Eco-Travel Tip: Eco Tours

If you're planning a vacation, why not pick one that has an educational, ecological bent?  That way you can benefit from all the normal vacation pluses--time off of work, seeing new sights, no alarm clocks--but do so while learning from experts or exploring exciting places guided by folks who help you leave little trace.

The Better World Club is best known for being the only environmentally-friendly auto club. With them, you can get perks like discounts for having a hybrid and bike roadside assistance. Meanwhile, they'll donate 1% of their profits to environmental causes.

BWC also partners with eco-travel companies and destinations.

 You can browse a list of eco-tour possibilities here.  From Costa Rican rainforest treks to safaris to vegetarian travel tips to working on a farm in Honduras, you can take your pick of sustainable, stylish packages and places.

Eco-Travel Tip: Green Hotels

Another way you can be an eco-traveler is to stay in a certified green hotel.

What's are green hotels?  They're establishments--hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts--using sound environmental management practices to reduce their impact (less energy, less waste) while saving money and providing what more and more of us are demanding: environmentally conscious lodging alternatives.

You can learn more from the Green Hotels Association here.

And, search their listings for a green hotel where you're going here.

If you can't find one where you're going, you can always ask about environmental practices like non-toxic cleaners, composting, and energy efficiency when you book your room.