Feed your lust for local or global travel with products designed to comfort, challenge, and enhance your experiences. Whether you’re a travel novice or a seasoned wanderer, prefer to roam year-round or stick to an annual vacation ritual, everyone can benefit from our roundup of travel essentials that go beyond the basics. 

1. Travel Journal

Something I think should be on every nomad’s packing list is a travel journal. Capture the moment you experience a new place for the first time, write down how you felt, include a sketch, some photos, a clipping or a map, and you’ll have an irreplaceable memento from your adventures. Pop your journal and your favorite pen in your bag for a tangible way to experience the world around you. This listing is for three lined journals with plenty of room for all your sentiments. Priced at $30.

2. Insta Pic Camera

Excellent in tandem with the travel journal mentioned above, snap pics with your crew and the new friends you make along the way with instant results. Ready for sharing or for archiving in your scrapbook, photos will print directly from the Fujifilm Instax camera and deliver that nostalgic, filtered look. Not only that, but this handy little camera also comes equipped with a selfie mirror to ensure you’re all in place for the group photo op. Priced at $55.61.

3. Mini Resistance Bands

No gym on your trip? No problem! These compact, lightweight resistance bands made from one hundred percent natural latex allow you to do a full-body workout in the comfort of your hotel room. I can attest to just how awesome these are, too, since I use this exact set regularly. They’re especially great for lower body toning, come with a convenient carrying bag, and really have a very minimal footprint, which is perfect for traveling light. Priced at $9.99.

4. Handy Crossbody Bag

Every wanderer should own a mid-sized crossbody bag, and I think this one fits the bill perfectly. With a vegan leather option in a variety of colors, you’ll like the boho vibes this pretty geo print fabric purse is sending. The one shown here features an optional exterior pocket–a detail you should spring for in order to maximize space for your sightseeing adventures. Priced at $70.

5. Pretty Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses not only protect your eyes, but they also reduce glare like no other. A travel must-have, you’ll never look back after trying a polarized pair for yourself. Trendy and made in the USA, these Shwood shades are gorgeous and totally on trend. Plus, they come in a variety of colors to fit your style. Priced at $199.

6. Chin-Supporting Pillow

It’s been a hectic day, you board the plane, take off, and feel yourself drifting off to sleep only to have your head bob forward and jolt you awake. Sound familiar? Fortunately, there’s a pillow that promises a solution to that little problem. Great for flying, driving, and other means of travel, this neck pillow has been designed with chin support and a flattened section behind the neck for improved ergonomics and better shuteye. Priced at $29.97.

7. Invigorating Lip Treatment

Dehydrated lips need proper nourishment when traveling, especially during flights and extreme heat or cold weather. In addition to drinking more water, also give this vegetarian, cruelty-free, minty fresh, moisturizing gloss a try on your next trip. Although it’s a tad on the pricey side, it’s one of my all-time favorite lip treatments and totally worth the few extra bucks. Priced at $7.19.

8. Rolling Underseat Bag

As a very particular person who doesn’t like to live without certain items while traveling, a well-organized under-seat bag has a way of quelling my anxieties. Try this little beauty from Samsonite featuring rollers, a telescoping handle, plenty of compartments, a sewn-in back strap that slides over carry on luggage handles, and much more. It’s perfect for overnights, too! Priced at $79.99.

9. Universal Travel Adapter

This universal outlet adapter with USB ports is an international traveler’s delight. With the flick of a switch, you can change the adapter from charging your phone in Japan to boosting your kindle battery in New Zealand. For charging beauty items, like straighteners and blow dryers, you’ll want an adapter set that has a voltage converter like this one. Priced at $15.99.

10. Smartphone Tele Lens

Up your photo taking game while traveling without having to carry around a DSLR. This innovative lens works with a Moment case to help your phone capture professional photos of landscapes, people, and more. Best of all? Moment makes these for iPhone and Android models! Share your snaps with us on EcoSalon’s Facebook page. Priced at $99.99.

