Cruises

Thanks to everyone who participated in our contest week by commenting on our posts about Stainless Steel Cookware, Green Luggage, and Shades of Green at Home.  We used a random number generator to pick the winners. Here they are:

Amazon.com Gift Card: Suzanne

Good Life Water Bottle: Brooke

Eco Vessel Water Bottle: Jessiev

Lexus Dark Ride Cards:

Elizabeth

Jane

Dory

Manu

Shizuka

Nguyen

Angela

Melissa

Courtney

Jay

Congratulations to all the winners! We will be emailing you this weekend to get your address. (Or if you see your name on the list shoot us an email with your address and we’ll get your prize in the mail.)

originally posted at Go Green Travel Green

And the Winners Are…

A few weeks back, Andy Jarosz wrote a post about a restaurant that does not provide customers with tap water, and I suspect that is because too many people were asking for water, and not paying for drinks. Then today, I watched a video rant to hotels about them charging for a bottle of water.

Water for profit

Travel to any popular tourist hotspot and you will find that the modest bottle of water doubles in price. At the end of the day we live in a world where people in many countries have to travel for miles for water, we do take it for granted.

So should it be used as a way for hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions to make huge profit?

Stop purchasing from hotel mini bars

I refuse to purchase anything from hotel mini-bars because it is a complete rip off. They put it there because many people would rather pay the inflated price, than walk out of the hotel to the nearest supermarket. We should all stop using hotel mini-bars until they sell at retail price.

As usual, I would be interested to read your experiences and thoughts.

This post was syndicated from the Travel Rants Consumer Blog.

Rip off hotel mini bars and price of water at tourist hotspots

Let’s face it, the GreenDexes in many Lonely Planet guides don’t contain everything you want to know about traveling green in a country. Luckily, Dorian Yates is to the rescue with her Green Earth Guide Series.  These are the first destination specific, green focused, travel guides ever to be in print. We were sent free copies to review.

Here’s how Dorian Yates sums up traveling naturally:

1. Be Where You Are: Stay connected to the local environment by taking the time to see, feel, and appreciate where you are.

2. Tread Lightly: Ecofriendly, low-impact choices are good for nature, good for you, good for the environment, and good for the world.

The original, Green Earth Guide: France, offers a plethora of information about how to travel naturally in France. And Green Earth Guide: Spain, includes all the great information the France Guide does (tailored to Spain) plus a longer chapter of city and regional highlights.

Both books cover a range of topics. In the accommodation section there’s information about hostels, camping, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts, home exchanges, and eco-accommodations. 

As a foodie, I love the extra focus on food and dining in the Green Earth Guides. Green Earth Guides even provide information about farm stands, markets, and local products. The recreation section includes yoga and meditation spots. Plus there’s an entire section devoted to health, including specifics about acupuncture, homeopathy, and herbs and remedies. The shopping section lets you know what to buy organic and fair trade. And, it seems every guidebook should take from Ms. Yate’s chapter on thrift stores.  (I have a favorite sweater from a thrift store in Ireland. Ever since that find I’ve enjoyed browsing other countries’ secondhand shops). A final great section includes a wide range of information about ecocompanies – from organic wineries, to breweries, to wind energy.

These guidebooks also provide basic resources about language, transportation and communication. However, if you’re looking for great maps you’ll want to stop by a tourist bureau as that’s one area the Green Earth Guides don’t focus on.

One of the most refreshing aspects of the Green Earth Guides is Ms. Yates’ style. Unlike many mass-produced guidebooks, you can read a chapter and hear her voice coming through the pages. Sentences aren’t choppy and fragmented. Instead, it’s more like reading a novel – just the way travel guides used to be. Even if you’re just contemplating a trip to France or Spain, pick up a Green Earth Guide. For under on Amazon  you’ll have a great read.

Note: We were provided free copies of both guides for review. Also, this post may contain affiliate links.

originally posted at Go Green Travel Green

Green Earth Guide: Traveling Naturally in France and Spain

Want to win a Amazon.com gift certificate, a stainless steel water bottle, or a Lexus discount card?

Two weeks ago we hosted Contest Week. We have 13 prizes to give away. And so far we only have 13 entries. You don’t have to be a math major to realize that your chances of winning are pretty good.

Deadline is this Wednesday at Midnight CST. Winners will be posted on Thursday.

All you have to do is comment on one if the following posts to be entered to win one of our prizes.  Comment on all 3 posts to have 3x the chance of winning!

Shades of Green: At Home – In which areas of your home life can you be a little bit greener?

Stainless Steel Cookware: Set Showdown ( gift certificate from this post only) – Fumes from nonstick pans can kill birds. Doesn’t that make you wonder how they affect your health?

Green Luggage – 6 Easy Steps to Buying Green Luggage

Winners will be randomly selected using the random number generator. US only please (as we’re footing the shipping bill).

originally posted at Go Green Travel Green

Last Chance to Win – 100% odds, so far…

This is the second in a series of three posts offering advice to holidaymakers heading off on holiday this summer. In this post I have added some useful tips that will save you money in the hope that you will spend less time worrying about money, and more time enjoying your holiday.

I have also included the answers to two questions that I am asked a lot; how much spending money should I take on holiday? Where are the best places to exchange currency? I explain how you can still enjoy expensive destinations like Venice, by changing your spending behaviour while on holiday.

Here is my list of travel money saving tips.

Stick to a daily budget

Before I travel I look at what I want to do. I look at the cost for entrance to tourist attractions that I want to visit. I research what public transport ticket options I can purchase and how much it will cost to get around. Then add in the cost of food, drink, and money for gifts etc.

I then have an estimated amount for spending money. It’ll not be exact, but it’s better than just pulling a figure out of the air and then finding that you cannot afford to do the things you had planned. In Oslo I saved money by purchasing a tourist pass that included transport and entrance to museums.

Book accommodation outside of the main tourist area

When I told friends that I was staying in a hotel away from the main island in Venice they told me that I was making a huge mistake. I stayed at a hotel in Mestre, a ten minute bus ride away, and the cost of the hotel was 45% cheaper than the main island. The bus service was regular, and reliable.

So, my advice is, if cost is the main factor in your holiday search, try not to stay in the main tourist areas. Look at places nearby with a good public transport network to where you want to visit. Finding a parking space in unfamiliar towns and cities can be a nightmare, so catching a bus is a lot less stressful.

Go local to find the cheapest restaurants and bars

I am using my trip to Venice as an example again, but, a few people told me to ‘get lost’ to find the best restaurants and bars. It’s true; you’ll pay up to 50% less by finding places that the locals use. Not only is the food cheaper but it tastes a lot nicer. You will also avoid those rip-off tourist restaurant menus and rates.

Remember you pay more in a restaurant with good views and location. Rather than paying a huge amount for a meal, go to a supermarket and create your own picnic. I sat eating my €2 sandwich on the Grand Canal while the people behind me, in the restaurant, paid €25 for a soup starter.

Change your spending behaviour

When I went to Kos a few years back, I was short of money because it was close to pay-day. So I planned my spending to make sure my money stretched to the end of they holiday. The daily lunchtime beer in a bar was replaced with a drink back on the balcony of my apartment.

Visit a supermarket that the locals use. Making a few sandwiches is much cheaper than eating at restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rather than paying for a taxi, walk, or use public transport. Making a few changes to how you spend money is not going to ruin your holiday; it’ll mean less stress when you receive the bank or credit card statement.

Cut the bank card costs

I have a Nationwide account because within Europe, if I withdraw any money, I do not get charged. I also have a FairFX prepaid card, which I applied for online. There are no fees for adding money, but you will pay €1.50 to withdraw cash from an ATM. I take both when going on holiday.

There are loads of different options on debit and prepaid cards, so it is worth shopping around. While I am on the topic of cards, it is a good idea to speak with your bank prior to going on holiday to tell them that you will be using it abroad. I have heard of banks freezing accounts because of suspicious activity.

Best currency exchange rates

Finally, a question I am asked a lot is where the best places to exchange my money are. Unless you are exchanging large amounts of money I wouldn’t spend time searching for the best rate. If you do want to shop around, then compare the high-street with online. You tend to find higher rates online, they will deliver, but it can take up to two weeks.

Hopefully this post has provided you with some travel money saving tips for your next holiday.

This post was syndicated from the Travel Rants Consumer Blog.

Travel money saving tips for your summer holiday

This is the first in a series of three posts offering travel consumer tips for the summer holidays. It drives me crazy when I receive emails from consumers who has received a huge medical bill, or, have had items lost or stolen but didn’t take out travel insurance.

Travel insurance is inexpensive if you shop around for the right policy, so no excuses. The problem is that there are many companies offering insurance and different types of policies. I have often ranted on this blog that there needs to be more transparency when it comes to travel insurance.

Here are my tips for buying travel insurance:

Don’t focus on price

Most holidaymakers I suspect will go for the cheapest policies, but, look at the policy and make sure that it includes, at minimum, cover for medical expenses, personal liability, cancellation, baggage and cash. Look at the values, and ask yourself would this cover you.

Look at the type of holiday

Make sure that the type of holiday that you are going on matches the insurance policy. So, if you think that you might take part in any water sports, or skiing that you are covered for these activities, do not try to save a few pounds, it’s not worth it if something bad happens.

The travel insurance policy should include a list of activities you are covered for. It is advisable to check with the company if you cannot see any activities that you might participate in included in the list. I have seen policies that haven’t included cover for walking over hilly or rough terrain. So check the list.

Think about scheduled airline failure insurance

It has been a while since the last airline went bust, but, you can never be too sure. Purchasing insurance that includes airline failure means you are covered the airline goes bust and you have to find your way home. Recommended for people who book their own accommodation and flight.

Look at the different types of travel insurance

For those who travel once a year then single-trip policy would be fine, but, if you take a few short breaks and holidays through the year then you might save money by buying an annual or multi-trip policy. Then there’s insurance for backpackers, families etc.

A few months back I received an email from a consumer who had chosen a European travel policy for their trip to Hong Kong, rather than the worldwide policy. They had a number of items stolen but the insurance company would not pay out.

Be open about your health

Make sure you mention any pre-existing medical issues, or illnesses you have, because not disclosing them could result in your claim being rejected. I read a story a few years ago about an man went on a family holiday in Florida, and was hospitalised.

The insurance company didn’t pay out because he had not highlighted a pre-existing medical condition.

Read the small print and check out excesses

I cannot stress this enough. Read the small print. Most of the complaints that I have received from consumers has been because they haven’t read the policy in full, and when they have tried to claim, the insurance company has not paid out because of a disclaimer in the small print.

Have I missed anything? I am happy for travel insurance companies to jump in and add their own tips, but, please no advertising, and use your real name, not a SEO stuffed keyword. If consumers have any tips, that would be great too.

This post was syndicated from the Travel Rants Consumer Blog.

Tips for buying travel insurance

We had a wonderful New Zealand trip. Seven nights in a decked-out KEA campervan and one night in incredible eco bed and breakfast, the Great Ponsonby, (full reviews of both later) resulted in a very memorable vacation. 

The sights were fantastic, but because of what friends and readers had told me, I went into the trip knowing the scenery would be beautiful. So some of the best parts of our New Zealand trip were the small surprises. Here are a few of them.

Free Coffee and Tea at the Airport

We arrived at the Auckland Airport at 6 a.m. local time, tired and dazed from a 16 hour journey. A friendly hospitality booth near the baggage claim provided us and our fellow passengers with free coffee and tea. The caffeine and smiling faces were a great way to start our trip.

New Zealand Friendliness

Minnesota, where we currently live, is well known for “Minnesota nice.” People are generally friendly. New Zealand Friendliness topped Minnesota Nice by a long shot. Everywhere we went people took time to engage us in conversation. Even while checking out at the Pak-N-Save supermarket, the cashier went beyond mundane small talk and instead asked us questions about where we were from and where we were going in New Zealand. New Zealanders were always happy to provide advice and suggestions.

Public Restrooms

Unlike most other places in the world, where a public restroom is hard to come by (especially a free one), New Zealand had free public restrooms almost every few blocks.

Pavlova

My friend Alison, who currently lives in New Zealand, told me that New Zealanders love their Pavlova. So of course I immediately found some to try. Pavlova is a type of meringue – but unlike many US meringues it’s not crunchy all the way through. Pavlova has a light crispy crust and a soft, melt-in-your mouth middle. It reminded me of a cross between meringue and angel food cake. Now I just need to find a good pavlova recipe to make at home.

Gold Kiwi

All the kiwis I remember having in my life have a green middle. But in New Zealand we consumed at least 5 kilograms of gold kiwi. Gold kiwi are a little sweeter than green kiwi and they are delicious.

Kea Birds

Alison (the friend who lives in New Zealand) also told us stories about how Kea birds are known for stealing items (like shoes) from campsites. Then we visited Rainbow Springs where we met Jenny, a Kea bird that loves people and cries when you leave her.

Qualmark Rankings

Qualmark is the country’s national ranking agency. It’s similar to AAA rankings, except it’s an official partnership between the New Zealand Automobile Association and Tourism New Zealand. Their ratings were reliable and they even have a comprehensive environmental rating system. Honestly it’s the best and most universal environmental rating system I’ve seen.

These were some of the most surprising and best parts of our New Zealand trip. We’ll post more details, reviews, and photos in upcoming weeks.

Full disclosure: Our trip to New Zealand was sponsored in part by Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand.

originally posted at Go Green Travel Green

New Zealand Trip: Best Of

Whenever I travel I always buy a tacky souvenir, it’s something that I have done for years. I also always buy my mum a fridge magnet, she has them from around the world, it impresses anyone that goes around to her house because they think she is well travelled.

Snow globes from around the world

My collection includes a beer mug from Berlin and Prague, snow globes from Venice, New York and the Netherlands. Then there’s the wooden viking from Oslo, and small pewter tankard from Kuala Lumpur. They all remind me of the fun I’ve had travelling though.

Your tacky travel souvenirs

I am hoping to go to Paris later this year, so yes; I will be purchasing a tacky Eiffel tower. A friend buys a sticker from each destination and puts them on her suitcase. What is the tackiest travel souvenir that you have purchased on your travels, or do you collect something unusual.

This post was syndicated from the Travel Rants Consumer Blog.

Tacky travel souvenirs confession

Millions of Brits will be heading off on their holidays as soon as the schools close in the summer, and it is surprising that even the basics people can forget. In this post I want to provide you with tips on how to ruin your summer holiday. In other words do the complete opposite!

Here are my ten tips on how to ruin your summer holiday.

Before you go on holiday

- Let your passport expire and then alter the expiry date with a felt tip pen.
- Pack your favourite illegal drugs in your socks, no one will find them.
- Pack fireworks for your 10th wedding anniversary party on the beach.
- Write down your pin number on a sticky note and stick it to your credit card.
- Leave your door open with a sign informing people that you are on holiday.

While you are on holiday

- Don’t protect your skin from the sunshine and spend your holiday in bed with sunstroke.
- Flash your gadgets and wallet full of Euros at holidaymakers sat around the pool.
- Drink 15 pints of beer and dance naked on the roof of a police car.
- Go bungee jumping without travel insurance and break both legs and arms.
- Let the kids attempt to swim the Atlantic Ocean unattended.

Obviously, I am not suggesting people should dance naked on a police car, the point I am making is that holidaymakers should use common sense and not leave their brain at home. So, what other tips would you add to my list? Feel free to add them in the comments.

This post was syndicated from the Travel Rants Consumer Blog.

Ten easy tips on how to ruin your summer holiday

After a long hike on a hot day there is nothing better than a large cold drink. So when we recently finished a wonderful walk in the Yorkshire Dales and sat down in the garden of the attractive looking Cottage Tea Room in Kettlewell.

Tap water not seved here

We were ready for lunch and a chance to cool down with a glass of water. It was to our surprise that we saw written on the menu “Please kindly note tap water is not served”. Not to worry I thought; they want to avoid people passing through and just sitting down asking for a free glass of water.

We were still confident that having ordered a meal for four and a round of drinks this denial of water would not apply to us; particularly when we asked the waitress and mentioned our thirst and need for simple and rapid replenishment.

The legalities of not serving water

But no; she repeated the line that we had already heard her give to other guests, “sorry, we don’t serve tap water”. I have a problem with this on many levels. Firstly, I don’t know if it’s legally allowed to refuse to serve water: perhaps someone can clarify here?

Lost business for a cup of water

Secondly, it may stem from a wish to prevent people spending next to nothing and hogging the small number of tables, it was self-defeating as we chose to go elsewhere for our desserts, purely down to this point. A couple of glasses of tap water would have probably increased our bill by another £15.

More basic than this however is the simple principle of good customer service. Keep your customers happy and they will go away and sing your praises. What could possibly be gained from annoying people by this refusal?

Petty, short sighted or unfriendly

We saw others ask and be disappointed by the inability to get a humble glass of water. The impression that is given, rightly or wrongly, is of a business that is short-sighted, petty and more bothered about enforcing unfriendly rules than about providing their customers with a decent service.

I have no doubt that the decision to refuse to serve tap water is based on financial grounds. I hope that those owners who continue this unreasonable practice eventually realise that the denial of this basic request by their customers is perhaps one of the single most harmful actions they can do to those finances that they are trying to protect.

Andy Jarosz owns and edits the popular travel blog 501 Places, featuring stories from travels around the world and comments on travel related issues. He also writes regularly for BP in several of their corporate publications and is a freelance copywriter. You can follow Andy on Twitter and read his blog.

This post was syndicated from the Travel Rants Consumer Blog.

No tap water is served at this restaurant