and survival.

So the next time you’re on a turtle’s beach, be sure to:

1. Pick up your trash. Like sea birds, turtles can become strangled in plastic rings and bags.
2. Only place umbrellas or other fixtures in wet sand. Turtles nest in dry sand and driving stakes into it could damage the nests.
3. Not walk on the beach at night. Hatchlings use the light from the stars and moon to guide their path to the sea. Loud noises or lights will frighten nesting turtles and confuse hatchlings.
4. Not touch or move turtle hatchlings going toward the ocean. This imprints on the turtle during a key period in the first few hours of their life. Also, they develop and use key muscle groups in their walk to the ocean. If you want to help, stay out of the way and clear any obstructions, like sandcastles or trash.
5. Not camp or drive on the beach. This packs down the sand and makes digging a nest difficult.
6. Make sure your hotel has a ‘low light’ policy as bright lights from large developments or beach-front hostels are one of the primary deterrents for nesting turtles.

You can learn more about turtle conservation in Europe and other parts of the world through the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

The Monte Toboggan on Portugal's Madeira Island is just one of many ways locals have created to get from one place to another, ways that we believe are a vital part of a local travel experience

We believe that the different forms of local transport are unique qualities of a place that, when experienced, are a vital part of a local travel experience. To know a place is to get around it the way local people do: cramming yourself into a chicken bus in South America, throwing caution to the wind in a tuk-tuk in Southeast Asia or boarding a ferry in Africa. We dare you to give them a try! We’re sure you will find these rides to be a brilliant bonding experience with locals.

To inspire you… and in honour of our recent focus on local transport, we asked our network of local travel professionals all over the world to give us a glimpse of the best local conveyances in their destinations. Their responses are as varied as they are colourful – everything from trains and boats and buses to animal power and bicycles and three-wheeled wonders.

We’re pleased to present this gallery of the best of local transport inside the whl.travel network.To make it work:
+ Click on a thumbnail to open a preview.
+ Click the name of the photo to be taken to the full written entry supporting it.
+ Click the photo itself to close the preview.
+ Use the arrows to navigate through previews.

Trains on the Right Track

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Bicycles Worldwide

(click here to read more)

Buses Not to Miss

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Muscle Power

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Transport on the Water

(click here to read more)

Three-Wheeled Wonders

(click here to read more)

On this Gunyah Short Break guests learn the secrets of the cuisine on Greece's island of Crete with hands-on cooking classes at a boutique accommodation. Photo courtesy of the local Gunyah partner in Crete

“Planning your travels takes a lot of time, and, let’s face it, people are increasingly busy and have fewer holidays,” says Gunyah CEO, Luke Ford. “Whilst it is easy to book an all-inclusive package holiday or group tour online, travellers still crave a more authentic holiday experience, which is not readily accessible online due to the fragmented nature of the market. Our short breaks allow travellers to easily book real local experiences online. Gunyah puts travellers just a click away from their first, or their next, locally inspired journey.”

Gunyah works directly with local travel experts in each destination to ensure the short breaks offered via its travel website are of the highest quality and at all times uphold a responsible travel ethos. In each destination, these local teams stand ready to process requests and answer any question, as well as then providing complete on-the-ground support.

“Our short breaks still cover the essential sights you would expect on a traditional tour,” says Ford, “but they also allow travellers to experience the destination from a local’s perspective, to evoke a more authentic travel experience.”

A screenshot of the inspirational Gunyah travel booking website

One example of a Gunyah Short Break reveals how unique travel experiences can be found on even the most popular Greek Islands. This five-day Crete Culinary Adventure takes guests around the island to discover local wines, cheeses and taverns, as well as cooking classes with the host and adopted grandma for the week, to learn the secrets of Cretan cuisine.

Other experiences include a homestay adventure in Mongolia, some horseback riding through the Andes mountainous in Ecuador, a chance to go chimpanzee-spotting in Uganda and an extreme adventure in Jordan.

Gunyah was developed with the backing of the WHL Group, the largest local-travel company in the world and a collective of companies enthusiastically promoting local travel initiatives. Of the Gunyah launch, Len Cordiner, the founder and chairman of the WHL Group, said “We have connected some of the best local travel experiences to global markets and we’re extremely pleased with the result.”

Gunyah is on track to launch short breaks in another 40 countries over the coming months, which will make it one of the largest providers of experiential travel products in the world.