11. Traveling Yoga Mat

Never miss out on your morning yoga sesh while traveling again, thanks to this easy-to-pack, slip-resistant, eco-friendly yoga mat. Under two pounds, the lightweight, foldable mat won’t take up too much space in your luggage, plus it is machine washable, so you can rinse the germs away when you get back home. Priced at $46.79.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

5 HOT Destinations for Traveling on a Budget
5 Sublime Treehouse Hotels for Your Next Tree Hugger Vacation
5 Easy Travel Tips for the Road Trip Planner

The post 11 Travel Essentials That Aren’t Basic appeared first on EcoSalon.

Travel can be expensive. But if it’s important to you–as it should be!–knowing how to save money makes all the difference. 

Vacations often seem like a luxury, not a necessity. But the respite a vacation offers, along with the reminder of just how beautiful our planet is, helps to re-center us, make us better global citizens, and can strengthen the bonds of the people we travel with.

Don’t forego these critical moments because you think you can’t afford them. Just tweak a few habits and reap the rewards.

Save Money By Giving Up These Items

1. Coffee/Eating Out

Start by making your own coffee at home instead of stopping by a coffee shop every morning. Buy yourself an awesome reusable coffee cup, some high quality organic beans, and a French press. You’ll save nearly $1,000 annually just by adjusting this costly habit.

Eating out once in a while is a treat, but it doesn’t need to happen every week. Instead of meeting friends out all the time, have friends over to your house. Set a theme and have all your friends bring a meal within that genre. Have cookouts, wine tastings, tapas, and the list goes on of fun and yummy parties you can have at your house.

2. Unplanned Trips to the Grocery Store

You should never go to the grocery store without a plan. First start by planning each individual meal for the week. Then make sure that if you have to buy any out-of-the-ordinary ingredients that you use them in more than one recipe. Choose recipes that you can sub in the ingredients that are on sale. And buy mostly whole ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and protein. Processed foods are the most expensive part of the trip. Once you go to the grocery store for the week, don’t pop in to grab one item, because that’s the easiest way to blow a bunch of unnecessary cash.

3. Gym memberships

Unless you live in Alaska, gym memberships are an unnecessary expense that adds up over time. Instead run or walk outside and buy a few weights for multi-purpose use at the house. If you’re into yoga, consider a membership to Gaia or Yoga Glo where you can take classes online. Or join a running or biking group if you want to workout with people. This can save you around $600 to $1000 per year.

4. Cars

For an average vehicle that’s driven 15,000 miles a year, all costs of ownership added up to $8,698 a year, according to AAA’s 2015 Your Driving Costs study. That’s one heck of a vacation right there. Of course, not everyone lives in a place where it’s possible not to have a car, but if you can avoid them, why not give it a try?

5. Cable Television

Cable is an entirely unnecessary cost, and you could be spending your time in a much more meaningful way. Go for a hike, play Scrabble, read a book, chat with friends. Choose an activity that adds value to your life. Movie nights once a week can be a great activity, but TV doesn’t have to be an everyday occurrence. At a minimum cable will cost you around $700 per year. If you can’t do without the television switch to a streaming service like Netflix.

6. Booze

Alcohol is pricey so if you really want to save money, it’s worth giving it up. Open a nice bottle for a special dinner or when you’re throwing a dinner party, but if you’re trying to budget, it shouldn’t be a daily part of your repertoire.

7. Extra stuff

Learn to minimize your life by making sure every item has a meaningful purpose. Go room to room and start giving away or selling what you no longer need. If you have luxury items you can sell them on sites like the RealReal or more moderate items can be sold on sites like swap.com. Sell to local and online consignment shops or on eBay. And once you’ve gotten rid of what you no longer need, avoid replenishing. Look at every item that you buy and make sure that it adds value to your life.

Related on EcoSalon
30 Best Quotes About Travel
10 of the Best Travel and Tourism Sites
The Real Life World of a Full-Time Travel Blogger

The post 7 Ways to Save More Money for the Exotic Vacay You Totally Need appeared first on EcoSalon.

Baby, it’s cold outside! And if you’re going somewhere even nippier for the holidays, then we’ve got the eco-friendly travel products and winter packing tips you need for a greener, more efficient trip.

Spending the holidays out of town can be a fun and exciting time, but if you don’t travel often, packing is usually dreadful in some way or another. However, with the right travel products and some simple winter packing tips, it’s possible to enjoy the process. Not only will these necessities align with your eco-friendly values, but they’re also invaluable when it comes to schlepping around those bulky items.

