Is it possible to travel green?  How?

1.  Take a train or bus to your destination.  This will minimize your individual CO2 emissions significantly.  Bus travel is the least expensive option.  Train travel is an enjoyable way to see parts of the U.S. or other countries that you may not normally be exposed to.

2.  If you must drive, drive a hybrid or similar.  Several of the major car rental companies have begun to rent hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid.  In addition, there are a number of specialty vehicle rental companies that can supply hybrids, natural gas vehicles and cars that run on biodiesel.

3.  If you must fly, fly direct.  The majority of fuel is burnt on takeoff and landing.  So logically, the fewer takeoffs and landings you have per trip, the less your carbon emissions.

4.  Purchase carbon credits or offsets to balance the carbon emissions caused by your travels.

Take the "How Green Is My Destination" quiz from The Sierra Club here:  http://www.sierraclub.org/howgreen/destination

Visit Journeypod.com to discover the world's best Eco-Friendly destinations.

Explore Unique Ecosystems and Eco-Destinations

Now is the time to visit polar regions such as Antarctica, Scandinavia and Mt. Kilimanjaro in Kenya, before the polar ice caps and glaciers melt further.  The Galapagos Islands, Great Barrier Reef, Madagascar and the rainforests of the Amazon and Costa Rica offer unparalleled glimpses at amazing indigenous wildlife and plants.  Bengal tigers in India, mountain gorillas in Africa and polar bears in Northern Canada are all species at risk for extinction - traveling to their native habitat now can bring needed tourism dollars and participating in locally-organized expeditions will help try to keep these species from extinction.  You can also gain a new perspective by visiting destinations where conservation and sustainability are at the forefront, such as Reykjavik, Iceland, which uses geothermal energy to heat the city sidewalks or the Netherlands, which is pioneering green buildings and development.

If you're visiting Belize to see the Mayan ruins, try out the Tranquility Bay Resort, one of the country's most popular eco-friendly resorts.  The resort has 11 beachfront cabanas in a stunning location within Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.