Monday, April 20, 2009

Pricey eco-resorts no longer own the hotel high road—with the major chains now more environmentally minded, anyone can afford to think about the planet. read more

• Smackdown: Which Ecolodge Guidebook Is Best?

We asked, and you came through with beautiful photos that celebrate America's varied landscapes—from coast to coast and from Hawaii to Alaska. read more

It's official: The EPA just declared that carbon dioxide (CO2) is a pollutant threatening public health. Many companies sell offsets, which promise to compensate for your share of the CO2 that planes, trains, and cars spew out during your travels. But some offsets make a clearer difference. get the details

Renting a hybrid is not impossible, as long as you know how to hone your search. read more

• Blog: Enterprise Adds 5,000 Hybrid Cars
• Blog: Rent a Hybrid in Paris for Next to Nothing?
• Rental-Car Agencies Upgrade Fleets With GPS

After receiving hundreds of complaints annually, United Airlines has introduced a new policy for obese passengers. They will either be moved to two empty, adjacent seats, or will have to deplane and board a subsequent flight with more available seating—possibly at the cost of a second ticket. What do you think? Get the details and join the debate. read post

• Tour du Jour: A Mystery-Theater Tour Hits Hollywood
• JetBlue Offers Frequent-Flier Miles for Pets
• Video Quest: Swim Where Jason Mraz Filmed the "I'm Yours" Video
• Best Value in River Cruising for 2009
• Renting a Bike Nationwide Just Got Much Easier

We're happy to report that BudgetTravel.com is one of five nominees this year for a Webby Award in the Travel category. The four other websites are all super-innovative, in our humble opinion: &beyond, Kayak, LonelyPlanet.com, and Tripkick. This year's winners will be announced on May 5. Meanwhile, you and everyone else in the country are invited to vote in a separate Webby People's Voice Award. read more

In honor of Earth Day on April 22, we're highlighting packages that include volunteer opportunities, charitable donations, and discounts for driving a hybrid in Boston, L.A., New York, Costa Rica, and beyond. Rates start at $109. why they're a deal

• More Deals: Nature Appreciation, National Parks, Under $500
• Beat the Crowds: When to Visit National Parks

This two-week, small-group tour takes you from Hanoi, Vietnam, to Hong Kong, and includes a cruise along Halong Bay and bike rides though rural Chinese landscapes, for $1,299. why it's a deal

• More Deals: Culture, Asia, Adventure
• Food Crawl: The Dish on Saigon, Vietnam
• Lose the Crowds in Northern Vietnam
• A Family Trip to Hong Kong

With these totes fashioned from scrap materials, you can now carry on guiltlessly. Who knew there was a second calling for retired airplane seats? read more

• Bring Your Own: Reusable Chopsticks

Budget Travel Magazine: Subscribe or Give a Gift Not a print subscriber? The world's most useful travel magazine costs just $12 for 10 issues—or $20 for 20 issues! Take a look inside. Subscribe Now! Give a Gift Subscriber Services

ADVERTISEMENT