AOL Travel Ideas

Flying High with Used Cooking Oil, Canola Oil -- or Pot?

Harriet Baskas — 2013-04-22T11:15:00+00:00

We know pot can get you high, but can it also help airplanes fly? A biofuel company in Washington thinks so.

The Evergreen State recently legalized the personal use of marijuana and officials are hammering out the rules for governing how commercial growers will farm and sell the cannabis to be sold in-state.

Washington pot farmers will have plenty of unused stalks and other plant material left over after harvest and the folks at Ballard Biofuel in Seattle don't want all that potential energy to go to waste. They think they can make it into high-quality jet fuel.

The company already sells soy-based hydraulic oil and other biodegradable, plant-based lubricants and fuels for use in industrial machinery. Now it is working on securing cash backing to build a bio-plant that can convert the leftovers from what is expected to be a hefty, legal marijuana market into jet fuel.

More: 10 Innovative Green Hotels in the U.S.

"A lot of airlines would love to have renewable fuels in their jets," says Joseph Koniak, spokesperson for Ballard Biofuel. "And the potential customers we've talked to don't have a problem with marijuana waste being used as [raw material]. It's just making sure the quality is high enough for jet fuel."

After all, notes Koniak, if your put a bad batch of bio-diesel in your car and it breaks down, it can be a hassle. "But if you have a bad batch of biofuel on an airplane, it's going to be an emergency," he says. "So any alternative jet fuel has to be excellent."

Fuel is subject to erratic price changes and represents the largest piece of most airlines' budgets. And despite energy-saving improvements in the design of airplanes and airplane engines, commercial aviation burns gobs of conventional jet fuel and emits vast quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2).

To address some of those issues, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) says the aviation industry has voluntarily committed to achieving a 1.5 percent improvement in efficiency through 2020; carbon neutral growth starting in 2020; and a 50 percent reduction in net carbon emissions by 2050 compared with 2005.

"Biofuels are seen as crucial to achieving these targets," says IATA spokesperson Perry Flint. "And the industry is focused on sustainable, drop-in biofuels that do not compete with food crops for water or soil."

More: Green Travel: After Devastating Tornado, Kansas Town Re-emerges 'Like No Other Place In America'

To that end, the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) was established in 2006 and, since then, plants, woody biomass from forest products, algae, municipal waste, recycled vegetable cooking oil, animal fats and sugarcane have been considered or tested in aircraft in search of safe, alternative, sustainable biofuels.

Tests using blends of conventional jet fuel with alternative biofuels began in 2008 with a Virgin Atlantic Airways flight that used coconut and babassu palm oil. Since 2011, when the American Society for Testing Materials certified a few types of biofuels for use on commercial jets, there have been more than 1,500 flights on United, Alaska, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air New Zealand and several other airlines using a mix of traditional and low-carbon alternative fuels.

The most recent demonstration is currently underway. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is operating a weekly flight between JFK International and Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport using fuel obtained from used cooking oil.

"There is no silver bullet," says Flint. "Biofuels work. But for them to become a viable alternative to fossil fuels, production has to take place on an industrial scale, supplies have to be made widely available and costs have to drop."

For now, the process remains complicated and still quite expensive.

"These alternative fuels have to be specially made and the cost now is about six to eight times higher than [that of] conventional jet fuel," says Carol Sim, director of environmental affairs for Alaska Airlines. Even if an airline signed an order for a large amount of a specific jet fuel alternative today, Sim says, "a supplier would need time to ramp up production and would probably not be able to deliver a reliable supply for a few years."

That may be why "airlines continue to hesitate a little bit because there's still work being done to mature the technology and the supply chain," says CAAFI executive director Steve Csonka.

But the dedication is there and definitely moving forward.

"Passengers are increasingly interested in things they can do to reduce their impact on the environment. And travel is one of those thing they can influence," says Jimmy Samartzis, managing director of environmental affairs and sustainability for United Airlines.

"Passengers care. Our company and others care," says Samartzis. "We hope passengers recognize that and it makes them feel better not just about what we're doing with our aircraft but what we're creating for the future."

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

10 Innovative Green Hotels in the U.S.

Chris Gray Faust — 2013-04-22T09:17:00+00:00

Filed under: Hotel, Arts & Culture, EcoTravel, Luxury

%Gallery-185835%

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

After Devastating Tornado, Kansas Town Re-emerges 'Like No Other Place In America'

Diana Lambdin Meyer — 2013-03-05T14:12:00+00:00

Filed under: EcoTravel

People who were in Greensburg, Kansas, the night of May 4, 2007, talk of their ears popping, as if they were in an airplane descending at a rapid pace. The intense, almost painful ear popping was a result of the barometric pressure dropping as an EF5 tornado with a path nearly 2 miles wide and wind velocity of more than 200 m.p.h. churned its way through the community of 1,500 people.

It lasted about 15 minutes. When it was over, 12 people were dead and 960 homes and businesses destroyed. Some 200 homes and businesses received extensive damage. With the exception of a grain silo, the liquor store and one historic building, Greensburg no longer existed.

Located about two hours west of Wichita on U.S. Highway 54 near the Oklahoma state line, Greensburg, until that night, was known best as the home of the World's Largest Hand-Dug Well. An engineering marvel when it was built in 1888, even that Guinness Book entry did little to distinguish Greensburg from just about any other small-town, rural community in the U.S. But today, Greensburg is like no other place in America.

