Recommendation: Costa Rica’s Lapa Rios Hotel
Located in one of Central America’s last remaining lowland tropical rain forests, the 930-acre Lapa Rios hotel and reserve is part of an important wildlife corridor that abuts Corc... More
Located in one of Central America’s last remaining lowland tropical rain forests, the 930-acre Lapa Rios hotel and reserve is part of an important wildlife corridor that abuts Corc... More
Smaller tour groups and hotels (think 20 versus 100 people, and boutique hotels versus megaresorts) have a lower ecological impact. More
T+L contributing editor Shane Mitchell, an expert on artisan collectives, shares her recommendations: “I adore Tanda Zulu’s necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, made by artisans in ... More
Pick a cruise line with advanced wastewater treatment (AWT) technology, which entails treating water so it’s safe to discharge at sea. Royal Caribbean is spending close to $100 mil... More
It’s best to cruise on vessels with eco-itineraries, since these lines tend to be more environmentally aware. California-based AdventureSmith Explorations, for example, partners wi... More
Ask whether your tour company or hotel has a practice of contributing to local causes. Abercrombie & Kent (abercrombiekent.com), Six Senses (sixsenses.com), CC Africa (ccafrica.com... More
You can decrease your carbon emissions by not flying to meet your ship (or at least by flying nonstop). Newer ports in Brooklyn and Mobile, Alabama, are making this easier. Also, f... More
Smaller tour groups and hotels (think 20 versus 100 people, and boutique hotels versus megaresorts) have a lower ecological impact. More
"I’ll choose a four-hour train ride over a one-hour flight any time I can; it usually costs less, the seats are more comfortable, and there’s scenery out there." Alice Gordon, Feat... More
"Walking tours are low-impact and inexpensive, and help you get to know a place on a more intimate level." Audiblejourney.com lists more than 300 tours in the United States and abr... More
If you’d rather devote only part of your vacation to a cause, there are other, less demanding ways to give. Check out the many philanthropic programs offered by hotels (both high-e... More
"A plastic bottle often travels thousands of miles before you buy it, so I carry a reusable container or drink locally sourced water when I’m on the go." Amy Farley, Senior Editor More
"I always seek out stores that carry local fashion designers. It helps support the community, and I discover gems that I would never find anywhere else." Laura Begley, Deputy Edito... More
"If I can, I bring my bike and ride instead of taking taxis or the subway." Katharine Van Itallie, Art Director More
"I make a practice of booking flights with airlines that recycle waste from food and beverages. Southwest Airlines, for example, recycles cabin waste and was the first to offer a s... More
"Staying at working farms that also function as inns helps travelers connect with an area’s agricultural heritage. Plus, they tend to cost less than hotels." Meeghan Truelove, Assi... More
"Eating locally is one of the best ways to support a community. I try to shop at farmers’ markets and dine at restaurants with locally sourced ingredients." Search venues in your d... More
"A significant percentage of a plane’s carbon emissions come from takeoff and landing. So book nonstop flights whenever possible." Clara Sedlak, Associate Editor More
For a fragile archaeological site like the Pyramids of Giza, near Cairo, tourism is both a boon and a threat. While ticket revenues do help fund conservation efforts, the mere pres... More
Although you may want to rent a car for day trips outside central SF, you can get by without one downtown—the Muni bus system, a mix of diesel, electric, and new hybrid vehicles, c... More
Visit www.sustainabletravel.com for more information on environmentally friendly tourist destinations. More
Voluntourism opportunities in New Orleans abound, including the Musicians’ Village, which builds homes for displaced musicians and their families. More
Pack school supplies or small gifts and give them to village leaders to distribute locally. More
Buy local crafts from artisan villages or cooperatives so the profits pass directly to the artists. More
Make your beach trip green by booking a hotel further back from the shoreline; walk instead of driving; and use biodegradeable products. More