FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Ecotourism

  • Get Walking on Your Next Vacation

    Most articles about frugal travel focus on finding cheap flights and navigating public transport. But there’s a much cheaper way to get around your next holiday hotspot. It doesn’t take a lot of preparation or planning. In fact, you can do it right now. Just grab a pair of sensible shoes and start walking!

    Why We Love Walking

    One of the key advantages of walking for frugal travelers is the bottom line. You can walk anywhere for free! That’s logically true, but practicality’s another matter. It’s best to stay close to the heart of the city with its facilities and attractions if you’re planning a walking vacation, especially if you have kids in tow. This can be more expensive, but you’ll likely recoup these savings with your reduced transport costs.

    Walking also lets you really experience the flavor of your destination. It allows you to stop and appreciate the streets around you, rather than watching them whizz by from a bus or train window. If something piques your interest, you can divert from your path and explore. You’ll likely discover local secrets that aren’t on any tourist map and have more opportunities to mingle with the residents.

    The average holidaymaker tends to gain five to 10 pounds sampling those breakfast buffets and local delicacies, but walking can help you buck that trend. It’s a very accessible form of exercise that’s much easier to incorporate into your vacation regime than a session in the gym.

    Walking won’t just benefit you though. It’s also great for the planet as it’s one of the few types of transport that leaves no carbon footprint! Even if you’re not an ecotourist, you’ll appreciate your efforts to keep the air clean as you breathe it in on your walking adventures!

    Make the Most of Your Walking Vacation

    A pair of sensible shoes is essential for any walking tourist. They needn’t be sneakers, but they should have arch support and flat soles. Running shoes, hiking boots or sandals, or even a well-made pair of dress shoes can work well. It’s important to consider the type of walking you’ll do though. Something as simple as a pair of flip flops will suit walks around the city, but hiking boots are essential if you plan on hitting the trails.

    While walking is ideal for spontaneous travelers, there’s merit in planning a route. This will ensure you see points of interest and don’t get lost. It’s a good idea to take a tourist map with you on your travels, as they have attractions, bathrooms, and restaurants clearly marked. Find them at your hotels, tourist information centers, and tourist attractions.

    walking_awayAn oversized handbag might be fashionable, but it’ll quickly lose its appeal after a day on your feet. We suggest only packing the essentials in your pockets or a small cross-body bag. Just make sure there’s space for a bottle of water, especially you’re vacationing during summer. It’s easy to dehydrate on a day outdoors, particularly if you’re tackling challenging terrain.

    With the right attitude and preparation, days spent walking can be the highlight of any vacation.

  • 8 Inexpensive Ways to Green Your Next Vacation

    As global warming continues to take its toll, travelers want to be sure that discovering the planet won’t ruin it for future generations. Ecotourism is an exciting new trend, but sustainable lodging and vacation packages can often cost a bomb. Happily though, you don’t need to invest in expensive accommodation and extras to vacation a little greener. Read on to discover sustainable traveling tips that won’t hurt your hip pocket.

    Stay Close to Home

    The further you go, the higher the cost to our planet. It’s exciting to consider discovering a far-flung destination, but have you fully explored your own backyard? Chances are there are plenty of hidden holiday gems in your own state, or even your own country. You could even explore your own city on a staycation! Look to these destinations if you want to minimize your carbon footprint and save money.

    You’ll also cut your carbon emissions, and see much more, if you focus on just one or two destinations rather than hopping around from one holiday spot to the next.

    Carbon Offset Your Flights

    Of course no one wants to be restricted to domestic travel all the time. If you’re itching to travel abroad, make sure you do it on a carrier that allows you to carbon offset your flights. Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, Thai Airways, Air New Zealand, and United Airways all allow travelers to offset their flights for a small additional fee. This can be just a couple of dollars, which you’ll never miss!

    Travel Lightly

    The heavier your luggage, the more fuel it’ll take to transport it. Taking more luggage may also see you slugged with excess baggage charges. That means you’ve got two great reasons to leave behind the kitchen sink! Click here to read some simple tips for packing light.

    Pack Green

    Traveling green isn’t just about how much you take, but what you take. There are several sustainable choices you can make when packing your suitcase.

