tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79098264111500758452024-02-21T04:14:31.915-05:00Green Travels<b>Environmentally friendly destinations and fuel efficient cars. Eco tips and tools for smarter travel.</b><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-67750723211535088492009-11-29T16:05:00.003-05:002013-03-12T15:17:56.964-04:00Green Travels moves to new URL<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9wZW1ww6FlKKAQqymPuMIxQNbxo8P8esduvswDJra6I0jRVaRLjcr1GK_zTWjBBTDFfyVBP3eYQ3BHu1Zr-rYP8YbCSyMVzvzSEB3lvZ0Ama9cZtrL6gx3eQLDaXrUPJ0RVgHyMvEwI/s1600/j0305798.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409636522397072210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9wZW1ww6FlKKAQqymPuMIxQNbxo8P8esduvswDJra6I0jRVaRLjcr1GK_zTWjBBTDFfyVBP3eYQ3BHu1Zr-rYP8YbCSyMVzvzSEB3lvZ0Ama9cZtrL6gx3eQLDaXrUPJ0RVgHyMvEwI/s200/j0305798.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 193px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Green Travels has moved. <br />
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You'll find the same eco-friendly information, in a new format, with a new name, <b>ecoXplorer.</b><br />
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Please visit <a href="http://www.ecoxplorer.com/" target="_blank"><b>exoXplorer</b></a> for the latest news in green travel, green cars and saving the green in your wallet on both.<br />
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Please also visit my <a href="http://www.nyconthecheap.com/" target="_blank">NYC on the Cheap </a>website for the latest news on events, sales and bargains and other deals in New York City, plus some national ones, too.</div>
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I hope you visit. I hope you approve of the move.</div>
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Cordially,</div>
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Evelyn Kanter</div>
<b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-25542599348991216032009-08-17T19:21:00.004-04:002009-08-17T19:29:39.227-04:00Four Star Hotels Become Luxury Green Travel Choices<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNJN8ZCIg1b7lbdUv1ac5DRyG-Iqi9QR2mwPvZfaLkbtb44DW32GcgI9ywujS7UwiURbsXt0X9MU76tvg8W8VIBOZUCAmNF33tpda7k6lS7ft05BXMY7Lpq2gDxAbPT9xGgFQpLRyj4Y/s1600-h/RockResorts_LandingsStLucia_room"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371078385452844226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNJN8ZCIg1b7lbdUv1ac5DRyG-Iqi9QR2mwPvZfaLkbtb44DW32GcgI9ywujS7UwiURbsXt0X9MU76tvg8W8VIBOZUCAmNF33tpda7k6lS7ft05BXMY7Lpq2gDxAbPT9xGgFQpLRyj4Y/s200/RockResorts_LandingsStLucia_room" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Who says the words green luxury hotels can't be used in the in the same sentence? Not me, and not the four-star hotel group <a href="http://www.rockresorts.com/">RockResorts</a>. </div><br /><div></div><div>Their green lodging program extends the same top green environmental standard to all rooms in upscale hotels such as the Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado, and the Snake River Lodge & Spa in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.<br /></div><div>RockResorts calls it the "Green Room". Yes, yes, of course it starts with energy efficient lighting and electronics, a towel and linen reuse program, low flow bath fixtures and a recycling bin under the desk. That is now the absolute minimum standard across the hotel industry worldwide. Little bits of green that are great for starters. RockResorts does more. Lots more. </div><ul><li>Bath amenities -- These are custom formulated, all natural, essential oils, free from preservatives and other artificial ingredients such as parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate derivates and artificial or synthetic colors and fragrances, in recyclable bottles.</li><br /><li>Cleaning products -- Housekeeping staff uses Green Seal and EPA certified products. That means they are formulated without chemicals such as chlorine bleach and are less toxic to you and to the environment.</li><br /><li>Paints and finishes -- These are low or no VOC (volatile organic compounds), also less toxic to you and to the environment. Plus, all rooms and facilities are entirely smoke free.</li></ul><p>There's also a voluntary guest program for guests to donate $1 a night to the <a href="http://www.greatdrives.net/www.vailresorts.com/CORP/info/protecting-our-forests.aspx.">National Forest Foundation</a> in Colorado, or other non-profit environmental group. For every dollar contributed by guests, the NFF will match at $.50. Since 2006, this program has raised more than $1.2 million for conservation efforts in the national forests that surround RockResorts hotels. </p><p>RockResorts has a long history of concern for the environment. Company founder Laurance Rockefeller started the company in 1956 based on the premise that all his hotels and resorts would embrace and nurture their locations.</p><p>The luxury hotel group also has its own Director of Environmental Affairs, Julie Klein, who describes these Green Room standards as minimum requirements. "We plan to continue to grow this program to further demonstrate our commitment to the iconic locations in which we operate our resort hotels, and to the overall guest experience."</p><p>RockResorts is owned by <a href="http://vail.snow.com/">Vail Resorts</a>, which has a corporate wide mandate to reduce the overall energy use by 10 percent at the end of 2010.</p><ul><li>Hotels include -- </li><li>The Arrabelle at Vail Square </li><li>The Lodge at Vail in Vail, Colorado </li><li><a href="http://www.hoteljerome.com/">Hotel Jerome</a> in Aspen, Colorado </li><li>The Osprey at Beaver Creek The Pines Lodge in Beaver Creek, Colorado</li><li>La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa in Santa Fe, New Mexico </li><li><a href="http://www.snakeriverlodge.rockresorts.com/">Snake River Lodge & Spa</a> in Jackson Hole, Wyoming </li><li>The Landings St. Lucia, Rodney Bay, <a href="http://www.stlucia.org/">St. Lucia</a> </li></ul><p>New hotels are Tempo Miami in Miami, Fla. (scheduled to open in 2009); One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge, Colo. (2010); The Mansfield Inn at Stowe in Stowe, Vt. (winter 2010/2011); Rum Cay Resort Marina, The Bahamas (2011); and the Third Turtle Club & Spa, Turks and Caicos (2011).</p><p>So, absolutely yes, luxury travel can be green travel. </p><p>Read more <a href="http://www.ecotraveller.info/global.php?cat=Green%20Travels">green hotel news and reviews</a> from Green Travel guru Evelyn Kanter.<br /></p><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-28714107015123717772009-01-03T15:46:00.002-05:002009-01-03T15:52:20.443-05:00A Moving Experience<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbQvi5IecsdUyPYe5L-XA5NdrV_QxlCScXSpO3C0xS9sztvTJmRpKfHkjm668Tu0JB0rrG_aAI8qQaA64z0TvGjWagnb6QR_ChHK-lhLRuIpgiKBI510pGvA0m81wIpmBQbczbanTeYA/s1600-h/SamsoniteWheeledBag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbQvi5IecsdUyPYe5L-XA5NdrV_QxlCScXSpO3C0xS9sztvTJmRpKfHkjm668Tu0JB0rrG_aAI8qQaA64z0TvGjWagnb6QR_ChHK-lhLRuIpgiKBI510pGvA0m81wIpmBQbczbanTeYA/s200/SamsoniteWheeledBag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287173023192999058" border="0" /></a><br />In case you've been noticing there aren't many posts lately, it's because I'm moving.<br /><br />All the content from GreenTravels is being moved to my new website, <span style="font-weight: bold;">www.EcoTraveller.info.</span> Go take a look. It's not finished yet. We're still tinkering. <br /><br />Cheers, and best wishes for 2009!<br /><br />Evelyn<b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-11183810936841743152008-12-16T17:33:00.009-05:002008-12-16T18:20:03.321-05:00Make Your Holiday Gifts Count<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvC0vGYgMZdrGpeu9iwMyoCAS5NsyggDOHiZdN65APeLKQl2Dom8yz5KMr-yURZy5Z2REtAGOsIjtiIp2GbiJxmU4DHzeegfMzD-T1nwtTwBugWA3u2s0-cW8NtElqI3TEhbYd9aCSBM/s1600-h/dollars_fan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280521177844874322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvC0vGYgMZdrGpeu9iwMyoCAS5NsyggDOHiZdN65APeLKQl2Dom8yz5KMr-yURZy5Z2REtAGOsIjtiIp2GbiJxmU4DHzeegfMzD-T1nwtTwBugWA3u2s0-cW8NtElqI3TEhbYd9aCSBM/s200/dollars_fan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Sure, you could give everybody on your gift list a pair of gloves, a scarf or a box of chocolates they don't need and might not even like. Or, you could make your gift really count and give a donation to an international charity in the name of your friend, relative or boss.</div><div></div><br /><div>Here are some suggestions for giving green to legitimate charities which help the poor and the sick around the world -- </div><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/NETCOMMUNITY/SSLPage.aspx?pid=197&hbc=1&msource=ADL081201D01"><strong>Doctors Without Borders </strong></a><strong>-- </strong>There's an urgent need for funds to help in Zimbabwe, which is suffering a killing outbreak of cholera. This group's doctors and nurses have treated more than 11,000 victims since August. Thousands have died, including entire families. </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.204586/?msource=kw1158&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Heifer_international&utm_campaign=GeneralHoliday"><strong>Heifer International</strong> </a>-- As little as $20 will buy a flock of baby chicks, ducklings or geese that can lay eggs to feed a family, grow up and breed more chickens, ducks or geese that can be sold to support the family -- and the eggs those animals produce start expand the cycle to the next family. Heifer International has programs in South America and Asia.</div><div></div><br /><div><strong><a href="http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/redalert/">Red Cross</a></strong> -- No explanation needed. </div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Taj Hotel, Mumbai, India</strong> -- The terrorist attack in November killed more than 100 people and injured hundreds more, at the historic Taj Hotel and other locations in the city that used to be called Bombay. The owners of the Taj -- which suffered millions of dollars in damage -- have started a Trust Fund for victims. There is no website for donations -- email <a title="mailto:tpswtrust@tajhotels.com" href="mailto:tpswtrust@tajhotels.com">tpswtrust@tajhotels.com</a> for instructions on how to donate.