Let’s face it, the GreenDexes in many Lonely Planet guides don’t contain everything you want to know about traveling green in a country. Luckily, Dorian Yates is to the rescue with her Green Earth Guide Series.  These are the first destination specific, green focused, travel guides ever to be in print. We were sent free copies to review.

Here’s how Dorian Yates sums up traveling naturally:

1. Be Where You Are: Stay connected to the local environment by taking the time to see, feel, and appreciate where you are.

2. Tread Lightly: Ecofriendly, low-impact choices are good for nature, good for you, good for the environment, and good for the world.

The original, Green Earth Guide: France, offers a plethora of information about how to travel naturally in France. And Green Earth Guide: Spain, includes all the great information the France Guide does (tailored to Spain) plus a longer chapter of city and regional highlights.

Both books cover a range of topics. In the accommodation section there’s information about hostels, camping, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts, home exchanges, and eco-accommodations. 

As a foodie, I love the extra focus on food and dining in the Green Earth Guides. Green Earth Guides even provide information about farm stands, markets, and local products. The recreation section includes yoga and meditation spots. Plus there’s an entire section devoted to health, including specifics about acupuncture, homeopathy, and herbs and remedies. The shopping section lets you know what to buy organic and fair trade. And, it seems every guidebook should take from Ms. Yate’s chapter on thrift stores.  (I have a favorite sweater from a thrift store in Ireland. Ever since that find I’ve enjoyed browsing other countries’ secondhand shops). A final great section includes a wide range of information about ecocompanies – from organic wineries, to breweries, to wind energy.

These guidebooks also provide basic resources about language, transportation and communication. However, if you’re looking for great maps you’ll want to stop by a tourist bureau as that’s one area the Green Earth Guides don’t focus on.

One of the most refreshing aspects of the Green Earth Guides is Ms. Yates’ style. Unlike many mass-produced guidebooks, you can read a chapter and hear her voice coming through the pages. Sentences aren’t choppy and fragmented. Instead, it’s more like reading a novel - just the way travel guides used to be. Even if you’re just contemplating a trip to France or Spain, pick up a Green Earth Guide. For under $12 on Amazon  you’ll have a great read.

Note: We were provided free copies of both guides for review. Also, this post may contain affiliate links.