The new year is upon us, and with it come the new year’s resolutions that we have the best intentions of keeping (but, admittedly, typically fall by the wayside come February).

This year, though, I suggest we all try a different tactic – a set of resolutions that foster health, wellness, a sense of adventure and fun … in short, a set of resolutions specifically for travel.

And there’s no time that we’ve needed to travel more: Bloomberg News reported earlier this year that the average American leaves 8.1 vacation days unused annually. It’s affecting our health, our productivity, and our sense of well-being. (And frankly, it’s not much of a life, either.) So I say we change this tactic in 2015 and resolve to use all our vacation days—and use them to see more of this gorgeous and awe-inspiring planet we call home.

Indeed, I’m hard pressed to think of another set of resolutions that would be as rewarding to keep, or a set of goals that would have as much anticipation toward completion – quite the opposite of the typical new year’s resolutions.

Here are my five new year’s resolutions for travel in 2015; I heartily invite you to make them yours, too.

Travel New Year’s Resolution #1: Leave Your Comfort Zone

I’ve always been curious about travel to Asia, but always changed course when it finally came time to plan a trip. Three key excuses—the language barrier, the long flights, and the costs—deterred me in the past, but not so for 2015: I’m hoping to have a grand Asia adventure this year, and am taking old friends along for the ride as well. I’m excited and fully expect an exhilarating, eye-opening experience. So where’s your destination that’s always been just out of reach? What could you do there this year, if you didn’t let your sense of comfort and familiarity dictate your choices? Plan a trip to wherever the heart-pumping, I-hope-to-go-there-someday destination is for you. It’s a new year, a fresh start: Now really is the time.

Travel New Year’s Resolution #2: Make—and Stick to—a Realistic Budget

Of course, even with a lofty travel resolution, there are the very real issues of expenses. That’s why the new year is a perfect time to start budgeting. Determine the cost of your trip well before your departure—everything from transportation to in-country daily expenses—and start prepping now so you don’t have sticker shock later. Research flights, hotels, and other travel costs in advance. For spending money once you’re on vacation, take the long view approach, too: Months beforehand, set aside a portion of your paycheck, enroll in a vacation club savings plan at your local bank, compile all your loose change and your $1 or $5 bills each week—whatever it takes to make your travel goal happen.

Travel New Year’s Resolution #3: Commit to Unplugging While Away

Remember that stat about Americans not using their vacation time? Well, in another depressing statistic, a TripAdvisor survey showed that when we do take trips, 77 percent of us still check in with the office. This stems from the “work martyr complex”, according to the U.S. Travel Association, and can contribute to excess burnout and guilt – exactly the opposite of the benefits one gets from getting away from work on vacation (rest, relaxation, and recharging in a stress-free environment). So when you’re planning your 2015 trips, resolve to really get away – no checking work email, no texting with your colleagues during your time off. If you’re concerned this may be frowned upon, start communications with your supervisors and colleagues early and reinforce that you will not be available during your vacation time. Be clear, consistent, and transparent – and if you get push back, show them the data.

Travel Resolution #4: Support the Local Economy Wherever You Go

A great benefit of travel is seeing what’s local all around the world. Whether you choose small inns and pensiones, mom-and-pop restaurants, handmade goods from local markets, and/or local tour guides, your tourism dollars go toward directly supporting the economy of the region you’re visiting. You’ll also learn a lot about local customs, traditions, and culture, too. So resolve to go local on your 2015 travels and see how much your horizons expand—and how far your dollars truly can go.

Travel Resolution #5: Choose the Right Travel Companions

As I’ve discussed earlier, nothing kills a trip quicker than realizing you and your travel companions have completely different expectations for your overall vacation. By choosing the right group of people to accompany you—those aligned with you in temperament, interests, and budget—and communicating with them clearly and often, you’ll avoid any misunderstandings and ensure everyone makes the most of their precious vacation time. Resolve to find your best travel companions to join you on your 2015 travel adventures, then hit the road or take to the skies!

Where are you hoping to go in 2015? Share your own unique travel resolutions by leaving a comment below!

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The post 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Travel in 2015 appeared first on EcoSalon.

A Greek salad with fresh feta. Grilled lamb chops with bright sprigs of mint. Mussels sautéed with flavorful tomatoes and garlic, partnered with earthy olives and potatoes. Now, picture these Mediterranean diet dishes served against a setting as delicious as the meals themselves: a farm-to-table restaurant overlooking rolling vineyards, a cozy neighborhood trattoria, the dining room of a rustic B&B.

A Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, olive oil and spices, and red wine, has long been credited for heart health, longevity of years, and overall health and wellness. (And the key foods taste pretty amazing, too.) Travel, too, gets kudos for stress reduction, real-world learning opportunities, and the opportunity to forge new connections and relationships.

Which got me to thinking: The Mediterranean diet is local to some of the most beautiful and desirable locations around the world. Why not plan a vacation specifically around these places for an incredibly memorable—and delicious—vacation?

If you’re looking to live more healthfully, consider these destinations for your next vacation, where eating in the Mediterranean fashion is simply the way of life.

1. Bodrum, Turkey

One hallmark of a Mediterranean diet is using spice in place of salt. If you’re looking for a destination that’s full of savory goodness, consider Bodrum in southwest Turkey. Stop by the local market, held every Friday, to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices, or head to the marina for the catch of the day. And be sure to save some spices to take as souvenirs – in doing so, you’ll import a little bit of the authentic Mediterranean diet to your home kitchen.

2. Napa Valley, California

If you can’t take a vacation to the Mediterranean region itself, do the next best thing and head to California’s Napa Valley. With its comparable climate and agricultural production, Napa Valley vacations offer a delicious way to have the Mediterranean diet on American soil. And while everyone knows Napa for its wine, be sure to try a vintage of locally produced olive oil, which gives Italy a run for its money.

3. Ravello, Italy

Italy’s pedigree as a delicious destination is well established; the challenge is simply choosing which region to visit as part of your Mediterranean diet vacation. Consider the Amalfi Coast for just-caught seafood, lemons right off the vine, and crisp wines harvested from a local vineyard. Make Ravello your home base – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has no shortage of craggy cliffs, gorgeous architecture, boutique hotels, and fine restaurants.

4. Santorini, Greece

Seafood is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, and the options here range way beyond fish. When in Greece, for example, try the octopus. In Santorini, there’s no shortage of places offering this regional specialty – try it grilled with local vegetables, tossed in a salad, or part of a meze plate. Finish your meal with a glass of vinsanto, a dessert wine produced right on the island.

5. Split, Croatia

Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, is home to the lively Green Market, a daily market with the freshest fruit, vegetables, and meats (and souvenirs, too). Beyond the market, be sure to seek out a konoba, a no-frills restaurant serving regional delicacies such as squid-ink pasta or risotto, grilled lobster, octopus salad, and other delights from the sea.

Which types of cuisine do you seek out when you travel? Share your recommendations and leave a comment below!

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Main photo courtesy Meal Makeover Moms via Flickr Creative Commons

Turkish spice market/bazaar, Bodrum, Turkey photo courtesy Alex Berger via Flickr Creative Commons

Napa Valley olives photo courtesy Nagarjun Kandukuru via Flickr Creative Commons

Ravello, Italy photo courtesy Nate Gray via Flickr Creative Commons

Grilled octopus, Santorini (Photo from Mario Restaurant at Monolithos of Santorini) photo courtesy Klearchos Kapoutsis via Flickr Creative Commons

Croatian cherries from Split, Croatia photo courtesy Josefine Stenudd via Flickr Creative Commons

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The dates have been selected, the location is set, and now all you need to do is find a hotel for your upcoming vacation. This is perhaps the biggest decision that can make or break a trip: Accommodations that are unacceptable (unsafe, unclean, not as advertised, or just not aligned with your expectations) can quickly ruin a vacation, no matter how spectacular the overall destination is.

You pull up a few hotel search engines and begin to browse, and immediately get overwhelmed with all the listings, and especially all the reviews from other travelers. How do you know which reviews to trust? How much weight should you give them in influencing your purchase decision? Which reviews will help you find the best hotel for your upcoming time off?

Don’t worry – I’m here to help you use hotel reviews to find accommodations that are perfect for your next trip.

Before we get started, a disclosure: I’m a former TripAdvisor employee. As such, I’ve worked with the ins-and-outs of reviews and fellow-traveler recommendations, and am uniquely qualified to help you navigate the thousands of reviews out there. All opinions are my own and based on my own experiences, both as a traveler and as a travel industry insider.

Here are the hotel ratings and reviews tricks I use when I’m planning a trip.

