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'Green' Travel – Placing the Environment First
Posted by
Yona Williams
in Eco-Friendly, Hotels and Accommodations, Travel Planning, Washington, DC
With daily linen changes, endless bars of soap, and rumpled towels strewn across the bathroom floor – can you imagine all of the waste and eco-damage that occurs in just one hotel at full capacity? In 2006, there were around 62,000 establishments that provided overnight lodging to travelers, ranging from RV parks to luxury hotels to glamorous 5-star resorts. To think – early travelers were content with just a simple place to lay their head...and if lucky, a warm meal.
Accommodations of today have greatly changed from the past, as travelers can now extend their vacationing choices to the possibility of nonstop room service; adrenaline-pumping recreational activities; romantic wedding ceremonies; intense business retreats and late-night romps at a casino. In the end, the result is never-ending waste, which contributes to mounting ecological concerns.
However, there is a way to actively place a dent in draining the planet's resources while vacationing by embracing 'green travel.' Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury, fun, or excitement. You'll simply be making a conscious effort to place the environment first when planning a vacation.
Nowadays, it is important to support businesses that place the environment first and still manage to provide an unforgettable experience. An increasing amount of worldwide hotels and other lodging choices are currently embracing the concept of eco-friendly accommodations. A couple of suggestions include:
· Binna Burra Mountain Lodge (Queensland, Australia): Sink into the allure of a subtropical rain forest, where the promise of adventurous hiking and colorful birds are found at every bend. Travelers have a choice between 'roughing it' in a safari-style canvas tent and hiding away in a well-appointed log cabin. You will find that the lodge has implemented low-flow water fixtures, composting, recycling, and energy-efficient lighting.
· Tiamo Resorts (South Andros Island, Bahamas): Slip into eco-friendly luxury when you settle into private bungalows situated on the beach. The resort is 100% powered by the sun – meaning there is no need for gas or electricity to heat water. Sustainable forests have provided the wood for constructing the resort, which uses composting toilets and water treatment systems to boost eco-friendly efforts.
· Orchard Garden Hotel (San Francisco, California): The U.S. Green Building Council gives this hotel a seal of approval for providing an eco-friendly design that happens to showcase amazing local art in the lobby. Interestingly, the energy-saving electric key card system actually ceases power to each room when a guest steps out and then turns it back on upon their return. Other features include energy-efficient light bulbs, low-flow toilets, and organic bath products.
· Old Chapel Forge Bed and Breakfast (Chichester, England): Explore the center of the Sussex countryside in England with a stay at a breathtakingly restored 17th-century house and chapel. Boasting a high rating from the Green Tourism Business Scheme – travelers are exposed to solar panel heating, locally grown organic meals, composting, and gray water recycling.
· Graycote Inn (Bay Harbor, Maine): Explore this traditional New England bed and breakfast, which offers energy-efficient lighting; high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioning units; organic coffee and wide-ranging composting. Water conservation fixtures have been placed on all toilets, showers, and sinks. This first recipient of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Environmental Leader Award is also conveniently located close to Arcadia National Park.
From Greensboro, North Carolina to Siena, Italy – eco-friendly accommodations are on the rise – allowing travelers to make the most out of their vacations without harming the environment in the process. You should know that it also pays to ride the wave of energy conservation while traveling. For instance, driving a hybrid car not only saves money at the gas pumps, but also entitles you to free and discounted valet parking at select hotels, lodges, and resorts, such as the Hotel Rouge in Washington, DC.
Whether you already have a weakness for California Rolls or want to try something new during a vacation – try considering some of the Japanese restaurants scattered about the United States. Before getting down to the nitty gritty of hot spots for Japanese cuisine, beginners should first know that Japanese food goes beyond the sushi and raw fish typically associated with the culture.
About Japanese Cuisine
Japanese cuisine often blends staple foods (like rice and noodles) with soup and other dishes made with fish, vegetables, meat, and tofu. When adding flavor, cooks typically use soy sauce, dashi (soup and cooking stocks), and miso (thick paste used for sauces and spreads). Generally, Japanese dishes are low in fat, but also high in sodium. A standard Japanese meal may have been prepared using a variety of cooking techniques, such as steaming, grilling, using heavy amounts of vinegar, and deep-frying. Sometimes, dishes are served raw (called sashimi).
Japanese cooking embraces the use of beans, rice, seaweed, shellfish, crab, eggs, flour, and mushrooms. A vital component also includes noodles. Popular selections include soba (thin and made with buckwheat flour) and udon (wheat noodles with a thick consistency). Served hot or cold, soy and cooking stocks are often used to add flavor to the noodles. 
