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.

Here’s why Santa Barbara is about to become your go-to California weekend getaway. 

Affectionately known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is a traveler’s delight. It’s easy to navigate and perfectly situated between the beach and mountains with ocean views galore. Don’t forget about wine country, horse country, sailing, surfing, Spanish colonial architecture, historic hotels, and those charming red tile roofs perfectly contrasted against white stucco walls. An oceanfront city, Santa Barbara is quite a beauty. Toss in an au courent farm-to-table dining scene – there is much to love about this historic small-ish town that is anything but sleepy.

Voted “30 Best Small Cities in America” in Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards, here are five reasons why Santa Barbara might just grab hold of your heart and not let go. (Sorry, San Francisco!)

1. Dog & Horse-Friendly Beautiful Beaches

With miles of golden sand and endless ocean views, no wonder Santa Barbara was voted “Best Beach Town” by Sunset magazine in 2015. It definitely doesn’t disappoint. There are plenty of outfitters who will help you up on a horse to ride off into the sandy beach for sunset. A local’s favorite is dog-friendly Butterfly Beach in Montecito. Or head over to Arroyo Burro Beach and keep your eyes on the water for breaching whales and jumping dolphins.

And if horses aren’t your thing, stay beachfront at Bacara Resort & Spa. Nestled between the Gaviota Coast and Santa Ynez Mountains, stroll along its Cliff Walk to the waterline and along the nature loop to its picnic area. Join in Bacara’s oceanfront yoga and a fit tour for a land or ocean adventure with onsite lessons and rentals.

2. An Urban Wine Trail in a Historic Downtown

Santa Barbara’s relaxed beach vibe makes its way into its wine scene in its historic urban wine trail. There’s nothing stuffy going on here. You’ll sip, swirl, and taste some local favorite varietals while rubbing elbows with friendly locals who know the winemaker by her first name. Tasting rooms are charming with stucco walls, winding narrow pathways, red brick tiles, and bursts of color from magenta bougainvillea. Head to Margerum and try one of their organic wines from its La Encantada Vineyards. Margerum’s elegant French-style whites and reds are so drinkable all day long. But pace yourself. And leave a few tasting rooms to try when you come back. There are more than thirty after all.

3. Stunning Historic Hotels

If you love Spanish colonial-style architecture, you’ll never want to leave Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Just opposite Montecito’s Butterfly Beach, it’s an iconic hotel that gives you the feeling you’re walking through a 22-acre botanical garden with colorful tile fountains and majestic palm trees. At night, Ty Lounge transforms into a magical throwback to the 1920s with Moroccan carpets and massive glass chandeliers where you can dine on Spanish tapas by candlelight or next to the fire on its ocean view patio.

4. Surfing, Sailing, and SUP

You are going to get wet in Santa Barbara. There’s no other way around it and soon you’ll have sun-kissed skin and hair. The Santa Barbara Adventure Company is your gateway to ocean adventures and The Channel Islands. SUP, kayak through ocean caves or take a surf lesson. And there’s no better way to see the coastline than from a mile out to sea on a sailboat. The Santa Barbara Sailing Center has boats for rent and experienced captains for hire.

5. Car-Free Collaborations

Santa Barbara’s “Car Free-dom” initiative makes leaving your keys behind easier than ever. Just pick up the Car Free map that lays out bike paths, electric shuttle services bus lines, and the famous Red Tile Walking tour that winds you through the most beautiful points of interest downtown. Amtrack Pacific Surfliner provides service from San Diego and San Luis Obispo, where you’ll arrive in a beautifully restored historic train station. Bring your bike onboard and you’re good to go. Also, it pays to go car-less. Between train discounts and hotels offering car-free packages with complimentary pick-up from the train station, free use of electric bikes, and other incentives, Santa Barbara makes it worth your while.

And if you absolutely, can’t leave the car at home and you drive an electric vehicle, the eco-award-winning Santa Barbara Ramada has a (guilt-free) electric charging station.