    For a start, consider what you’ll carry your luggage in! Many manufacturers use eco-friendly and recyclable materials to craft their suitcases and backpacks. Alternatively, you can cut costs and go green by choosing a second-hand case.

    Opt for rechargeable batteries rather than throwaway ones to power your devices. They cost a little more at first, but pay for themselves very quickly. Solar-charged gadgets also need nothing more than the sun to stay charged.

    Forget Rental Cars and Cabs

    Rental cars and cabs might be convenient, but they’re also far from the greenest ways to get about. Both see gas emissions pumped into the atmosphere for your single journey. It’s much more sustainable to join other travelers on public transport options like buses and trains. You’ll also pay a fraction of the price to use these services.

    If you don’t have far to travel though, remember that walking and cycling are the greenest ways to get about. They have no carbon footprint at all! Walking’s completely free, and bike hire is generally affordable. Both transport methods are great ways to discover your vacation spot, as you’ll undoubtedly find new places to explore on the way to your destination.

    Live as Green as You Would at Home

    When we slip into vacation mode, it’s easy to let standards slide. However keeping them up can have a big impact on the planet. Make sure you only turn on the lights you need, and turn them all off when you leave the room. Don’t leave your air conditioner or television running, and remember to conserve water.

    Many hotels will only launder your towels if you leave them on the bathroom floor. Remember to hang yours to reuse them if you’re staying more than one night. This is another great way to save water.

    Enjoy Eco-Friendly Activities

    Taking a trek, joining a bike tour, or exploring a wildlife sanctuary are all green ways to pass the time on vacation. These activities won’t pollute the planet, and they’ll also help you learn about the natural world around you. Often you can do these activities for free. Those that attract a fee usually cost far less than big tourist drawcards like theme parks and luxury tours. Often the cost of admission is also invested into conservation and preservation programs.

    Buy Local

    Hands making a heartBuying local doesn’t just support the small businesses operating in the town you’re visiting. It also cuts your carbon footprint. Importing stock guzzles gas. Eating at restaurants that serve local produce and buying souvenirs made in the local area is a great way to go green, and immerse yourself in the true culture of your vacation spot.

    Employ these green travel tips and enjoy the good karma that comes!

  • The World’s 5 Most Unusual Hostels

    Taking a frugal vacation doesn’t mean you need to face another boring, bland hostel. Read on to discover some of the weirdest and most wonderful backpackers’ stays on the planet.

    ArkaBarka Floating Hostel in Belgrade, Serbia

    Backpackers can’t ask for better water views than those offered by the ArkaBarka Floating Hotel in Belgrade. This unusual hostel actually floats on the Danube River! All the rooms offer those enviable river views, but the balcony is also a great place to soak up the scenery.

    The ArkaBarka Floating Hostel is far enough away from the action to offer peace and quiet, but it takes just 20 minutes to walk to the city center. It’s also close to Usce Park, which is a popular spot for cycling and roller blading. Rates start at 15 euros for a bed in a shared room and breakfast.

    Kadir’s Tree House in Olympos, Turkey

    Relive your childhood at Kadir’s Tree House in the Turkish coastal city of Olympos. This striking hostel sees guests bunkering down in a real tree house! It’s far more sophisticated than the one you played in as a kid though; Kadir’s has three bars and a nightclub on site! Its staff members also organize plenty of outings to help you make the most of your stay, including treks through the Lost City, sea kayaking excursions, and fishing expeditions.

    Dorm rooms are very reasonable, with prices starting from $16, but they jump up to $29 a night if you want your own room.

    Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel in Culrain, Scotland

    If you thought staying in a real castle was out of your price range, think again. Scotland’s Carbisdale Castle is a real historic castle that was originally built for the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland! It might be a hostel now, but it hasn’t let itself go. It boasts a large art collection and an array of Italian marble statues. It’s also set in immaculate grounds overlooking the nearby River Kyle.

    It’s not the place to stay if you’re at all superstitious though, as several ghosts are said to haunt the manner. Look out for a lady in white, fallen soldiers, and the former gardener roaming the grounds hunting for his long lost daughter. If you don’t mind the spectres, you can enjoy a dorm room from $20 or a private space from $25.

    Hostel Celica in Ljubljana, Slovenia

    It looks like any other hostel from the outside, but there’s more to Hostel Celica than meets the eye. This hostel proudly bears the tell-tale signs of its heritage as a military prison. Cell bars on the doors and windows of all guest bedrooms remind visitors what it must have been like to be locked up.