Discard the Highs, Discard the Lows

When consulting hotel reviews, I always discard the extremes on either end – in other words, I take both the five- and one-star reviews with a grain of salt. The middle reviews are where I tend to find the most useful information about a given property: These reviews tend to come from everyday travelers who are less prone to platitudes or nitpicking. In some cases, though, you may find a property has an abundance of extreme reviews – and, in such situations, take notice both of the content itself and the number of reviews submitted. If there are hundreds of reviews and the majority go to an extreme, you’ve stumbled upon a genuine gem – or a honest-to-goodness fleabag.

Take the Reviewers’ Preferences into Account

With reviews from other travelers, you’re not exactly getting objective advice. As such, pay attention to the personalities inherent in every traveler review to see if it truly matches what you’re looking for on a vacation. Is the reviewer griping about something that wouldn’t typically bother you? Take note. (For example, I hardly ever order room service. So if a reviewer gives a hotel high or low marks based on the room service quality, that review doesn’t influence my booking decision.) Conversely, does the traveler talk about amenities and activities that would align with your expectations – in other words, does she sound like someone you would travel with and has similar taste? Weigh that feedback more heavily.

Take the Time to Cross-Reference

Variety is key. Do not take the reviews on just one site as the be-all, end-all of your hotel research. When looking to find a hotel, consult at least two or three sites with reviews, including a mix of checking the reviews on the hotel’s own website and third-party sites. It’s also a good rule of thumb to check what the experts think – a few reputable guidebook and travel guide sites should provide worthwhile alternative views to back up what you’re seeing on the review sites.

Do you use online reviews when trying to find a hotel? What trip-planning strategies have worked for you? Share your expertise by leaving a comment!

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Hot springs spas make the ultimate R&R vacation. 

I stood in the middle of a field in Iceland alongside a babbling brook, eyeing my travel companions. Strangers just an hour earlier, we now began to disrobe as though we were old friends or family. When we were down to just our bathing suits (or skimpier undergarments), we plunged into the river, fed by natural hot springs, and immediately settled in. The waters instantly went to work on our muscles—a natural hot springs spa masseuse, as it were—and we leaned back, some reclining completely into the riverbed.

And while Iceland is known for its hot springs and healing waters, there are plenty of stateside hot springs spas that provide similar experiences, without requiring a passport. I’ve rounded up five hot springs spas in the U.S. that will provide rest, rejuvenation, and natural relaxation for your next trip. The only downside? Once you’ve visited and soaked all your cares away, you may not want to leave.

1. Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat, Willamette National Forest, Oregon

The Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center is set on more than 150 secluded acres of the Willamette National Forest in the Oregon Cascades. Visitors have three ways to take advantage of the natural hot springs: pools, tiled tubs, and a steam sauna. Go for a soak, then take a yoga class, meditate, or get a massage. For additional contemplation, there are forest trails to explore and a stone labyrinth to wander. Overnight guests can camp in the summer or book a cabin with geothermal heat in the cooler months; all guests receive three organic, vegetarian meals each day included with accommodations.

2. Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa and Resort, Calistoga, California

So many natural wonders, so little time… The Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa and Resort in Calistoga has an embarrassment of natural riches. Set in California’s Napa Valley wine country, Golden Haven offers mud baths, herbal facials and mineral baths, massages, and other services, all featuring the resort’s on-site hot springs waters. There are also hot springs Jacuzzi rooms and a hot springs pool. Guests also can take advantage of complimentary bike rentals to explore the area in between spa treatments.

3. Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores, Colorado

For those who like things a little more rustic (yet still pampering), look no further than Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, “across the mountain” from Telluride. Historic hand-built cabins with meadow and mountain views, natural hot springs tucked into mountain valleys, and an on-site spa featuring holistic and therapeutic healing treatments, as well as yoga and Pilates, are the main draws. Active and adventure travelers will also find plenty to fill a getaway here, with horseback riding, hiking, and biking the mountain trails luring those wanting to spend the day in the great outdoors. And after all, there’s nothing better than a hot springs soak to cap off a day breaking a sweat.

4. Hot Springs Resort and Spa, North Carolina

The locals in Hot Springs, North Carolina, knew they had something rare and special – so much so that they named their town after their magnificent healing waters. Tucked into the Appalachian Mountains, the Hot Springs Resort and Spa has 12 outdoor whirlpool-style mineral baths, each enclosed in an outdoor patio/deck overlooking the adjacent Spring Creek and French Broad River. Additionally, there’s an on-site spa with massage, facials, and wrap/scrub services. Accommodations range from campsite rentals to rustic outdoor cabins, luxury suites to vacation rentals, so you can travel simply or indulgently, depending on your preferences.

