While the whole concept of an eco hotel conjures up hefty price tags, The Gaia Anderson was extremely reasonable ($125 a night) and while small,it sports an on-site organic restaurant, a spa and pool and comfy rooms. The boys enjoyed swimming in the saline filter pool…a concept I’ve been learning to like a lot since I learned about the hazards of chlorine. I enjoyed walks through the pesticide free, native plant stocked gardens. And my friend raved about the organic cotton comforters on each bed to the point where she became the subject of six-year-old ridicule.

Since none of us had ever stayed at an eco hotel before, it became a game for us to try to find all of the environmentally friendly points. The boys located the recycling bins in each room and the ‘Do Not Disturb” sign made from recyclable and reusable foam. My friend pulled back the organic sheets and mattress to uncover beds from Cost Plus made from sustainably harvested wood.

We noted the dispensers in each shower for shampoo, conditioner and body wash, though since they weren’t labeled we not really sure if we washed our hair with soap or shampoo…maybe there’s not really a difference. But we did recognize the large refillable containers (no small or often “take home” size containers here) of EO lotion and hand soap on each counter…yum.

The organic continental breakfast in the lobby was a bit disappointing – organic, yes, well- balanced not really since it consisted primarily of organic pastries. But with the on-site organic restaurant opening next month, I’m guessing the offerings will expand.

I have to admit, we liked this hotel so much, though we drove 30 minutes north to get a bit closer to the attractions of Mt. Shasta, intending to spend a few days at a different hotel… after one night we returned to the Gaia.

And the boys proclaimed, “Ah…home sweet home” as we entered the courtyard. My friend and I had to agree.

Related Posts About Eco Travel:

Summer Vacations that Create a Green Tomorrow

Eco Trips for Families

Carbon Offsetting the Family Vacation

Fortunately, some hotels and travel companies are getting the message and are making changes to help conserve and reduce impact. Several options exist to minimize your footprint on the road and in the skies this summer.

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Sara, why is it so important to rest and disconnect?
“Life is about balance, and I know first hand that life can be extremely busy. Sometimes you have to be able to react and work at that busy pace. In order to do that and avoid burnout you must take time to relax. For me, I can have eight extremely busy days on the road, but then it has to be followed by a few days of rest at home or somewhere else.”

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Under the Expedia Employee Volunteer Program, Expedia employees are paired with local tourism companies to create cultural and ecological tours. These tours provide a unique experience for tourists and benefit the community through additional economic revenue, preservation of local traditions and environmental conservation.

Examples of the tours this year include a traditional tour of the Laguna Azul (Blue Lagoon), with outdoor activities and interpretive trails; and a tour featuring community traditions like indigenous medicine, cooking, storytelling, dances and the manufacturing of local goods.

This is the second round of the program, which organizers hope will be as successful as the first in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The World Heritage Alliance has also brought other travel industry leaders on board, including hotels, resorts and travel agencies, in an effort to implement sustaianble business practices, feature local products and goods, and educate travellers about sustainable tourism.

Via MaximsNews.com

Further reading on eco-travel from Green Options:

Introduction to Travelers' Philanthropy
Preserving the Social Norms and Cultures of Local and Indigenous Communities
Eco-Travel