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April 19, 2016 by Chase Vandros

Need To Fly? Offset Your Carbon Footprint With These Easy Steps

Most of us want to see more of the world. But if you’re determined to do it the green way, you may be restricted to only a few of the marvellous places this planet has to offer. However, there are ways you could offset your carbon footprint if you find it’s necessary to fly. And there are also a few things you could do to reduce the impact on the environment of your flight.

When we think about environmentally friendly travel, walking and cycling spring to mind first of all. Public transport may come next. Perhaps a green car that runs on electric is your preferred mode of transport? If you can get to the airport by one of these modes of transport, you are already doing your bit to reduce the impact of your travel plans. Choose online or mobile check-in and you could be saving your travel documents from being printed too.

It’s not just the fuel from the plane that can harm the environment. Trash is also a problem on a plane. As you know, it is all collected in a single bag and disposed of at the terminal. It is rarely recycled. Much of the waste comes from the way the food is prepared. Plastic cups and plates are all harmful to the environment. However, many first class travel options include real cutlery, freshly cooked meals, and proper glassware. All this is reused on each flight, so you’re less likely to generate excess trash.

Flickr is the source of the image

When you arrive at your destination, there are still plenty of ways you can offset that carbon footprint of the plane. Hire a bicycle or use public transport to reach your hotel. Don’t forget there are many green hotels around the world too. Some of the best ones can be found in Mexico. Look for places that recycle their trash, and provide environmentally friendly laundry services. Germany is very hot for recycling. It is up to you to separate your own waste in the hotel room you stay at.

While you are on vacation, why not choose some excursions and activities that actively help the environment? You can choose wildlife preservation, or even a beach clean up. There are plenty of ways you can impact the environment in a positive way. It’s a great way to make up for having to take a flight. It’s not as hard as you may think to find these eco-projects. Have a look online to see what’s happening near to your favorite resort.

If you are concerned about the impact of flying on the environment, it is worth speaking to the airline you fly with. They are required to provide a statement about their efforts to reduce the damage to the environment. The figures for the amount of emissions can only ever be estimated each year.

Many people who love travel find they are taking several flights each year. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to offset the environmental impact. You can make some smart choices in flights. And there are always some clever ways of maximizing your time while you are away from home. You can do some good for the environment. Enjoy your next flight.

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April 14, 2016 by Chase Vandros

How To Find Eco-Friendly Resorts In Mexico

When it comes to going to places as far flung away as Mexico and the United States, it can be hard to travel green. So, if you want to offset your carbon footprint after flying, it’s essential that you look into staying in an eco-friendly hotel. But, how do you find them when they are so far away, on another continent? Well, you can start by following this guide – read on to find out more!

Why Mexico?

Mexico has long been a popular destination for all kinds of people. But, in recent years, there has been a concerted effort by the Mexican tourist industry to appeal to the more eco-conscious amongst us. The only issues are finding the right places to stay in the many loved destinations, including Cozumel and Cancun. So, here are some tips to get you started.

Online research

As with many things in life these days, your best bet is to search online for some ideas. There are plenty of places on the web that promote greener holidays – take our little guide to green activities in Mexico, for example. Most of the major holiday operators all have eco-friendly sections right now, which is great for those with a green outlook in life. There are, however, a few things you should be looking out for.

Green hotspots in Mexico

First of all, look for the best places in Mexico with the biggest green credentials. One of the most prominent eco-friendly destinations is the Tres Rios. It’s eight miles away from Playa del Carmen. One of the major highlights is the Hacienda Tres Rios. It is an amazing eco-hotel located where three different rivers meet the Pacific.

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It’s also worth paying Cozumel a visit – especially if you enjoy underwater activities such as snorkelling. There are some stunning coral reefs to explore, and the residents are determined to keep them the way nature intended. There is also a reserve used as a sea turtle sanctuary, which is extra brownie points for the green holidaymaker.

Green certification

Eco-friendly holidays in Mexico are only a recent thing. So, it can be tough to separate the real deals from those that make big claims but deliver little. Your best bet is to look out for a reputable independent body such as Green Globe, for example. Lists like these can give you an instant snapshot of the type of accommodation – and eco credentials – you can expect.