5. Sierra Grande Lodge, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

Historic Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, sits over one of North America’s largest natural aquifers, which produces more than 2 million gallons of hot mineral water each day. Book a stay or just a soak at the Sierra Grande Lodge, which features mineral baths that draw waters from the property’s natural mineral spring. If you want more than just hot springs spas, museums and galleries on Native American and Southwestern cultural traditions, a thriving art scene, and hiking, horseback riding, stargazing round out a getaway here.

Which hot springs spas do you recommend? Leave a comment and let us know!

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When sitting down to plan a vacation, choose your travel companions wisely.

A colleague recently returned from a much-anticipated vacation, and on her return, I asked if she enjoyed her time off. She paused a little too long before her reply, and weighed her words carefully.

“It was just ok,” she admitted. “The hotel was gorgeous and the setting was really beautiful. But … my friends and I really got on each other’s nerves. By the end of the trip, I was so ready to leave.”

Her post-trip report got me thinking – it’s awful to have a vacation feel like wasted time (and, not to mention, wasted money). And in my many years writing about travel, I’ve heard about so many vacations going sour because the group of travelers hadn’t quite gelled as anticipated. In addition, with Americans getting such limited time off each year compared to our global counterparts, it’s imperative that we make the absolute most of our downtime for overall satisfaction, rejuvenation, and well-being.

Part of doing so is choosing the right group of people to accompany us on our vacations – and if we can’t choose all of our companions, then we can still make sure that we communicate trip plans and expectations with the whole group well in advance. In this case, honesty isn’t just the best policy – it’s also an excellent way to manage assumptions, curtail miscommunications, and minimize disappointments – thus preserving your vacation time and money spent (and maybe even your friendships in the process).

The next time you plan a vacation with friends and/or family, here are three check points to address well in advance:

1. Discuss Logistics

When sitting down to discuss the upcoming trip, be sure to outline what’s needed from the get-go. For the actual travel, coordinate times of arrival and any required pick-ups/drop-offs from the airport, train stations, etc. If you’re renting a vacation home, for example, who will be responsible for getting the keys and check-out? For meals, will you divvy up grocery runs and cooking duties? Not everything has to be set in stone, of course (this is your vacation, after all), but a high-level understanding of the group dynamic right from the get-go can keep assumptions in check.

2. Outline the Budget

The budget—and miscommunications around it—may be the most contentious point of a group vacation. Among your friends, discuss in advance what everyone has budgeted for the trip, and then tailor your itinerary appropriately. You may have your heart set on a luxury hotel, for example, that won’t be feasible for several of your friends; the airfare from your home city may be prohibitively expensive to the area you want to visit; the original first-choice dates for the trip are affordable for only two out of the five friends traveling together. Get the numbers out of the way for both the actual travel and the once-we’re-there activities, and everyone will be much happier.

 3. Acknowledge–and Respect–Different Interests

The quickest way to get on one’s nerves is to have mismatched ways of traveling and conflicting interests. If you’re a plop on the beach type of traveler, don’t agree to go on a vacation with your adventurous buddies who love to skydive; if you’re a night owl who loves clubbing, don’t get irritated when your early-to-bed/early-to-rise traveling friends decline to come along with you. During the time you plan a vacation, open and honest communications on what everyone wants to do are a huge help – with an understanding of everyone’s interests, must-haves, nice-to-haves, and what can be avoided/skipped, you can make the most of your time together once you arrive, and give everyone the space and freedom needed to truly enjoy their respective vacations.

When you’ve planned a vacation with friends, what gets discussed in advance? Leave a comment and share what’s worked well for you!

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Here’s how to become the ultimate road trip planner.

Airfares continue to climb. The TSA recently announced yet another mandatory check (travelers are now required to turn on mobile devices in the security line). Southwest (typically regarded as the friendliest airline) just kicked a passenger off a plane for tweeting a customer service complaint. As such, you may be thinking – time for a road trip. And while you may just want to hop in your car and get going, a little forethought goes a long way.

Tips for the Road Trip Planner

1. Get Your Car Checked

My friend’s car broke down on a recent weekend getaway road trip, which was costly in both money and time: Their itinerary was completely disrupted and they also had to factor in the unplanned expenses of towing the car to the mechanic and all the needed repairs. So while it may sound obvious to some, a quick trip to get your car serviced—including a tune up, oil change, and tire check—is paramount to peace of mind before hitting the road.