Find Donna on Twitter and Instagram

Related on EcoSalon

5 Reasons San Diego is California’s Best Beach Town
5 Sailing Vacations Perfect for Beginners
Costa Rica’s Pura Vida Secret to Longer, Happier Lives

The post 5 Reasons You’ll Fall in Love with Santa Barbara, the American Riviera appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ever want to get away where you can enjoy an endless coastline by day and immerse yourself in a chic city vibe by night? Say hello to San Diego. 

Spectacular beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, marine preserves, art, culture, and an eclectic nightlife, San Diego has it all. Here are five reasons why San Diego just may be California’s best beach town.

1. The Best Mexican Food, North of the Border

Less than an hour drive from the Mexico border, San Diego has some seriously delicious Mexican restaurants. Bracero Cocina de Raiz, a sexy downtown hotspot with sweeping city views, celebrates its culinary heritage with a fresh modern twist. Think fresh masa, a (sustainably caught) raw fish bar for tiraditos and ceviche, albacore served two ways with a lime salsa verde and acorn squash in mole negro. Most plates are meant to share. But with flavors so bright and fresh, you might have to negotiate who gets the last bite. A word to the wise, when the waiter says the salsa is hot, believe it. One drop can make you cry. To cool down the heat the ever-popular Javier Wallbanger is the perfect libation.

Then there’s Puesto in La Jolla where Chef Luisteen, a self-proclaimed “tacoteur” has reimagined the traditional Mexico City-style taco to make your taste buds sing. At this taco lover’s dream, all salsas and tortillas are made from scratch, proteins are sustainable including slow-cooked guisados, and Taco Tuesdays are elevated to an entirely new level. Puesto has a curated tequila program that will take conventional tequila permanently off your palate. Add in housemade aguas frescas and wines from Valle de Guadalupe region of Baja and you won’t go thirsty.

For more casual beach dining, Pacific Beach Fish Shop serves their award-winning TKO taco with grilled mahi-mahi topped with house made tropical mango salsa. Mix and match (sustainably caught) fish with different marinades to create your own taco masterpiece.

2. The Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa

Ever wanted to be completely surrounded by views of water? Well, you can at the Catamaran Hotel and Spa, especially when you request a bay view room. A beloved San Diego favorite, it’s a staycation hotspot for locals. A California Green Lodging Program member, the hotel keeps its operations green so that the ocean and sky stay blue. A tropical Polynesian-themed hideaway in Pacific Beach, the Catamaran is pure bliss that puts an all-day smile on your face. Think palm trees, tiki torches, koi ponds, waterfalls, waterfront fine dining, sunset concerts, luaus, a bay view jacuzzi, and fire pits.

Mission Bay is the Catamaran’s backyard and the Pacific Ocean is across the street. Surf in the ocean or sail and paddleboard in the bay. Or rent a bike and cruise the boardwalk. It’s all at your fingertips. Then at sunset, soak in a bay view hot tub. Or rub elbows with locals at Moray’s Bar and enjoy a refreshing libation as the sun drops amongst tiki torches and fire pits. For dinner, mosey on over to Oceana Coastal Kitchen for delicious California cuisine. If the waterfront dining doesn’t already hook you, its seasonal menu with fresh seafood from the Baja and the Pacific will. Don’t forget the spa with holistic rituals and energy treatments such as Shiatsu and The Ancient Ocean Ritual. That after-spa feeling and bay views are what vacation dreams are made of.

3. La Jolla, Sea Bluffs and Sea Lions

There’s so much to do in La Jolla, you might never want to leave. La Valencia Hotel’s ocean-front terrace restaurant, THE MED, is the perfect place to start. It’s an authentic taste of San Diego’s old world Spanish charm. The restaurant boasts a sumptuous sustainable seafood menu and an extraordinary wine list. Don’t miss the roasted cauliflower, daily crudo, or the giant locally sourced Mediterranean mussels. Count La Valencia in for nightlife, too. Live music and bespoke (plant-based) dinners are just a few events that keep the hotel on the pulse of La Jolla’s nightlife scene.

