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“Today we’ve seen increased number of confirmed cases in several countries,” WHO spokesman Paul Garwood told The Associated Press. “WHO is very concerned about the number of cases that are appearing, and the fact that more and more cases are appearing in different countries.”

The European Union Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou urged Europeans to consider not traveling to parts of the United States and Mexico affected by swine flu. The number of U.S. cases doubled to 40, none fatal, and have been reported in Ohio, Kansas, New York, Texas and California. Worldwide there were 73 cases, including six in Canada, one in Spain and two in Scotland. The epicenter of the outbreak, Mexico, has seen nearly 2,000 cases of the flu.

To determine whether or not your travel destination has been affected by the swine flu, consult with the local area embassy or the local news. There is an excellent Google Mashups Map tracking documented cases, suspect cases, and false alarms worldwide, that should help all travelers.

Prague- “The Paris of the East”- While the rest of Europe bears the scars of the wars of the last century, Prague is unmarked, beautiful, and cherishes its history. Its castle sits high on a hill, watching over her beautiful city, full of chapels, winding roads, ancient buildings, and modern additions. The pedestrian Charles Bridge welcomes artists and photographers of all types to enjoy her offerings. Prague boasts many nightclubs and bars on every street in every neighborhood. The ancient cobblestone streets twist around historic old buildings, leading to bustling plazas, and modern malls. Best of all, Prague and the rest of the Czech Republic is known for its very cheap travel!

Budapest- More cosmopolitan than Prague more romantic than Warsaw and more beautiful than both, Budapest straddles a gentle curve in the Danube, with the Buda Hills to the west and the start of the Great Plain to the east. With parks brimming with attractions, museums filled with treasures, pleasure boats sailing up and down the scenic Danube Bend, the Hungarian capital is one of Europe’s most desirable gems. Budapest possesses a rich and fascinating history as well as a magical culture.  It has also been called the City of Spas, as there are a dozen thermal baths complexes served by over a hundred natural thermal springs.

Krakow- The third most popular destination of Eastern Europe is the Polish gem of Krakow. Visiting Krakow is a refreshing break from much of European travel, where similar cities blend together, and the dominance of western culture makes you question if you ever left the U.S. Krakow offers visitors cobblestone streets, old world charm, and over 100 historic churches, the former Jewish district with its 7 synagogues, 3 gigantic Gothic churches and more than 800 of pubs.

Be sure to check out CheapOair’s top travel deals to Europe!

Taking a green and responsible approach to travel is an easy and essential way to protect the places you love to visit, not just for yourself but for the travelers who come after you and for the people who will continue to live there long after you’ve flown home.

Fly Green

Airplanes are the major culprits and biggest contributors to the carbon emission equation, so in a perfect world we should try to reduce the usage. But we can’t always avoid flying, can we?

So when you do fly, consider the following-

• Bring your own stuff rather than using the disposable stuff offered by airlines.

• Always offset you travel. Buy a carbon offset. This is the easiest and most convenient way to reduce the impact of carbon emission on nature.

Choose a Green Hotel

Now that you have off-set your air travel and reached your destination the next step is to find a “Green Hotel”.

Search for an Eco Hotel or green hotels in the region. Make sure that you have done the ground work and checked about the hotel and its amenities before booking. Some questions that you can ask is:

• Who runs the hotel? Is it locally owned or not? Go for hotel that is locally owned and operated, thereby contributing more to the local economy and development.

• Do they have any kind of recycling procedure in place? Many hotels will mention this on their website if it is a priority for them, e.g. the Marriott Spirit to Preserve.

• How do they contribute towards the energy consumption? Or even easier just ask how they contribute towards “Green Travel.”

Most of the hotels are aware of this terminology and more often than not will welcome your questions.

Cedar House Inn & Yurts, Dahlonega, Georgia- this eco friendly hotel is located in the heart of the Georgia Mountains and wine country. Embracing passive solar principles, low electrical consumption, and recycling waste the Cedar House Inn defines “green.”

Seaport Boston, Boston, USA- distinguishing itself as a deluxe hotel, with swift access to Logan Airport and Boston’s downtown, this hotel strives to keep the environment clean through the Seaport Saves initiative. This groundbreaking environmental program is dedicated to increasing sustainability and conservation throughout all aspects of the organization.

Black Sheep Inn, Ecuador- certified by Ecuador Ecotourism Society the hotel supports community and conservation of nature. Located in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador, this rural eco-lodge is a perfect place to discover centuries-old culture and diverse ecosystems. Without compromising on the comfort factor, the hotel offers a perfect example of how we can effectively contribute towards the cause of environment.

WhitePod, Switzerland- winner of the “Responsible Tourism Awards for Innovation in 2005”, Whitepod offers an unforgettable mountain experience. This hi-tech eco-camp, high in the Swiss Alps, offers the ultimate in the highest standards of luxury and adventure while still keeping environmentally friendly.

Algonquin Eco Lodge, Ontario, Canada- beautifully secluded amidst remote Algonquin forests, with a combination of alternative energy sources, the Eco-Lodge still provides all the finer comforts. Famous for its cross-country skiing, dog sledding, hiking, canoeing, and mountain biking, the hotel promises a true wilderness experience.
The Eco Lodge strives toward making the stay of guests a memorable experience.

Eco hotels normally work very hard to achieve a balance and harmony between nature and comfort. They take initiatives to ensure that their presence does not disturb the nature and employ local people so that it can contribute towards the community.  Many major chain hotels are also instituting water conservation and recycling policies. But they are only as effective as the guests that choose to honor them. Travel green! And be environmentally savvy!