MORE: Greensburg, Kansas: Five Places to Go

As they began to dig their way out of the rubble that had been their lives, the people of Greensburg realized two things: They didn't want their town to simply disappear, and they had a chance to do something remarkable.

While meeting in a little Federal Emergency Management Agency trailer identified as City Hall - part of "FEMA-ville," a cluster of about 300 trailers build on the edge of what had been the town - the City Council decided that as Greensburg rebuilt, it would be rebuilt in the most environmentally friendly manner possible.

Today, nearly six years after the tornado, Greensburg has more LEED-certified buildings per capita than any other community in the world. The K-12 Kiowa County School is LEED Platinum-certified. So are the city hall and the community building known as the County Commons, as is the Kiowa County Memorial Hospital, the first critical-access hospital in the U.S. to receive that designation. The Kiowa County Courthouse is LEED Gold-certified.

So is a building called the Silo Eco-Home, which serves as headquarters for Greensburg Greentown, the nonprofit organization that supports residents in the effort to rebuild Greensburg sustainably. Guests may even spend the night in a bed-and-breakfast designed to showcase green living. The building's name and design reflect the grain silo that survived the tornado.

The first building in the state of Kansas to be LEED Platinum-certified opened in Greensburg one year to the day after the tornado: The 5.4.7 Art Center, which gets its name from that infamous date, May 4, 2007, was a gift to the community from the architecture grad students at the University of Kansas.

"The day when the art center was dedicated might have been the first time that many of us realized we really could build a better community," says Ruth Ann Wedel, a lifelong resident of Greensburg who now gives tours of the city. "We have so many young people intrigued by what's going on here and moving to town to be a part of it all."

Stacey Barnes is one of those people. She had grown up in Greensburg but moved away for the opportunities provided in a larger city. A talented potter, she now coordinates art shows, classes and special events in the 5.4.7 Art Center that, prior to the tornado, residents would have had to travel more than an hour to experience.

About 85 percent of the artifacts in the volunteer-operated Kiowa County Historical Museum (top photo) were lost in the tornado. But when it was time to rebuild, 33-year-old Jim Crawley saw a once-in-a-lifetime chance to put his history degree and professional training to work by moving to Greensburg to build a new museum.

Sarah Thompson had dreams of opening a business that showcased her skills in repurposing almost anything into useful household items and décor. A native of a nearby community, she had trouble getting her business off the ground, until she came to Greensburg and opened REvival in a LEED-certified building designed especially for small businesses. She is young, innovative and successful, the type of person any community hopes to attract.

Today, the Kiowa County Schools have hired additional kindergarten and pre-K teachers to meet the needs of the many young families who have come to Greensburg. School officials report the largest number of elementary school pupils in the history of the school district, a solid indicator of the health of this community.

And the World's Largest Hand-Dug Well is still here, surrounded by an eco-friendly visitors center that tells the environmentally relevant story about this access point to the Ogallala Aquifer, a major source of water for the central part of the U.S. The visitors center also documents the history of Greensburg, including that horrible night in May 2007 and how Greensburg has become truly green.

[Top photo: Diana Lambdin Meyer]

%Gallery-179942%

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Greensburg, Kansas: Five Places to Go

Diana Lambdin Meyer — 2013-03-05T14:11:00+00:00

Filed under: EcoTravel

Prior to May 4, 2007, a big night out in Greensburg, Kansas, might have been a visit to the soda fountain at Hunter's Drug Store for one of "Dickey's hickeys." Soda jerk Dick Huckriede had been serving up ice cream treats since the 1950s. Then on that May night an EF5 tornado -- the biggest and baddest category -- destroyed all but three buildings in this town of 1,500 people. Hunter's Drug Store was flattened along with almost everything else.

Thankfully, enjoying a treat from the soda fountain is still possible. Somehow in the midst of the clean-up, the soda fountain emerged, dented and dinged, but in pretty good shape. Today, that beloved soda fountain, now located in the Kiowa County Historical Museum, tops the list of five places to visit in Greensburg, the town with more LEED-certified buildings per capita than any place in the world.

MORE: After Devastating Tornado, Kansas Town Re-emerges 'Like No Other Place In America'

%Gallery-179940%

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Can Las Vegas Really go Green?

AOL Travel Staff — 2013-02-21T15:33:00+00:00

Filed under: EcoTravel

The neon-drenched city in the middle of the Nevada desert has been inching toward sustainability for a few years. Peter Greenberg chronicled green efforts in Las Vegas back in 2008. Modern Hippie did the same in 2010. Now, the city has taken a couple more interesting steps in the direction of eco-friendliness.

A $50,000 donation from the Consumer Electronics Association is earmarked for a solar installation project at the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign on the Las Vegas Strip. Elsewhere, MGM Resorts is working toward LEED certification for a new building development.

Nevada is currently ranked tenth in green building states by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Watch the video below for more on Las Vegas's move toward sustainability.

[Top image: Steve Allen/jupiterimages]

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Best Glamping Spots in America (PHOTOS)

The Daily Meal — 2011-08-12T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Adventure Travel, EcoTravel

Resort at Paws Up

To answer the call for a less... rustic camping experience, glamping is the solution for even the most delicate adventure seekers.