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.ellisisland.org/?SID=133"><strong>Statue of Liberty - Ellis Island Foundation</strong></a><strong> </strong>-- You can search the database for free, and find the name of your grandparent or great-grandparent, and the name of the boat he or she arrived on to the United States. Or, donate something to help keep those records free, by adding a name to the Wall of Honor -- buy your relative's name to be inscribed on that wall.</div><div></div><div>Any of these gifts are more valuable than another pair of gloves, don't you think? </div><div></div><br /><div>And if you wonder about how good a charity is, check <strong><a href="http://charitynavigator.org/">Charity Navigator</a></strong>, which rates charities based on how much of your donation goes to the people or service -- and how much the fund-raiser keeps. You will be surprised. Even shocked.</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-11774873849003247982008-12-07T17:31:00.007-05:002008-12-07T18:18:51.391-05:00Top Travel Deals for Holidays and New Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIWIaIQ6ZB8QTvENKEpId5eO55Wg2Gzr2XHrmedBVBWMmi5SZFiVnWMgopMG3x-6L_GbCTdexh-4zxoWr5F_oD_BPJ2viPbDBD-jF0gAUKQW_OXOD_USWAdBF9avRnc57rlCYlcNJ8hI/s1600-h/SamsoniteWheeledBag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277191139617498466" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIWIaIQ6ZB8QTvENKEpId5eO55Wg2Gzr2XHrmedBVBWMmi5SZFiVnWMgopMG3x-6L_GbCTdexh-4zxoWr5F_oD_BPJ2viPbDBD-jF0gAUKQW_OXOD_USWAdBF9avRnc57rlCYlcNJ8hI/s200/SamsoniteWheeledBag.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As bad as the economic headlines are, just one-quarter of us are dropping holiday travel plans -- according more than 1,400 people surveyed by the the travel planning website <a href="http://www.kayak.com/"><strong>Kayak</strong></a><strong>. </strong>And those people might be tempted by all the deals and bargains to help you save green -- as in green dollars.</div><br /><div></div><div>Hotels, resorts and destination cities are getting pretty creative, too, with their travel deals. And some of them extend into the new year: </div><br /><div></div><div><div><strong>Virginia</strong> -- Ooh, baby, it's cold outside, and the colder it is, the less you'll pay for a room. Participaing hotels in <a href="http://www.fxva.com/"><strong>Fairfax County</strong> </a>-- just outside Washington, D. C. -- are freezing their room rates on weekends through December 27, 2008, to match the temperature outside. A room rate of $27 will certainly warm my heart, even if 27 degrees is freezing my body parts. Or whatever the temperature is at noon on Saturday at Dulles International Airport. Make your reservation at least 72 hours in advance, and no, the deal does not extend to January and the inauguration celebration events for Barack Obama. </div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Las Vegas</strong> -- Through January 30, 2009, you can get 30 percent off your bill at the <a href="http://www.mgmgrand.com/"><strong>MGM Grand</strong> </a>or the <a href="http://www.signaturemgmgrand.com/"><strong>Signature at MGM Grand</strong> </a>just by paying with your <strong>MasterCard®.</strong> The discount applies to dining, entertainment and spa purchases at both resorts when they are charged to your hotel bill. Room rates start at $89 at MGM Grand and $149 for suites at The Signature. Just don't gamble away your savings in the casinos!</div></div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Delta and Hilton</strong> -- Are you a member of either -- or both -- of their frequent flyer, frequent guest programs? <strong><a href="http://www.hiltonhhonors.com/processlanding2.aspx?lp=delta6xmiles&cid=OM,HN,Delta6xMiles,4Q08">Delta SkyMiles and Hilton HHonors?</a></strong> If not, hurry up and join so you can get six times the miles with the airline program with each stay of two nights or more at a participating Hilton hotel worldwide, through February 28, 2009. Act fast, because this 6x bonus won't last long. </div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Intercontinental Hotels</strong> -- Sometimes, souvenir shopping is the difference between carry-on that' s still free and checking a bag for the flight home for whatever your airline is charging this week, anywhere from $20 to $50. If you are staying at a participating <a href="http://www.intercontinental.com/"><strong>InterContinental Hotel</strong> </a>through January 2, 2009, they'll ship home -- free -- one box per room, up to 30 pounds, via standard shipping service, to anywhere within the continental U.S. Just show up with your loot at the hotel's business center with the goodies and proof of purchase and leave the rest to them. Of course, if you want to ship home holiday gifts from that family visit, you'll have to ask Aunt Sylvia for the receipt, which could be dicey, if your Aunt Sylvia is like mine.</div><br /><div></div><div>Ah, yes, many ways to save green when you travel this holiday season. </div><div></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-84969482903282044232008-11-26T12:35:00.012-05:002008-12-03T16:06:38.880-05:00Travel Insurance -- Why You Need It<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l1I2gyqCcqOCRkC42Vr7NgQaka47dm2jCC3dpgHFNVieG3vpWBlS63xzQArNBMRdCPH-lWDhx4YQiX_ub4Os9Af7r_lq5ei9jhAen14uGgyxGaf_26DyaAn0_euYe9PZveDhMKFKCCA/s1600-h/penguin_shermanstravel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273031953159856402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l1I2gyqCcqOCRkC42Vr7NgQaka47dm2jCC3dpgHFNVieG3vpWBlS63xzQArNBMRdCPH-lWDhx4YQiX_ub4Os9Af7r_lq5ei9jhAen14uGgyxGaf_26DyaAn0_euYe9PZveDhMKFKCCA/s200/penguin_shermanstravel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The question is not whether you should have travel insurance when you travel, the question is which kind you should have. </div><div></div><br /><div>This week, the <strong><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/27/world/asia/27mumbai.html?partner=rss&emc=rss">India terror attack</a></strong> devastated the city of Mumbai, and the Bangkok Airport was shut down by political demonstrations, stranding more than 200,000 tourists for more than a week. Last year, a baggage snafu at London's Heahtrow Airport delayed flights for days and baggage for longer. </div><br /><div></div><div>Missed connections, misplaced or damaged luggage, an unexpected accident or illness in the family before or during a trip, the unrest after a disputed election, such as occurred in Kenya recently, a strike or work stoppage by airline or train workers, even forgetting your passport for departure or losing it en route -- these are all reasons you should not leave home without travel insurance, travel medical insurance, or both. </div><div></div><br /><div>So, which kind to get? Start with travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.<br /></div><div>Without trip cancellation insurance, you are at the mercy of airlines, which can charge as much as ten times the price of your original, discounted, advance-purchase ticket for a replacement. Without trip cancellation insurance, your hotel might charge you a 'no-show' fee that's half the cost of the room, even if they rent it to somebody else. </div><div></div><br /><div>Basic policies also cover delayed baggage, so you can buy yourself a toothbrush and a clean t-shirt and be re-imbursed.</div><br /><div></div><div>And many travel insurance policies cover medical care away from home that is not covered by your regular health insurance policy. So, it is especially important for U. S. travellers over 65 to have travel insurance with a medical component, since Medicare does not cover medical care outside the United States. </div><br /><div></div><div>Generally, travel insurance policies have a medical cap at $5,000 or $10,000, which -- generally -- is enough for a family reunion with grandma in Scotland, or the first ski trip with the grandchildren in Lake Tahoe. And, generally, travel insurance policies cover everybody travelling together on a family trip. But you have to read the fine print to be sure.</div><div></div><br /><div>If you are going on that once-in-a-lifetime trip -- travel to see the penguins in Patagonia, or the blue boobies in the Galapagos, or hiking the rugged trails of the Caucusus -- you should consider a travel insurance policy that includes helicipter evacuation from even the most remote area. Such as what is offered by <strong><a href="http://www.medjetassist.com/plans/shortterm.aspx">MedJet Assist</a></strong>, which will even fly you home in a special med-evac aircraft. Expensive? If you had to pay for it out-of-pocket, it could cost $15,000, or more. But your entire family is covered for $350 a year. Now that's green travel -- saving green!</div><br /><div></div><div>Here are other travel insurance companies I recommend --</div><ul><li><a href="http://www.accessamerica.com/"><strong>Access America</strong> </a></li><li><strong><a href="http://www.insuremytrip.com/">Insure My Trip</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="http://www.travelguard.com/">TravelGuard International</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="http://itravelinsured.com/">I Travel Insured</a></strong></li><li><strong>Programs offered by American Express, Visa, MasterCard</strong></li></ul><p>You can compare them by checking <strong><a href="http://travelinsurance.net/">Travel Insurance Review</a></strong>, a non-biased industry organization. And be sure to check your homeowner's policy, even your auto insurance policy for hidden gems of coverage.</p><p>Another advantage of insurance is that it gives you one place to call to arrange all the details, including re-imbursement.