Priceless Writer - Travel & Recreation

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.

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

This post and blog is participating in: 

Calling on female entrepreneurs! Looking for ways to balance your personal and business life; execute the kind of strategic career moves that bring success; and learn unforgettable lessons in business?

In the coming months, seven cities stretched across the U.S. will open their arms to greet a collection of some of the most influential women in business, including Mary Dillon (executive vice president and global chief marketing officer of McDonald's), Julie Gilbert (senior vice president of Best Buy), and Kelly Regal (executive vice president of Turner Broadcasting System).

Keep in mind that the conferences are held between September 24th and November 12th – so you will have seven chances to plan a trip if you'd like to experience varying pearls of wisdom. The Fourth Annual PINK Conference Series consists of a luncheon, held from 11:30am to 1:30pm, where each get-together is comprised of five speakers plus one moderator. Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, and three other exciting destinations await your presence.  

For more details (including the cost of tickets, full list of cities, guest speakers, and where to register) for the Fourth Annual PINK Conference Series, check out my extended post featured on the Priceless Writers blog.

Is there any way to get a cheap flight, nowadays? In the past, I could uncover pretty good deals on Yahoo Travel, scanning the flight deals listed according to my specified cities. However, this feature is no longer available and as the price of gas rises – flying the "friendly skies" seems more of an inconvenience than a pleasurable adventure. New costs are popping up everywhere, from paying $15 for your first checked bag to extra fees for selecting the window seat.

If you're looking for ways to save money on airline flights, consider the following tips:

1) Travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

If you fly during the slowest travel days of the week (Tuesday and Wednesday), you stand a chance at saving a bit of money. The reason: Business travelers create a higher demand for seats, as they tend to depart on Monday mornings and return on Friday afternoons. Seek out flights that depart in the middle of the week – preferably in the middle of the day.

2) Fly on Slow Times of the Year

Cheap airfare comes when you travel during the slowest time of the year – meaning cancel out the holidays, summer vacations, winter getaways, and spring flings. Consider planning a trip for between Labor Day and Thanksgiving to take advantage of the best deals.

3) Purchase Tickets at the Cheapest Time of the Day

There are moments when airlines occasionally lower their ticket prices in order to fill up empty seats. Typically, these changes take place three times a day. This means that the early bird may catch a tasty worm if they seek out flights in the wee hours of the morning. Diligent flyers usually check fares every five hours to make sure they don’t miss out on the next deal. For weekend purchases, don’t forget to check early on Saturday morning and once more at 5pm.

4) Consider a Travel Package

While you may not need a rental car or a three-nights stay at the Holiday Inn – compromising with the purchase of a travel package can save money on your overall trip – especially with the airline flight. Travel sites are overflowing with vacation packages that provide hotel stays at exceptional rates and convenient car rental specials. You save big on these last-minute sales when airlines become desperate to fill their seats. If push comes to shove – you don’t have to stay at the selected hotel or pick up the rental car, but take a closer look – the airfare savings found in a travel package are usually too tempting to pass.

The cost of gas and current economic state of the United States is sadly driving airlines to eliminate many of their special perks and discount flights. I fear it won't be too long before we're kissing goodbye the complimentary bag of peanuts and Coke. So – take advantage of what we have today because you never know when cheap flights will be gone tomorrow.

Haven't taken the time to investigate the beauty and endless natural attraction of Golden Gate Park? Whether you're planning a trip to San Francisco or just curious as to what makes this getaway so special – there is no other place to seek out the best virtual exploration of the third most visited park in the United States than at www.golden-gate-park.com. Today marks the official launch of a rather impressive tour of the park, where you can discover (or rediscover) this true California gem. Just some of the things the park is home to:

• Art Museums
• Rare and Exotic Plants
• An Extraordinary Carousel
• Japanese Tea Garden
• Running Trails
• Dog Runs
• Buffalos
• Shakespeare Garden
• Music Festivals
• Disc Golf Course