There are plenty of reasons to go camping: the scenic beauty, fresh air, relaxation... the list goes on. But, not everyone can deal with the less pleasant side of camping like pesky insects, sauna-like heat (or arctic tents and cabins), crowded showers that are shared with other families who want nothing more than to nakedly discuss how much they absolutely love this particular camping spot.

Well, you're in luck! To answer the call for a less... rustic camping experience, glamping is the solution for even the most delicate adventure seekers. It has all the perks of traditional camping with the added glamor of luxuries like indoor plumbing in your heated yurt (with hardwood floors, ahem) and 1,000-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. No matter the part of the country, there's a glamping spot for everyone. Always wanted to visit Montana? Then head to Paws Up for the Big Sky Country experience without all the mosquitoes. If the South is more appealing, check out North Carolina's The Can't Find It Inn or northern Georgia's Martyn House in the Chattahoochee Forest.

Whether it's a week in a canvas yurt overlooking the cliffs of Big Sur, or just a kid-free weekend in a little cabin in North Carolina, there is a way to tell everyone at home that you've "gone camping" without actually coming home with ring worm.

Just remember: insisting on bringing toilet paper and sleeping bag renders the trip no longer "glamping."

%Gallery-130374%

More Articles You Might Like

8 Bed and Breakfasts with the Best Fixin's [AOL Travel]

Watch: Sawyer Glacier Ice Breaks Off Near Alaskan Tourists [HuffPost Travel]

The Flood's Been Over: Exploring the New New Orleans [Gadling]

Fangtastic! The World's Best Vampire-Spotting Locations [Lonely Planet]

Nerd Alert! Newest Trend in Travel: Drainspotting [NileGuide]

Have Tech, Will Travel: 4 Great Gadgets for Travelers [Fox News Travel]

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Yosemite National Park Strikes Back Against Campsite Scalping

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-07-07T09:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Family, News, EcoTravel

xogue/Flickr

Yosemite National Park has begun a crackdown on scalpers who are buying campsite reservations and reselling them at a drastic mark-up, creating a highly competitive market for tent space. NPR reports that the U.S. National Park Service has re-enforced the website where reservations are sold, helped flag reservations sold on Craigslist and eBay, and begun assiduously checking I.D.s against reservations.

The park became concerned earlier this year when the online sale of reservations seemed to end impossibly fast, leading officials to conclude that a computer program, not people, was buying the reservations.

Campers using reservations bought second hand may now be turned away by park rangers. Reservation prices should head back down to $20, but a lot of campsites will also be left empty - unless the computer program really does want to go camping.

Camping in Yosemite has been particularly popular this summer after a harsh winter left a massive snowpack in the hills, inflating the already scenic waterfalls into massive torrents.

Unfortunately, majesty is a double-edged sword. One hiker died and another is presumed to have also been killed on Wednesday when the pair was swept off a bridge and into the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.

Millions visit Yosemite annually and many of the would-be campers who arrive looking to pitch their tents are turned away after the daily campsite lottery.

More Articles You Might Like

Strangest Travel Jobs in the World [AOL Travel]

Destin-Nation USA: Voluntouring America [AOL Travel]

Five Tips for Successful Last-Minute Hotel Booking [Gadling]

10 Can't-Miss Restaurant Weeks from Coast to Coast [The Daily Meal]

'Trusted Traveler' Program May Shorten Airport Security Wait Times [Fox News Travel]

Naughty or Nice: Travel by the Deadly Sins - and Virtues! [Lonely Planet]

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Thomson Airways Uses Cooking Oil To Power Planes

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-07-01T08:15:00+00:00

Filed under: News, EcoTravel

Getty File

In a bid to become "green," Thomson Airways will use cooking oil as fuel for flights to Spain in July.

Thomson will become Britain's first airline to do so, following in the footsteps of Dutch airline KLM, which announced last week that, beginning in September, 200 flights between Amsterdam and Paris will run on recycled cooking oil.

The flights will leave from Birmingham in the U.K. to Mallorca starting July 28, once safety clearance is given, the Daily Mail reports.

Thomson Airways will use a 50/50 blend of jet fuel and hydropocessed esters and fatty acids made from used cooking oil.

Is anyone else wondering where they're getting all this used cooking oil?

More Articles You Might Like

July 4th Fireworks: 15 of the Biggest Shows in America Ranked [AOL Travel]

Fourth of July Celebrations: Seven Quintessentially American Independence Festivities [AOL Travel]

Traveling the American Road: A Day of Rebuilding at New York's Ground Zero (VIDEO) [Gadling]

Best Restaurants for Watching July 4 Fireworks [The Daily Meal]

Feast Your Eyes: The World's Best Gourmet Sites [Lonely Planet]

8 Perfect Summer Lake Towns [Budget Travel]

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Eco-Friendly Flying: How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint In The Skies

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-06-28T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Air Travel, EcoTravel

Getty File

BrighterPlanet.com has released their list of the most and least efficient airlines around the world. Which begs the question, how do ordinary citizens make their flights greener?

BrighterPlanet.com has released their list of the most and least efficient airlines around the world. Which begs the question, how do ordinary citizens make their flights greener?

