And now, we resume with the scheduled programming

WOW - It's been a longer "break" from blogging than I realized as I look at the date on the below post. Yowza, and a big apology to all the eco travelers awaiting the next juicy, globetrotter tid-bit. Truth is, I've been busy. Really busy. Between packing up and moving to a new place, and sandwiching a getaway of my own in between, G.G. has lost is usual position in the forefront of my brain.

That's all changing though. While I've been away, the news hasn't slowed, so there is plenty to rehash and think about, as well as some greenish ideas floating around my head.

For now, I give you a couple snapshots of my recent vacay, which involved a motorcycle and about 500 miles of Michigan coastline...

(Skipping stones at sunset)

(Outside dining at the legendary (and authentic Polish) restaurant, Legs Inn)

(Ah, spa. Peace and tranquility at The Homestead's Spa Amira)

Guidebooks minus the book: iFrommers

Frommer's Travel Guides got greener yesterday, announcing that their New York, San Francisco, London and Paris guidebooks will be available as digital downloads to cool cats with an Apple iPhone or iPod Touch.

Pick one up at the Apple App Store or iTunes for $9.99 or wait until later this year, when additional guide titles will be released. Offering all the same info as in the regular book, plus the bonus of extreme convenience (when don't you have your cell or MP3 at your side?) and the perk of being paperless, it won't be long til these clever guides are toted by all roamers.

The true cost of travel

Lets face it: Travel is one of the best investments you can make in yourself (in my humble opinion), but oftentimes, you're left in the dark as to the "true" cost of your vacation until you're standing there absorbing the unexpected, astronomical amounts due. There being the airport ticket counter or hotel upon check-in.

In reality, any program that helps estimate the true cost of travel earns an A in my book, which is why I chose to highlight Kayak.com's new web tools. Not only are they free (point one!), they're incredibly useful (point two!).

First up is the Fuel Cost Calculator, which runs in unison with the rental car search, plugging the likely cost of gas (according to how many miles you anticipate driving each day) into the daily rate of the car rental.

Up next, and even more handy is the Airlines Fees chart, which conveniently breaks down the hush-hush costs of your flight like checked baggage, meals, snacks, pets, etc. Very good to know info.

Lastly, the site is now offering a Flight Quality Filter that allows for easier sorting when searching for flights. Included in the results criteria are options that pull out red-eyes, fights with ridiculous layover times and even layovers at airports you'd rather not visit.

Looking at it now, it's hard to believe nobody has compiled all this smart info before. Check it out and let me know what you think - and if your true vacation costs were really revealed beforehand!

Experiencing the outdoors in style

While reading today's USA Today, I stumbled across the following article - a round-up of fabulous resorts that all feature a common main draw: the great outdoors. In 10 Great Places to Take Real Comfort in Nature, Kathy Baruffi outlines some stunning stays that any nature-lover would be proud to take park in.

Included are:

- Boulders Inn (New Preston, Conn.)
- Cibolo Creek Ranch (Marfa, Texas)
- Libby Camps (Ashland, Maine)
- Denali Backcountry Lodge (Kantishna, Alaska)
- Blackberry Farm (Walland, Tenn.)
- Sundance Resort (Utah) pictured above
- Little Palm Island Resort & Spa (Little Torch Key, Fla.)
- Lake Quinault Lodge (Quinault, Wash.)
- Lake Powell Resorts& Marinas (Page, Ariz.)
- Devil's Thumb Ranch (Tabernash, Colo.)

Lookin' for some fun? Saddle up to one of the above... or share your experiences in the comments. Enjoy!

More green on the Worldwide Web

Taking it easy can be easy on the planet (New York Times)

Cali hotel with healthy, green guestrooms (Suite 101)

A green guide to Portland, Maine (WayWorded Blog)

Las Vegas strip going eco friendly? (World Hum)

Tourism businesses lift their green image (New Zealand Herald)

Green Giveaway: Zum To Go!

If you haven't caught on yet, Indigo Wild is one of my favorite brands and a definite go-to when I'm seeking out all-natural goodies for home or away. This gift pack, dubbed the Zum JuJu Pack, comes stuffed with a so-delicious-I-want-to-eat-it Lavender-Mint Zum Bar (goat's milk soap), Lavender Zum Glow soy candle (travel-sized), Lavender Mist Spray (for anywhere-body or bode), and a one-time body lotion sample. Retails for $31.00.

As every globetrotter knows, there's not much more comforting than lighting a familiar scent when you're tucked in a foreign bed, and this lovely candle does just the trick. It comes with a set of "Get Lit" Zum matches, natch.

Wanna win your own? We're giving away a JuJu Pack to one lucky winner... all you have to do is send your name in an e-mail by clicking here (just once will do it!). Entries will be accepted before August 22nd. We'll contact the winner in two weeks time for shipping info, and don't worry, we don't give away your information to anyone - for any reason.

Good luck!

Shopping green for travel goods

Travelers who enjoy a leisurely stroll through the clickable walkways of cyber malls just may fall head over heels for the new website: Greenzer.

A newbie to the lot of online, eco retailers, Greenzer is a site devoted to environmentally-kind purchases and offers more than 10,000 to choose from. A select few feature Greenzer Scores, too - a rating system that determine a product’s “greenness” and ranks them 0-10.

Eco shoppers can check out the Travel Department, where they'll find green go-to brands like Patagonia, Osprey, Juice Bags and Envirosax.

Greening your family reunion

Folks travel from near and far each summer to gather with families and feast on pot-luck. Well, at least my family does. And, according to the Travel Industry Association, one in every three adults has joined in the festivities in the past three years. While we keep our annual get together low-key and at a state park (most of us live within an hour or two from each other), I can't say that I mind the idea of some out-of-state bonding.

The Antlers at Vail, an eco-friendly property in Colorado that specializes in family reunions by offering big, breezy condos perfect for housing several generations, offers some tips for making your reunion a little greener.

Water Mark – Staying hydrated is always important. Consider providing family members with refillable water bottles when they arrive. Check the bottle’s recycling symbol; safe, non-toxic plastic options include 2 (high density polyethylene), 4 (low density polyethylene) or 5 (polypropylene).

Walk the Walk – Hold your reunion near plenty of attractions and activities to reduce driving – and appeal to family members of all ages. Look for bike trails, hiking and shuttle buses.

Picture Perfect - Disposable cameras are so last year. Go digital to eliminate chemical processing and waste. Camerarenter.com will rent your group digital cameras, fully insured, and even create a free picture sharing website for your family after the reunion.

Fresh Air – Choose a location with natural ventilation to reduce carbon emissions from air conditioning.

Can the Trash – Ask the catering department about its environmental practices, and choose a properties that uses china dishes, cutlery and linens plus bulk dispensers for condiments to reduce waste. Look for dedicated bins in guest rooms and public areas that also encourage recycling.

Bag It – Provide family members with an environmentally friendly tote bag to use during the reunion. A side benefit? It’s perfect for carrying groceries when guests return home.

Green Eats – Eating local food reduces transportation emissions, processing and packaging. Visit a farmers’ market for the freshest food and a fun, festival atmosphere.