Accommodations

As the program is split into three distinct and unique areas of Lebanon, there will be three different base camps where the group will stay. The first is an eco-lodge near the village of Ramlieh, in the Aley district of the Lebanese mountains, run by the Association for Forests, Development, and Conservation (AFDC). The second is an eco-village in Taanayel in the Bekaa Valley developed and run by Arc en Ciel, a non-profit organization in Lebanon. Our last base camp is a travelers’ hostel in Beirut within walking distance of the city center and the popular nightspot of Gemmaize.

The electric current in Lebanon is  generally 220 volts, 50 cycles. A two-pin plug, with round pins is commonly used (Type C, similar to many European countries). But many appliances sold in Lebanon have US or British plugs, so it is best bring an international adapter with you.

Although Beirut’s tap water is considered safe to drink, it’s probably best for travelers to drink bottled water. As is the general traveler’s rule, to be absolutely safem drink water only from bottles with intact caps and do not take ice in your drinks. Participants in our EcoVolunTours will be given a metal water bottle to use along the trip. We will have large refillable bottles of water available to refill the water bottles with – all in the interest of having our tours be as safe and as environmentally friendly as possible.

Yes. Throughout the experience, each base camp will have WiFi access to the Internet, and in both Ramlieh and Taanayel there are a few public computers where participants can get online.

The Learning to CARE Institute strongly supports efforts to make facilities throughout Lebanon more accessible. Unfortunately, the country  still has serious accessibility problems. Many of the places the group will be staying and touring are not accessible by those in wheelchairs or who have other serious difficulties with mobility. We recognize this as a serious problem so that in the future, we hope to have a special tour that is wheelchair friendly.

For other disabilities (vision, hearing, etc.), please let us know ahead of time what they are so that, together, we can accommodate them in the best way possible.

This is a non-smoking trip. Smoking will not be allowed in any of the accommodations, in restaurants, on the buses, or in any public facilities. Those who smoke, will need to do so outside, and will need to be very careful that they dispose of their ashes and cigarette butts in an eco-friendly way. Please bring something with you that you can use for this purpose in places where no appropriate facilities (ashtrays, trashcans, etc.) are available.