There are a handful of tips for people who want to make flying more energy efficient. How you choose your aircraft, your flight's seating arrangements and even flight time all have implications on a flight's efficiency.

The five main keys to take into account are an aircraft's passenger load factor, seat density, freight share, distance and fuel economy are all "critical factors for accurate flight carbon measurement and measurement," Brighter Planet reports. Check out a list of the greenest airlines here.

Here's the good news: Air travel efficiency has increased 20% since 2000, saving U.S. airlines a whopping $33 billion on fuel and prevented 670 billion pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted.

%Gallery-127208%

More Articles You Might Like

Best Fourth of July Vacations Across America [AOL Travel]

Strolling Through Siena: A City's Highlights and Baby-Friendly Rest Stops [AOL Travel]

Traveling the American Road: A Day of Rebuilding at New York's Ground Zero (VIDEO) [Gadling]

Romantic Getaways: Hot New York City Hotels [ShermansTravel]

How to Travel with Friends and Not Want to Kill Them [Lonely Planet]

7 Surprising Items that Set Off Airport Security [Budget Travel]

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Destin-Nation Chile: An Adventurer's Southern Playground

Kraig Becker — 2011-06-22T07:00:00+00:00

Filed under: EcoTravel, Destin-Nations

Kraig Becker, AOL Travel

When it comes to adventure travel options, few places on the planet can rival Chile. Squeezed between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, the South American country has long been a popular destination for backpackers, climbers and paddlers looking to explore some of the most remote and beautiful wildernesses on the planet.When it comes to adventure travel options, few places on the planet can rival Chile. Squeezed between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, the South American country has long been a popular destination for backpackers, climbers, and paddlers looking to explore some of the most remote and beautiful wildernesses on the planet.

Over 4,000 miles long, but averaging just 110 miles wide, Chile offers widely varying climates for visitors to enjoy, from the incredibly dry deserts of the north to the windswept mountains and fjords of the south.

The gateway to Chilean adventure is Santiago, the country's capital and cultural hub. Centrally located, it can be reached by overnight flight from several U.S. cities and its airport offers regular domestic flights to Tierra del Fuego and Punta Arenas in the south, as well as Calama in the north. Visas are available on arrival and are good for the life of a passport, making adventurers' inevitable return visits a breeze.

%Gallery-126812%

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Summer Begins! 5 Ways to Enjoy Free National Parks

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-06-21T11:40:00+00:00

Filed under: Adventure Travel, EcoTravel, Holidays

TheGiantVermin, flickr

Tuesday is not only the longest day of the year, the solstice, and the official start of summer, but also on of the few days a year that the National Park Service decides to open its doors. One hundred parks across the country will not charge entry fees, so it's the perfect time to take that overdue hike. We took it upon ourselves to find five fantastic free adventures.

Celebrate summer this very afternoon!

Shenandoah National Park

Ken_Mayer, flickr

The drive down Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive is picturesque and about the right length (3 to 3 and a half hours) to find the perfect picnic spot and get back to D.C. by nightfall. With a speed limit of 35 mph, the drive ambles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains and includes 75 overlooks with gorgeous views of Shenandoah Valley. The road has four entrances: Front Royal near Rt. 66, Thornton Gap at Rt. 211, Swift Run Gap at Rt. 33, and Rockfish Gap at Rt. 64. (Check out a full map of the drive here.) Crank up that air conditioning and enjoy the view.

Grand Canyon National Park

frankpierson, flickr

The park will be holding its 21st annual Star Party until June 25. Amateur astronomers will be on hand to offer telescope viewing sessions and help visitors view Saturn, various star clusters, and other pieces of the infinite more. The Grand Canyon does not suffer from much light pollution, so it is an ideal location for budding astronomers. One tip: Bring a sweater. Temperatures tend to drop very suddenly after sunset.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Geoff Livingston, flickr

To experience nature without over-exerting yourself, go for a picnic in the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. The park offers a detailed list of ideal picnicking locations, including information on the number of tables and grills. Choose a favorite view by checking out their map, which is basically a nature menu. Should you find yourself so well-rested post-picnic that you fancy some wildlife watching - bighorn sheep, elk, and the endangered boreal toad lurk nearby. (Well, the toad lurks, the other animals just sort of stand around.)

Cape Cod National Seashore

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Northeast Region, flickr

The seashore has several gorgeous hiking trails to offer, but for those feeling the need for speed - a very responsible and grandmotherly speed that is: going over 10 mph is not allowed - try one of the park's two biking trails. Each path is around 2 miles long and travel along the coastline, and by ponds and picnic areas. The trails can be accessed from Truro or Eastham.

Yosemite National Park

cm195902, flickr

Yosemite is one of the world's greatest places to hike, but the beginning of summer may not be the best time to attempt the Half Dome. Keep it mellow on a 2.2 mile trek down the promisingly named Old Big Oak Flat Road. Really, just go to Yosemite. Even if you just walk across a campground parking lot to use a port-a-potty, it will be gorgeous.