Next, you’ll want to walk over to La Jolla’s children’s pool on the bluffs overlooking the azure ocean. Where you’ll see naturally comical sea lions frolicking in the water and napping on the rocks. If you’re feeling adventurous, get in the water with Everyday Calfornia’s kayak and snorkel tours that will take you through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve where you’ll see the stunning coastline from the water, dolphins cruising by, and bright orange garibaldi swimming through the sea grass. Then, catch a wave back to shore.

When booking a room, stay in the pet-friendly boutique Empress Hotel. Centrally located, it’s just a block from La Jolla’s sandy bluffs and a few minutes walk from quaint coffee shops, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and a plethora of excellent restaurants. Recently renovated, the Empress has a sophisticated ocean theme and offers an app for an effortless stay. Ask for the jacuzzi suite and enjoy soaking in the tub with an ocean view.

Although not on the water, lunch at The Farmer and the Seahorse is not to be missed. Under the helm of award-winning chef Brian Malarkey, it’s an eccentric whimsical space that offers not only a culinary adventure but also a lifestyle experience. You’ll be invited to a pickup game of bean bag toss in an adjacent colorful garden. Inside is just as eccentric with a silver Airstream trailer casually parked amongst the tables. Try the local’s favorite butternut squash lasagna with ricotta, kale, and mushrooms. It’s worth coming back for.

4. L’ Auberge Del Mar, Casual Coastal Chic

If you’re not already staying at the historic L’ Auberge del Mar, treat yourself to eco-luxury at one of the “Best Luxury Resorts” on the Condé Nast Gold List. Committed to being clean and green, its spa exclusively uses Osea organic products. And its restaurants Coastline and KITCHEN 1540 share a vertical, hydroponic garden showcasing herbs and flowers used in the menu and cocktails. While Coastline is ocean-front casual al fresco dining, KITCHEN 1540 exudes an elegant artsy vide. Relax in the open-air lobby lounge or walk up to the upper deck where a charming row of white wooden rocking chairs await to relax into while you watch the sunset.

A day spent in Del Mar is a day well spent indeed. With Del Mar Village just across the street from the hotel, you’ll always get a bird’s eye view of Del Mar’s gorgeous coastline. Take a walk along the Scripps Bluff Preserve with an infinity view of the Pacific and inland lagoons and see the sky speckled with hot air balloons. It doesn’t get much better than this.

5. Get Wet with Surf Diva

Who is the best surfer in the water? According to Surf Diva, it’s whoever is having the most fun! Owned and operated by twin sisters Izzy and Coco Tihanyi, Surf Diva has been sharing the stoke of learning to surf for over 20-years. Based in La Jolla Shores, you can book a private lesson with an encouraging and enthusiastic surf instructor who will do everything in their power to ensure you stand up the first time. The occasional beginner’s face plant is well worth the high of gliding with the wave. While Surf Diva began as an all-women surf school, they quickly became a La Jolla institution and now offer all levels of surf lessons to everyone. And actively support charities focused on education and female action sports services.

Related on EcoSalon

3 Luxury Cruises Perfect for the Conscious Adventure Traveler
5 Sailing Vacations Perfect for Beginners
Costa Rica’s Pura Vida Secret to Longer, Happier Lives

The post 5 Reasons San Diego is California’s Best Beach Town appeared first on EcoSalon.

For your next vacation, channel your inner child and stay at one of the many treehouse hotels catering to nature lovers

While you may think treehouse hotels are simply a figment of your inner-child imagination, they actually do exist. From more down to earth accommodations to tres chic options, the sky’s pretty much the limit (and the technical goal, here) when it comes to the choices. What better way to commune with nature than to do so amongst the treetops?

All you have to do is book your flight and arrange the time off from work.

Treehouse Hotels for Your Next Nature Getaway

1. Treehouse Point – Fall City, Washington

Located about 30 minutes from Seattle, this treehouse is situated in the forest along the Raging River. Choose from among nine different treehouses so you can tune out, escape from technology, de-stress, and enjoy the rejuvenating powers of the Pacific Northwest.

2. Post Ranch Inn – Big Sur, California

Are you independently wealthy with a love for trees and the beach? Then you simply must stay at one of the treehouses at the Post Ranch Inn. These treehouses are freestanding structures built on stilts amongst the forest trees and feature full hotel service including turndown and room service.