</p><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-88375940007323428822008-11-25T19:55:00.000-05:002008-11-25T19:55:00.592-05:00Historic Santa Monica Hotel Re-Opens With Green Features<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvUp0S19lug0WY8NnjnYTzrpcpsaasNyuzYJSrHTcL285gAOnHR3QLzcoKcG6V_tu43MZwxfhVxwLmKQa6J7Zg6UDmAafSXK0L9N7GrqD6Fx3T_L6BMLoRP805x4GZkQVoBv3M4FSEU0/s1600-h/SantaMonicaShangriLa-exterior.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267945672462430162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvUp0S19lug0WY8NnjnYTzrpcpsaasNyuzYJSrHTcL285gAOnHR3QLzcoKcG6V_tu43MZwxfhVxwLmKQa6J7Zg6UDmAafSXK0L9N7GrqD6Fx3T_L6BMLoRP805x4GZkQVoBv3M4FSEU0/s200/SantaMonicaShangriLa-exterior.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It's not unusual for the beautiful ladies of Santa Monica to get a facelift when they reach that 'certain age'. When the legendary grande dame is the historic Hotel Shangri-La, that body-re-building costs $30 million. The result is a sleek new look with equally modern green amenities and practices.</div><div></div><br /><div>The <a href="http://www.shangrila-hotel.com/"><strong>Hotel Shangri-La</strong> </a>sits on Ocean Avenue, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a spot where you can't help being aware of the environment. There are ocean views from nearly every room. </div><br /><div></div><div>Hotelier Tehmina Adaya says, "Hotels are notoriously one of the biggest offenders to the environment, and we wanted to challenge this idea by incorporating easy elements to eliminate excessive and unnecessary waste." What this Art Deco gem is doing to be sustainable and eco-friendly includes -- </div><ul><li>bath amenities from Natura Green. Packaging is made recycled paper and bottles are bio-degradable (made from a cornstarch based product), and all products are non-animal tested. </li><br /><li>$5.00 off Overnight Valet Parking for guests driving a hybrid vehicle. </li><br /><li>Bottled Water provided from Natura Waters. All carbonization and filtration will be done on-site and glass bottles are sanitized and re-used. </li><br /><li>Non-toxic, organic cleaning products used for housekeeping. </li><br /><li>An Electric Cart for hotel staff to use for running local errands. </li><br /><li>All paper products and stationary printed on recycled paper. </li><br /><li>Rooms furnished with Dual Flush low flow toilets. </li><br /><li>Newspapers will be delivered to guest rooms upon request, not as a standard, to save thousands of copies that are never read. </li><br /><li>The restaurant is being supplied by local vendors and purveyors, and the wine list features primarily American wines to help lower carbon impact. </li><br /><li>There are double layered the windows to prevent loss of heat and air conditioning, and compact fluorescent lighting is used throughout the hotel. </li><br /><li>Even the pool is eco-friendly -- it is solar heated. </li></ul><p>Hotel Shangri-La also has partnered with a recycling agency to pick up all bottles and cardboard, since recycling bins are not a standard city service in Santa Monica. </p><p>They've also partnered with <a href="http://midwaycarrental.com/"><strong>Midway Car Rental</strong> </a>agency, which offers the largest selection of hybrid cars and is located blocks from hotel. Their fleet includes the Toyota Prius, Lexus RX400 SUV and LS600 sedan, Chevy Tahoe and Toyota Camry. </p><p>Hotel Shangri-La is an architectural gem and historic landmark. Built in 1939, it is an Art Deco beauty combined with Hollywood allure and Los Angeles history.</p><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-72600918420008352262008-11-24T09:45:00.000-05:002008-11-23T22:09:01.563-05:00Taos Combines White Snow and Green Policies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcLZvhMyNOt6MJ9qle7oOY9c9H-irAHvgAEHs-rMenoGRhxdh2_W1NylyZEXzGATHrqDFDGy9mgUt1BKdSQpxBL9HT9SkWiDUvFaOb2fes0d1__mg5CeGjnL9c3UW-7fRyx9CERtzoqs/s1600-h/SquarValleyApril07pow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272055519495510610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcLZvhMyNOt6MJ9qle7oOY9c9H-irAHvgAEHs-rMenoGRhxdh2_W1NylyZEXzGATHrqDFDGy9mgUt1BKdSQpxBL9HT9SkWiDUvFaOb2fes0d1__mg5CeGjnL9c3UW-7fRyx9CERtzoqs/s200/SquarValleyApril07pow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>There are two major changes for New Mexico's legendary <a href="http://www.skitaos.org/"><strong>Taos Ski Valley</strong> </a>this winter season. First, it is the first full season in which snowboarders are able to share the slopes with skiers. Taos was one of the last ski-only hold-outs in the U.S., allowing boards for the first time only at the end of last season.</div><br /><div></div><div>The other biggest change will be that 100 percent of Taos Ski Valley’s electricity will now come from renewable sources. In a partnership with Kit Carson Electric, Taos Ski Valley will purchase approximately 3,000,000 kilowatt hours of wind power and will no longer rely on traditional coal-produced electricity.<br /><br />The resort is the region's largest energy consumer, and the switch to wind power is expected to encourage other large energy consumers and ski resorts in New Mexico to consider switching to renewable energy to run chairlifts and other amenities. Other green practices include replacing older two-stroke snowmobiles with new, cleaner-burning four-stroke snowmobiles, and more modern, more efficient snow-making compressors. </div><div></div><br /><div>Taos Ski Valley also offers guests a unique "SkiGreen" program, which lets you offset 150 miles of the carbon produced from your travel. Add the SkiGreen tag to a lift ticket for just $2 or to a season pass for $20. SkiGreen is a partnership between the Bonneville Environmental Foundation and other leaders in the winter sports industry.<br /><br />Employees also contribute to keeping the valley green. Instead of each employee driving an average of 30 miles round-trip every day for work, they will now park their cars at a central location and carpool in a company vehicle. The resort estimates this new program will eliminate more than 150 miles of driving each week, and help reduce carbon emissions in the ski valley<br /><br />It's not just a winter thing. The resort works with the National Forest Service every summer to plant grass to keep soil from eroding on the ski and snowboard trails. Also, as the area grows, more runs are being thinned into glades instead of clear-cutting them into open trails.<br /></div><br /><div>Taos joins a growing list of winter resorts switching to wind power. Most definitely, these travel destinations are the green leaders.</div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-72986984161331654342008-11-22T21:08:00.002-05:002008-11-24T15:36:34.037-05:00Holiday Travel Deals for Tough Times<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNP66n_zdM0ooeXLMnqnK5UBnKJpJutWtFGnOHKhSiHvFJp29wbpSgQUZuKq1p54M2KvEjO1x6PCuDL2nmN3W57QsCqT7XwTIYwTAzmVYstypZjUzLnmhp3RaUU2Q77az4ldkvRDEsQU/s1600-h/AirplaneBlueSky_OAG.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267967837625456994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 125px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 185px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNP66n_zdM0ooeXLMnqnK5UBnKJpJutWtFGnOHKhSiHvFJp29wbpSgQUZuKq1p54M2KvEjO1x6PCuDL2nmN3W57QsCqT7XwTIYwTAzmVYstypZjUzLnmhp3RaUU2Q77az4ldkvRDEsQU/s200/AirplaneBlueSky_OAG.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The economy is the bad news. The good news is that the bad news is causing hotels and airlines to drop prices for the holidays, so there are plenty of travel bargains -- if you know where to look and move quickly, before the deals disappear.</div><br /><div></div><div>For the entire month of January through February 16, 2009, <a href="http://www.kimptonhotels.com/"><strong>Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants</strong> </a>is offering 20 percent off the best available rate for all hotel suites at more than 30 participating Kimpton hotels, most of which are downtown in cities like Boston, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Chicago. Often, Kimpton hotels go under the name Hotel Monaco, so it's best to check the website to find a participating hotel in the city you want to visit. Additionally, Kimpton, is offering breakfast for $1 for guests who book a best-available-rate stay at participating hotels between now and March 1, 2009. Suite deal! </div><div> </div><br /><div><a href="http://www.starwoodpromos.com/bettertomorrows/"><strong>Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide</strong> </a>also has a discount offer, from now until March 31, 2009. For every night you stay with Starwood, the next night can be 50 percent off. The promotion is valid at the company's nearly 500 hotels in the U. S., Canada and the Caribbean, including the W brand, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, AloftSM, ElementSM. The promotion is called Better Tomorrows -- and don't we all hope things will be better tomorrow than they are today.</div><div></div><br /><div>Under the Starwood discount program, a two-day NYC weekend escape at the W New York averages $598 instead of $798, and a four-day fall family getaway to the Westin San Francisco will average $507 instead of $676. If you book a six-night winter vacation at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa in Hawaii could save $308, more than enough for a hula lesson. </div><br /><div></div><div><strong><a href="http://www.alaskaair.com/">Alaska Airlines Vacations</a></strong> is giving away three nights and tickets to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Just book a four-night package by Dec. 20, 2008, for travel Jan. 4 through June 27, 2009, and get three additional nights free including theme park tickets. If you book a seven-night package and travel by March 29th, the deal includes a $200 gift card. There are some restrictions -- seats are limited and there are blackout dates -- so don't delay.