Winter Packing Tips

Ideal for plane travel to wintry locales, these tips will help you slay your suitcases and carry-ons while flying high in the sky this holiday season. Efficient and savvy, these are suggestions you’ll want to use year after year.

1. First thing’s first — if you’re traveling with gifts in your carry-on bag then you might want to leave your gifts unwrapped and bring the paper and embellishments along with you. According to the TSA, wrapped gifts are allowed, but if they ask to see what’s inside, then you have to comply, potentially destroying your gift’s awesome wrapping job.
2. Opt for a pair of fleece or flannel lined jeans that will keep you super toasty during your trip and wear those on the plane. This will save space in your carry-on and you can wear them several times throughout your trip. If you need more warm bottoms, pack a couple pairs of insulated leggings for a week long stay, and one more pair of insulated jeans if you’ll be gone for more than a week. Thermals are a great choice, too, and can be layered under your regular jeans and long sleeve tops.
3. When possible, also wear bulky outerwear pieces on the plane, and try to choose garments that serve more than one purpose, or are aesthetically versatile, like one heavy jacket or coat that will pair well with everything. Other ideas include only bringing one or two sweaters, while packing a few different oxford shirts to layer underneath. These are thin and take up less room in your suitcase, but will still provide a layer of warmth.
4. Bringing knee-high or over-the-knee boots? Wear those on your plane ride, too. Avoid packing large and heavy footwear to meet weight limits and free up space in your suitcase or carry-on. Different colored tall socks or boot cuff are lightweight, easy to pack, and can add a cute touch of versatility to your outfits on the trip.
5. Also, don’t forget the power of scarves, hats, and gloves. Knit accessories like these are easy to pack and don’t take up a lot of room in your bag. And always use the rolling method, rather than folding, for every kind of travel!

Eco-Friendly Travel Products

What’s better than packing tips that can make your trip easier? Eco-friendly products to put them in! These tools are better for the environment and will help get you from point A to point B without a hitch.

1. Travel Pillow

Long flights need comfy pillows, and this eco-friendly version from Kuhi Comfort is perfect for your upcoming trip. This innovative pillow made from organic cotton and stuffed with all natural fiberfill made from corn sugar claims to cradle your head better than any other kind on the market. The carrying case has a convenient strap that slides over your luggage handle.

2. Reusable Pouches

Instead of Ziplock bags, opt for something you can use again and again for your toiletries, makeup, and other odds and ends. These TSA compliant zippered pouches from Reuseit are FDA-grade, BPA-free, PVC-free, and lead-free PEVA film. It can also be tossed in the washing machine.   

3. Duffel Bag

Duffel bags are actually great carry-on options, especially if you don’t feel like going the suitcase route, or are traveling light. Perfect for a short weekend trip (or as your personal bag if it can fit under the seat), this cotton, handcrafted bag from Reuseit is made by female artisans in India.

4. Rolling Luggage

There is eco-friendly luggage on the market, and it even comes in hard case style. The Eco Orbis is made from 100 percent recycled ABS plastic, comes in a variety of colors, is expandable, has 360-degree swivel wheels, and carries a five-year warranty.

We hope you feel a little more prepared to travel this holiday season with these awesome packing tips and eco-friendly supplies. Stop by the EcoSalon Facebook page and share your favorites!

Related on EcoSalon

5 Easy Travel Tips for the Road Trip Planner
10 Travel Tips To Get You On a Greener Course
5 Savvy and Chic Money-Saving World Travel Tips

The post 5 Winter Packing Tips and Product Picks for a Greener Holiday Vacay appeared first on EcoSalon.

Column If you enjoy food from other cultures, how do they fit into a locavore diet?

When I travel, I love discovering a place through its food. Go to a market and you’ll immediately get a taste of what the locals eat. Food is also the impetus for a conversation. It’s the chance to get together with people for a meal. Because of this, food is one of the easiest vehicles for cultural exchange. The food on our plate, and where it came from, who produced it and who cooked it, is often an excellent lens for looking at the culture as a whole.