If you’re not confident that your car can go the distance (and don’t have the budget for precautionary repairs), consider renting a car. You can often find great deals through an opaque travel site such as Hotwire or Priceline. And if you’re traveling with friends, you can split the cost of the rental among the group to make it even more wallet-friendly.

2. Find the Best Fuel Along the Way

I’ve raved about it before: AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator helps you find the most affordable fueling stations around the country, and also enables you to calculate in advance what you should expect to spend on gas over the course of your trip, broken down by your route and the make/model of your car. Play around with it to see if you can save money by route, check average gas prices for the region you’re planning to visit, or compare how your car model compares to others (fuel-efficiency-wise). You’ll find it’s one of the best road trip planner tools around.

3. Have Old-Fashioned Maps at the Ready, Just in Case

Nowadays, it’s easy to rely on smartphones for GPS directions and overall route-planning – but it’s always a good idea to have paper maps and atlases with you in case of technical failure. Case in point: On a road trip to Montreal last year (and in the spirit of disconnecting for a few days), my husband and I hadn’t arranged for international data plans on our smartphones during our getaway. When we crossed the border from Vermont into Canada, our data instantly went away – and with it the GPS service we were using via Google Maps. We got to downtown Montreal without incident, but then hopelessly circled the winding streets of Old Montreal, unable to find our hotel. After half an hour of no luck, we pulled into a gas station and bought a paper city map and were at our hotel five minutes later. (And that traditional map? We ended up consulting it the rest of the weekend – and I still have it, tucked away for our next Montreal trip.)

Alternatively, if you’re not the unplugging type – just make sure your phones and/or GPSes are fully charged before hitting the road. If you’re traveling to Canada or Central or South America, be sure to purchase an international data plan through your phone service provider, so you won’t have a gap in coverage.

4. Determine Whether You Want to Book Hotels in Advance

When you’re a road trip planner, you can determine whether you want to be spontaneous on the road and find hotels wherever the day takes you, or if you want to ensure your accommodations are booked in advance. There are perks to both options: Being spontaneous means you’re not necessarily locked into an itinerary, and you can find local accommodations recommendations that may not have come up in any web search or guidebook. Planning in advance, on the other hand, means you have a clear destination to work toward on a given day of your road trip, and you already know what you’ll be spending for your accommodations (meaning no budgetary surprises). Personality plays a big factor here – if you’re adventurous, go spontaneous; if you’re a planner, book before you go.

5. Divvy Up Driving Duties

Regardless of who you’re traveling with, divvy up driving duties in a way that makes sense for you and your companions. Look to allocate driving time as equally as possible, but also play to the group’s strengths and preferences: Night owls, take the wheel at night. City dwellers, volunteer to drive in urban areas. And, of course, remember the cardinal rule of road trips: Whoever is driving controls the radio.

Are you planning an upcoming road trip? Share your best road trip planner tips by leaving a comment below!

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Outdoorsy travelers, you now can have your hike and shower, too: For your next trip, book a stay at a tree house resort, oceanside yurt, or airstream trailer hotel and you’ll have a memorable getaway that takes you close to nature—without completely roughing it. It’s the best of both worlds, a true marriage of indoor/outdoor living.

Quirky travelers, these hotel types will also make an incredible post-trip story. Imagine falling asleep with a perfect starry night view, be it from the boughs of a tree, a skylight of a yurt, or through the windshield of an airstream trailer. The next morning, your wake-up call will come in the form of squirrels rustling in the nearby branches, or a close-by ocean breeze caressing your brow.

When I travel, I love to visit places that are great for hiking and other outdoorsy pursuits. To me, there’s nothing better than heading out on a trail to ascend a mountain, with the reward of a fantastic view from atop a gorgeous peak. Fresh air, good exercise, and beautiful sights make for an ideal day, in my opinion, wherever the particular trail may be.

I also love descending the mountain, knowing that a hot shower and a comfortable bed await me at the end of the day. Let’s just say I’m not one for camping: I prefer carrying a lighter load on my back (just enough food and water for the day, and maybe my camera) in addition to the aforementioned creature comforts.

Whether you’re an active traveler, a quirky traveler, or a little bit of both (like me), then you may find a tree house resort, a yurt, or an airstream trailer a great fit for your next vacation – and believe it or not, there are quite a few to choose from across the U.S.

