The tourism industry has seen a dramatic increase in the number of travelers choosing 'active' and 'adventure' vacations, where travelers immerse themselves in the environment and local culture of the areas in which they travel, and do so in a responsible manner. Socially conscious travel has expanded more recently to include options like staying at "green" hotels, making travel reservations that raise donations for charity, or engaging in a service project or volunteer activity as part of the vacation.

Before couples start packing their bags, there are a variety of options they can consider in order to bring a socially-conscious focus to their honeymoon.

Q: Could you define and describe the trend of ecotourism?
FM: There are a number of definitions that are used. The one we use is: "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local people."

Q: What social trends led to the development of ecotourism as an option to traditional travel?
FM: I think that there are two main factors: the destinations themselves and the travelers. People are looking for more interesting destinations and more experiential type travel. Now that you can get into countries like Vietnam and places in Africa and South America, people are taking advantage of these opportunities. Also, travelers are interested in exploring more unique areas. Shows like Discovery and National Geographic have opened people's minds about new places, so they are interested in exploring them.

Q: What has been the interest in ecotourism and what patterns or trends have you observed?
FM: I think [interest in ecotourism] is increasing in some ways because when you hear people talking about honeymoons they aren't just saying 'let's go to the Caribbean'; many people want more active vacations. I have seen more people on their honeymoons in Southeast Asia when I've traveled there, or South America.

Q: What would you recommend to couples who are interested in environmentally friendly travel?
FM: They really need to research and become educated about the travel opportunities out there. There are many different types of environments, and one aspect of [ecotourism travel] is the destination. It's also very important to look at the operators, their mission statement and how they run, whether they are certified, and how they function in the country in which you wish to travel.

In Their Own Words: "Every day, millions of enterprising women and men struggle to better their lives by opening tiny businesses. They work exhausting hours yet they barely scrape by. What they need to break free is a little credit - a loan as small as $75. ACCION is dedicated to bringing financial services to these smallest of small business people - street vendors, seamstresses, sandal makers. ACCION's 'micro' loans can make the difference between mere survival and a decent life. With capital, people can grow their businesses. They can earn enough to afford basics like running water, better food, and schooling for their children."

ACCION International also offers delegation trips to several of their over-seas programs for those interested in learning more about a sustainable approach to micro-finance.

"We just thought it would be a really wonderful experience, something that neither of us had ever done before," Karin said. "It was something incredibly special to see together."

When the San Francisco couple started planning their honeymoon trip to British Columbia they wanted to combine an outdoor adventure with some more relaxed touring. Karin and Andy started in Vancouver, spent four days camping and sea kayaking with the whales, and then toured the San Juan Islands, staying in quaint bed and breakfast inns along the way.

According to Karin, the four day eco adventure was one of the best parts of the honeymoon. Traveling in a small group lead by trained guides, the couple kayaked in the Johnstone Strait to a beach side base camp right along the edge of the famous orca preserve. Every morning and evening, the whales would come as close as 20 feet to the shore to play and jump, and also to observe the humans observing them. During the day, the couple went seakayaking around the edges of the preserve, taking in the area's beautiful scenery.

While the couple was camping, the guides did the daily cooking and cleaning. The camp was maintained in an eco-friendly manner, using things like biodegradable soap to ensure that the human impact on the area was as minimal as possible.

"It was such an intimate experience being so close to the orcas," Karin said. "We'd get to see these huge cruise ships going by in the distance, and you would realize how little experience they were actually having with what's out there."

I Do Foundation
The I Do Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC, whose mission is to bring a charitable focus to special life events. The Foundation helps engaged couples raise charitable wedding donations through three channels:

Gift Registry: When couples register with our partners-including Target, Linens 'N Things and Amazon.com-up to 8% of all spending is donated.
Travel: The I Do Foundation's partner, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, donates 5% of all honeymoon packages and 4% of guest hotel lodging purchases.
Donation Registry: With our flexible Donation Registry, guests can make a donation directly to charity in place of, or in addition to, traditional gifts.
Favors for Charity: The Favors for Charity program allows couples to make donations in honor of their guests in place of (or in addition to) traditional favors.