When we travel, food also often ends up being the thread that ties our travel memories together, and when we return, of course we want to recreate those memories, either in the kitchen or by going to a restaurant. You ate the best street food of your life in Bangkok and now you’re on a mission to find a place that does something similar. Or you had an unforgettable night of cheese and wine in France and now you are scoping the local market to see if by chance they import at least one of the items that you now feel that you cannot live without.

In a globalized world, it’s easier and easier to get foods from abroad. Almost any large supermarket nowadays has a section devoted to food products from various regions, and with specialty retailers, as well as the online world, there are few items from around the world that are absolutely impossible to get. We live in a world where if we want it, we can have it.

But should we have it? If you’re trying to stick to a largely locavore diet you can be sure that the can of coconut milk didn’t come from down the road.

I thought about this a lot in writing the book “Fika.” Swedish baking uses a lot of cardamom – grown nowhere near the Nordic countries – and shredded coconut and ginger are common ingredients. As somone who writes a lot about local foods, how do I come to terms with the fact that sometimes, the ingredients that I use come from afar?

The embrace of foods and ingredients from around the world is exciting. It allows us to step out of our own culinary comfort zones without actually traveling. New ingredients can spice up an old dish. Yet in this hyper-growth of availability of exotic cuisines, have we turned the focus away from our own?

We are quick to assume another culture’s diet than to fix our own, that’s why things like the Mediterranean Diet and the Nordic Diet have become so huge. Maybe this isn’t so surprising in a country like the United States, whose food culture has from the beginning been made up of the food culture of many other places. We are quick to embrace the foods from elsewhere, because that is hat we have always done. Globalization and cheap transport has only made that easier.

Unfortunately, when it comes to food from other cultures, we get so focused on doing exact replications, instead of taking inspiration. When your entire grocery list is made up of ingredients that come from an ocean away, a red flag should go off.

The ability to get different cuisines from around the world has spiced up many a bland food nation. The ability to get a diversity of food from different cultures is a nice thing. But in doing so, we’ve put all the focus on what we can get from elsewhere instead of thinking about what’s available closer to home. Goji berries, I am looking at you.

Just like with a healthy diet, it’s all about moderation and balance. To exist solely on a locavore diet is hard – and even if you go back a few hundred years people were already eating imported goods, like coffee, chocolate and spices – but most of us could deal with eating a little more locally sourced foods – particularly foods that do grown closer to home (buying apples from Chile and New Zealand is just silly) –  and making the exotic foods an indulgence instead of a regular, everyday occurrence.

This just means rethinking some of our favorite imported dishes. Thinking in terms of inspiration instead of replication. How can you adapt a recipe from afar to include more ingredients from close by?

You might love a certain French cheese, but what are the cheese producers making in your region? You may be a fan of the Nordic Diet, but what about simply applying some of the general principles instead of making a mad dash for the Scandinavian supermarket and buying lingonberry jam?

Let’s not just import taste, let’s be inspired it by it, and adapt it, making something new in the process. Instead of just copying and pasting a food culture and calling it our own, we build a completely different one. Use a few exotic ingredients here and there, but let us not make them a staple of our everyday dishes. Let food from other cultures be an indulgence, and be challenged to think about how everyday, ordinary ingredients could be used in a new way.

Related on EcoSalon

Why Travel Teaches Us to Appreciate Good Food

10 of the Strangest Restaurants from Around the World

Year-Round Locavore: Eat Local No Matter What the Season

This is the latest installment of Anna Brones’ weekly column at EcoSalon: Foodie Underground, an exploration of what’s new and different in the underground movement, and how we make the topic of good food more accessible to everyone. More musings on the topic can be found at www.foodieunderground.com.

Image: Anna Brones

The post Can You Be a Locavore and Indulge in Food From Other Cultures? Foodie Underground appeared first on EcoSalon.

The Mandarin Oriental hotel is redefining luxury with a twist of sustainability in Las Vegas.

Prior to one’s first visit to Las Vegas, the recommendations are clear, and the expectations high. Go nuts. Go dancing. Gamble. Drink…a lot. The phrase most commonly attached to the city is practically a household name: “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

After staying at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, however, what happens in Vegas, should also make the return trip. It’s a brand known among travelers as one that sets a gold standard and, among those with the privilege of staying there, there is reluctance to refer to it merely as a “hotel.” No, the Mandarin Oriental is far more than a place to rest one’s head. It’s an experience: A place that one leaves feeling confident, fulfilled, and restored.