Airstream Trailers

There’s something so irresistibly retro about airstreams – and by booking a stay at an airstream B&B or vacation rental, you’ll enjoy a getaway that’s often as close to camping as you can get without pitching a tent. Airbnb currently has 11 airstream trailers listed all around the world, with U.S. offerings available in California, the Florida Everglades, Georgia, Oregon, and Washington. With settings ranging from lush gardens to beachfront locales, the airstream vacation truly can be tailored to your favorite type of scenery. Of course, given airstreams’ compact size, you should expect cozy quarters—but that’s no big deal when the stunning views beckon just outside your doorstep.

Tree houses

You can’t get much closer to nature than falling asleep tucked into the boughs of a tree – and from coast to coast, you can do just that at a tree house resort. Tree house accommodations offer an up-and-away from it all getaway that can be rustic (like the Cedar Creek Treehouse near Mt. Rainier in Ashford, Washington) or five-star (such as the Winvian Treehouse Cottage in Morris, Connecticut). Whether you choose to go high-end or low, the experience—and views—will be unforgettable.

Yurts

If you’re familiar with glamping (also known as “glamorous camping”), you’ve also most likely heard of yurts. Yurts are circular tent-like structures with a wood frame, constructed of heavy-duty fabric and (typically) a skylight. At the Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California, the yurts have a luxe feel, with pine-wood floors, sinks with running water, queen-sized beds, tables and chairs, and reading lamps. Best of all, though, are the redwood decks that overlook the ocean. Communal showers, a pool and hot tub, a restaurant, and sushi bar are all on site – so while the overall feel is minimalist, putting the setting and views front and center, the amenities are decidedly high-end.

Have you stayed at a tree house resort, a yurt, or an airstream trailer? Share your recommendations by leaving a comment below!

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For your next vacation, consider these retreats that are dedicated to wellness for both the traveler and the earth. By doing so, your travel dollars will go toward  luxury eco health and wellness retreats that promote a personal and global sense of balance.

For the vast majority of travelers, a vacation can be wasteful, with a focus on disposable convenience, rapid consumption, and splurges (on food, souvenirs, and the like) that cumulatively create an experience that’s anything but eco-friendly.

But for the conscientious consumer, retreats exist where the traveler can relax and recharge, while simultaneously preserving the local ecosystem, culture, and traditions. These eco health and wellness retreats are just the thing to scratch your recharge itch with a clean conscience.

1. Re-center at the Bali Bliss Eco Luxury Yoga and Wellness Retreat, Alila Villas Soori

Take a deep breath. Exhale. Repeat – all against a beautiful Bali backdrop. This summer, the Alila Villas Soori—an Earthcheck certified hotel—is sponsoring a Bali Bliss Eco Luxury Yoga and Wellness Retreat featuring five days of twice-daily yoga sessions with yogi Jocelyn Kay Levy, four spa sessions, and the choice of an outing ranging from a horseback ride on the beach to a Segway tour through rice paddies. Also included are six nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast and lunch, two dinners, and a discount on additional spa treatments or dining credits. This year’s yoga retreat will be held from August 26 through September 1; if that doesn’t fit with your schedule, a variety of additional getaway packages are also available.

2. Experience Sustainable Architecture Firsthand at the Juvet Hotel, Norway

Fresh mountain air, crisp and clean water, and quiet contemplation await travelers in northwest Norway. Situated in the conservation lands of Nordaal municipality in the town of Valldal, the Juvet Hotel is a marvel of sustainable architecture. Built as a “landscape hotel”, the property features 28 rooms that seem to blend into the natural surroundings, with extensive glass, perched vantage points, and reclaimed materials – and indeed, this harmony with the surrounding environment is entirely purposeful: The construction did not involve any rock blasting, and upkeep of the hotel does not alter the terrain in any way. Minimal energy consumption continues the hotel’s sustainable practices on a daily basis. Juvet’s bathing area sits right at a riverbank, and features a “quiet room” to sit and reflect, a steam room, and an outdoor hot tub. If you’d like a traditional spa experience, the hotel staff can arrange private on-site appointments with a local masseuse.

3. Swoon Over Sunrise Yoga, Spa Treatments, and Select Ecoboutique Hotels in Peru

When traveling, it’s always best to tread lightly – and that’s exactly what the walking-focused trips with tour operator Country Walkers aim to do. Luxury eco travelers, check out the eight-day Destination Peru trip, which features daily guided walks through secluded villages and gardens of the rainforest, yoga sessions, organic meals, and spa treatments featuring locally sourced products. All activities are curated both by local guides and the editorial team at Organic Spa Magazine, and accommodations include stays at ecoboutique hotels such as the LEED-Certified Tambo del Inka Luxury Resort and Spa in Urubamba and the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes (a Lonely Planet Top 10 Eco Hotel for 2014). This trip is slated to depart in mid-September, but should this not be of interest, many other walking tour options around the world are currently on the Country Walkers’ schedule.

