Eco-Travel: traveling in luxury

Nosara, Costa Rica

 It's known by many names: 'eco-travel', 'sustainable tourism, 'eco-tourism', 'sustainable eco-tourism'. Despite the many identities, the same underlying idea flourishes in the hospitality community: giving modern travelers a way to travel, with a reduced impact on the environment.

In today's world there are new ways to travel in luxury without a huge price tag or lasting effects on the environment.With airlines like Virgin Atlantic implementing a range of eco-friendly initiatives, Hybrid rental cars, and environmentally conscious hotels like the Fairmont which guarantees spending to promote responsible energy use and even green theme parks like the The Las Vegas Springs Preserve, the possibilities of eco friendly travel are endless.
Some sites like 'ElevateDestinations.com' design trips that give back. You can take a spiritual India retreat or opt for a Kenya eco-tour safari. A percentage of profits go to aid natural resources and community development in the area you are visiting.

San Fran
 The best bang for your buck in eco-travel for those seeking high class getaways, lies just south of sunny Florida. Websites like SouthAmericaJourneys.com offer luxury vacation packages to appreciate some of the most beautiful environmental landscapes in the world. It doesn't stop there. Traveling to locations that support eco-conservation is easy too. National Geographic Traveler lists 94 World Heritage global destinations excelling in sustainable tourism. That complete list can be found here.

If flying high and across the world isn't your cup of tea, here in the United States, making eco-friendly travel choices is easy. Take for example, OZOcar.com. OZOcar is New York's first hybrid luxury car service that won't compromise your conscience because in an OZOcar luxury and responsibility co-exist. You get high-speed wireless connection , satellite radio station, and the entire fleet uses 70% less fuel than conventional Lincoln Towncars and those famous yellow cabs.

Hotels chains like Fairmont, Hilton, Marriott and Wyndham feature conservation and states like New York and California take the lead in initiatives. In today's world traveling in style can still mean savings for both your bank and your world.

Related Links:

To find a list of some green hotels right here in Florida, and around the US, click here.

EcoTourism Conservation International

Virgin Blue Carbon Offsetting - To help address climate change Virgin has implemented a range of initiatives to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and we are aiming for a further reduction of our aircraft emissions by up to 5% per aircraft by 2008.

Nature Air - San Jose, Costa Rica based carbon neutral airline.

Solar Impulse - First company working to circumvent the world in a solar powered airplane.

BioBeetle - Rent a car that runs entirely on biodiesel on your next vacation.

OZO Car - NYC car service whose fleet of Honda Prius cars comes with a Mac Laptop, Sirius Satellite Radio, and all the amenities you need to ride in style.

Kimpton Hotels - Hotel chain committed to both the environment and the authentic boutique experience.

Orchard Garden Hotel - First LEED certified hotel located in San Francisco that features cutting edge eco innovation and absolute luxury. (lower photo)