    Thankfully Hostel Celica is a much more entertaining place now than it was then. There’s an art gallery on site, and the hostel also hosts concerts, workshops, and poetry readings. It’s also conveniently located right next to the Metelkova party district, and a ten-minute walk to the city center. Expect to get a dorm room for a little as $18, and a private one for $24.

    Hedonisia Eco-Hostel in Hawaii, United States

    Kadir's Tree House in Olympos, Turkey
    Kadir’s Tree House in Olympos, Turkey

    You’ll feel a little like Tarzan when you stay at Hedonisia Eco-Hostel, a sustainable backpackers’ stay nestled in the tropical rainforests of Hawaii’s Puna region. This area is far quieter than tourist traps like Honolulu and Waikiki, so it’s well worth exploring. And few other hostels boast a giant volcano crater, a guava hut, and a remodeled schoolbus all on site! This hostel is also perfect for eco-conscious travelers, as everything you’ll find at Hedonisia is made from recycled or locally-sourced materials.

    As with so many green travel options though, Hedonisia is a bit pricier than your average hostel. You can stay in one of the shared indoor tents in The Barn for around $34, or upgrade to a private room for around $62.

    So why stay at another forgettable hostel? This is just a taste of the affordable establishments that have upped the ante.

    [Image Source: Elena Pleskevich/Flickr]

  • A Beginner’s Guide to Ride Sharing

    Most of us have car pooled to the office, or hitched a ride with friends after a big night out. However when we vacation, most of us tend to travel solo or with our nearest and dearest. But why not embrace carpooling practices when you’re abroad? Ride sharing is a great way to cut costs, minimize your carbon footprint, and make some new friends.

    Ride sharing is a relatively new concept, but backpackers have been doing it for years. The message boards of hostels around the world are full of signs advertising for willing travel companions.

    In Europe and North America, ride sharing has well and truly joined the digital age. Websites like Eurostop and Hitchhikers in Europe help match up travelers needing transport with drivers looking to fill their vehicles. In North America there’s the similar eRideShare and Ridester. If you’re traveling outside these continents, Digihitch is worth a look. This forum helps travelers and drivers from all over the world connect with one another. Other drivers advertise in the Services: Travel/Vacation section of Craigslist. As ride sharing is a growing practice, new sites are popping up all the time. Search the internet and you’re sure to find one serving your intended destination.

    Drivers typically ask their guests to share in the cost of petrol and tolls. If drivers are traveling in their own vehicle, they may also add a small wear and tear fee. And of course there are some generous souls simply happy to share in your company, without asking anything in return.

    As with any travel experience which sees strangers meeting, safety is the greatest concern. Modern ride sharing practices are much safer than the old methods of standing by the road with your thumb in the air, but it’s still important to rely on your own instincts. Make sure you chat with your driver, and the rest of your travel group if you can, either online or in person. Ensure they have the same attitude to traveling, and that they don’t set off any red flags. Also make sure to travel light, and with just a little cash on your person, to minimize the risk of theft.

    car near waterIf you’re feeling uneasy about your ride sharing arrangements, it’s best to dig a little deeper into your pocket and splurge on public transport or your own hire car. While ride sharing can be a wonderful budget-friendly experience with the right companions, you can’t put a value on your own peace of mind.

  • Eco-Travel: What is LEED Certification?

    If you’re a frugal eco-traveler, chances are you’ve seen the label “LEED certified” on various hotels, restaurants, transportation systems, museums, residential structures and sports stadiums. I always knew this was something that should impress me, but until lately, I didn’t really understand everything that LEED certification entails. If you’re curious like I was, here is a quick overview of what is involved in obtaining and maintaining a LEED certification.

    What does LEED stand for?

    LEED stands for “leadership in energy and environmental design.”

    When was the certification system developed and by what organization?

    The initial certification system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in March, 2000. Since then, various specific certifications have been developed for different types of buildings and initiatives. These rating systems are developed through a consensus-based process led by LEED committees. LEED committee members are a diverse group of people involved in the building and construction community who volunteer their time to develop the certification processes.

    The Tesoro Corporation Headquarters in San Antonio is a LEED certified structure.