Which ecologically friendly wellness retreats appeal to you? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below!

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5 Green Places to Visit in Austin, Texas

Photo courtesy Mukashi Mukashi Photography via Flickr Creative Commons

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Sometimes, a trip comes together around not just a destination, but the actual place to stay. Unique vacation spots and the out-of-the-ordinary hotel can become the perfect foundation for a larger excursion—or sometimes it’s the only reason to hit the road, with the accommodations being the destination in itself.

I’ll admit that I’ve planned trips around a hotel before—as a lifelong fan of “The Sound of Music”, I took my first trip to Stowe, Vermont, specifically to stay at the Trapp Family Lodge. I’ve since gone back on subsequent locations not just to stay at the lodge again, but also to visit the region’s amazing restaurants and specialty food shops, hike the surrounding Green Mountains, and soak up the gorgeous New England small-town and pastoral atmosphere. It’s a place where the hotel piqued my interest, and the destination then only deepened the love affair.

And an unusual hotel can often take on an even greater sense of intrigue: It may be a quirky structure, built from unexpected materials, in an unanticipated setting. If you’re looking for a little inspiration for your next getaway, check out these five unique vacation spots that are sure to kick-start your wanderlust.

You’ll soon find, too, that sometimes just the hotel makes the trip.

1. Cappadocia Cave Suites, Goreme, Turkey

No two rooms are alike at Goreme’s Cappadocia Cave Suites, designed to complement the surrounding ancient cave dwellings and stone structures of the Hittite, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. But while the rooms may have an old foundation, the comforts are decidedly modern, including Internet access, coffee makers, and towel warmers – and some rooms even have Jacuzzi tubs. The on-site restaurant offers daily breakfast and dinner buffets focusing on local ingredients and traditional recipes. And if you want to see and learn more about the region, the hotel partners with local tour operators for guided museum and walking tours, hot-air balloon rides, and canyon hikes.

2. Costa Verde, Quepos, Costa Rica

Like something out of “Lost” (but somehow even more quirky), the Costa Verde hotel redefines high-end accommodations by reinventing a retired 747 airliner as a luxury suite – all against the backdrop of Manuel Antonio National Park, a gorgeous Costa Rican rainforest abutted by a pristine beach. If you don’t want to stay in the one-of-a-kind fuselage suite, there are also more traditional bungalows, apartments, and hotel rooms. The refurbished 727, however, is the big draw, featuring private balconies (over each wing, of course), hand-carved teak furnishings, and tip-top views of the ocean and rainforest.

3. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi

Some hotels have an on-site dog or cat to make the guests feel more at home, or B&Bs double as working farms where hens provide fresh eggs for breakfast each morning. While such touches are certainly special, they’re perhaps not quite as distinctive as the resident giraffes at The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya. The Art Deco-style grand resort is home to a herd of Rothschild giraffes, who often stop at the hotel room windows to indulge their curiosity (and request treats). Room rates include three meals per day and most beverages, as well as complimentary car-and-driver transportation to local attractions such as a nearby elephant sanctuary and art galleries.

4. Ice Hotel, Quebec City

Are your kids “Frozen” fans? (That was a trick question. Of course they are.) Indulge their inner Elsas this winter with a stay in a real-life ice palace at Quebec City’s Ice Hotel. Constructed each winter entirely of ice, the hotel has rooms with thermal sleeping arrangements (and some even have fireplaces). Add-on packages featuring dog sledding excursions, “under the stars” hot tub and sauna dips, and gourmet meals are also available. And each spring, when the weather warms up, the hotel melts … to be reconstructed anew the following winter. As such, if you go each winter, year after year, you’ll never stay in the same building twice.

5. Jules Undersea Lodge, Key Largo, Florida

Divers, get your fix for hours on end: You can stay under the sea (literally!) at Jules Undersea Lodge 21 feet below the ocean surface in Key Largo, Florida. Post-dive, down at the hotel, guests will find a fully stocked kitchen, hot showers, TV, a stereo, and books to pass the time. Who needs TV, though? The lodge’s large windows give guests an up-close view of the aquatic surroundings – a much better show, in my opinion. And for the sheer novelty of it, book the “Undersea Luxury” package and get dive gear to access the hotel, a pizza dinner delivered by a diver, breakfast the next morning, and beverages. Packages are available for solo travelers or groups up to six.

