Guest Post by Marie Nieves
Mass tourism is becoming increasingly popular in the modern world, but luckily, so is mindful travel. While there is no way to defeat the corporate monster that is the hotel industry, there are numerous ways conscious parents can instill positive habits in their children and create a healthy little microcosm of mindfulness.
Yes, families can enjoy conscious travel in a myriad of ways, especially in those faraway destinations such as New Caledonia. Here is why the exotic French colony is a perfect holiday destination for mindful families.
The people of New Caledonia
Experiencing different cultures and meeting the people that inhabit faraway lands is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons, teach your children tolerance and compassion, and delve into a completely new way of life that will enrich your own. Being a country of many tribes, New Caledonia and its surrounding archipelago is the perfect place to meet interesting people.
The colony is inhabited by the Kanak people (the indigenous inhabitants of the land), the people of European descent, Polynesian people, and of course, Southeast Asian people. This breadth of cultural differences creates an enthralling setting permeated by sights, aromas, and tastes that hail from the home countries of every tribe.
The rich cultural heritage
Every country is unique in its customs and cultural heritage – every nation a book of events and notable people that shaped history itself. New Caledonia is no different, as the fascinating blend of French and Polynesian influences has created an enchanting palette of sights and sounds that will spark every child’s imagination.
While the French have preserved their well-known cultural heritage, the Kanak culture is experiencing a revival after years of sitting in the shadow of the French flag. Needless to say, now is the time to experience the indigenous sights, sounds, and rituals that shaped this ancient culture, as there are numerous events, festivals, and cultural institutions that carry this heritage.
The beaten path and how to avoid it
Depending on how you look at it, New Caledonia can be a tourist hotspot, but it can also be a safe haven for all mindful travelers. You simply need to decide whether you’d rather feed the corporate machinery or venture out on your own to support the local communities and their way of life. Not only can you take part in the local lifestyle, but you can also escape the crowds to reconnect with Mother Nature wherever you go.
One such magical place is the Isle of Pines. Out of all the things to do on Isle of Pines, simply taking your family for an exploration tour into its numerous natural wonders is by far one most healthful and empowering things you can do. The unmatched serenity of the setting will allow you to wash away the stress of modern-day life, and teach your kids how to respect and take care of the only home we have. And all of that by taking mindful walks across the Isle’s idyllic landscape.
A wealth of family activities
Naturally, a family vacation cannot be complete without giving the kids the chance to blow off all of that built-up steam. While they’re doing it, why don’t you join in on the fun? Yes, there are plenty of tourist hotspots you can visit, all which are worth it by the way, but there are also numerous things you can do in and around the island to spark imagination and creativity.
So be sure to go on an exploration tour of Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, and don’t forget to partake in snorkeling and even diving in order to experience the vibrant and mesmerizing marine life that permeates the surrounding seas.
New Caledonia, like every other country in the modern, consumer-oriented world, is a place of endless beauty and rich cultural heritage, and as such it can be experienced in a myriad of ways. As a conscious family though, you are bound to have the time of your life in the warm embrace of this little slice of heaven in the Pacific.
About the author
Marie Nieves is a lifestyle blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. On her travels she likes to read poetry and prose and surf the Internet. Her favourite writer is Tracy Chevalier and she always carries one of her books in her bag. She spends most of her free time at home walking her Labrador Retriever named Max. She is an avid lover of photography and a regular author at High Style Life. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Pinterest.
*Images by Sébastien Jermer and Marie Nieves*