That’s correct: It is possible to leave Las Vegas with a sense of restoration.

The Mandarin Oriental, among its many global locations, carries a commitment to wellness: To guests, and to the planet. It’s one of the few hotels on the Strip that doesn’t contain a casino, features a tea lounge, and offers seasonal, organic cuisine throughout its restaurants and cafes. It’s luxury with a twist: Yes, some rooms have bathtubs large enough to sleep in, but behind the scenes, the individuals who bring the Mandarin Oriental to life are quietly recycling water, protecting endangered fish populations, and deliciously sneaking superfoods onto restaurant menus.

It’s easy to question how one operates sustainably, or sources food locally, in a city essentially located in the desert and known for its water crisis. In fact, there is so much that can be – and is being – done, that Chef David Werly, executive chef of the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, can speak for over an hour about all of the establishment’s ecological efforts. Even then, the sense is that, still, more is being done, but there is only so much time to discuss it.

At one time, Chef Werly says he was able to secure herbs, quail and prawns from local producers. Today, however, those producers are no longer in operation, as local supply “seems to shrink, a little bit.” Not all hope is lost, however. He still sources local honey for smoothies and juice at the pool cafe, and beyond that, many provisions are supplied from California: One of the closest seaside neighbors to not only Las Vegas, he says, but a state that serves as the “back yard of America.”

Seafood, for Chef Werly, is consistently front-and-center, with particular regard to the menus he develops for the property’s MOzen Bistro (The M and O for “Mandarin Oriental”), one of the “best kept secrets” for sushi in Las Vegas, he says. He maintains awareness of what he calls seafood “emergencies,” such as that of Chilean sea bass, which he restricts from menus, and works very closely with suppliers, deliberately visiting facilities like fish farms to see just how product is raised. The Marine Conservation Society is one of his primary resources in becoming informed, and he uses seafood that is eco-labeled. When he can’t source farm-raised fish, which the restaurant does as much as possible, “we try at least to respect the seasonality.”

“I’m not pretending to know everything about it,” Chef Werly says, with respect to sustainable seafood, “but I am trying to educate [myself] as much as possible.”

It’s not all about fish; Chef Werly is a true believer in biodynamic farming, and the careful use of water and the environment around what is grown. He addresses the Las Vegas water crisis, in the way the kitchen operates; the refrigerators, for example, are all water-cooled, allowing water to be recycled, and are being replaced with new units that will not only permit water recycling, but also, conserve energy. These new refrigerators, as well as the entire kitchen, will be outfitted with LED lighting.

Meanwhile, other products are sourced and utilized with a focus on “the control and reduction of food waste,” says Robert Jenny, the property’s Director of Food and Beverage.

When asked why he, or the hotel, isn’t bragging about these initiatives more, or making a slightly bigger deal about them, Chef Werly points to education. To him, information is more important, ensuring that the environmental benefits of his actions are genuine and accurate, prior to boasting them to the public.

It seems that, throughout the Mandarin Oriental, there is a philosophy of using nature, of letting it do as it was intended, “and wait,” says Chef Werly. “Stop taking sea bass out of the ocean. Nature can recover very quickly, actually, if we leave [it] alone.”

There’s also a tradition of paying tribute to the heritage of food; the offerings at MOzen, for example, are designed as a culinary tour of Asia, such as a bento box prepared by Chef de Cuisine Prabeen Prathapan featuring Tandoori roasted chicken, miso cod, and Tom Yum Goong, among other colorful provisions. It’s a combination of flavors so unusual and diverse, even a spoiled, jaded New Yorker considers it beyond unique.

It’s an ideology also present in the Mandarin Oriental Spa, particularly the Las Vegas location. Here, guests can experience Tian Quan (translated to “heavenly waters” in Chinese), a series of what are described as “thermal experiences” on the hotel’s website. The treatments used here are rooted in ancient eastern medicine, which were developed during a time when nature was exclusively used for beauty and health. The ice fountain, for example, contains rolled cloths in a bowl of ice, which guests apply to the hands, face and neck after undergoing a heated experience, such as a hot shower, steam, or soak in the spa’s vitality pool. Donald Graham, the spa supervisor, explains that this tradition helps to stabilize the body’s core temperature after such thermal experiences, creating physical comfort for and less of a shock to the system.