Hotel commitment

It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for Cancun holidays or an adventure in the Lacandon Jungle. You can almost guarantee that nearly every hotel will advertise their green credentials to attract extra custom. But, if you are looking for the real deal, make sure you inspect their websites with a fine toothcomb.

Avoid advertising slogans like ‘organic’ and ‘eco-friendly’. Unless, of course, they have specific facts to give you. If there is no evidence or no links to green certification, it isn’t likely they will take their eco responsibilities as keen as you are hoping. Companies that are serious about their efforts will go to great lengths to prove their worth. So, if you don’t see that evidence, look elsewhere.

Featured Image credit.

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April 13, 2016 by Chase Vandros

Top 4 Ways to Spend a Romantic Night in the UAE

Vacations should be the time when you relax, discover and make time for things that your daily life does not permit such as romance. Romantic nights are perfect when you vacation with a partner as you have no stress, a beautiful location and more importantly, time. The UAE is the perfect place to spend some quality romantic time with your loved one as it offers beautiful locations, luxurious surroundings and impeccable service to give you and your partner the night of your life. Here are the top 4 ways for you to spend a perfect romantic evening in the UAE.

La Serre, Dubai

La Serre is a bistro and boulangerie and one of the best romantic restaurants in Dubai, the restaurant combines a traditional Parisienne boulangerie on the lower floor that bakes fresh bread and makes incredible pastries, with a bistro on the upper floor that features a cocktail bar and a mediterranean menu that doffs it’s hat to the finest food that France has to offer. From the elegant staircase to the intricate balconies, the quality of service, food and drink and the wonderful smell that emanates from the bakery below, La Serre truly is the perfect place to spend the night with your partner.

Dinner at the Safran Tower, Ras al Khaimah

The hotel Banyan Tree al Wadl in the emirate of Ras al Khaimah offers guests an incredibly romantic treat. The hotel has a tower within it’s grounds styled on an Arabic water tower, guest climb the stairs to the top before being served by a butler with some outstanding Thai cuisine. The hotel’s location is right on the beach and you can take your loved one for a walk along the shoreline before indulging in this beautiful feast. The rooms at the hotel are designed with nothing but luxury in mind and provide the perfect setting for a night of romance.

Sunset in Jebel Hafeet, Abu Dhabi

It’s hard to argue against the fact that sunsets are one of the most romantic things to watch with your partner. The argument is harder still when you consider that the sunset that can be seen from on top of the Jebel Hafeet mountain in Abu Dhabi. At it’s peak the mountain sits at a lofty 1,259 metres and looks out onto the untouched plains of Al Ain, the perfect, unrestricted views of the glorious UAE sunset. The peak is reachable by a very well constructed road that leads you through over 60 bends on the way to the top. At the peak of the mountain there is a solitary hotel where you can enjoy the spectacle in comfort with your loved one, a most romantic treat.

Villa Beach Restaurant, Dubai

The Villa Beach restaurant is situated in the Jumeirah Hotel which sits directly opposite the incredible and iconic Burj al Arab. The draw of this restaurant, aside from it’s fantastic views of the Burj al Arab and stunning Mediterranean food, is it’s proximity to the beach. The restaurant has tables set outside which gives diners the opportunity to set underneath the starry sky, listening to the waves as they lap in and out whilst enjoying fine food and a wide range of wines, the perfect place for a romantic evening. The restaurant can be incredibly busy so it is recommended that you book ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

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March 8, 2016 by Chase Vandros

Top 5 Things to do in Barcelona

The Catalan capital of Barcelona is one of Europe’s most visited cities. The city’s perfect northern location by the coast attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year to experience the artistic design and laid back approach to life that they have in Barcelona. The city is packed with attractions for tourists and plenty of things to see and do and here we are going to run down the top 5 things to do in Barcelona.

Visit the Picasso Museum

The Picasso museum in Barcelona houses the largest collection anywhere in the World of the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Picasso had a real affinity for Barcelona throughout his life and this love was reflected in many of his works, the museum was actually opened whilst the artist was still alive and he personally dedicated many pieces to the museum. The museum has famous works, sculptures and even practice pieces on display and it really is a fascinating place to visit.