    What does LEED certification measure?

    The LEED certification encompasses all aspects of a building, including environment, design, infrastructure, plumbing, electricity, etc. Some of the most important elements it measures are (for all categories, see the LEED site):

    • Sustainability of the construction site— discouraging construction on previously undeveloped land, seeking to minimize a structure’s impact on ecosystems and waterways, and encouraging regionally appropriate landscaping.
    • Water efficiency— encouraging smarter use of water, both inside and outside the structure. This is typically accomplished through efficient appliances, fixtures and fittings inside and water-conscious landscaping.
    • Energy and atmosphere—encouraging the use of energy-wise strategies such as energy use monitoring, efficient design and construction, efficient appliances, systems and lighting, the use of renewable and clean sources of energy generated on-site or off-site.
    • Materials and resources— encouraging the selection of sustainably grown, harvested, produced and transported products and materials; promoting waste reduction as well as reuse and recycling.
    • Quality of indoor environment— promoting strategies that improve indoor air quality, provide access to natural daylight, and improve acoustics.
    • Awareness and education— encouraging home builders and real estate professionals to provide homeowners, tenants and building managers with the education and tools they need to understand what makes their home green and how to make the most of those features.
    • Design innovation— rewarding projects that include a LEED Accredited Professional on the team to ensure a holistic, integrated approach to the design and construction process.

    What are the different levels of LEED certification?

    The LEED rating system currently has four levels of certification (listed from least to most rigorous): Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. These levels correspond to the number of credits accrued in five categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.

    Once a structure is LEED certified, is that the end of the process?

    No; once a building receives LEED certification, it must maintain its credentials through a variety of tests and building updates each year. Any addition or change made to the building must conform to the level of LEED certification previously awarded.

    What else should I know about LEED certified buildings?

    Firms and building owners invest a large amount of time and money making sure their structures represent the very best in terms of sustainability and design. Why not reward these businesses with your patronage when you travel? These businesses should be easy to spot, since most feature their LEED certification level in their marketing materials.

     

     

  • Guide to the Great Lakes (U.S. and Canada)

    The Great Lakes are some of the most impressive U.S. natural wonders. However, they are usually only considered a “destination” for people who live nearby. Here is an overview of each lake and reasons why you should venture to one of their shores for your next frugal adventure.

    The Great Lakes are a gathering of massive lakes located in the northeastern region of  the U.S., on the border of Canada and the US. Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario comprise the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. In certain cities around each lake, the tourism industry is alive and well, especially during the summer months. The Great Lakes are easily accessible by flying (or driving) to the cities of Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

    There are plenty of opportunities to camp and engage in outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing around the Great Lakes. There is even a hearty group of outdoorsy folk who surf the Great Lakes when the waves are big enough (especially Lake Superior and Lake Michigan).

    If you’re interested in visiting all of the Great Lakes via car, you can take the historic Great Lakes Circle Tour, a scenic road system that connects all of the Great Lakes as well as the St. Lawrence River.  If one or two lakes is more your style, you can branch off on individual “circle drives” that take you through some of the nicer tourist areas and scenic natural spots on the shores of each lake. For more information on this drive, see: Great Lakes.

    Lake Superior

    The largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior is bordered by Canada (Ontario), Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Major tourist regions on Lake Superior include the North Shore in Minnesota (there are a variety of state parks an natural areas in this region), Thunder Bay (at the Canadian border) and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (Marquette is the major city).

    Lake Michigan

    Of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is the only one that is entirely located within the U.S. (the rest share shoreline with Canada). In terms of volume, it is the second largest of the Great Lakes (behind Lake Superior). Major tourist regions on Lake Michigan include Door County and Mackinac Island.

    Lake Huron

    A view from the shores of Lake Ontario.

    Lake Huron is bordered to the east by the Canadian province of Ontario, and to the west by Michigan. A popular tourist spot on Lake Huron is Bruce National Park (located on the Bruce Peninsula that nearly separates Georgian Bay from Lake Huron) known for its impressive limestone cliffs.