</div><br /><div></div><div>The US dollar has gained 15% against the Euro and 20% against the British pound in recent weeks, so the combination of the stronger dollar, lack of crowds and deals and discounts just increases the appeal for a winter escape. <a href="http://www.aa.com/offers"><strong>American Airlines</strong> </a>is offering a free companion ticket for future travel to Britain if you book a round-trip ticket between now and December 31, 2008. Remember to use the promotion code UKCMP. </div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-22004683276518035482008-11-19T20:39:00.000-05:002008-11-19T20:39:01.333-05:00Hyatt Hotels Switches to Filtered Water<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx5o2kvnIkEEk2HhpAQU_tzBSIwI0l2m-YVzrD1uOTJXWggf1WuC-GCHm1wqoXrHk0SGHBYC2_93XUTMcDz6YkxolkU8UZekeQG886bWQgjBaPcM4dUhTzGJWTNqEsN9RJg4zKLm2CbQ/s1600-h/water_bottle_pic1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267954142627183138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 94px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx5o2kvnIkEEk2HhpAQU_tzBSIwI0l2m-YVzrD1uOTJXWggf1WuC-GCHm1wqoXrHk0SGHBYC2_93XUTMcDz6YkxolkU8UZekeQG886bWQgjBaPcM4dUhTzGJWTNqEsN9RJg4zKLm2CbQ/s200/water_bottle_pic1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>No more bottled water at <strong><a href="http://www.hyatt.com/">Hyatt Hotels & Resorts</a></strong>. The company is switching from all those plastic throwaway bottles to filtered water -- which saves two kinds of green -- money and the environment.</div><br /><div></div><div>According to the <strong><a href="http://www.container-recycling.org/plastic_rates.htm">Container Recycling Institute,</a></strong> Americans buy an estimated 35.8 billion plastic water bottles each year, and fewer than 20% of those bottles are recycled. Additionally, the Pacific Institute in Oakland, California, estimates that the energy required to produce each water bottle is equivalent, on average, to filling a quarter of a plastic bottle with crude oil. </div><div></div><br /><div>So, providing filtered water to hotel guests makes sense. So does filtering your own water at home and refilling a re-usable bottle to take to the gym, work, and other daily travel errands.<br /></div><br /><div>Hyatt has contracted with Natura Water Inc. to provide guests in its restaurants with a healthy, safe, environmentally responsible alternative to bottled water. It's the first hotel company to work with Natura on a nationwide basis.</div><div></div><br /><div>The Natura water system removes impurities from the local water source while retaining healthy minerals – thus eliminating the need for bottled water and the waste associated with its use. The system dispenses the water – still or sparkling – into specially designed re-usable glass bottles with sealed caps. </div><div></div><br /><div>Right now, the filtered water is available at restaurants at Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago, Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Hyatt Regency Reston in Virginia, Grand Hyatt Dallas Fort Worth and Grand Hyatt New York. Hyatt is planning to add more hotels to the filtered water over the next several months. </div><div> </div><div>So, a giant green kiss to Hyatt for this eco-friendly decision. Perhaps it will be copied by Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Hilton, Ramada, Embassy Suites, and other hotel chains not mentioned.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-24807186384636686722008-11-15T22:18:00.005-05:002008-11-23T21:42:47.709-05:00Enjoy New York City for the Holidays<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw3UD5BcV9U3r-gmgi2XoyiM8tg7cc-qyCaBy1pkbiaBD5eFrFmgoPamMQ-AxN9-czPR_8lxamkdpy1ceoVqW2ZDP6u2oVFQpLQ3MyumS2RZz_5RBFfKkgOdAOXHdCJi4Y3H7yaU_vmg/s1600-h/MacysThanksgivingParade_Barney.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272048665718370130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 167px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 173px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw3UD5BcV9U3r-gmgi2XoyiM8tg7cc-qyCaBy1pkbiaBD5eFrFmgoPamMQ-AxN9-czPR_8lxamkdpy1ceoVqW2ZDP6u2oVFQpLQ3MyumS2RZz_5RBFfKkgOdAOXHdCJi4Y3H7yaU_vmg/s200/MacysThanksgivingParade_Barney.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2eOXlBGIJPvSjkKWqsTRLG1FagtM-3viqGkyMH6QcqwP_2zJbc21oWxZ7rwxmJTh4Hgk97Zg4PrvTyAwNZaZ0Wac5peSlgzcnWlBWCn7OnWm5v6RINbHRlFD_vfxs4XXpUilG6Plfq8/s1600-h/MacysThanksgivingDayParade.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267981355888532322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2eOXlBGIJPvSjkKWqsTRLG1FagtM-3viqGkyMH6QcqwP_2zJbc21oWxZ7rwxmJTh4Hgk97Zg4PrvTyAwNZaZ0Wac5peSlgzcnWlBWCn7OnWm5v6RINbHRlFD_vfxs4XXpUilG6Plfq8/s200/MacysThanksgivingDayParade.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>New York City shines year-round, but especially during the holidays, when it is truly a winter wonderland. The official start of the season is <a href="http://www1.macys.com/campaign/parade/parade.jsp"><strong>Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade</strong></a><strong>.</strong> The best place to watch is anywhere along Central Park West, since the crowds get thicker the closer you get to Macy's and all those television cameras.</div><br /><div></div><div>My own favorite family adventure always has been the night before the parade, when the balloons are inflated in the streets around the American Museum of Natural History. Take the kids and watch as a beloved character's’s arm or leg comes to life, whether it's Kermit the Frog, Barney, or Horton the Elephant. Be sure to visit the museum, too, during daytime hours, of course. The dinosaurs and life-size whale suspended from a ceiling are there year-round, but the glittering origami Christmas tree is only for the holidays. </div><br /><div></div><div>The World’s Largest Menorah shines for eight nights at the corner of 59th Street and Fifth Avenue, right in front of the Apple Store, already a landmark for its see-through glass-like cube design, and the FAO Schwarz toy store. The New York State Theater in <a href="http://www.lincolncenter.org/"><strong>Lincoln Center</strong> </a>is where Sugarplum Fairies dance nightly in the annual The Nutcracker ballet, another city tradition, as are the high-stepping Rockettes at <strong><a href="http://www.radiocity.com/">Radio City Music Hall</a>.</strong> </div><br /><div></div><div>Grab your skates, or rent them, and take a spin on the world's most famous ice skating rink, in Rockefeller Center, in front of the world-famous tree. Or, avoid the tourist crowds and head to Central Park's Kate Wollman Rink, a favorite of locals. This is where I learned to skate, and taught my kids. The rink offers amazing views of surrounding skyscrapers. </div><div> </div><br /><div>Some of the best things in my hometown are free, and I’m not just talking about the people watching. Department stores Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s and Lord and Taylor are famous for their spectacular animated holiday windows. There's a different theme each year. It might be old-fashioned Victorian holidays one year, futuristic Space Age holidays the next. Also free is the laser light show that turns the high, vaulted ceiling of Grand Central Station into a magical extravaganza. </div><div></div><br /><div>The same people who sponsor the <strong><a href="http://www.nyrr.org/">New York City Marathon</a></strong>, held the first weekend of November, also sponsor the Midnight Run through Central Park. It's a great way to get away from the crowds in Times Square, where it's just you and a million or so of your closest friends watching the ball drop on New Year's Eve. </div><div></div><br /><div>For more ideas about what to see and do in NYC at the holidays, check the <a href="http://www.nycvisit.com/"><strong>NYC Convention & Visitors Bureau</strong> </a>website. Or, just ask me. </div></div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-34244904657688211422008-11-12T17:04:00.011-05:002008-11-13T10:15:10.233-05:00Largest Eco-Tourism Project in Israel's History<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Il1B_KgsFRwwFwtVbYtv-4_eTMWOhwney5hunWjVBd6sPN6QMha4cNVD4uPsZ2ffWgAxa9qnbCWOBGsBCXAy6pqYxw81gtIlXqdOGpC38FTQyAmej8PqADiN3fOQ80s0wG_3qaJ964I/s1600-h/TelAvivAyalonPark_gweill.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267899312877553426" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 62px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Il1B_KgsFRwwFwtVbYtv-4_eTMWOhwney5hunWjVBd6sPN6QMha4cNVD4uPsZ2ffWgAxa9qnbCWOBGsBCXAy6pqYxw81gtIlXqdOGpC38FTQyAmej8PqADiN3fOQ80s0wG_3qaJ964I/s200/TelAvivAyalonPark_gweill.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Simply, it's one of the world's most dramatic environmental initiatives, transforming the unsightly 2,000-acre Hiriya garbage dump on the outskirts of Tel Aviv into a magnificent park and 24-hour recreational hotspot. Since the dump was created decades ago, it has been both an eyesore and an ecological mess, complete with a terrible stench and swarming herds of scavenger birds and other varmints.<br /><p>But that was then. Now, this mess is close to be reborn as <strong><a href="http://www.ayalon-park.org.il/">Ayalon Park</a></strong>, one of the world's largest urban parks, dotted with trees, tropical gardens, and hiking, horseback riding and bicycling trails. The total transformation of this dump into an oasis of green is an engineering and environmental masterpiece, worthy of visiting. </p>The 230-foot Hiriya Mountain, a waste-mound in the park's center, has been transformed into an eco-friendly attraction of terraces, shaded foot paths and areas with benches and tables for rest or picnics. Atop Hiriya Mountain, there's a spectacular panoramic views of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.<br /><br />But it's not just pretty trees and picnic areas. There's an enormous Recycling Center, 75 acres large, at the base of the "healed" mountain, which uses state-of-the-art technologies for recycling waste -- the very same plastic, paper, dead cell phones and other junk that once simply was dumed on top of the growing piled.