More Articles You Might Like

Destin-Nation Argentina: No, We Won't Eat Vegetables! [AOL Travel]

Destin-Nation Italy: Best Beaches Along the Mediterranean's Boot [AOL Travel]

The Secret Lost World of New York's Finger Lakes [Gadling]

The Best Barbecue Joints for Cocktail Enthusiasts [The Daily Meal]

Believe Your Eyes: The World's Strangest Optical Illusions and Mirages [Lonely Planet]

36 Adorable Zoo Babies Born in 2011 [Budget Travel]

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Destin-Nation Honduras: Central American Travel on the Cheap

Andrew Burmon — 2011-06-09T07:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Beach, Budget, EcoTravel, Destin-Nations

Micah & Erin, flickr

Honduras is the in the middle of a massive tourism infrastructure build out, which makes now the time for budget travelers to take advantage of increasing accessibility and still low prices.

Honduras is the in the middle of a massive tourism infrastructure build out, which makes now the time for budget travelers to take advantage of increasing accessibility and still low prices. Though the islands offshore have long been a favorite among divers, the rest of the country is experiencing a tourist surge that could significantly reshape many of its quaint towns and bring up prices.

The Central American country, which is slightly smaller than Ohio, packs a punch, offering Mayan ruins, virgin jungle, and pristine beaches.

As it stands, the U.S. dollar trades for just under 19 Honduran lempira. To put that in more concrete terms: Cocktails cost $1.50. The cocktail lounge? A handful of pleasant small towns dotting the Caribbean coastline.

About 3 hours by air from Texas, Honduras is also convenient and perpetually warm - a little humid perhaps, but its a privilege to whine about such things come winter. The San Pedro Sula airport is a convenient entry for beach goers, who may want to rent a car given the recently paved highways that run across the northern coastline.

Tip: Make sure to look into travel safety tips when visiting Honduras.

%Gallery-125806%

More Articles You Might Like

Destin-Nation Ukraine: A Former SSR on a Budget [AOL Travel]

Destin-Nation Thailand: Best Beaches in the World? [AOL Travel]

Hitting the Road in Chicago: A City of Reinvention [Gadling]

The World's 10 Deadliest Delicacies [The Daily Meal]

Why Airfares Are Higher, Explained [Fox News Travel]

Would You Trust a Car That Drives Itself? [NileGuide]

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Destin-Nation Costa Rica: Hitting the Beach in Central America

Rebecca Dolan — 2011-06-02T07:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Beach, Budget, Best Of, EcoTravel, Destin-Nations

martingarri, flickr

With coasts on both the Pacific and Caribbean, Costa Rica is defined both physically and culturally by its 750 miles of parenthetical shoreline. To the traveler, that means not only that there is no shortage of beaches backed by tropical forests, but also that sun-bathing can count as a cultural activity. Whether it's relaxing seclusion or seaside parties, Costa Rica has a beach for any travel type.

With coasts on both the Pacific and Caribbean, the Central American country of Costa Rica is home to more than 750 miles of shoreline. To the traveler, that translates into no shortage of gorgeous beaches, most backed by lush green tropical forests. Whether it's relaxing seclusion or seaside parties, Costa Rica has a beach for any travel type.

What's awesome about vacationing in Costa Rica is the affordability of lodging. Of course the luxury resorts are there if that's desired, but smaller, mom and pop run hotels offer prices that would be unheard of stateside. Rates are broken down by season, and visiting during the "green" season will promise the best prices. Christmas, New Year's and Easter...not so much. Just be prepared to spend a few extra dollars on air conditioning in some places.

In terms of transportation throughout the country, commuter planes are probably the best bet. Rental cars are an option, as are buses. But those options can unnecessarily waste hours, especially if coming from San Jose in the center of the country. Regional carriers like Sansa and Nature Air (the world's first carbon neutral airline) can get travelers on the beach quickly.

%Gallery-124544%

More Articles You Might Like

Destin-Nation Mexico: Best Beaches South of the Border [AOL Travel]

America's Best Cities for People Watching [AOL Travel]

Introducing: Traveling the American Road Series [Gadling]

6 Essential Items for a Successful Vacation [Budget Travel]

Top 10 Iconic Travel Experiences [Lonely Planet]

Top 10 Nanobreweries in America [The Daily Meal]

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Solar Impulse Makes First International Flight (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Kate Auletta — 2011-05-13T08:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Air Travel, News, Video, EcoTravel

Solar Impulse Channel

The Solar Impulse took its first international flight on Friday from Switzerland to Belgium, the Associated Press reports.

The flight is a first for the aircraft, which made its maiden voyage in 2009. The plane completed a non-stop 26-hour flight that proved that the plane can stay aloft at night.

Back in April, it was reported that the flight would occur on May 2nd. At the time, the team was concerned about crossing international air networks and was awaiting final approval from authorities.

The plane, amazingly, has the wingspan of a Boeing 777.

WATCH the flight take off earlier on Friday below. (Hint: It's super cool to watch.)

And check out photos of the aircraft below.

