Trips to Make Your Friends Green
Al Gore may have scared you into switching to fluorescent bulbs and a new hybrid, but we want to put the eco friendly fun back into your next vacation. This issue is all about sustainable travel. So get your carbon footprint down to size on one of these fabulously green locations.
San Jose, Costa Rica flights | hotels | cars
Jet-set to an exotic locale while saving the animals, the planet, and your sanity all at the same time. Your Costa Rican vacation starts with some beach combing and bird watching in the pristine Punta Islita. Next up, participate in some good old-fashioned tree-hugging in the protected rainforests of Costa Rica and make friends with the rare frogs and endangered species without disturbing their natural habitat. Try an excursion with Global Volunteers where you can renovate buildings, plant trees and other landscaping, work with the community, and leave a lasting (and non-toxic) imprint in the community. Finish off your trip with some unique adventure diving at Cano Island Biological Reserve, hiking along the inspired Tortuguero National Park, and soaking in the all-natural hot springs of Tabacon.
Vieques, Puerto Rico flights | hotels | cars
Vieques was once the US Navy’s practice ground for bombing until just a few years ago. Now this hip little island is known for their environmental efforts and green-friendly activities. Rent a bike from La Dulce Vida and tour the island without leaving behind any polluting emissions. Explore Isabel Segunda’s waterfront and stroll in the shops, boutiques, and restaurants for some authentic eats. Take a swim at Sun Bay and walk out forty feet off Media Luna Beach. But perhaps the most magnificent reason to visit Vieques is Mosquito Bay’s bioluminescent bay where the organisms light up the water and everything that touches it. Don’t be afraid of the dark, kayak out into the bay and jump in. You’ll feel like the newest member of the X-Men as the water lights up around your body. Remember to use your power for good, not evil.
Oslo, Norway flights | hotels | cars
Perhaps it’s Norway’s plentiful fjords, forests, beaches, parks, and nearby countryside that made Oslo home to this year’s Global Ecotourism Conference. This eco-friendly city offers inexpensive bike rentals from Citybike where you can enjoy the urban surroundings without contributing any unnecessary emissions. After biking past Vigeland Park, Akershus Castle and Fortress, and the open-air museum of the Norwegian Folk Museum - ditch your rental at one of the accessible bike returns and stroll through Karl Johans Gate. This pedestrian area takes you past boutiques, cafes, and pubs before taking an organic picnic to the Royal Palace at the top of the gate. Try an alternative transportation option and take a boat tour up the beautiful Oslofjord. Kick it old school and get around via horseback. Riding vacations are very popular in Norway and many hotels keep horses for guests. Don’t forget to fill ‘er up before returning her.
Boulder, Colorado flights | hotels | cars
Pack lightly, recycle, and patronize the local hotels and restaurants in the eco-friendly city of Boulder, Colorado. First stop on your eco-friendly vacation? Take in some culture and art at Chautauqua Park before rock climbing, hiking, and strolling through the gardens. Next, take a stroll through the pedestrian Pearl Street Mall where you can browse eco-friendly vendors, take in some live music, grab a coffee, and buy locally. Stop off for some dinner at The Kitchen, where waste is discouraged, organic and biodegradable products are used whenever possible, and leftovers are either given away or turned into compost. Finish off your trip with a visit to Boulder Falls where the mere glimpse at this natural wonder will keep you green and environmentally responsible for life.
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Get Lost in Hawaii
Summer is almost over, so dust off that couch, potato, because the new fall TV season is about to begin. Know what’s better than finding out if the LOST characters get off the island from the comfort of your living room. How about a trip to Hawaii to find your own private beach or scenic hike? Kayak wants to know just how far you’re willing to go for your favorite TV show, so take this quick survey and tell us all about it.
Spreading the inconvenient truth,
Steve and Paul, Kayak.com co-founders