<br /><br />Arie Sommer, Comissioner of Tourism, North and South America, said, "The park will be a hotspot for nature-seeking tourists and a "front door" to Tel Aviv's amazing natural landscape."<br /><br />Congrtatulations to <a href="http://www.goisrael.com/"><strong>Tel Aviv and Israel</strong> </a>for this astounding green initiative. It's something I hope will be copied with other cities with similar unsightly and eco-dangerous dumps.<b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-39866762055215534262008-11-09T11:30:00.011-05:002008-11-13T10:14:27.616-05:00Chicago Cashes in on Obama Connection<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWk0s_B7YW8Erw0J6QXseY0Nqqef4IUTLIz1GkqbnBKt7FIBwaodfePhIzSBBMhq3tdJYdh1S0cPbjNhk6vJ0HPFT_J8oN3RaU2YWatOXutf2P2Kr6J-wYQlGlFSf5tYp4QEk-0VEDm04/s1600-h/ChicagoTheatre_choosechicago.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266701712656489170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 106px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWk0s_B7YW8Erw0J6QXseY0Nqqef4IUTLIz1GkqbnBKt7FIBwaodfePhIzSBBMhq3tdJYdh1S0cPbjNhk6vJ0HPFT_J8oN3RaU2YWatOXutf2P2Kr6J-wYQlGlFSf5tYp4QEk-0VEDm04/s200/ChicagoTheatre_choosechicago.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The hometown of President-Elect Obama and his family is suddenly the most popular city in the country. Or, at least its website is. </div><div></div><br /><div>So many people want to know more about the Windy City, and perhaps travel there to visit favorite places of the future First Family that the city's tourism agency Choose Chicago has just added a new section called <strong><a href="http://http//www.choosechicago.com/Barack_Obama/Pages/presidential_chicago.aspx">Presidential Chicago</a></strong>.</div><div></div><br /><div>The website includes obvious must-see attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago -- where I was lucky enough to see a special exhibit of Monet's Water Lillies paintings a few years ago -- and shopping along the Miracle Mile, the Chicago version of Fifth Avenue in my own hometown, New York City.</div><div></div><br /><div>And, you'll learn that one of Mr. Obama's haunts is one of the city's the outdoor basketball courts, at Hayes Drive and South Lake Shore Drive, where he likes to shoot hoops — often with his brother-in-law Craig Robinson, who is head basketball coach at Oregon State University. </div><br /><div></div><div>My favorite hotel in Chicago is the <a title="http://www.chicago.intercontinental.com/" href="http://www.chicago.intercontinental.com/"><strong>InterContinental Chicago</strong> </a>, one of just a handful of hotels in North America that are certified environmentally-friendly. And, it is in the final stages of receiving LEED and Green Seal certification, two other hard-to-get ratings. What makes this especially important is that this isn't a brand new hotel, designed and built from the ground up to be eco-friendly, like the ones Marriott is building near the Obama's new address in Washington, D.C. </div><div></div><br /><div>The InterContinental is one of the most historic hotels of America, retro-fitted to be a modern energy star. Originally built in 1929 as the Medinah Athletic Club, an exclusive luxury men's club, the InterContinental Chicago is one of Chicago's most elegant landmarks. It includes a historic, junior Olympic size pool, is recognized as one of the best indoor pools in the U.S. and is included in Chicago's major architectural tours. </div><div> </div><div></div><br /><div>All the attention surrounding the Obama family's connection to Chicago also is helping raise the city's profile for its bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games.</div><div></div><br /><div>As the song says -- Chicago, my kind of town, Chicago is. </div><br /><div></div><div></div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-80809385908065047442008-11-07T09:17:00.010-05:002008-11-07T09:57:14.311-05:00Two Certified Green Hotels Planned for Washington, DC Area<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHpwgZoOkrem0l7QW_gclo1D99y1JnMZKeteepA8eEllfIq_KO-SyQBJ8QRJPz82OgPb9kUvK1msf5to1uuwE7iLLiNmO3K_qY6Cd_Wfk_jF3mwBxEq69MOZUS9KoFieYKNL6OPowGZo/s1600-h/WashingtonDC_elderhostel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265926494217546818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHpwgZoOkrem0l7QW_gclo1D99y1JnMZKeteepA8eEllfIq_KO-SyQBJ8QRJPz82OgPb9kUvK1msf5to1uuwE7iLLiNmO3K_qY6Cd_Wfk_jF3mwBxEq69MOZUS9KoFieYKNL6OPowGZo/s200/WashingtonDC_elderhostel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The best way for a hotel to go green is to build it eco-friendly from the ground up. And that's exactly the plan for two hotels just across the Potomac from <strong><a href="http://www.destinationdc.com/">Washington, D. C</a></strong>., easy travel distance visits to the city's attractions.<br /></div><br /><div>One will be an upscale Renaissance hotel, the other a budget Residence Inn. Both hotels will be managed by <strong><a href="http://www.marriottinternational.com/">Marriott International</a></strong>, and both are expected to be LEED® certified “green” buildings when complete – the first such hotels in Arlington County, Virginia. The Renaissance Crystal City Potomac Yards and adjacent Residence Inn Crystal City Potomac Yards will cost around $130 million to build, and should open in two years. The 600-plus rooms in the two hotels will add 500 jobs to the area -- good news in tough economic times.</div><br /><div></div><div>The green hotels will feature an energy saving “green roof’ with plants and trees. Since their location provides a picture postcard view overlooking the U.S. Capitol and Potomac River, my prediction is these roof gardens will become a new favorite hotspot for sunset gatherings. When the weather cooperates, of course.</div><div></div><br /><div>LEED® is the benchmark standard for environmentally responsible buildings set by the U.S. Green Building Council, and there are some stringent requirements. By the end of 2009, all new Marriott hotels -- including the other brands it owns such as Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott -- will be designed and built according to LEED standards. The company also is working towards getting LEED status for its international headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland.</div><div></div><br /><div>So thank you, Marriott, for helping us travel green.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-53803240318124965242008-11-01T16:15:00.012-04:002008-11-01T17:29:23.072-04:00Vote for These Ski Vacation Bargains and Deals<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvGO7VXroZrSX2JHL7O1YuUKiqGZsFwyWejxwACjMFZzCn8I2vVNdemq-m1BnNhJFgzHrVN7mauLXhFsgHJ96clqbg8_YNZFoVs5Ai-EzQxbMH3ov2TeJvJ7f_3chcf7mtFEcI3gZaxk/s1600-h/ColoradoSkiCountry_dec07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263799183535676882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvGO7VXroZrSX2JHL7O1YuUKiqGZsFwyWejxwACjMFZzCn8I2vVNdemq-m1BnNhJFgzHrVN7mauLXhFsgHJ96clqbg8_YNZFoVs5Ai-EzQxbMH3ov2TeJvJ7f_3chcf7mtFEcI3gZaxk/s200/ColoradoSkiCountry_dec07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Times are tough right now, but hotels, airlines and some destinations are offering ways to help you save green this ski and snowboard season. And let's face it, more of us are likely to give up buying new furniture right now than to give up the winter holiday vacation getaway. Here's a selection of deals to help stretch your snow budget:</div><div></div><br /><div>Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Delta Airlines have teamed up to offer free skiing for anyone flying to Gunnison/Crested Butte via Salt Lake City this season. The <strong>ski free deal</strong> must be booked through <strong><a href="http://www.skicb.com/">Crested Butte Vacations</a></strong>, and you'll get one free lift ticket for each person in your party who flies in on a Delta jet. Just book by November 14, for anytime this ski season. I have skied this Colorado resort often, and love the place, especially the well-named Paradise bowl. It's great to ski in Paradise!</div><br /><div></div><div>Another one of my absolute favorite places to ski is Jackson Hole, and this year when you purchase three airline tickets through <strong><a href="http://www.jacksonhole.com/">Jackson Hole Central Reservations</a></strong>, the resort will throw in the fourth ticket for free. Even better -- this is the year the legendary moutain opens its new aerial Tram, that will whisk skiers and snowboarders 4,139 vertical feet in 9 minutes to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. Even if you aren't a skier, take the ride for the incredible 360 views of the Tetons from the top. Or, follow me down Laramie Bowl, my favorite run here. The resort opens for the season on November 29. The Tram debuts December 20th.</div><div></div><br /><div>It's less than one hour from the Salt Lake City airport to the nearest chairlift, so it's easy to get a couple of runs in the same day you arrive in town. And if you do -- it's free. Just show your boarding pass and ski free in the day of arrival at any of Park City's three resorts, Park City, Deer Valley and The Canyons. It's called the <a href="http://www.parkcityinfo.com/"><strong>Park City Quick Start</strong> </a>program, and you have to register online. And don't ask me which one of these three resorts is my favorite -- I have experienced both adrenalin rushes and humiliating splats at all of them.</div><div><br />The new <a href="http://www.highpeaksresort.com/"><strong>High Peaks Resort</strong> </a>in Lake Placid, New York, is pegging its room rate to whatever the Dow Jones' closing number is each Friday. If you book a room through December 19, you'll pay the closing bell price in dollars and cents. For example, if the Dow Jones average closes the week at 8,387, the room rate for the following week will be $83.87 -- a savings of more than $160 off the hotel’s $250 average nightly rate.</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>See you on the slopes!