3. Treehouse Cottages – Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Looking for something closer to the other side of the country? Consider staying at one of the rustic treehouse cottages among the canopy of hardwood trees only minutes from historic downtown Eureka Springs. The Hidden Forest treehouse is 24-feet off the ground and features a heart-shaped jacuzzi with a view of the treetops.

4. Free Spirit Spheres – Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Nestled amongst the enchanted coastal rainforest on Vancouver Island, you will find these spherical treehouses. The Eryn sphere can be found hanging amongst a Douglas Fir and some red cedar trees and is perfectly cozy for two.

5. Primland Lodge Treehouses – Meadows of Dan, Virginia

Located about 90 minutes from Roanoke, the Primland Lodge encapsulates both the luxury of a fully accommodating hotel with the stunning natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Choose between the Barn Owl, the Cooper’s Hawk and the Golden Eagle treehouses–each one if the perfect place from which to gaze at the stars.

Related on EcoSalon

25 Photos of Zen Retreats
How to Build a Treehouse (Because They’re Basically the Coolest Houses Ever)
7 Quirky and Sustainable Vacation Rentals to Lust Over

The post 5 Sublime Treehouse Hotels for Your Next Tree Hugger Vacation appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ah, Ireland, the Emerald Isle. Home of Wilde, Yeats, and Joyce. It’s a magical fairytale filled with charm, history, castles, rolling green pastures and wild coastline. If you’re looking for a truly authentic Irish adventure (away from the tour busses and crowds), here are five ways to travel Ireland, feel like a local and tap into the magic.

1. Stay at Powerscourt Hotel & Gardens

A mere 30-minute taxi from Dublin and just a short bike ride away from charming Enniskerry, you’ll be transported into a romantic land of royal gardens, waterfalls, and private river paths. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the top ten gardens in the world, its lush 47 acres of landscaped garden bliss are full of “secret hollows and rambling walks” to explore. Powerscourt Hotel with its Palladian-style architecture is a stakeholder in Ireland’s sustainability efforts. New energy efficient lights save more than 831 tonnes of CO2 annually and it formed a new partnership with The Cool Planet Experience to help prevent global warming.

2. Explore Mayo County’s Castles & Heritage Houses

“Stunning dramatic unspoilt landscape, friendly locals and a region steeped in culture and heritage, Mayo is the place to go to discover the true Ireland” says Rachel Nolan, owner of Rachel’s Irish Adventures. Stay in one of Mayo County’s Blue Book castle hotels and manors like Enniscoe House, a classical Georgian surrounded by woods on the shore of Lake Conn. It’s home to an organic Victorian garden and dates back to the 1790s. Dinner at Enniscoe House is quite an intimate affair and begins with a drink beside a roaring fireplace. Ashford Castle’s 340 acres of jaw-dropping gardens and 18th-century decor are also a must-see. Dating back to 1228, treat yourself to views of the castle from Lake Corrib on a charming boat tour with a local captain regaling its history and lore. Then warm up with one the finest Irish coffees in Ireland at the iconic Prince of Wales bar.

3. Take the Art Tour at The Merrion Hotel in Dublin

What would be an art tour in Ireland without first a discussion over tea? In the heart of Dublin, the Merrion Hotel, composed of four impeccably restored Georgian townhouses, launched an audio Art Tour concept that begins with afternoon tea in their luxurious drawing room. Next, the tour takes guests through an immersive journey of the hotel’s 19th and 20th-century master works featuring Irish and European artists. Once finished, if you find the experience requires more contemplation, take the inspired conversation down to The Merrion’s iconic Cellar Bar and Restaurant; an original 18th-century wine vault transformed into a popular pub.

4. Drive the ‘Monasteries of the Moy’ Route

There’s not much more of a mystical experience than emerald green pastures dotted with ancient monasteries along the River Moy. Drive the 14km route between Ballina and Killala and prepare to be swept back in time. Some highlights of the drive include: Moyne Abbey, Augustinian Abbey, and the Priory of the Holy Cross at Rathfran. If you prefer to cycle, the Monasteries of the Moy Greenway is near completion and takes you from Ballina all the way to the village of Killala. Complete with an easy stop at the Connacht Distillery for Irish whiskey tasting.