Common Dishes
It is not uncommon to find the following dishes listed on a Japanese menu:
- Ochazuke: Hot green tea or dashi poured over cooked white rice.
- Onigiri: Balls of rice with a filling (like fish, pickles, seafood, or miso).
- Zosui: Soup containing rice stewed in stock and flavored with miso or soy (often containing egg, meat, seafood, vegetables or mushroom).
- Sushi: Vinegared rice topped or mixed with various fresh ingredients (oftentimes fish or seafood).
- Anpan: Sweet buns filled with red bean paste.
- Tempura: Deep-fried vegetables or seafood in a light, tasty batter.
- Teriyaki: Grilled, broiled, or pan-fried meat, fish, chicken or vegetables with a sweetened soy sauce glaze.
- Nikujaga: Beef and potato stew with sweet soy flavoring.
Popular Japanese Restaurants
Sakagura (New York, New York) – Known as one of the top sake bars in the United States, Sakagura is located in the basement of a Midtown East office building, serving up lunch and dinner. Address: 211E 43rd Street B1F
Sushi House (Atlanta, Georgia) – Interested in Japanese Fusion Sushi? This is the place to seek out when you wish to dine on tantalizing beef, chicken, and shrimp entrees. Specialty rolls, like the "Happy Sumo" are quite popular. This restaurant is also found in Orlando, Florida. Address: 2221 Peachtree Rd NE #E
Ichiza (Las Vegas, Nevada) – From stir-fried Pork n Nappa to Fire Roasted Eggplant appetizers, Ichiza also provides a satisfying menu filled with fried rice bowls, egg tofu, and unforgettable noodles. Address: 4335 Spring Mountain R. Suite 205.
Matsuri (Baltimore, Maryland) – With seasonal and daily specials, guests can savor the taste of Sashimi, Robata, and Japanese Noodles all in one place. The SushiBar Combos of the restaurant are also a hit. Address: 1105 S Charles St
Sushi O Sushi (Chicago, Illinois) – Guests not even interested in fish can't resist the Playboy Roll. On Friday and Saturday, nights are reserved for "Sake Bombs," where guests wine and dine until 2 in the morning. Also, keep in mind that this restaurant is closed on Mondays. Address: 346 W Armitage Ave
Thanks to Morguefile members, reverendb (top) and sideshowmom (mid) for the use of their photos for this article.
Peering through a bus window at dusty roads filled with a hint of hope.
Walking through rice fields scattered with nimble workers.
Browsing inexpensive hand-made crafts made with hundreds of years of tradition.
These are just some of the things that a new crop of tourists is experiencing when they engage in what is known as 'poverty tourism.' Critics turn their noses at the concept – deeming this travel choice exploitive. However, a great deal of people believes that the added interest in some of the largest slums and meager villages across the world can help a community in more ways than one.
Let's face it – tropical resorts and adventure getaways dominate the travel market with promises of ritzy hotels, luxury spas, and romps on white sand beaches. The money funnels into the rich communities and many less-fortunate areas are left out of the tourism loop. Tourists are always looking for "just the right" slice of sentimental memory to take back home after a vacation. With poverty tourism, local markets and shops benefit from curious travelers wanting to sample native fruits, nuts, and sweet treats. Art crafts are also popular – gritty, heartfelt, authentic treasures that commercial factories could never duplicate.
When it comes to raising awareness about poverty, tour organizers stand by their belief that this type of tourism will help fight stereotypes and call attention to the growing problem of diminished quality of life. All too many times, poverty-stricken communities are disconnected from the understanding, compassion, and recognition of outsiders.
However, participants of a poverty tour often overcome ingrained notions, realizing that despite living in conditions worse off than popular tourist destinations – these regions also provide travel delights, friendly faces, and vacation memories to last a lifetime. After their experience, many travelers wish to give back and upon returning home – locate and send donations to corresponding charities and other organizations.
My take on the subject of poverty and travel – how can you truly embrace a travel destination without experiencing its full capacity of history and culture (no matter where the location)?
The Ugly Side
However, while experiencing all facets of a destination, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to find legitimate tour operators. Just this year, Prince Tours in Rio de Janeiro came under legal fire for offering vacationers a chance to explore the life of a drug lord – going as far as meeting up with key movers and shakers, and allowing photographs.
How did they get caught? An undercover reporter paid $55 to undergo a 4-hour tour of the largest slum in the city (Rocinha), which included a Q & A session with drug traffickers. You must engage in careful research of companies, as there are numerous opportunities thought to offer questionable services in the more than 600 slums located in the region.
Still Interested?