Perhaps the most natural treatment in the spa, however, is the quiet relaxation lounge. It’s a room of plush beds overlooking the Las Vegas strip, replete with infused water, dried fruit and nuts, and magazines. Most guests, however, use the relaxation lounge for what its namesake intends: Quiet, free of phones and any noise other than the silent observation of the Strip below.

It seems a logical fit for the property’s Spa Director to also serve as the Chairperson for sustainability efforts of the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas. “I am personally very passionate about finding ways to conserve our natural resources, recycle and work with skin care and product companies who also share similar sustainable practices,” says Jennifer Lynn. “The Spa has also introduced several water conservation techniques…including experience showers with 20 second cycles to prevent unattended running water. We also have low flow restrictors in several areas of the spa.”

And those divine thermal experiences? Localized water softeners are added to those features, Lynn explains, to help reduce the wear and tear on the equipment that runs them.

There’s only one drawback to a stay at the Mandarin Oriental. It’s certainly not the lack of casino or entertainment venue; those are a short walk up the Strip. It’s not even the expense, as the long-term value of such experiences nearly exceeds the price paid for them. It’s the standard that is set by the Mandarin Oriental, and the inability to view any hotel experience the same after witnessing this one. It’s not a complaint, and would be wrongfully labeled as a shortcoming. Instead, it leaves its visitors with an omnipresent sentiment of, “I’ll be back.” At the Mandarin Oriental, what happens in Vegas, would surely make the world a more sustainable, restorative place.

Say hey to Amanda on Twitter or Instagram

Related on EcoSalon

Can Gambling Be Green?

25 Images of LEED-Certified Green Hotels

11 Eco-Chefs Who Are Changing the Way We Think About Food

Photo: kennejima

The post The Mandarin Oriental Hotel: What Happens In Vegas, Shouldn’t Always Stay There appeared first on EcoSalon.

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!

Related on EcoSalon

Nourish Your Body and Soul: Plan a Mediterranean Diet Vacation

5 Blissful Destinations for the Trip of a Lifetime

5 Hot Springs Spas: Vacation with Healing Waters

Photo courtesy Kat via Flickr Creative Commons

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!

Related on EcoSalon

5 Hot Springs Spas: Vacation with Healing Waters

Travel to Italy on a Budget? Ask EcoSalon’s Journey Genie

5 Blissful Vacations for the Trip of a Lifetime

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

The post Nourish Your Body and Soul: Plan a Mediterranean Diet Vacation appeared first on EcoSalon.

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!

Related on EcoSalon

Find Great Hotel Deals with an Opaque Travel Site

5 Easy Travel Tips for the Road Trip Planner

Start Planning Now for Holiday Travel

Hotel image via Shutterstock

The post Read between the Lines to Find a Hotel: Hotel Reviews Debunked appeared first on EcoSalon.

Whether you’re opening your home to guests or staying in someone’s home-share, use these 10 Airbnb tips for a comprehensive understanding of how to use the service best.

As a former shared-home Airbnb host for more than a year as well as an avid Airbnb guest, I’ve gathered a lot of valuable perspective on the Airbnb experience from both sides of the transaction. Learn from my experience and consider these Airbnb tips for hosts and guests for insights into the minds of both parties.

AIRBNB TIPS FOR HOSTS

1. Communication is key

From creatively filling out your home’s listing description to providing proper directions and answering your guests’ questions, you’ll end up doing a lot of written communication. Err on the side of over-communicating for extra clarity and keeping your guest up to date every step of the way, because you never know which tiny detail could be the difference between an amazing guest experience and an awkward dance with misunderstanding.

2. The little things matter

There are a million ways to give your Airbnb guests a good experience, but small, unique details can push their stay into the realms of greatness.