5. Taste the Irish Artisanal Foodie Renaissance  

It’s not just pub food anymore. Ireland has gone through an artisanal foodie renaissance where you’ll find farm-fresh organic dishes that combine the very best of Irish traditions with new flavors. Even Irish oats have gone gourmet. Mary Flahavan, matriarch of Flahavan’s, Ireland’s beloved brand of sustainable oatmeal; her Oaty Shortbread Biscuit recipe was featured in the famed MacNean Restaurant Cookbook. And top locales like the Icehouse Hotel and Spa in Ballina, have committed to buying local. The food world (including Alice Waters of Chez Panisse) has taken note of Ireland’s foodie artisanal renaissance.

Truly, there’s no place like Ireland. The Emerald Isle’s wild and wonderful beauty will capture your heart while the Irish locals’ natural penchant for easy conversation and a hearty laugh will endear you forever. Combine that with Ireland’s castles, gardens, and Georgian charm, you’re in for quite a magical experience.

Related on EcoSalon


3 Perfect Days in Rome
Plan a Trip to Europe’s 8 Most Luxurious Spas
Do You Need a Post Vacation Detox Diet Plan 

Images via The Merrion, Ashford Castle, The IceHouse and Tourism Ireland 

The post 5 Ways to Travel Ireland Like a Local and Feel the Magic appeared first on EcoSalon.

With the new foreign policy between America and Cuba, now is the perfect time for tropical beauty items. Warm, brilliant colors will spice up your winter beauty routine and bring the heat.

So you aren’t on vacation just yet? You don’t have to wait to bring the tropics into your scene. Winter is the perfect time for jazzing up your look.

Think pinks, blues, yellows, and greens. All you need are product picks and ideas on how to use them. Coming right up!

Cuban-Inspired Tropical Beauty Products

Orglamix makes a staggeringly wide selection of brilliantly hued mineral shadow. Top Cuban inspo are Citron, Vert, Watercress, and Geranium. When going for these bright colors on eyes, it looks best to steer clear of too much blush, highlighter or lip color. Keep the rest of your look simple and let those eyes do the talking.

Axiology lipstick in Noble is a sunset orange lipstick that absolutely screams tropics. Pair up with a bit of nude shadow and a coat of mascara. A layer of clear lipgloss will soften the look.

La Bella Figura makeup was made for this look. Cream blush in beautiful brights, smoldering Lissette la Coquette lip color, and Golden Corrective Highlighter for a sun-kissed glow. Tropical beauty perfection.

So you aren’t exactly ankle deep in sand and surf? You can still look the part. These Down and Out Metal sunglasses in rose gold should do nicely.

Stow your stuff in this Pink Sisal Bag and you are as good as heading to the beach. Or at least look that way.

Vacation or stay-cation, you are tropical beauty ready.

*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 Unique Vacation Spots You’ll Never Forget

Makeup Color Match Tips to Complement Your Eye Color

How to Find Your Perfect Pink Makeup

Image of Cuban woman via Shutterstock

The post Tropical Beauty: No Better Time for Cuban-Inspired Hues 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.

Why fly across the Atlantic to the Alps for winter getaways when there are perfectly good mountains in America?

Well, La Dolce Vita isn’t just in Rome. You’ll also find it in the Alps. European winter getaways are an entirely different level of pleasure. Imagine warming up at a country French restaurant in a converted barn. Enjoy après-ski at a mid-mountain chalet, sipping on fendant and dipping country bread in fondue made with cheese from the valley. Taste the chef’s homemade apricot eau de vie. Then at sunset, you snowplow down the return trail to your luxurious eco hotel. Perhaps you take a nighttime dip in a heated alpine infinity pool. Or curl up by an open fire and watch the snow fall outside. Not to mention the glaciers, champagne bars on the slopes and off-piste skiing that dreams are made of. If this makes you google airfares, then the Alps are for you.