    Lake Erie

    The smallest of the Great Lakes (in terms of volume), Lake Erie is bordered by Ontario to the north, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York to the south and Michigan to the west. Water from the lake powers the large turbines at Niagara Falls that provide power to both Canada and the U.S. One of the major tourist regions on the lake is Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands

    Lake Ontario

    The last in the chain of the Great Lakes (it is an outlet to the Atlantic Ocean by way of the St. Lawrence River) is bordered to the north and southwest by Ontario and to the south by New York. One of the major tourist areas is Nigara-on-the-Lake, near the famous Niagara Falls.

    St. Lawrence River

    Though it’s technically not one of the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River connects Lake Ontario to the Atlantic Ocean and constitutes the eastern limit of the Great Lakes Region. The river crosses the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario and forms a section of the U.S./Canadian border between Ontario and New York. The 1000 Islands Region is one of the major tourist areas near the St. Lawrence River.

  • Five U.S. Natural Wonders You Should Visit

    I am an advocate of U.S. road trips as a cost-effective and adventurous way to spend one’s summer vacation. One of my favorite things to do while I’m on the road is to enjoy the variety of “natural wonders” the U.S. has to offer. Here are some of my top picks for you to check out the next time you find yourself on the road and in search of some natural beauty. Many lodgings in these areas fill up quickly for the summer months, so I recommend planning your natural getaway in advance.

    Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim), Arizona

    Grand Canyon National Park, visited by more than five million people each year, is considered one of the seven natural wonders of world and is a World Heritage Site. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is much less touristy than the South Rim, which is why I prefer it. During the summer months rooms are hard to come by at the Grand Canyon Lodge (they bill themselves as the only lodging on the North Rim, however there are some smaller options nearby), so book early if you’re interested in staying here. The North Rim features exposed geologic formations from the earth’s four eras of geologic history. Information at look-out spots and the North Rim Visitor’s Lodge teaches visitors about the formation of the Canyon (it was carved by the Colorado River over a period of six million years) and biological diversity.

    The expansive Grand Mesa (view from the western end).

    Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

    Since I first visited them as a kid I’ve been enthralled with the Carlsbad Caverns, over 117 underground caves that were formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone. The well-designed visitor’s center provides information on these unique geological formations as well as schedules for the variety of cave tours available. Whatever you do, make sure you’re at the “bat cave” at dusk where you can watch hundreds of Mexican free-tail bats fly out of the cave and over your head.

    Redwood National Forest, California

    Redwood National Forest is comprised of the official Redwood National Park and Redwood State Park and located in northern California. It runs along 37 miles of northern Californian coastline. Of course, the Redwood National Forest is best known for its “stars,” massive redwood trees (in height and girth) that cause most visitors to drop their jaws. However, this diverse ecosystem is also home to expansive prairies, oak forests and over 35 miles of savage coastline. The forest is also a protective area for various threatened species including the Northern Spotted Owl, Brown Pelican, Tidewater Goby, Bald Eagle, Steller’s Sea Lion, and the Chinook Salmon.

    Yosemite National Park, California

    Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of Central California, Yosemite National Park encompasses a variety of breathtaking sights including waterfalls, valleys, meadows, and giant sequoias. The park spans 1,170 square miles and ranges in altitude from 2,000 feet to over 13,000 feet above sea level. Nearby cities include San Francisco, Los Angeles and Reno.

    Grand Mesa, Colorado

    The area commonly referred to as Grand Mesa is a combination of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, all located on the western side of the Colorado Rockies, an area that lies south of the Colorado River and west of the Continental Divide. The three forests together span over 3,161,912 acres and vary in elevation from 5,800 feet above sea level (in Roubideau Creek Canyon) to 14,309 feet (on Uncompahgre Peak). Highlights include Bridal Veil falls, the over 300 lakes  in the Grand Mesa, and the Alpine Tunnel.

  • Tips for Traveling Green on a Budget

    I read a lot on travel blogs and in travel magazines about traveling green or low-impact travel. However, did you know that traveling green also tends to be less expensive than more conventional modes of travel? From transportation to lodging, here are some helpful tips for traveling green and saving money in the process. After all, what could be better than that?