For example: buy a few extra phone chargers (one each of iPhone 4, 5, and micro USB chargers if you have the means) to keep in your Airbnb room, leave a simple, handwritten welcome note on paper or a small whiteboard, or welcome your guests with an inexpensive gift such as a locally-made chocolate bar.

3. Buy extra everything

Sheets, towels, toilet paper, you name it: if you’re going to be hosting with any frequency, you won’t want to be washing the same set of sheets over and over again, nor making emergency store runs 10 minutes before a guest arrives. It may hit the wallet a bit up front, but think of it as an investment in your space’s capital. Plus, if you keep the receipts, you can write most relevant expenses off when you file taxes (more on that in point five below).

4. Respect your own time

I won’t lie: the money you can make as an Airbnb host is pretty impressive, and it can become a fairly addicting part of your revenue stream over time. That being said, constantly turning over rooms and finding pockets of time to re-clean your home between bookings can really burn you out.

Balance out your bookings and the enjoyment of your own home by setting personal policies for the minimum number of days notice you require for a booking inquiry, as well as your flexibility for back-to-back bookings.

5. There’s a legal side to things, too

As a former Airbnb host, I may or may not have been hosting guests in the spare bedroom of a duplex I was renting (i.e. absolutely did not own). A cursory Google search will bring up horror stories of Airbnb hosts who have befallen serious consequences — eviction, lawsuits, and more — once their landlords found out about their side hustle. Read up on your local laws, assess your risk and comfort level, and play it smart with how you juggle landlord interactions and your bookings.

Oh, and taxes. The Airbnb gravy train certainly comes with tax implications as this rental income is subject to some flavor of occupancy or lodging tax in certain cities and states. Airbnb offers pricing options to include these taxes into the cost of each guest’s booking, but this can put a damper on the pricing strategy for your space. If you forgo that option, set aside a percentage of your Airbnb earnings for taxes just as you would with other income.

AIRBNB TIPS FOR GUESTS

1. Communication is key

Just as important as it is for hosts to be communicative, guests should communicate their needs as effectively as possible. Have special arrival or departure needs? Food allergies that could affect cooking in the kitchen? Let your host know to avoid any misunderstood expectations.

2. Stay in a shared home for the best guide to the city

Staying in a shared home listing on Airbnb probably sounds uncomfortable to most people, but I encourage everyone to try it at least once. Instead of relying solely on TripAdvisor or Yelp to guide you through a new city while shacked up in a sterile hotel room, get the scoop from your hosts on the spots to enjoy or avoid around town.

3. Be human

In my experience as a host, Airbnb guests staying in shared homes often operate as if they’re constantly inconveniencing or bothering their host. Just remember that your hosts totally signed up to have you stay, and that you’re also totally paying them for the stay. The more okay you are with being “human” — making a reasonable amount of regular “living” noise, conversing with your host, coming and going from the house as you need — the more comfortable the experience will be for everyone involved.

4. That being said, it’s not a hotel

While you should certainly feel comfortable being yourself during your Airbnb stay, remain conscious of the differences between your host’s home and a hotel room. The ethos of Airbnb is based largely on the understanding and connection between two or humans, so leaving your host’s Airbnb space as messy as you might a hotel room means you’re likely violating personal space, property, and making that much more work for your host — not necessarily a team of cleaners.

5. Host gifts?

If you have a positive Airbnb stay and a special host-guest connection and culture exchange, don’t be afraid to leave your host a display of gratitude — whether it’s a personal note or a small gift you picked up in town. While this practice is totally not obligatory or expected, it is certainly appreciated by your hosts as it caps your stay with on a warm, connected note.

Follow Garth on Twitter @garthinkingcap

Related on EcoSalon

The Tiniest, Highest & Greenest Airbnb Pickings

5 Useful Mobile Apps to Help You Travel More Efficiently

Mobile App Lets You Pee In Someone’s House Airbnb Style

Photo by BSSR

The post 10 Airbnb Tips for Hosts and Guests to Enjoy the Perfect Stay appeared first on EcoSalon.

Powell’s, Shakespeare & Co. and Strand bookstore – all places any literary lover should put on their travel list. 

While many claim that print is dead, there’s still nothing like the feel of a book in your hand. But it’s not just the book that’s special; it’s the process of buying it. Bookstores are treasure troves, and in a day and age where large online retailers and box stores are pushing out the smaller guys, making sure they get your business is even more important.