La Rambla

La Rambla is the main street in the centre of Barcelona that leads from the beautiful harbour up to the Gothic Quarter. La Rambla is action packed with markets, public displays, street performers and seasonal events taking place there. The street has several open-air bars and cafes and this is one of the best places in the city to enjoy a drink and watch the world go by. On an evening La Rambla takes on a different look as food stalls and trendy bars and nightclubs open up their doors. Day or night, head to LA Rambla.

Nou Camp

The Nou Camp is the home of Barcelona football club one of the biggest football teams in Europe, their stadium houses over 100,000 people on match day and if you can get tickets then you should go. Even non-football lovers will enjoy the experience as the atmosphere inside the stadium is electric. If you don’t manage to catch a game at the stadium then they also offer tours where you will have behind the scenes and see the changing rooms, the dug-outs and set foot on the hallowed turf. At the end of the tour is a wonderful museum dedicated to World football. Definitely worth a visit.

Visit the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is Barcelona’s old town and it’s charm and buildings are regularly maintained to give you a glimpse into it’s Catalonian past. The Quarter is filled with a mazy labyrinth of street with small squares that open form nowhere. Here you will find local cuisine on the street, quaint craft shops selling antiques, ornaments, clothes and accessories and don’t be surprised to run into 10-20 dancing in the street, a beautiful part of the city.

Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is a cathedral in the centre of Barcelona that was designed by Antoni Gaudi in the late 18th Century. Such is the intricacy of the design the cathedral has so far taken 144 years to build and it is expected to be completed in 2026. The cathedral is still worth a visit as you can see just how stunning the design is. Bear in mind that there will be scaffolding around certain areas but don’t let that put you off visiting this masterpiece in design.

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February 24, 2016 by Chase Vandros

Best Overland Weekend Escapes from London

Many people visiting the United Kingdom often make the mistake of only visiting London and don’t venture outside of the city. The reasons behind this are understandable but with London as a base, there are some amazing destinations in the UK that are easily reachable from the capital and here are our favourites.

Cornwall

Cornwall can be accessed by train from London in just under 3 hours and is a world apart from the bustling capital. Cornwall’s coastline is more akin to the mediterranean and many of the counties’ coastal towns and fishing villages make for a beautiful visit. The town of Newquay during the Summer is a mecca for surfers and turns into a season long party during these months. By contrast, towns like Padstow and Falmouth are quaint fishing villages with some of the best seafood in the World and make for a perfect escape from the city madness. If you have the time then a break to Cornwall is a great travel option from London.

Manchester

For an alternative city break to London and it’s madness then Manchester is a great option in the North West of the country. Similar to Cornwall, Manchester can be reached from London in just 3 hours by train. The city is a little more relaxed than the capital and filled with art and culture. The city was at the centre of the country’s industrial revolution and these days it is one of England’s most cultural cities. Manchester has a huge art scene and has produced some of England’s most popular musicians from Oasis to the Stone Roses. Manchester has a lively nightlife with comedy and live music at the forefront of this. Trading London for Manchester for a couple of days gives you a great chance to see how the northern half of England live.

Brighton

Brighton has long been a popular destination for Londoners as they headed to the seaside and left the city behind. Brighton is around an hour and a half from London by car and whilst many of Britain’s seaside towns have fallen to dereliction, Brighton is still going strong with regular tourism. Brighton embodies British seaside towns with a long pier, fish and chip restaurants, amusement arcades, lots of hotels with sea views, seafood restaurants and a lively nightlife that has gained notoriety for it’s dance music. It is possible to do a day trip to Brighton from London and if you happen to have a particularly sunny day then this is exactly what I’d recommend you do.

Paris

Whilst technically not overland, more underwater, but accesible by train none-the-less thanks to the channel tunnel between England and France. The Eurostar train leaves St Pancras station in Central London and arrives in Paris just over 2 and a half hours later. Whether you plan to take a night in Paris or simply do the trip in a day, both options are more than available to you with regular daily trains between the two locations. I love the fact that the Eurostar gives people in London the chance to ‘pop’ over to France for a few hours whenever they feel like it and can be back in the comfort of their own home later that day.