    Transportation: Moving Around Ecologically Flights It’s true that flying is not exactly eco-friendly. Do your research before you book to make sure you are flying with airlines that recycle at least some of the waste created when serving food and beverages during the flight.  There are certain airlines like British Airways and Southwest Airlines that maintain a strong commitment to environmental health through a variety of initiatives. An easy way to do your part to help the environment when booking a flight is to use electronic tickets (e-tickets) instead of paper ones. Public Transportation It’s time to start thinking outside the box when it comes to transportation. Instead of automatically renting a car when you travel to a different place, check out the public transportation system in that location. From trains to subways to buses, most cities have the infrastructure to help you get where you need to go while saving the earth and saving money. If you’re worried about getting from the airport to your hotel, call ahead to see if they offer a complimentary van pick-up at the airport. [caption id="attachment_5511" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Biking is an eco-friendly form of transportation that allows tourists to remain autonomous and connect to people and places in deeper and more meaningful ways."]biking vacation photo[/caption] Biking and Rentals Another option is to consider a bike tour. This can be a great way to really see the area you’re visiting and connect with places and people on a deeper level (not to mention the fact that it’s great exercise). In addition to being useful on longer adventures, bikes are a great way to get around a city (European cities are known for their “bike friendliness”) autonomously.  Many cities, such as Paris, now have user-friendly public bike rental programs that allow you to use a bike for as long or as short a time period as you would like. Walking and Hiking Walking tours are a great way to really get to know a city. In addition to going on guide-led walking tours, I’ve discovered many gems on my own by simply walking around a city (things I never would have found if I had been concentrating on driving a rental car). Going for a walk once you arrive at your destination is also an excellent way to stave off jetlag and sore muscles. If you’re into spending time in the great outdoors, considering a hiking trip (or at least make hiking a portion of your trip). Of course, it’s important to respect the local ecological system by not picking plants or wildflowers and staying on the marked hiking paths. Lodging: Staying Green Resorts and Hotels Low-impact lodging has become a buzz phrase in the travel industry. As a result, many hotels and resorts have adapted their daily practices to become more environmentally friendly. Do your research before you book a room to make sure the hotel or resort recycles and participates in energy saving programs. Even if you find yourself staying somewhere that is not exactly green, you can still do your part to reduce your impact on the environment. Let the hotel management know that it is not necessary to change your towels and sheets every day while you are staying with them. Do the same things you would at home to save energy: turn off the AC/heat, lights and TV if you are not using them. Also, if you decide not to use the complimentary bottles of shampoo and soaps, leave them on the counter so that they can be passed on to the next guest. Staying with Friends Of course, few options are more eco- and budget friendly than staying with friends or acquaintances when you travel. And if they happen to be green as well (they recycle, engage in energy saving practices, drive hybrids, etc.), well that’s even better. Camping Of course, camping is generally a low-impact and inexpensive lodging option. If you don’t want to bring all of your camping gear with you, you can always rent tents and such on-site. Only camp in designated camping areas and make sure you leave the campground site exactly how you found it.

  • Get Around on the Cheap: Ten Best U.S. Cities for Public Transportation

    Whether we’re talking about airfare or cab fare, transportation costs can eat up a large part of one’s travel budget.

    Of course, western Europe is known for its highly accessible and inexpensive public transportation systems. But we’ve got plenty of bragging rights in the U.S., too. If you’re looking to cut down on transportation costs once you reach your destination, check out these ten best U.S. cities for public transportation. You may be surprised by some of them! Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix is now home to a state-of-the-art light-rail line that opened in January 2009. It started with a 20-mile line and has consistently grown since then. The definition of clean, modern, hassle-free transportation within an area that can only be described as urban sprawl. Denver, Colorado Another sprawling area, Denver boasts one of the leading transit systems in the West. An intricate network of light rail and buses connects the city, with the downtown Union Station as the hub. Over the past two years, rail and bus lines have been spread out into the suburbs. Los Angeles, California Over the past two decades, Los Angeles has spent well over 11 billion dollars to improve the city’s public transportation, including the streamlined Metro Rapid bus line and an expansive rail system that radiates out from the train station downtown. And car-loving Angelinos seem to be taking to the relatively new options for public transportation; the city’s ridership ranks among the top in the country. San Francisco, California San Francisco is home to a variety of public transportation options including a light rail and the city’s quintessential cable cars. The extended metropolitan area of San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley is served by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) subway system. [caption id="attachment_5229" align="alignright" width="300" caption="San Francisco's BART is one of the most expansive and efficient public transportation systems in the U.S."][/caption] Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Lake City has poured a large amount of its financial resources into improving and expanding the Utah Transit Authority’s light rail system (TRAX). TRAX connects downtown to the surrounding suburbs, serving  over 1.7 million people. New York, New York This one’s a no-brainer. The Big Apple has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the country (the subway as well as a bus system). The city’s average weekday ridership of public transportation is over 8.4 million. St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis’ MetroLink light-rail system has changed the face of public transportation in the city. Small business in both the Missouri and Illinois parts of the greater metro area have thrived thanks to this efficient transportation system. Grand Rapids, Michigan Talk about eco-friendly, the transit system in Grand Rapids (The Rapid) has a LEED-Certified central terminal. The creation of this efficient system has also helped the local economy. The Rapid doesn’t yet extend out into the suburbs, so for the time being there is a shuttle that transports riders to and from the nearest stop. Minneapolis, Minnesota Historically, the Twin Cities have not been known for their public transportation options. However, that reputation has shifted over the past few years. The city’s new light rail system already connects part of Minneapolis to the airport and Mall of America, and  a new light rail line connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul’s downtown areas is under construction and is expected to be completed by 2014. Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu does not have an urban rail system, but it makes up for it with TheBus system, Oahu’s primary mode of public transit. Honolulu is currently making plans  to expand its transit options with an elevated rail system connecting the city to western Oahu.