Where’s the most unusual hotel you’ve ever stayed? Which unique vacation spots have been most memorable to you? Share your recommendations by leaving a comment below!

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At first glance, the terms “eco” and “Texas” might not go together. But Austin, the capital of the Lone Star State, has created a welcome home for environmentally conscious businesses and community organizations – and makes for a great destination for similarly minded travelers.

“Keep Austin Weird” is the motto around town, but there’s nothing oddball about the city’s pioneering efforts in terms of sustainability and collective responsibility toward a greener, healthier place to live, work, and visit.

Here are five green reasons–and green places to visit in Austin.

1. Bat Conservation

On a hot summer night a few years back, I lay flat on my back on a picnic blanket, staring up at the obscured night sky. Bats by the thousands darted and swooped overhead, calling out to each other and rustling the leaves as they flew. I dared not move, and just watched in awe – doubly so once I realized I hadn’t gotten one mosquito bite. (I’m usually devoured within minutes.)

One of the biggest draws to visiting Austin is the only-in-Austin phenomenon of the nightly bat watch off the Congress Street Bridge. The bridge is home to North America’s largest urban bat colony, consisting primarily of Mexican free-tail bats, and the bats settle there from late spring through early fall. The female bats give birth in early June, and in the subsequent months, the community of bats depart their roosts under the bridge every evening to feed. Each night, typically a million bats fly out in a wave—like something out of a cartoon or superhero movie—and gobble up the city’s insects and pests.

While at first there was fear and misunderstanding about the bats, the prevailing attitude now across town is now one of appreciation, conservation, and even outright fandom: The Austin-American Statesman has adopted the bat as the paper’s mascot, erected a bat statue, and set up a viewing area/lawn in a prime spot near the bridge. If you don’t mind summer heat, seeing Austin’s bats is a can’t-miss experience – and one you won’t be able to replicate anywhere else.

2. Organic Groceries

Whole Foods got its start right here in Austin, with the flagship store located at Sixth Street and Lamar Boulevard (just a few blocks from the original, much smaller, location). Stop in and feast on the abundant produce, local artisanal foods, and organic groceries on offer. Not to be outdone, other major supermarkets in the area have kept pace with Whole Foods’ mission, leading to an abundance of organic choices for consumers: Check out H-E-B Central Market and the Wheatsville Food Co-Op, among many other specialty food stores, to fill your picnic basket or vacation rental kitchen pantry.

3. A Commitment to Cycling

“I like your bag.”

“Great bag!”

“Where did you get that bag?”

On a recent trip to Austin, I carried a handbag that had a bicycle decal on it, and (no joke) was stopped repeatedly to talk about it. So goes Austin’s bike-loving community, made up of car-eschewing commuters, fitness gurus, and green-focused residents. Serving all is Austin B-Cycle, a bike-sharing service that lets cyclers pick up rental bikes at stations around town, and return them to other docks along the way. Open 24/7, the service has been wildly popular both with residents and visitors – it recently set a new record for bike sharing during the 10-day South by Southwest Festival. With 40 stations downtown, Austin B-cycle makes for an affordable, green, and stress-free way to explore Austin without a car.

4. Local Businesses First

Going local isn’t just a tagline in Austin – it’s a mantra. Check out Locally Austin, the city’s small business development hub online. Here, you’ll find extensive listings of local businesses, from arts and entertainment to travel and lodging. Of special interest is the Shop Zero Waste category: With more than 120 businesses included under the areas of (re)Made, (re)Pair, and (re)Share, it’s an even greater way to go green with your tourism/souvenir dollars.

5. Farmers Markets

Big and bountiful describes the Texas Farmers Market, held on Saturdays at Cedar Park and Sundays at Mueller Boulevard in Austin. Local vendors and farmers set up shop to sell freshly picked produce, handmade goods, and other specialties year-round, rain or shine. Chefs and educators regularly offer demonstrations and seminars on how to cook locally and seasonally for health and wellness. Additionally, all vendors have been screened and certified to verify that they’re selling only what they grow or produce – so by shopping at this farmers market, you’re going right to the source.

Have you visited Austin? Which green businesses, attractions, or activities most appealed to you? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below!

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