%Gallery-122446%

More Articles You Might Like

Top 29 Cities to Visit in 2011 [AOL Travel]

Money Saving Secrets for Your Summer Travel [The Daily Meal]

Top 5 Countries for Friendliness, According to Expats [NileGuide]

Meat Free Travel: Vegetarian Hits and Misses [Lonely Planet]

Five Ways to Improve Business Travel With Your Family [Gadling]

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

National Public Gardens Day: 10 Under-The-Radar Gardens To Visit This Mother's Day (PHOTOS)

Kate Auletta — 2011-05-06T07:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Budget, Arts & Culture, EcoTravel, Weekend Getaways

American Public Gardens Association

May 6th marks the 3rd annual National Public Gardens Day. Created to bring awareness to the importance of public gardens in promoting environmental stewardship and plant and water conservation, the day will see some 500 events across the country to celebrate America's public gardens.

May 6th marks the 3rd annual National Public Gardens Day. Created to bring awareness to the importance of public gardens in promoting environmental stewardship and plant and water conservation, the day will see some 500 events across the country to celebrate America's public gardens.

Most of the events, for families, schools and tourists alike, will last through the weekend (hint: A visit would make a great last-minute Mother's Day treat).

National Public Gardens Day always takes place on the Friday before Mother's Day, and is meant to commemorate the start of spring.

Get outside in your hometown or travel to a nearby public garden to celebrate spring - not to mention good ol' mom.

All the gardens mentioned below are free to enter. Check the National Public Gardens Day website to get coupons to gardens that charge admission on Friday.

Text and photos courtesy of the American Public Gardens Association.

%Gallery-122667%

More Articles You Might Like

Ten Movies that Inspire Wanderlust [AOL Travel]

Ten Smallest Bars in the World [Budget Travel]

Best Ethnic Food Neighborhoods in America [The Daily Meal]

The World's 10 Best Things to Climb [Lonely Planet]

Great Solo Vacation Ideas for Mom [Fox News Travel]

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Earth Day 2011: 21 Places To Go Before They Disappear (PHOTOS)

Kate Auletta — 2011-04-22T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: EcoTravel

Getty Images

100 Places to Go Before They Disappear, the new book by Desmond Tutu, will appear on bookshelves on May 1. It's a compelling title: a list of 100 places around the world that are disappearing - or in danger of disappearing - before our very eyes.100 Places to Go Before They Disappear, the new book by Desmond Tutu, will appear on bookshelves on May 1st. It's a compelling title: a list of 100 places around the world that are disappearing - or are in danger of disappearing - before our very eyes.

Waterfronts of some of the world's biggest cities, including London, New York, Chicago and Bangkok are in danger of being engulfed by flooding if water temperatures rise by only a few degrees. The world's forests, lakes and coral are severely threatened by global warming.

The entire nation - yes, the ENTIRE nation, of Tuvalu could disappear into the Pacific Ocean.

100 Places looks at places on all seven continents that people should visit before they're no longer there.

Take a look at some of the photos below.

All photos from Getty Images Ltd. Book available from Abrams Publishing on May 1st for $24.95.

%Gallery-121624%

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Summer Travel 2011: The Great Big Summer Travel Poll Recap

AOL Travel Staff — 2011-04-22T07:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Adventure Travel, Air Travel, Beach, Cruise, Family, News, Budget, EcoTravel, Seasonal, Holidays

Getty

Gas prices and high airfare are going to suck for summer travelers in 2011. At least that's what we've gathered from our first Great Big Summer Travel Poll. Not the most shocking discovery - travelers despise expensive gas and pricey airfare. But, other results might come as a surprise...

Results like 51.3% (1,266 votes) of those surveyed who voted "No" when asked "Is the slow economy affecting your travel plans this summer?" is a bit of a shock. 48.5% (1,232 votes) of respondents said they'll spend $1,500 or more on summer travel this year (the second highest percentage was for 15.9%--or 403 votes--who said they'll spend $500 - $1000 this summer.

These results are interesting as gas prices are soaring, and typically do every summer. Airlines are hiking fares, and the economy is still sluggish. So what's the deal?

Take the following into consideration:

49.4% (1,254 votes) responded they are traveling in the U.S. when asked "Where are you traveling this summer?" The second most votes were by those saying they're not traveling at all at 19.7% (579 votes), followed by those traveling internationally at 16.7% (491 votes) and vacationers planning international and U.S. travel at 14.2% (419 votes)--lucky people!

As most poll participants are traveling only in the U.S., and since the biggest pet peeves of those polled were high gas prices (36.9%, 890 votes) and expensive airfare (36.9%, 890 votes), it seems likely that people are spending the majority of their money in areas within easy striking distance of travelers--their own city, state or general locale.

AOL Travel user Viegram commented: "No travel for us this year. Airfares and gas is way too high. Family reunion canceled due to high costs. We live in Orlando so we will be doing local attractions. Plenty of discounts at the Florida attractions if you can take the stifling heat!"

People are spending more, but doing so closer to home to avoid excessive transportation costs. Instead of spending that $1,500 on airfare or fuel, it's going to be spent on actual travel activities, amusement parks, at the beach, national parks, or weekend getaways.

What travelers aren't doing

Going on cruises. A staggering 89.4% (2,081 votes) of participants said they are not going on a cruise this summer compared with 10.6% (246 votes) who said they are.

Historically cruises are more popular in the fall, winter and spring which partly accounts for the large amount of "no" votes. It can't help that June through November is hurricane season in the Atlantic (it's May through November in the eastern Pacific). That tends to put a damper on folks wanting to get on a large boat.

Hurricanes or no, there isn't a lack of cruise options out there during the summer. There are Caribbean cruises, and plenty of routes around Europe and Alaska.