Even better news is that hotels in Europe are committing to sustainable tourism in sensitive environments such as the Alps. When you stay in one of these gorgeous eco-hotels, resorts and lodges, you won’t be damaging the very nature you came to enjoy.

Here’re my top 7 Eco-Luxury Winter Getaways in the Alps:

1. The Adler Mountain Lodge

The Adler Mountain Lodge worked hard to open their doors in the highly protected Alpe di Siusi area in Italy’s Dolomites – a UNESCO world heritage site. In compliance with the Klimahous Nature standard to reduce energy consumption, the hoteliers still managed to pull off a heated outdoor infinity pool where you can swim through reflections of the mountains, a panoramic sauna, and in-room fireplaces. This family run eco-retreat is so gorgeous, you’ll beg the airlines to waive their change fee and stay longer.

2. Hotel Sonne

A bio-hotel with eco-compatible materials never looked so good. What looks even better is that it uses alternative energy sources for nearly zero impact on the environment. 4-stars and counting, Hotel Sonne is located in in the heart of Livigno’s car-free zone. Cozy up at the 16-room hotel and enjoy a spa day in their biological sauna, infrared cabin and steam bath. Or walk a short distance and be on a ski lift in minutes. Even better. Do both.

3. Hotel Les Menuires Les Bruyères

They coined it. Eco-chic ethos. And bravo! I scoured France to find eco-hotels and honestly, they weren’t all jumping up all at once. Run by the Temmos Group, the Hotel Les Menuires Les Bruyères, is committed to carbon neutral strategies, greenhouse gas assessments, and a partnership with EcoAct, all in loving pursuit to protect the melting Alps. With irrefutable scientific evidence that its glaciers are well, melting, eco isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a necessity.

4. Whitepod Hotel

Now, this is cool. Low impact tourism. Fifteen geodesic domes built on wooden platforms form the Whitepod Hotel. At its center, the Chalet Les Ceniers, built in the 1800’s, is the happening hub of the whitepods serving up libations and innovative Swiss alpine cuisine. But let’s talk about the private ski lifts, serving up more than 25 km of private trails all-for-you on a powder day. That’s worth a holler. And just because you’re bunking on wooden platforms, don’t think you’re roughing it. Au contraire. You’re wrapped in luxury with organic bedding, wood burning stoves, private decks, king size beds, a Finnish sauna, spa treatment rooms, and panoramic views. Ooh la la.

 5. Maya Boutique Hotel

No four-star hotels in the Swiss Alps – or anywhere that I know of – can boast that they are built from bales of hay. But the Maya Boutique Hotel can. Because it is. All of its building materials are natural: stone, glass and local pine and oak. Even its restaurant, with stunning panoramic views, cooks every dish in a natural clay wood fired oven. When one thinks of hotels usually we wouldn’t want our room to smell. But each of their handcrafted rooms features a different local wood and smells heavenly. Not wanting to leave out any of the senses, even the outdoor sauna has a glass wall. So you won’t miss out on a single white-capped Swiss peak.

6. Montagne Alternative Swiss Alpine Eco Lodge

Ever dreamed of leaving it all and moving to the Swiss Alps? Now you can live out your alpine fantasies at the Montage Alternative Swiss Alpine Eco Lodge. Stay in one of their beautifully renovated historical barns or houses. Drink fresh spring water and dine at their onsite restaurant, L’Arpalle, serving up organic daily menus foraged from the garden and local terroir. To boot, Montagne Alternative is the first Swiss company to be awarded a B-corporation certification for two reasons: sustainability and their ability to make friends with the neighbors and play well together.

7. Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl

Nestled on a snowy 8000 ft. peak in St. Moritz, the 16-suite Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl was the first plus-energy hotel in the Alps. Talk about ski in-ski out, it’s so high, the only way to arrive is by helicopter or the nearly vertical Muottas Muragl Railway. With a long list of environmental awards including the Swiss Solar Award, Minergie Ecological Standard, the hotel gives guided tours of its impressive “Flyer Energy” concept. And if that doesn’t impress you, make reservations at the Panorama Restaurant. At this altitude, its name is no joke. And sensitive to food allergies, their lunch and dinner menus offer gluten and (surprisingly for Switzerland) lactose free alpine specialties.