</div><div></div><br /><div></div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-21603189033403071082008-10-24T10:17:00.000-04:002008-10-24T10:17:00.512-04:00Top Green Rating for Greensboro, North Carolina Hotel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LFD5ZyKALS9BbXSc12a__MEUqNn-xKqTTAJRXh3jFwvrS38e3YT0XjvTdvs190ENyldQV5X0uF1cGL2wD_vgpG09z0p8m_-YTHiYYBo5suQw1jNnwGV7wveMDMms6J7iWpQl3LSB3Rw/s1600-h/ProximityHotelGreensboroNC_LeedPlatinum_SalemKriegerPhoto.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257946243894084370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LFD5ZyKALS9BbXSc12a__MEUqNn-xKqTTAJRXh3jFwvrS38e3YT0XjvTdvs190ENyldQV5X0uF1cGL2wD_vgpG09z0p8m_-YTHiYYBo5suQw1jNnwGV7wveMDMms6J7iWpQl3LSB3Rw/s200/ProximityHotelGreensboroNC_LeedPlatinum_SalemKriegerPhoto.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>How appropriate -- the hotel with the top green rating in the world is in the city of Greensboro. It's the <strong><a href="http://www.proximityhotel.com/">Proximity Hotel</a></strong>, one of the few hotels anywhere to achieve the top LEED Platinum rating. And don't think you have to give up luxury to travel green -- this hotel has an AAA Four Diamond rating. Platinum and diamond -- that's a great combination.</div><br /><div></div><div>The hotel was built to use 40% less energy and 30% less water than a comparable hotel, and </div><br /><div>features such innovative technologies as the first installation in North America of the regenerative drive for Otis' Gen2 elevator, which reduces net energy usage by capturing the system’s energy and feeds it back into the building’s internal electrical grid. It's the same idea as regenerative braking in hybrid-electric cars like the Prius. </div><div></div><br /><div>There are 100 solar panels on the roof -- they cover some 4,000 square feet of roofop and produce enough hot water for one hundred homes. The hotel's solar panels provide more than half of the hot water needed for guests to shower and the restaurant to wash the dishes. And the hotel saved two million gallons of water the first year it was open thanks to high-efficiency plumbing fixtures.</div><div></div><br /><div>So, all you hotels names Marriott, Hilton, W, Westin, Ramada, Hyatt, Holiday Inn -- get on board and go green. Proximity did it. So can you.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-71631401889181847712008-10-20T17:08:00.001-04:002008-10-20T17:08:01.827-04:00Sushi at the Monterey Bay Aquarium<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV8vvIUlNLSZYmWBi3zlYlAbDufTBqh-hAbRmNE__DCOFplNyvx4wL-5pq-Q93X6Xnbh1Uu4gNIXltE3HRam4ZZNKz0liSdltUVxg-BjiRwkzzT0UT0qxKNC5yQTpLJn4INVfUS5v4BE/s1600-h/SalmonOnPlate.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257865896662292754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV8vvIUlNLSZYmWBi3zlYlAbDufTBqh-hAbRmNE__DCOFplNyvx4wL-5pq-Q93X6Xnbh1Uu4gNIXltE3HRam4ZZNKz0liSdltUVxg-BjiRwkzzT0UT0qxKNC5yQTpLJn4INVfUS5v4BE/s200/SalmonOnPlate.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Somehow, I can't picture having sushi dinner at an aquarium. But, California's <strong><a href="http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/">Monterey Bay Aquarium</a></strong> thinks this is a good way to teach us all about selecting what they call 'ocean-friendly sushi' -- avoiding eating fish, raw or cooked, from threatened species. </div><br /><div></div><div>The dinner on October 22 is part of Sustainable Sushi Week, sponsored by <strong><a href="http://www.seafoodwatch.org/">Seafood Watch.</a></strong> And you can support the program without leaving home, without eating at the aquarium. Sushi lovers who sign up online to become Seafood Watch advocates will get a tool kit to help spread the word about the many ways to enjoy fish and seafood without harming ocean habitats.</div><br /><div>Each kit includes printed copies of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s new Seafood Watch Sushi pocket guide, a set of reusable, biodegradable chopsticks and colorful cards to leave behind at a favorite sushi restaurant. Use the cards to thank chefs who serve sustainable seafood, or to alert them when they’re serving something on the “red list,” which is seafood that was caught or farmed in ways that harm the ocean. </div><div><br />The pocket guides incorporate human health recommendations from the Environmental Defense Fund, and flags seafood items that could contain levels of mercury or PCBs that may pose a health risk to adults or children. Fisheries researchers from the Blue Ocean Institute and Monterey Bay Aquarium evaluated the seafood species included on the guides.</div><br /><div></div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-3473149530779750492008-10-15T10:36:00.008-04:002008-10-15T11:13:59.914-04:00Ten Tips to Save Money on Travel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn-LFyScKatThMstMGs_-UMgSwMMsWeUUC5ui3QR-rKJ0yXNAUlQgSWJEIIpSgfBSUVX74H_fHB9x4RNvvhy-YFUoWsLiRaSY85G1CSQ6ugiCs2VItRLn2mFD8OPdaaGDBmUQrlEWEFM/s1600-h/dollars_fan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257393403696554786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLn-LFyScKatThMstMGs_-UMgSwMMsWeUUC5ui3QR-rKJ0yXNAUlQgSWJEIIpSgfBSUVX74H_fHB9x4RNvvhy-YFUoWsLiRaSY85G1CSQ6ugiCs2VItRLn2mFD8OPdaaGDBmUQrlEWEFM/s200/dollars_fan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>American Express knows a thing or two about travel, and not just because the one of the Amex cards you should never leave home without is a green card. These top ten tips for saving green -- dollars -- are from <a href="http://www.americanexpress.com/businesstravel"><strong>Amex Business Travel</strong> </a>for business travelers, but they work for leisure travellers as well.<br /><br /><strong>Plan Twice, Book Once</strong> - Airlines are charging $150 or more if you change your ticket after it's been booked, and many hotels now charge "no show" fees of $50 or more -- as much more as the cost of your entire reservation. So, double-checking appointments before booking can help you save on these potential added charges. </div><div><br /><strong>Pack Light</strong> - Minimize checked baggage fees by packing and checking less. For longer trips, the cost of dry cleaning may be cheaper than checking extra luggage for additional shirts and pants. Also look into overnight delivery and luggage forwarding services -- for materials or samples to bring on a business trip, or your skis, snowboard or golf clubs for a leisure trip. </div><div><br /><strong>Check Your Paperwork</strong> - Make sure your passport is current and that you have any necessary visas for your trip in advance. Expired or missing paperwork can delay your trip and add expensive charges for expedited applications. Most travel management companies can provide visa/passport support before you travel. </div><div><br /><strong>Be Flexible To Find Savings</strong> - For travel to or from an area with multiple airports, search alternate airports or use this option in your online booking tool. For example, in New York City, fares may be less expensive enough at JFK to offset the incremental taxi fare difference for a trip to LaGuardia. </div><br /><div><strong>Watch for Waste</strong> - Millions of tickets go unused, even though most non-refundable fares are valid for travel for up to a year. While there may be change fees, you can still save money by not letting these unused tickets go to waste. </div><br /><div><strong>Stay Together, Save Together</strong> - If you are arriving on different flights than your co-workers, friends or family, plan ahead to arrive around the same time and meet at an airport lounge. That way you can travel to the hotel together and save the cost of multiple taxis or shuttle services. </div><br /><div><strong>Big Ticket Items Can Mean Big Savings</strong> - If you are planning a complex international or multi-city US itinerary, use a travel agent. It will save you planning time better spent on your family and/or your business, a travel professional is better equipped to find the best airfare deals to ensure you get the lowest fare, with or without a land package.</div><div><br /><strong>Plan Ahead, Stay In Touch</strong> - The earlier you book air tickets and hotel rooms, the more likely you’ll find a lower rate. Ask for price guarantees -- many airlines and hotels offer you a lower rate if the price for your trip drops after you’ve booked it. </div><div><br /><strong>Stretch Your Stay to Stretch Your Dollar</strong> - Some airlines are bringing back "minimum stay requirements," so you can safe money by postponing your return trip from a Friday until a Sunday or Monday. Or, take the overnight red-eye flight home -- that's usually the least expensive flight of the day for an airline.</div><div><br /><strong>Oldies But Goodies</strong> - If you are bumped, be sure to get a free voucher, and try to travel in the so-called "off-season" or "shoulder season" for lower travel costs.</div><div></div><div>And a final tip from me -- Evelyn Kanter -- <strong>buy travel insurance</strong> to protect you if you have to cancel a trip. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-63304279741529798542008-10-13T10:56:00.008-04:002008-10-13T11:32:09.487-04:00Golf Courses in Mexico's Riviera Maya<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmE-kj6by1g9rcrWb0H72a12w_bbH2o01pb-Be0I_z6qLPfdm_-nuyBXWb5soCs1-949KuyEB7VTQ3J6zQvBZ3Tj4UDBKIwtM0lbtmQa7yShMGGtI4NQAkvc5c50FAGmki-GCHgxxSl8/s1600-h/golf_IberostarMexico.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256653895063318418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmE-kj6by1g9rcrWb0H72a12w_bbH2o01pb-Be0I_z6qLPfdm_-nuyBXWb5soCs1-949KuyEB7VTQ3J6zQvBZ3Tj4UDBKIwtM0lbtmQa7yShMGGtI4NQAkvc5c50FAGmki-GCHgxxSl8/s200/golf_IberostarMexico.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>There are lots of golf courses surrounded by white sand and the turquoise Caribbean sea. But only links in the Riviera Maya also offer golfers views -- and perhaps the distraction -- of teeing up within sight of an ancient Mayan pyramid temple. Here are some great greens in Mexico that will keep you swinging happily, and since most are attached to their own resort hotels, you won't have to travel far from your room to the 18th hole.