Mediterranean cruises tend to be more expensive and they leave port from European cities (obviously), so there's the added cost of getting there from the U.S. And, with expensive airfare a concern among travelers, dishing out the funds for a ticket to Europe, then another $500 and up for a cruise makes ships leaving locally during the peak times more appealing.

See below for the complete list of results.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Eco-Friendly Hotels: Luxury with a Conscience

Meg Massie — 2011-04-04T14:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Hotel, EcoTravel, Luxury

Meg Massie

We all know that travel can have a negative impact on the environment, but does that mean it's your duty to Mother Nature to give up on seeing the world? Of course not! Do you have to go camping and live off the land for a true eco vacation? That's one way to do green travel, but it's not the only option. Eco-friendly hotels take the guilt out of a luxury vacation, and educational, family-friendly eco adventures offered at these destinations teach you about being green on vacation and at home. These five eco-friendly hotels do way more than just recycle their paper products; they're raising the bar for green travel.

B Ocean, Fort Lauderdale: B Sensitive to the Environment

Courtesy of B Hotels & Resorts

B Ocean is a brand new oceanfront hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. When B was built in 2010, they gutted the existing hotel building to replace everything with more modern, efficient electrical systems that are above and beyond current environmental standards. The hotel has a full recycling program, and they use recycled materials wherever possible. Visit between October and March to witness sea turtles nesting on the beach in front of the hotel. In fact, sea turtles are a passion point at B Ocean. Each guest room has a plush sea turtle available for adoption - when you take these adorable friends home (look for collector's edition designer plush sea turtles at the gift shop as well), a portion of the proceeds goes to the Sea Turtle Foundation. To see more unique Florida wildlife, B Ocean arranges eco tours of the Everglades, the Florida wetlands that hundreds of animal species call home. Don't forget your camera and keep an eye out for manatee, dolphins, alligators, Florida panthers, wood storks, great herons, ibises, and over 350 more bird species.

Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica

Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Rose Hall

Very few golf resorts can call themselves eco-friendly hotels, but the Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica, has some of the greenest of greens. This resort was recently awarded Green Globe Certification for its continued environmental conservation efforts. Sustainable efforts at the Ritz-Carlton, Rose Hall are overseen by The Ritz-Carlton Environmental Action Conservation Team (REACT), who educates all departments on environmental practices designed to minimize the hotel's carbon footprint. Green initiatives at the property include utilizing recycled products, increased energy efficiency throughout the resort, environmental education and community outreach, an on-site herb garden used by the culinary department, and environmental and nature programs for kids and families. The Dolphin Program is an excursion for guests to swim with dolphins and get up close with dolphins, stingrays, and sea turtles.

El Conquistador Resort, Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Courtesy of El Conquistador

Just minutes away from Puerto Rico's El Yunque Rainforest, El Conquistador and its sister property, Las Casitas Village & Spa, have both competed a comprehensive green overhaul. The properties share an on-site waste water treatment facility, through which all water is filtered and treated. The water is then recycled and used in the lagoons on El Conquistador's Arthur Hills Golf Course, as well as to water the course's greens. As part of their energy conservation initiative, El Conquistador and Las Casitas both utilize natural lighting and solar energy throughout the property, with a/c and electric systems on automatic timers. Walking and hiking trails throughout El Yunque lead to breathtaking waterfalls and plant and animal photo-ops that you won't find anywhere else in the country. Be on the lookout for rare parrots and colorful tree frogs. Entrance to the forest is free, but the US Forest Service offers guided tours for $5 per person every half hour from 10:30 to 2:30, seven days a week.

Eventi - A Kimpton Hotel, New York, NY

Courtesy of Eventi

The Big Apple isn't exactly a green apple, but some eco-friendly hotels like Eventi are doing their part to make the city more earth-conscious. Eventi is participating in Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants' EarthCare Week, running from April 15-22, 2011. During EarthCare week, Eventi will host a daily Lights Out Power Hour, a candlelit wine hour. Another EarthCare event perfect for Manhattan tourists is the National Eco Step Challenge. The hotel will provide pedometers to all guests, encouraging them to rack up steps to win prizes.

Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii: Environmental Ambassadors

Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

The second Ritz-Carlton property on our list of eco-friendly hotels, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua exemplifies dedication to the natural Hawaiian environment as well as the local culture in all of its operations. Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment programs at the hotel are designed to teach guests of all ages about environmentally friendly living through hands-on experiences with nature. It's impossible not to fall in love with nature when you come so close to the vibrant wildlife in the reef at Kapalua Bay and the Hawaiian rainforest. Sea turtles the size of small cars, sharks, urchins, and fish in every color of the rainbow live in the water just off the hotel's beach, and naturalists are on hand to teach all about safe and friendly coexistence with these wondrous creatures. Like the Rose Hall hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has gardens onsite that provide many of the herbs and fruits used in the hotel's kitchen.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