Whether you dream of a 4-star boutique hotel made of hay, a luxurious winter pod with private ski lifts, sleeping amongst the glaciers at 8000 feet or collecting snowflakes on your tongue while floating in an alpine infinity pool, a winter vacation in the Alps is worth the flight. Just bring a book for the plane, take a nap, watch three movies and you’re there.

Related on EcoSalon

Nourish Your Body and Soul: Plan a Mediterranean Diet Vacation

5 Hot Springs Spas: Vacation with Healing Waters

To Plan a Vacation with Friends, Set Expectations Well in Advance

The post 7 Eco-Luxury Winter Getaways in the Alps appeared first on EcoSalon.

You need to take a vacation. No, really. You need to take a paid vacation, that is!

When was the last time you took a vacation? How long did it last? These are among the important questions explored in the recent short film “The Great Vacation Squeeze,” written and directed by John de Graaf. De Graaf has explored the differences in vacation and leisure time between the US and Europe for years, and in 2002 he co-founded the organization Take Back Your Time “to point out the problems connected with overwork in America.”

Supported by Sierra Club Productions, this film is one of his latest projects that examines just how stark these differences are and hopes to inspire people to do something to change it. De Graaf believes that the idea of vacation and leisure is strongly intertwined with the Sierra Club’s mission statement.

“The Sierra Club’s purpose is enjoying, exploring, and protecting the natural world, and it’s hard to enjoy it or explore it when you don’t have any time off. It also leaves you less likely to want to protect it,” he said. “As a member I think it important that the club not forget its commitment to enjoying and exploring nature.”

Which of these facts from the film will convince you it’s about time for paid vacations?

1. Time to catch up. The US is the only wealthy country without paid vacation time, which may be an underlying cause of a whole host of issues, including stress and overwork. “Our lack of policy [mandating paid vacations] contributes to serious health problems, weakens family connections, and [reduces] the opportunity for all of us to get out in the natural world, especially children,” de Graaf said.

2. Strong ties. “It was John Muir, key founder of the Sierra Club, who, as I point out in the film, was the first American to advocate a paid vacation law, way back in 1876,” de Graaf said. Muir called for a law of rest that would give time off each year for people to reconnect with nature. The idea lived on in the early 20th century when President William Howard Taft suggested of a three-month long vacation for every worker.

3. So close, yet so far. During the Great Depression, the Labor Department proposed a two-week paid vacation law, but it failed due to business opposition. Still, two-week trips were common in America at this time, whereas they’ve now dwindled into near oblivion.

4. Practice what we preach. Seventy-three percent of Americans say vacations help recharge their batteries, but fewer actually take this time. Of all working Americans, 28% receive no paid vacation time and 24% get only one week or less.

5. Vacations are win-win. “They do wonders for us in so many ways, as every other country understands, and they are actually helpful to business productivity and creativity as well,” de Graaf said. On an individual level, vacations can be healing in that they give us relief from stressors of daily life. Time off also promotes reflection. “In idleness there is the opportunity for contemplation, there is the opportunity for soul-searching, and for seeing, for really truly, clearly seeing, what’s around us,” says Yosemite Park Ranger Shelton Johnson in the film.

6. Europeans have it better. On average, Europeans live longer and are less likely to suffer from chronic illness after age 50, even though they spend less on health care. Having long, paid vacation time may have something to do with this. It’s known that taking breaks from work greatly reduces stress and even improves productivity.

7. It’s about justice. “Most low-income Americans never have the opportunity and don’t even get paid vacations,” de Graaf said. Many believe that a law mandating paid vacations would eliminate this inequality and ultimately benefit all Americans. –Jessica Zischke

This article originally appeared on Sierra Magazine.

Related on EcoSalon

Can the Film ‘Watermark’ Help Us Be More Respectful to Water?

6 Prime Spots for Viewing Wildflowers in the U.S.

5 Clothing Brands for Bicycling in Style

Image: wandering the world

The post 7 Reasons to Take a (Paid) Vacation Already appeared first on EcoSalon.