<br /><br />The Executive Golf Course of <a href="http://www.grupomayangolf.com/riviera"><strong>Mayan Group of Riviera Maya Golf</strong> </a>is designed by the Jack Nicklaus company, Nicklaus Design. It's an 18-hole Par 54 course, 2,923 yards, with white sand traps, lakes surrounded by natural rock, and jungle vegetation</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.palaceresorts.com/golf/playagolf/golf_intro.asp"><strong>Playacar Spa & Golf Club</strong></a> was designed and built under the supervision of famous architect Robert Von Hagge. It's a Par 72 in a field of 7,144 yards in the Mayan jungle, dotted lakes and lush vegetation.</div><div><br /><strong><a href="http://www.iberostar.com/EN/golf.html">Iberostar Playa Paraíso Golf Club</a></strong>, designed by the world-famous P.B. Dye, incorporates the native Mayan jungle into the layout. The course features narrow fairways, undulating greens and deep bunkers. There's also a lighted driving range, the first one in the Riviera Maya, for those of you who like to practice your putts after sundown.</div><div></div><div><strong><a href="http://www.mayakoba.com/">El Camaleón Mayakoba</a></strong> golf course was designed by Greg Norman. This 7,000 yard field bends through tropical jungles, dense mangroves and oceanfront stretches of sand with holes bordered by massive limestone canals. An amazing feature is the resort's one-of-a-kind canal system, where golfers can step from their rooms to a thatch-roofed boat, which will whisk them to the first tee. </div><div><br /><strong><a href="http://www.palaceresorts.com/Golf/PlayaGolf/Golf_Intro.asp">The Moon Spa & Golf Club</a></strong> is another golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. It’s composed of three distinctive fields with 9 holes each, surrounded by mangroves and exotic wildlife. An unusual “all-inclusive” golf plan includes transportation from anywhere in the Riviera Maya, plus food & drinks at the club house. </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.palaceresorts.com/"><strong>Riviera Cancún Golf & Resorts</strong> </a>is a new course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, with a difficulty of 76.2/ Slope of 146. Playing on this course is being a part of a dynamic game, rolling through fairways and greens, wooden bridges, and the couple of holes along the ocean shore. The club was built in accordance with the local wildlife preservation law. </div><div><br />If that's not enough for you, there are more golf courses scheduled to open this winter in Riviera Maya and neighboring areas of Cancún and Cozumel. For information on those new courses, check the <strong><a href="http://www,cancungolf.org/">Riviera Maya golf course website.</a></strong> </div><div><br /></div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-16623433321018977242008-10-10T14:29:00.010-04:002008-10-13T10:28:52.423-04:00Travel Websites to Help you Save Money<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOrzU73seQ2_vgRWcXB_G0BdiqgyshpCkw5RsjdRMdBEC4OuGZ12pvZjv3xhfn3cxWHG372il1veaMdh0e1q38xMR8d4L8wy9nioN1rfj7g5_uLcDEwx9ChX8e0F8xhl6POVtpnvQWZU/s1600-h/airplane03.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255597440862937234" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOrzU73seQ2_vgRWcXB_G0BdiqgyshpCkw5RsjdRMdBEC4OuGZ12pvZjv3xhfn3cxWHG372il1veaMdh0e1q38xMR8d4L8wy9nioN1rfj7g5_uLcDEwx9ChX8e0F8xhl6POVtpnvQWZU/s200/airplane03.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>With stock prices falling like acorns, budget-centric websites are rising to the top of more vacationers' bookmark lists. That's the opening sentence of an article in today's USA Today to help us save green when we travel. </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/affordableamerica/2008-10-09-budget-websites_N.htm?csp=Travel"><strong>Budget Travel Sites to Keep you Out of the Red</strong> </a>lists 25 websites to help you find cheap airfares, hotel bargains and more. Some, of course, you've heard of already and probably even have used -- like Kayak and Hotwire. But there's also some great new dollar stretchers to check out as well.</div><div></div><br /><div>A new one I was glad to find out about is <a href="http://www.carrentalexpress.com/"><strong>CarRentalExpress.com</strong></a><strong>, </strong>which lists car rental companies that sit outside expensive airport real estate, and are usually cheaper than the 'brand name' on-airport companies.</div><div></div><br /><div>Another is <strong><a href="http://www.liftopia.com/">Liftopia.com</a></strong>, which offers discounted lift tickets for major ski and snowboard resorts in North America.</div><br /><div>So thank you Laura Bly who compiled this list for USA Today, for giving us all some ways to save green when we travel.</div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-63786725542753359982008-10-07T16:53:00.015-04:002008-10-09T16:59:23.232-04:00Boo! Haunting Happy Halloween Events<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOR0PVJO_TDr5LVLwBn00ZIQ2yX8e56gJP-BObQ6-oHF24a7qhDMbRzBdHvOKLPZ_-KjxcyK5v0RDYXZsI4wmqyfbvhF1MCllSGfyJlO71PtZGJhfC2Y0Fn6V6rmzC7__OrkE-wFFL-U/s1600-h/Scream_EdvardMunch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254526887971719858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOR0PVJO_TDr5LVLwBn00ZIQ2yX8e56gJP-BObQ6-oHF24a7qhDMbRzBdHvOKLPZ_-KjxcyK5v0RDYXZsI4wmqyfbvhF1MCllSGfyJlO71PtZGJhfC2Y0Fn6V6rmzC7__OrkE-wFFL-U/s200/Scream_EdvardMunch.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Halloween is an excuse to get dressed up in a costume that's either scary or funny, green or some other color, and go have fun. It doesn't matter what age you are, although that can determine whether you trick or treat, and how. So here are some family-friendly ways to say Boo!, and others that are best reserved for grown-ups.</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>San Francisco - </strong>Spend a spine-tingling evening touring Alcatraz, which once housed some of the world's scariest criminals. The <a href="http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/"><strong>Alcatraz Night Tour</strong> </a>travels from Pier 33 at 4:20 p.m., and returns after taking you through some of the darkest corners of the island prison. Only a few hundred people an evening can be accommodated, and since Oct. 31 will be especially popular, I suggest you make reservations.</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Disneyland - </strong>Spook-tacular entertainment includes the traditional giant "Mickey Mouse" jack-o'-lantern in Disneyland Town Square, Haunted Mansion Holiday in New Orleans Square and Candy Corn Acres in Disney's California Adventure, plus the Disney characters who wander the theme park year-round will be dressed in goofy Halloween costumes. Including Goofy. There's also a daily Happiest Haunt Tour, a three-hour extravaganza that includes the stories behind some of <strong><a href="http://www.disneyland.com/">Disney parks' spookiest attractions</a></strong>, told from the perspective of Disney villains, with stops at the super-spooky Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Snow White's Scary Adventure, and other rides. The tour fee is $59 -- on top of the park admission fee. </div><br /><div></div><div><strong>New York City - </strong>This year is the 35th annual <strong><a href="http://halloween-nyc.com/index.html">Village Halloween Parade</a></strong>, and it promises to be one of the biggest and best, since this year Halloween falls on a Friday, and that means the parading and the partying that follows can go into the wee hours. This year's festivities feature more than 50 bands, hundreds of dancers, thousands of costumed participants, and as many as two million onlookers. The theme of this year's parade is Ghosts. Scary fun, for sure. Or, choose<br />the Halloween “Boos Cruise” aboard the <a href="http://www.circlelinedowntown.com/"><strong>Circle Line Downtown.</strong></a> This 2½ hour Halloween Cruise on the 143-ft luxury yacht Zephyr incluees a tour of New York harbor and a costume contest. Again, I suggest you make reservations.</div><div></div><br /><div>In case you're wondering about the image I've posted here -- it is a lithograph by Edvard Munch, one of a series of paintings and lithographs of this iconic nightmare scream. One of the originals is on display in Munch's hometown, <a href="http://www.visitnorway.com/us"><strong>Oslo, Norway</strong> </a>-- where I just will happen to be visiting a few days before Halloween. </div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Boo!</div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-43761546242855101742008-10-06T19:35:00.007-04:002008-10-07T15:56:12.618-04:00Green Guide to Victoria, British Columbia<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcy-boLbE4mh0QRSngAOWgFqSvKrIBRonh9EIsbg0Iowmdx3SVEFS4N-RLDnoP2g9Ikld_epIrOAwOKeOJCwT-NyA-TH6ktrPhCNukt7zUUp_V7q2PMInkjptNP4YF0sUsnWHhi3WB6A/s1600-h/DewOnLeaves_VictoriaBC.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254190985279629602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcy-boLbE4mh0QRSngAOWgFqSvKrIBRonh9EIsbg0Iowmdx3SVEFS4N-RLDnoP2g9Ikld_epIrOAwOKeOJCwT-NyA-TH6ktrPhCNukt7zUUp_V7q2PMInkjptNP4YF0sUsnWHhi3WB6A/s200/DewOnLeaves_VictoriaBC.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Victoria, B.C. just may be the most environmentally sensitive city in North America, which makes it a great green travel destination. It is home to Dockside Green, the world's greenest building, which boasts the highest LEED score possible -- Platinum -- and to <strong><a href="http://greentravels.blogspot.com/2007/12/canada-airline-goes-completely-carbon.html">Harbour Air Seaplanes</a></strong>, the first airline in North America to go carbon neutral airline. </div><div></div><br /><div>Now, city is adding a green shopping guide for visitors that lists small, locally owned and operated businesses showcasing environmentally responsible products with a goal of fostering a greener, more sustainable economy. This green guide is called <strong><a href="http://www.hempandcompany.com/greencollective.html">The Green Collective</a></strong>, and incudes stores featuring fashions and accessories, spa and body care, and food products as well as six eateries featuring organic and local products. One of these eateries is called -- appropriately -- Green Cuisine.