  • Volunteer Tourism: Doing Good While Traveling on the Cheap

    Why do you travel? It’s an interesting question that I ponder from time to time. Is it the thrill of the unknown? Is it the “escape” from my daily life that I find so appealing?

    Perhaps it’s the opportunity to try new cuisines? Whenever I ask myself these questions, I always come back to a strong, resounding reason: I travel to meaningfully connect to a place, a culture, or specific people. I know that I am not alone in this. There are many alternative travel philosophies that embrace this concept, one of which is volunteer tourism. Volunteer tourism consists of spending part or all of one’s travel time engaging in some sort of volunteer work. I know people who go on volunteer trips themselves (without the support of an organization), but most volunteer tourism is done through specific organizations or companies that have the contacts and resources to accomplish what needs to be accomplished. If volunteer tourism appeals to you, there are some important things to consider before embarking on your volunteer trip. 1. Ask yourself what issues you care about (water safety, HIV prevention, child safety, women’s health, ecological issues, etc.). It’s good to have several interests, this way it will be easier for you to find an organization that shares your goals and values (see step 3). [caption id="attachment_5206" align="alignright" width="210" caption="A volunteer run food and health center in Niger. Engaging in volunteer tourism is a great way to meaningfully connect to people, places and cultures. "][/caption] 2. Decide approximately how much of your vacation you want to dedicate to volunteerism (there are many ways to combine volunteer travel with more traditional vacation scenarios). 3. Decide approximately how much you can spend on your volunteer trip. Prices for volunteer trips range from free (if the entire project is subsidized by a supporting organization) to expensive (certain trips require you not only to cover your airfare and lodging, but also kick in extra funds for resources for the people/community you’ll be helping). Because of this wide range, it’s important to have a budget in mind before researching various trips. 4. If you don’t want to travel alone, identify other people who might be interested in embarking on this adventure with you. It’s fun to engage in volunteer travel with like-minded individuals. If none of your friends feel like going with you, don’t worry. You’ll meet plenty of wonderful people along the way. 5. Research various organizations that share your goals and values. It is important to do more than just a web search; actually speaking with people who have traveled with this organization will give you a better idea of the reality of the work they do. It is also important to remain aware of the fact that there are a lot of volunteer travel organizations that are 1) flat out scams or 2) do not respect local cultures and customs and therefore do more harm than good. This is why it is crucial to do plenty of research before committing to a certain organization’s trip. 6. Prepare for your life to be forever changed by the things you see, do and feel during your volunteer tourism experience. Open yourself to new opportunities and the possibility to change others’ lives and experience change in your own life in the process. Here are some places to begin researching your volunteer travel experience: Rotary International- http://www.rotary.org VolunTourism International- http://www.voluntourism.org/ Off the Radar- http://www.travelofftheradar.com/ Transitions Abroad- http://www.transitionsabroad.com/ Idealist- http://www.idealist.org/ Volunteer: A Traveler’s Guide (Lonely Planet, 2010)