Are you a lover of books? Then why not devote your next trip to checking out the independent bookstore scene wherever you are? You never know what you’re going to find. For inspiration, we’ve rounded up a list of bookstores that are worth a visit.

1. Strand – New York City, New York

Around since the 1920s, Strand is an iconic part of not only New York City’s bookstore culture, but simply general culture overall. Visiting NYC without visiting Strand bookstore is simply a missed opportunity. In all, the store boasts 18 miles of used and rare books, which is enough to make you get lost in book aisles for days and days.

2. Powell’s – Portland, Oregon

If Strand is the iconic bookstore in the east, then Powell’s is its counterpart in the west. Opening in the 1970s, today it has five different locations within the Portland area, the downtown main one called “City of Books.” And when you enter, it does in fact feel like a city, the aisles are like little streets that wind you through the many rooms. The best part about Powell’s? You can grab a stack of books, take them to the in-store cafe and peruse them while drinking a coffee.

3. Parnassus Books – Nashville, Tennessee

Leave it to an author to ensure that the local book scene stays alive. When Nashville lost its only bookstore, Ann Patchett stepped in, a firm believer that people should be able to buy their books at a brick and mortar, and helped open Parnassus. This neighborhood bookstore revival is born out of Patchett’s desire for a store “that valued books and readers above muffins and adorable plastic watering cans.” Yes, please.

4. BookPeople – Austin, Texas

BookPeople happens to be Texas’ largest independent bookstore, and it’s so popular that it was voted Bookstore of the Year by Publisher’s Weekly in 2005. But beyond all the literary works housed in this space, there’s another reason to visit: all the books on Texan and Southern cooking, so you can be sure to beef up on your bbq knowledge.

5. The Elliott Bay Book Company – Seattle, Washington

Seattle is known for a lot of rain, and what do you want to do when it’s gray and rainy? Curl up with a good book. Which might be why Seattleites have such a wonderful bookstore at their disposal. The Elliott Bay Book Company is home to more than 150,000 titles. And because it’s Seattle, Elliott Bay’s other claim to fame is that the Elliott Bay Cafe was Seattle’s first bookstore cafe.

6. Shakespeare and Company – Paris, France

The literary crowd will always have a love affair with Paris, and for those there is no place higher on the destination list than Shakespeare and Company. Paris has always attracted writers, and the bookstore is known for supporting the works of both well-known authors and the yet undiscovered ones. Located on the Left Bank it has managed to maintain its quaint, cozy ambiance.

7. Politics and Prose – Washington, D.C.

The name of Politics and Prose is fitting in the U.S. capital. Here you find a community gathering space, with plenty of author events, and lots of unusual books. The bookstore has even started hosting trips, taking book lovers around the world.

8. Bertrand Bookstore, Lisbon, Portugal

While today Bertrand runs over 40 bookstores around Portugal, it’s worth a mention on a list of bookstores has it has one thing going for it that no other place has: it’s the oldest bookstore in the world. In fact, if you’re feeling down about the state of books, there’s nothing to bring your spirits up like a place that has been selling written works since 1732.

9. McNally Jackson – New York City, New York

The Strand bookstore isn’t the only thing NYC has to offer. The literature in the store is arranged by nation, and hoping to bring more great works to the rest of the world, they even offer self-publishing services.

10. The Last Bookstore – Los Angeles, California

While younger than many bookstores, The Last Bookstore is California’s largest independent one and perhaps the most unique. It began in 2005 in a small loft space and now takes up about 20,000 square feet. There are books everywhere, often part of the interior design of the space, making it just as much a museum of books as a bookstore.

Related on EcoSalon

9 Reasons to Ditch Those Logo-Covered Designer Handbags (They’re So 1999!)

‘Finding Yourself’: Respect the Dance, Respect Yourself [Video]

Sustainable and Fair Trade Coffee: What to Look for In Every Sip

Images: Alexendre Duret-Lutz, Patrick Haney, Nicola, Scott Garner

The post Strand Bookstore, Powell’s and More Amazing, Independent Places to Buy Books appeared first on EcoSalon.