]]> http://travelblogz.wordpress.com/2009/04/23/environmentally-friendly-hotels/feed/ 4 travelblogger http://travelblogz.wordpress.com/2009/04/22/cheapoairs-top-green-friendly-cities/ http://travelblogz.wordpress.com/2009/04/22/cheapoairs-top-green-friendly-cities/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:01:20 +0000 travelbloger http://cheapoair.wordpress.com/?p=1106 […]]]> In honor of Earth Day this week we bring you a list of the most widely respected green U.S. Cities.

Madison, Wisconsin

Since 2003 the city has made major steps towards becoming a green city. Madison is now a national leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy, which also supports the city’s economic vitality. Wisconsin’s Green Built Home program is an award winning green building initiative that reviews and certifies new homes and remodeling projects that meet sustainable building and energy standards, and earns Madison a place among the top green cities.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco has passed major initiatives to promote greener activities and policies. Among them:

• Zero Waste Initiative: Reaching a stage of zero wastage and striving towards landfills or incinerator free environment

• Toxic Reduction: Offering citizens practical and informative solutions to protect themselves and nature against this threat.

• Energy Conservation: Achieves this through energy efficiency in buildings, transit alternatives, alternative vehicle fuels, and generating electricity with renewable energy.

Portland, Oregon

Often known for its outdoor lifestyle, and environmental endeavors, Portland has now come up with the “Green Building Program” which actively supports and promotes innovative green building practices. The city is a leader in green development practices and sustainable storm water management. From green buildings to restoring rivers and improving the air quality, Portland defines “green city.”

Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Cedar Lake Regional Trail – First bicycle freeway in the nation.

• Parks for all – Every Minneapolis resident lives within six blocks of a park.

• Nation’s largest urban sculpture garden – Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

• Green city vehicles—The city is turning its vehicle fleet green by adding flex-fuel vehicles (running on 85 percent ethanol fuel) and hybrid-electric vehicles.

• Rewards for thinking green—Also in 2007, Minneapolis began awarding micro-grants to motivate residents and businesses in efforts to reduce global warming.

• Walk, don’t drive!
• Use public or mass transit, rather than renting a car or a taxi, when possible.
• When using a rental car, ask for a hybrid.
• Make the choice to stay at an affordable green hotel.
• Visit a website such as Go Green Travel Green for tips and advice on how to “green” your travels.
• Carry your own water bottle, and avoid using the plastic bottles sold in hotels and airports.
• When staying in hotels, ask if you can deposit your “trash” in a recycle bin, rather than the main trash can.

2. Machu Picchu- One of the most popular and challenging hikes, the Inca Trail, this Peruvian mountain rises 8,000 ft above sea level.

3. Lake Titicaca- Situated between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the most alluring lake in South America. Sitting at over 3800 meters above sea level, a tour of Titicaca calls visitors from around the world.

4. Galapagos Islands- From the flora and fauna, to the volcanic geology, to the wildlife only found on this archipelago off of the Ecuadorean coast, the Galapagos is a nature and conservation lovers dream.

5. Patagonia- Covering 5 provinces of Argentina, (Rio Negro, Neuquén, Chubut, Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego), Patagonia has a surface of 880.000 km². This southern tip and cone of South America is cold, mountainous, rugged, rural, and beautiful. It is also the seasonal home of the Magellan Penguins!

Pop quiz: What is the capital city of Brazil?

Brasilia, not Rio de Janeiro. But don’t feel bad if you got this wrong because Rio de Janeiro was the capital until 1960!

Must see attractions

• Ipanema Beach – Gorgeous beach located between Leblon and Arpoador

• Cristo Redentor – an icon of Rio de Janeiro, it is 120 feet tall from the pedestal.

• Lapa – it is famous for its Arcos da Lapa an aqueduct built in the middle of the 18th century to bring fresh water from Carioca river.

• Pão de Açúcar – also known as Sugar Loaf Mountain it is 1299 feet above sea level.

• Maracanã  - this football stadium was built for when Brazil hosted the 1950 FIFA World Cup.

Soccer/Football

Over in Brazil, soccer is a religion and a visit to Maracanã is a must see. Catch the latest matches played by rival teams Flamengo, Vasco, Fluminense, Botafogo

Essential Football Phrases

Uma cerveja – A beer

Desculpe, onde fica o estádio? – Excuse me, where is the stadium

Este é o meu lugar – That’s my seat

Que golo! – What a goal!

Que jogo – What a game!

Local Tips!

Looking for an excellent market full of alternative trinkets be sure to visit Praça General Osório in Ipanema every Sunday.

I have been advised by a local that it important to haggle whenever possible. Especially if you are buying a drink on the beach. Make sure that you ask how much before you buy. As a rough guideline I have been told that you should not pay more than R$3.00 for a beer, no more than R$6.00 for a Caipirinha, though apparently if you play your cards right you can get one for R$3.00! Or so I am told.

Basic Portuguese

Sim – Yes

Não – No

Muito prazer em conhecer – Pleased to meet you

Olá – Hello

Adeus – Good bye

Orbrigado (male) Obrigada (female) – Thank you.

O meu nome é – My name is

Fala inglês? – Do you speak english?

Desculpe, não falo português – I’m sorry, I don’t speak Portugese

Preciso de ajuda – I need help.

Onde é o lavabo, faz favor? – Where is the toilet please?

How to get there

Lowest travel deals to Rio on Tam Linhas Aereas starting at $230 each way!

Save even more by using coupon code ‘TAM20′ to save $20 off your flight to Brazil