</div><br /><div></div><div>The Green Collective also hosts an annual Earth Day fashion show. The success of the collective recently sent green ripples all the way to Australia, and inspired the creation of a similar Green Precinct guide. </div><div> </div><br /><div>Victoria's British heritage is evident in its formal and popular afternoon tea at the historic <strong><a href="http://www.fairmont.com/empress">Fairmont Empress Hotel</a></strong>. The Fairmont chain, by the way, is one of my favorites, for its commitment to the environment, long before it was fashionable and headline-making.</div><div> </div><br /><div>The influences of Canada's Native Peoples also are evident in the hand-carved totem poles in Thunderbird Park. Be sure to check out the city's Fan Tan Alley, which once was a seedy gambling and opium center, but has been gentrified now with boutiques and art galleries. Victoria also is the gateway to some of the world's best salmon fishing, and the sea kayaking isn't bad, either.</div><div> </div><div></div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-61748934515370526342008-10-03T08:56:00.009-04:002008-10-08T21:24:29.662-04:00Fort Worth Hotel Buys Hybrid SUV for Guest Use<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCf5ylocS4OTcWbL0auJwIqzkwtgmqQoHNIwhkzlel1qmw_mPJp0MRwax5a9n2LgvaIN1PS1r-DZ9F4vTC4IgWFYVS9CHk3g9olh4NDd5lalyApx0V_Z3F4DeGrlcQdx9NDKNgOJ6Xjk8/s1600-h/2009CadillacEscaladeHybrid.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252916061704775618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCf5ylocS4OTcWbL0auJwIqzkwtgmqQoHNIwhkzlel1qmw_mPJp0MRwax5a9n2LgvaIN1PS1r-DZ9F4vTC4IgWFYVS9CHk3g9olh4NDd5lalyApx0V_Z3F4DeGrlcQdx9NDKNgOJ6Xjk8/s200/2009CadillacEscaladeHybrid.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Even luxury hotels are giving the green light to green travel.<br /><br />The all-new <a href="http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/FortWorth.aspx"><strong>Omni Fort Worth Hotel</strong> </a>will be driving guests around in the all-new Cadillac Escalade Hybrid SUV when the hotel opens in January 2009. The SUV will be a 2009 model, manufactured at the nearby General Motors plant in Arlington, Texas. It will be available to taxi guests to meetings, shopping or attractions such as the Fort Worth Opera, the world-class Amon Carter Museum of art, or one of the world's best honky tonks, Billy Bob's Texas.<br /><br />Yes, the Escalade Hybrid is Texas-big. But it also has an EPA-estimated 50 percent improved city fuel economy over the traditional model. And it's just one of many environmental efforts built into the the hotel design. These include --<br /><ul><li>motion-sensor lighting system to conserve energy during non-peak hours </li><br /><li>revolving doors to help reduce heating and cooling consumption. </li><br /><li>more than 20,000 square feet of landscaped rooftops that conserve energy, filter rainwater and help mitigate the Texas summer heat. </li></ul><p>So, I'm giving a hats off salute -- my cowboy hat, of course -- to the Fort Worth Omni for going green without compromising luxury.</p><ul></ul><p><br /></p><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-50198316253720058822008-09-30T14:41:00.011-04:002008-10-09T17:05:25.948-04:00More Skiing Vacation Bargains for Your Winter Vacation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZMPaHos52fyb0JiAEFIdWg9Vwnkxc-jRKvpkfgu97ZDgH-32zac2iEgfG0MA4PBSiq-HgYq94qgrMnbiulJOuLxY4v6IxCa1alK4HAB-uqcw48q2t9Z67wGA9tsC2bIgpgL1i2-dGw4/s1600-h/SierraAtTahoe_1.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251894877025575138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZMPaHos52fyb0JiAEFIdWg9Vwnkxc-jRKvpkfgu97ZDgH-32zac2iEgfG0MA4PBSiq-HgYq94qgrMnbiulJOuLxY4v6IxCa1alK4HAB-uqcw48q2t9Z67wGA9tsC2bIgpgL1i2-dGw4/s200/SierraAtTahoe_1.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We all love the word free, especially when used in connection with travel. Here's how to save green this ski season with these great vacation package deals from top resorts -- </div><br /><div></div><div><strong>Crested Butte, Colorado</strong> is famous for its early season packages that give away free lift tickets. Ski for free. The freebie is good from opening day Nov. 26 -- that's the day before Thanksgiving -- throuugh Dec. 15, 2008. Find a choice of <strong><a href="http://www.skicb.com/">"Stay and Ski Free"</a></strong> packages starting at $63 per night, on the Crested Butte website. One choice is <a href="http://www.elkmountainlodge.net/"><strong>Elk Mountain Lodge</strong> </a>in downtown Crested Butte, a great old-fashioned Western town. You'll get a room with king bed, full bath, mountain view, breakfast and lift tickets for two for $125 plus tax per night. Room, breakfast and lift ticket for less than the price of a lift ticket alone. Now that's a great green travel deal! And you get to ski one of the best mountains in Colorado. Some of my favorite runs are off the Paradise chairlift. I've said more than once I want to ski another day in Paradise. </div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://visitwatervillevalley.com/"><strong>Waterville Valley, New Hampshire</strong> </a>offers a $30 gas voucher for guests staying three nights or longer. And packages start at $77 per person per night, though Dec. 21. Add a semi-private ski lesson for just $35 per person. Waterville Valley is about two-hours drive from Boston, six from New York City, in the scenic White Mountains. It also boasts one of the most diverse -- and picturesque -- cross-country ski trail systems in the Northeast.</div><br /><div></div><div>Are you currently on active duty or a retiree? <strong><a href="http://www.diamondpeak.com/">Diamond Peak</a></strong> in North Lake Tahoe is giving away <strong>free lift tickets for people with an active military ID</strong>. The offer is good Mondays through Fridays in non-holiday periods, such as Xmas-New Year's week. </div><div></div><div></div><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7909826411150075845.post-54564823641507487552008-09-26T14:25:00.012-04:002008-10-09T17:07:54.656-04:00Best Early Season Ski Deals<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumL71R-vF_vdiTb_XUkstthUpZYCN2bwFBAOc7JbuzvwLo13cXUL8DA18GPtIBPxTa2VzLmA-EoaXsYxXZCjLPZNphnW_snYyh9MZctiaFYffji8nK6A0TBD_IBCFUY44uPxi9Z8BImg/s1600-h/WinterParkSkier.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250400042016327618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumL71R-vF_vdiTb_XUkstthUpZYCN2bwFBAOc7JbuzvwLo13cXUL8DA18GPtIBPxTa2VzLmA-EoaXsYxXZCjLPZNphnW_snYyh9MZctiaFYffji8nK6A0TBD_IBCFUY44uPxi9Z8BImg/s200/WinterParkSkier.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hard to believe, but the green leaves are turning autumn colors -- and the snow is falling already on some mountaintops. Time to start planning your winter ski trip. Where to travel this season?<br /><br />The question really is when to go skiing to get the best deals. And the answer to that is easy -- early season offers some of the best bargains, and, the slopes, restaurants and hotels are not yet over-flowing with holiday crowds. Here are some great deals that will save you green dollars --<br /><br /><strong>Winter Park, Colorado</strong> -- Save 25% on stays of four nights or longer if you <a title="http://email.intrawest.com/servlet/cc6?pOQSACRDQWVLNsHglLjxHllQgLlVaVUV86fy6bEvX8w9GV80fX4yXe9EXRSXGTXRCRDSCV8wv2682Xb9VSSUAWAWU" href="http://email.intrawest.com/servlet/cc6?pOQSACRDQWVLNsHglLjxHllQgLlVaVUV86fy6bEvX8w9GV80fX4yXe9EXRSXGTXRCRDSCV8wv2682Xb9VSSUAWAWU">book by October 12, 2008</a>. Packages start at $143 per person per night, including a lift ticket. There's an enormous variety of terrain here for any level of skier --novices and others who like long cruising runs will be happy on Vasquez Ridge. I, for one, like to challenge my knees and my self-confidence on the black diamond runs of Mary Jane mountain, where I skied myself into more than one embarrassing splat last season.<br /><p><strong>Beaver Creek, Colorado -- </strong>Technique Weeks are an intensive improvement program, with lots of personalized instruction. The program includes four days of lift tickets interchangeable for Vail and Beaver Creek, the ability to demo 2009 skis and boots, lots of meals and cocktail parties, four days of instruction and a DVD that shows how much you improved and how much fun you had. If you book by Nov. 15, 2008, you also get an Epic Season Pass -- this would cost you $579 if you bought it. The pass gives you an epic choice (okay, pardon the pun) of unlimited skiing at five memorable mountains -- Vail, Keystone, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge in Colorado and Heavenly in Lake Tahoe. Technique Week reservations can be made through the <strong><a href="http://beavercreek.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp">Hyatt Beaver Creek.</a></strong></p><p><strong>Lake Tahoe</strong> -- No more excuses. If you've ever wanted to learn to ski or snowboard, or wanted your significant other or best buddy to join you on the slopes, head for <a href="http://www.gotahoenorth.com/"><strong>North Lake Tahoe</strong> </a>the weekend of December 13 and 14 for the 9th Annual Learn to Ski and Board Weekend. For just $25, you get an all-day beginner lift ticket, group lesson and gear rental. Just $25. That's about what it would cost to stay home and do nothing except a movie with popcorn and soda. And you can choose any of nine resorts to learn at -- including Alpine Meadows, Boreal Mountain Resort, Diamond Peak, Granlibakken, Homewood Mountain Resort, Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA and Sugar Bowl. Reservations are not required, but plan to show up early. Buy tickets at the resort you choose to spend the day playing in the snow.</p><p></p><p><br /></p><b>Evelyn Kanter</b>http://www.blogger.com/profile/15617866774791361734noreply@blogger.com