 If you’re seeking inspiration for your next vacation, or are just feeling out of balance and need to recharge, consider these blissful destinations for the trip of a lifetime.

Webster’s defines bliss as “complete happiness” or, alternatively, “paradise or heaven”. And, lucky for us, that feeling may be just a plane ride away: The five destinations here certainly are otherworldly in their beauty, serenity, and splendor.

1. Bhutan

A culture rooted in Gross National Happiness, rather than gross national product: Bhutan makes contentment a priority, both for its residents and tourists. Situated in the Himalayas, Bhutan welcomes tourists with rugged mountain landscapes; Buddhist art, architecture, and ceremonies; and cuisine that’s full of spice. Travelers seeking adventure, culture, spirituality, and food will find all here in abundance. And don’t let the government-imposed per-diem tourism tariff dissuade you – it covers accommodations, a guide, meals, and transportation, so you’ll know most of your budget before you even depart.

2. Denmark

Denmark consistently ranks tops among the happiest countries in the world, and tourists can easily tour this Scandinavian country to snag a little bliss for themselves. Stunning natural beauty, reliable infrastructure (set your watches by public transportation in Copenhagen), and a culture that’s dedicated to active and artistic pursuits creates an overall environment of contentment. “See more, stress less” is Copenhagen’s current tourism tagline, and that pretty much sums up the vibe of a Denmark vacation, regardless of which region you visit.

3. Oregon’s Hood River Valley

The snow-capped peak of Mt. Hood dominates the landscape of Oregon‘s Hood River Valley, and the region features an embarrassment of riches. Relaxation and joy can be found in all crannies of the valley, from enjoying a perfectly blended fresh pumpkin milkshake at a local cafe to taking a leisurely drive through bucolic country roads past vineyards and farms. And adventure travelers will also find plenty of fill their days, from hiking the foothills of Mt. Hood (and having the scenic trail all to yourself) to wind surfing the Hood River, chasing its waterfalls on a separate outing, or going for a heart-pumping ride along a scenic bikeway. During a vacation here a few years back, I seriously contemplated relocating, so taken was I with the region’s laid-back vibe, gorgeous scenery at every turn, and delicious variety of pursuits.

4. Seychelles

Nestled in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Kenya and Tanzania, the Seychelles are a cluster of 115 islands with natural wonders galore: Vegetation so unique it was once believed to be part of the Garden of Eden (on the island of Praslin). Rare birds, such as the Seychelles Black Parrot and the Seychelles magpie robin, and ancient species, such as giant Aldabra tortoises. Home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Aldabra Atoll and Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve—the archipelago may come closest to the “paradise” definition of bliss. Unspoiled by tourism, the Seychelles has ancient forests, spectacular beaches, and abundant wildlife both on land and under the sea. It also has an island—La Digue—where most only use bicycles and ox-carts to get around. And because it’s outside the hurricane belt, the Seychelles enjoys a paradise-like climate all year round.

5. Vanuatu

A short flight from the major cities of Australia and New Zealand, the 83 islands of Vanuatu make for a blissful getaway in the South Pacific. Here, you can visit Mount Yasur, an active volcano on Tanna island; ride and swim with horses on Efate island; or kayak, snorkel, bike, or hike on any island (or, if you simply need to recharge, you can simply do nothing at all). With such abundance of natural beauty, a deep cultural respect for the land and overall environment, and a widespread attitude that’s laid-back and joyful, Vanuatu regularly shows up on the Happy Planet Index as one of the happiest places on earth – a perfect spot to re-capture some happiness for yourself.

Do you have a recommendation for a blissful place for an upcoming vacation? Share your favorite “trip of a lifetime” vacation destination by leaving a comment below!

Related on EcoSalon

Find Great Hotel Deals with an Opaque Travel Site: How to Beat Hotwire and Priceline’s Buyer Blindfold

Take Those Vacation Days: The Incredible Value of Travel

5 HOT Destinations for Traveling on a Budget

Photo courtesy Otabi Kitahachi via Flickr Creative Commons

The post 5 Blissful Vacation Destinations for the Trip of a Lifetime appeared first on EcoSalon.