Green Getaways / Eco Escapes / Local Travel
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Need a car-free getaway by train or greener escape by car within a day's drive of the city? Maybe you'd just like to be kinder to the planet? We need to conserve! If the term "eco" or "green-travel" just conjures up images of saving the rain forest or whale watching excursions - think again!
Green Getaways A-Z! - In May 2010, we launched green packages with our flagship green destination - Saratoga Springs, NY! We add more GREEN packages and destinations every month, so keep checking back!
Saratoga County
Saratoga! The name conjures images of horse racing, luxurious spa treatments, and one of the most celebrated main streets anywhere in the United States. You can read about all those things and more in EscapeMaker's profile of Saratoga Springs. But it's...
Profiled Destinations:
Featured Packages:
SARATOGA SPRINGS IS A STRAIGHT SHOT- AFFORDABLE HOME- CLOSE TO THE RACES!
Stay at our comfortable home about 45 minutes from Saratoga. Enjoy the races during the day and relax at the beach, in the hot tub or around the fire pit at night!
Cut the Cord Getaway
Come learn about our all solar Buckthorn Lodge and how you too can become more earth friendly and energy independent. We will walk through the steps of planning and building an off-grid or net-metering solar system. 2 nights B&B in deluxe...
Green Getaway Rating:
Be sure to patronize lodgings that have conducted a self-audit and have rates themselves as a "Green Getaway" with 0 - 3 Butterflies in 9 areas of Energy, Water, Air and Sustainability. See our guidelines.Does your innkeeper recycle, compost or use solar energy? Do they loan bikes out? Maybe your hotel will pick you up at the train or bus depot or provide a free shuttle to attractions? Call around and find out - remember, they want your business! If you plan on travelling locally this summer, you can still be good to the Earth while enjoying your trip. With a little planning and a dash of forethought, you'll save water, energy and best of all, the planet!
Green Travel Tips:
Practice a few of the tips below on your next getaway and you'll be surprised at how easy and effortless it is to be "green." Your small efforts will contribute to the larger good and perhaps educate others along the way.
1. Travel in the off-season or mid-week. The seasonal peaks of travelers contribute to over-development and over-crowding. Avoid crowds and contribute to the local economy when it needs it the most.
2. Use the public transportation system or bring your bike to get around. Escapemaker.com always gives you transporation alternatives for every destination we review. Ask your innkeepers about renting or borrowing bikes on site.
3. Conserve water! Tell the cleaning staff you'd like to reuse your towels and linens instead of having them changed daily.
4. Patronize carry in/out parks that encourage protecting the environment. Consider picking up 1 piece of discarded trash a day. If everyone did this we'd have much cleaner beaches and parks.
5. Try your luck at camping! There's no better way to get back to nature but make sure you leave your campsite just the way you found it.
6. Do not remove any wildlife, marine life or indigenous plants from their environment. Remember only YOU decided to leave home, not them!
7. Seek out local souvenirs to support the local economy.
8. If you must have wheels, consider renting an RV or a travel trailer. At least you'll save costs on lodging and meals, plus you'll use less water and consume less packaging by cooking for yourself. Some newer models even offer compost bins!
9. When eating out, try the local dishes. By doing this, you support local business and you will not be contributing to the fuel waste of importing food from far away.
10. Only purchase snacks and beverages in recyclable containers -- and then recycle them!