Travelers interested in learning more about the culture, history, and inner-workings of a travel destination may find 'poverty tourism' an intriguing possibility. In order to get (and give) the most out of this type of experience, consider the following points:
Thoroughly Research Tour Organizers – Some tour companies donate up to 80% of their profits to the communities they're involved with. Researching companies before committing to a tour is a must. Make sure to find out how long they've been running tours. Will you have a local guide? What sort of online criticism or praise have they received from previous tourists?
Prepare Yourself – Depending on the level of poverty of your travel destination, you must prepare yourself for all aspects of the tour. Beyond the sights of children running barefoot or rail-thin pets, tourists often encounter overwhelming smells, sounds, and local encounters. Some towns and villages have open sewage line, where piles of garbage may line the neighborhood streets. On the other hand, many communities hustle and bustle with lively commerce despite surrounding conditions.
Safety – If you have researched and chosen a responsible tour operator, then they are already well aware of the communities that welcome the interest of travelers. Usually, companies will seek the approval of residents before establishing a tour that brings tourists into their community. Traveling in small groups and leaving your belongings, jewelry, and expensive possessions at the hotel will additionally deter crime in areas with high levels.
Interaction – Some people look at poverty tourists as visitors of a zoo or circus – "watching the attractions in their natural habitat." However, if you interact with the residents, strike up a conversation when possible, visit the schools, tour the community centers, and have a drink at a local eatery – the experience begins to feel less like a tour and more 'real.' 
Cameras? – Many tour companies forbid taking photos of residents, as it moves closer and closer to that 'visiting a zoo' concept. However, if taking pictures is allowed and acceptable by the locals, always ask permission first.
Resist the Temptation – While on a tour, many travelers are overcome with the urge to 'give handouts' – money, candy, and other small items. This practice is not allowed, as it can cause unrest throughout the community and immediately cast a light on tourists that their presence equals receiving presents.
Privacy – Don't sneak a peek into the windows and doors of the locals. Respect their privacy. Once again, a poverty tour is not a free-for-all for travelers. Just because you've paid to explore a different part of a country or city, doesn’t mean you have the run of the place.
Want to learn more? Check out the following tour companies operating all over the world:
Imbizo Tours (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Half day $57, full day $117
Reality Tours and Travel (Mumbai, India)
Half day $8, full day $15
Victoria Safaris (Nairobi, Kenya)
Half day $50, full day $100
Vineyard Ministries (Mazatlán, Mexico)
Free
Nomvuyo's Tours (Cape Town, South Africa)
Half day $97, $48 per person for groups of three or more
Favela Tour (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Half day $37
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Transylvania – where whispers of mystery and magic taunt the imagination. Ever since Bram Stoker chose the region as the setting for his 1897 gothic horror novel, Dracula – those who dwelled outside of the beautiful countryside and intriguing culture of Romania got into the habit of linking this historical destination with vampires. So, as we prepare for an upcoming Halloween season, what better location to explore than Transylvania!
Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Transylvania is situated in the central part of Romania, where you'll encounter an interesting history filled with Roman Empire conquerors, Visigoths, Huns, as well as rich deposits of gold and salt. No need to get spooked over a little ol' vampire tale when it comes to Romanian provinces – Transylvania is considered one of the most romantic. Just try to imagine deeply wooded valleys, mesmerizing blue skies, and legendary castles at every turn.
Beyond the obvious allure of culture, nature, and history – Transylvania offers vacationing tourists a wealth of attractions and activities to enjoy, including ski resorts, rejuvenating health spas, rugged hiking trails, and charming medieval points of interest. Additionally, the beauty of Romanian and Hungarian traditions and folk culture provides a learning experience you'll never forget.
To get an idea of what the Transylvania region has to offer, consider the following attractions:
Brasov and Romanian Mountain Resorts: Located close to the major mountain resort region of Transylvania, you will find this medieval city, glistening with luxury accommodations. The Old Saxon architecture of Brasov is usually a popular draw, which includes the 14th century Black Church and the ruins of the citadel. 
Bran Castle: On a hunt to solve the legend of Dracula? No exploration is complete until you visit the Bran Castle, cited as the home of the man who inspired the larger-than-life character of Dracula – Prince Vlad Tepes.
Medieval Sighisoara: Once known as a Roman town, Sighisoara has become one of the best cities to come in contact with a medieval past. A clock tower dating back to the 14th century, secret passages, and a walled citadel positioned on top of a hill are just some of the delights to absorb.
Sibiu: Here, museum lovers will cherish a visit to the open air Museum of Folk Technology (found surrounded by woods and a lake), as well as the Brukenthal Art Museum – one of six museums located in the Brukenthal National Museum complex. You may also further discover Romanian culture by traveling to a nearby mountain village.