When is Earth Day 2011? Where to Go and What You Can Do

Christopher Curley — 2011-03-02T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: EcoTravel, Seasonal

snre, Flickr

When is Earth Day 2011? Since 1970, Earth Day has been held on April 22, which this year falls conveniently on a Friday on the fourth weekend of the month, but celebrations are taking place all over the world at different dates around actual Earth Day. During this time of environmental appreciation, it might seem antithetical to the ideals of Earth Day 2011 to talk about travel (especially air travel), but on the contrary, the holiday is the perfect time to think about the impact your travel has on the environment and what you, as a responsible citizen, might do about it.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

The easiest way to reduce your carbon footprint while flying is to take a direct flight rather than multiple connections and stay at an eco-friendly hotel, but if that's not possible - and heck, even if it is - you might consider purchasing a "carbon offset" for your travel. While there has been some controversy surrounding so-called "carbon neutral" companies and carbon offsets (which reduce a person's environmental impact on the environment from flying, driving, and generally being a consumer), namely that not all "carbon neutral" investments are regulated or created alike, the EPA has gotten better at verifying the quality and authenticity of companies making green claims. This means you, as a consumer, can make your Earth Day 2011 contribution by trading some capital for peace of mind by investing in renewable energy, reforestation, and other conservation projects. Websites like Carbon Fund and Expedia make the process seamless, and you can see directly where your money is going, and it only costs around $12 to "offset" a 6,000 mile round trip flight. If you can't plant a tree on Earth Day, consider purchasing a carbon offset.

Earth Day Celebrations

Because it sounds flip, I should clarify that "planting a tree" is not the be-all and end-all of what Earth Day 2011 represents. There are tons of small improvements you can make in your life, from using more efficient lighting in your home, to unplugging unused appliances and recycling and composting as much as you can that are far more impactful on a day-to-day basis than any single Earth Day act can be. But Earth Day celebrations, including, yes, planting trees, are an important way to remind yourself of your connection to the environment, to the dirt and the world and its ecosystem. Most major cities have some sort of Earth Day celebration in April to May; here are a few prominent ones.

Sunday, April 17: St. Louis Earth Day, St. Louis, Missouri
Friday, April 22: Earth Day New York, New York City
Saturday, April 23: Nashville Earth Day 2011, Nashville, Tennessee; Earth Day Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana
Sunday, May 22, 2011: World Fest 2011, Lake Balboa, California

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Five Eco Vacations Sure To Make Travelers Feel Good

Charyn Pfeuffer — 2011-02-15T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: EcoTravel

Consumption-conscious travelers are big swapping carbon footprints for sense of place and meaningful travel experiences. Here are five destinations that embrace sustainable, socially-aware practices while delivering the very best eco vacations.

Ka'ana Resort and Spa, Belize
Sitting on the fertile land just beneath the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, this 15-room boutique resort is perfect for travelers who prefer an intimate eco vacation experience. All of the furnishings - from the woodwork to the art on the walls - are crafted by local Belizean artisans. The resort has a dedicated "green team" who works to make the property greener. The spa uses local products and an onsite organic garden supplies a large percentage of herbs and vegetables served at the resort. Guests have the opportunity to participate in Ka'ana's Trade Trees for Travel program where they plant a tree on the property to offset their own carbon footprint.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Those seeking a grand game reserve affair in the African bush turn to Sabi Sabi. Set in Kruger National Park, eco vacations at this fabled wildlife resort celebrate conservation and community. For example, waste-water is cleaned naturally through oxidization dams that create a wetland area, which is ideal habitat for waterfowl. Within the community, Sabi Sabi employs many of its 200 person staff from the nearby Limpopo Province. Reserve guests are also able to gain a glimpse into authentic village life by taking part in a tour of neighboring communities during their stay.

Hacienda de San Antonio, Mexico
Built at the end of the 19th century as part of a (still) working coffee plantation, this 5,000-acre ranch in the small Pacific state of Colima encompasses lagoons, rivers and orchards. Cooler yet, the serene hacienda is situated at the foot of Volcan de Fuego (Fire Volcano), the most active volcano in Mexico (eruptions still occur today). With no in-room television or cell phone service, this boutique is the real deal for those who want total escape. French chef David Ferré exalts standard fare to foodie nirvana with organic dairy, meats, fruits, vegetables and coffee grown right on the ranch's own organic ranch, el Jabali. Outdoor enthusiasts will adore the horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking options.

Gaia Retreat & Spa, Australia
In the magical hills of the Byron Bay hinterland, Gaia works hard to reduce its environmental footprint, from using energy efficient lighting and windows and cleaning products to a comprehensive composting and recycling program. The Olivia Newton-John-owned resort also has its own organic vegetable and herb garden. In line with the 'Rainforest Rescue Regeneration Scheme,' Gaia is implementing plantings of 2000 trees per year. Savor a photo-op worthy moment at Samira Lookout, the highest spot on the property, which affords incomparable sunsets.

Turtle Island, Fiji
Wealthy folks wanting to get away from it all rent the entire island of Turtle Island (all 500 acres and 14 beaches of it!), which can otherwise accommodate up to 14 couples at a time. Guests stay in private beachfront bures (or cottages) and soak up island activities like deep sea fishing, scuba diving, sailing and kayaking. Although the island is basically undeveloped, there is an emphasis on preservation - no high rises, television, billboards or strip malls here - just a 4 acre organic garden, and intensive reforestation program and plenty of natural island habitat and wildlife. Although every amenity can be catered to on the island, guests come here to keep it simple.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments