Monday, August 6, 2007

In the post-An Inconvenient Truth world, flying has been targeted as one of the larger culprits that contribute to global warming. To counter-act carbon dioxide and other greenhouse-gas emissions from flights, a new breed of business sells carbon offsets; the money is used to help avert climate change, often by planting trees or investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. So which companies deserve your donation? Asking a couple of questions helps narrow the field. read more

• Ecotourism: How to Tell If a Hotel Is Green
• The BT Minute: Baby Steps to Save the Earth

Next time you visit the Big Island, why not skip the fancy resort and hop in a VW camper van? Sharon and Gary Berg, owners of Hilo-based G.B. Adventures, rent out a fleet of pop-up camper vans that are ideal for touring the island's stunning beaches, parks, and volcanoes. The vans sleep four and are equipped with sinks, stoves, and mini fridges—even beach towels and island maps. A weeklong itinerary that circles the Big Island might go something like this… read post

• The Fruits of Visiting Whistler Off-season
  Organic farms in Pemberton Valley open to visitors on August 19 as part of a free…
• News from Alitalia, Northwest, and American
  An airfare sale to Italy, a continued pilot shortage, and an in-flight Wi-Fi test are…
• Being Polite Overseas
  A reader offers his tip for dealing with the ultra-polite French and…

GoGo Worldwide Vacations has just launched a series of packages for the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, and the U.S., tailored specifically to solo travelers. Wine tastings, dance lessons, and other activities meant to encourage mingling are included, and you can opt for a private room at a 30 percent discount off the typical solo rate, or request to be paired with a roommate. read more

• Who's Friendly to Solo Travelers?
• One for the Road: Solo Travel Tips from Experts

Airfare and six nights in breezy, glamorous Nice, from $669 per person—plus taxes and fees of up to $185. why it's a deal

• Secret Hotels of the French Riviera
• Why Haven't You Heard of Sanary, France?
• Hot Property: Marseille's Hotel Le Corbusier

Discounted hotel and fly/drive packages for one of Canada's most appealing—and most French—cities, from $117 per night. why it's a deal

• Quebec City Courts the Crowds
• Podcast: Quebec City
• Quebec's Nordic-Style Spas

Robert Fisher, editor of Fodor's Vienna to Salzburg, answers your questions on Tuesday, August 7, at noon (ET).
Submit a question now

If you don't know which side of the rental car the gas tank is on, look at the instrument panel—there's often an arrow next to the fuel-pump symbol that shows which side of the car needs to be facing the pump. —Joe Chan, El Macero, Calif. read more

• Check our Car Rentals special section for more strategies and advice!

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