SEV AY EADas po of Planning AG reener Vac ation (NAPSA)—Finding ways to make vacations greener—while being sure they still deliver plenty of fun—has become a top priority tourism options. The area itself In fact, more than 55 million beneath the surface of Lake Michi- provides vacationers with a won- derland of towering bluffs that emerge steeply out of the deep for many family travelers. Green Bay waters or gently dip Americans are interested in sus- gan. There’s also a variety of lush green vegetation and abundant tainable travel, according to the Travel Industry Association of America. If youre among them, the following tips can help: Greener Transportation Those driving to their destinations can take steps to get the maximum fuel efficiency from their vehicles. Be certain tires are properly inflated, that the engine Increasingly, travelers are choosing to go green. The program’s fun, affordable is well tuned and that you are not and green getaways include trips to inns, activities and must-sees at Bayfield and Madeline Island. your destination to help save gas. If you are flying to your vacation spot, you might consider air- ning Apostle Islands National Lakeshore with 21 gemlike coastal islands that are home to carrying any unnecessary weight. Also, map out a direct route to lines that offer CO, offsets. The offsets can be purchased to help The picturesque small town serves as a gateway to the stun- fund green projects—such as lighthouses, sea caves, hiking trails and blue-water sailing. Ecoconscious lodgers can stay at the atmosphere, and your vacation’s the Bayfield Inn, or a numberof other certified-green venues as they shop and eat at Earth- building solar panels or tree planting—as a way to reduce the total amount of carbon in the carbon footprint. Greener Destinations Check out vacation spots that are certified as eco friendly. For instance, Travel Green Wisconsin is a voluntary program that reviews, certifies and recognizes tourism businesses and organizations that have made a commitmentto reducing their environmental impact. Pinehurst Inn at Pike’s Creek and friendly boutiques, restaurants andcafes. There’s even the green Living Adventure company that offers would-be sea kayakers rentals, paddling instruction and guided excursions—including fully outfit- ted overnight trips. Similarly, Wisconsin’s Door County offers a variety of eco- wildlife, as well as a selection of year-round, greenactivities. Vacationers can check out Door County Kayak Tours to explore the region’s waterways, the Art & Nature Center or The Jacobsen Museum at Washington Island, or enjoy a naturalist-guided hike at Ridges Sanctuary. Rock Island State Park, an untouched wilderness, is so pristine that cars and even bikes are not allowed on its shores. There’s also a “Scenic Overlooks” tour that lets visitors take in some of the peninsula’s most amazing panoramic views as they get a crash course in the geology of Door County. Green accommodations include the Blacksmith Inn on the Shore, White Pines Victorian Lodge, and Quiet Cottage Bed and Breakfast on the Lake. The state’s other green getaways include the ChequamegonNicolet National Forest—located in Wisconsin’s Northwoods and cover- ing over a million and a half acres. For a complete list of green getaways andtips, visit the Web site www.travelgreenwisconsin.com.
