Go Green! on your Beach Vacation

Going Green on Your Beach Vacation

Posted by: flipkey

Today we are featuring, Erin Leigh, a writer and marketer for New American Funding, an HUD Approved and FHA Direct Endorsement mortgage banker serving 21 states across the country. When she’s not writing, she’s finding new ways to reduce her carbon footprint no matter where her travels take her.

There are some things every beach vacation must have: blue skies, white sand beaches, and crystal clear water are just some of the necessities.  But if you’re living green at home, you shouldn’t have to abandon your eco-friendly lifestyle just for a week of fun in the sun at the beach. Luckily with these easy tips, you won’t have to.

You’re already doing one of the easiest  things for  an eco-friendly beach trip: Skip the hotel and get a rental. The United States’ 47,000 hotels spend more than $2,000 on energy per available room, and when you consider that most hotels have between 70-120 rooms, it’s easy to see just how much is being wasted.

Many rental owners have begun to encourage green vacation living, some adding solar panels, bamboo paneling and linens or simply making signs asking tenants to mind the lights and A/C.  If you can find rentals with those amenities, book them. Here are a few more things you’ll want to look for when selecting  your vacation rental.

Make sure there’s a full kitchen: This should be a given in most rentals. Plan meals ahead of time and stock your fridge at the start of your trip. This way  you will have great food without having to leave the house.

Energy efficient appliances and toilets: Most rental properties will have extra-large washers and dryers, so plan your laundry accordingly. You probably don’t need to wash your towels and sheets each day. If your rental has a clothesline, the sun and ocean breezes will help disinfect and dry your towels without running the wash.

Eco-friendly beach equipment: Chances are good that you’ll find a number of toys, games and beach equipment ready for you at your rental. You can bring along your own eco-friendly beach toys and beach bags to make sure that your sand castle is as green as your rental home.

Smart transportation: In many beach communities, driving a car can be impractical or even prohibited, so scout around for a rental that includes a neighborhood electric vehicle or access to reliable public transit. These low speed vehicles can fit the whole family without burning gas (or a hole in your wallet).

Recycling options: It’s natural to produce a lot of plastic when you’re on vacation, so you’ll want to make sure your rental will be recycling your water bottles and soda cans. Better yet, see if the owners include water filtration options and bring your personal Nalgene bottles.

Going green will make you feel good on vacation, but it can also save rental owners a lot of money over the years. If you do a little digging you should be able to find the house of your green dreams. To minimize your vacation carbon footprint, think about booking a vacation with friends or extended family. Finding a larger rental home to fit 10 or more people will greatly reduce your energy consumption over the course of a vacation. . Once you find the perfect rental, you can help make it as green as possible.

What are some other ways you can go green on your next beach vacation?

LORETO'S BEST RESTAURANTS

LORETO RESTAURANTS
By Cambria Dotterer

Chile rellenos, tacos and burrtios, oh my! In addition to the traditional Mexican fare, dining in Loreto offers the freshest seafood, meats and veggies from local farmers and fisherman. So dive in to some of these, our favorite eateries and recommended dining establishments in Loreto, from family run to fancy pants. 

1. MEXICO LINDO Y QUE RICO - Located on the main drag through town, Salvatierra, you can always find husband and wife, owners and chefs, Martina and Pancho greeting their guests and cooking the finest chili rellanos on the PLANET. Everything on the menu is made from scratch and served with love and heart. The atmosphere is somewhat casual and traditional with colorful cloth covered tables set on a vine covered indoor patio where local artists can also display their latest creations. A hot spot for both locals and visitors to Loreto. Open for lunch and dinner with excellent prices. Menu items range from $6-$15. Mexico Lindo y Que Rico is a must when in Loreto. 

2. EL REY DEL TACO - Recently featured on FOOD TV's "Chuck's Day Off", El Rey del Taco has been serving up the freshest fish and carne tacos at lightning speed for the past 25 years. Definitely a favorite with the locals and some "in the know" gringos. The tacos here are either fried or grilled, served with corn or flour tortillas and a buffet of toppings like homemade guac, killer salsa, cilantro and grilled jalapenos. Portions are large and the price is right. About $2.50 per taco. While only open for lunch, this eatery is packed everyday and still manages to provide great service. Another must while in Loreto and don't forget to order a fresh lemonade to quench your thirst. After lunch, be sure and visit the Palateria next door for a scoop of homemade ice cream or a coconut popsicle. Located on Benito Juarez in town one block west of Misioneros. Here's to another 25 and keeping the family tradition going. 

3. VISTA AL MAR - Located on the beach just south of Nopolo (Loreto Bay), belly up to the beach and the Sea of Cortez and order a cold one. While sitting and enjoying the view, you will probably see a "clam man" come right out of the ocean and drop off his fresh catch of Chocolate Clams to the kitchen. Traditional "Chocolate Clams",  named for the brown color of the shell, are the specialty here. Baked with garlic, butter and herbs, individually wrapped in tin foil and brought to your table, open these little treasure chests of flavor and enjoy. Since there is no electricity at Vista al Mar, be sure to get there before the sun goes down, or you will find yourself coming back the next day. 

4. MITA GOURMET - Located in the center of the historical town square of downtown Loreto, you will find Executive Chef, Juan Carlos, there daily creating his culinary masterpieces. From pasta carbonara to the catch of the day, the menu is expansive. If you don’t see anything on the menu or would like to add something to a dish, Chef Juan Carlos will create a special  dish to your liking. Open for dinner, Mita Gourmet offers a charming setting and a great place to people watch. Prices are a bit more than other locales in Loreto but well worth it. 

5. 19TH HOLE - Chef Juan Carlos's recent addition to his culinary empire, the 19th Hole is located just off the golf course in Nopolo. A similar menu to Mita Gourmet, but also open for breakfast and lunch. Thursday nights, you can enjoy live music such as acoustic spanish guitar and piano. Great food, service, drinks and atmosphere for that special night out. 

6. CAFE OLE- A true Loreto institution for breakfast. Cafe Ole is located just off the town square  between Salvatierra and the Hotel Posada de Las Flores. Here, the huevos rule, whether served mexicana style or smothered in ranchero sauce and cheese, all dishes are served with rice and beans, fresh corn or flour tortillas and salsa. If you are in the mood for pancakes and french toast, not to worry, they're as good as it gets.  Definitely a fave of the local expat community as well as the Loretanos. A great way to start your day. After your morning feast, you may not weigh the same but your wallet will. 

7. CAFE DE LOLITA - Making up fresh breads and desserts every morning, Cafe de Lolita is located in a tucked away spot just off the Malecon. Featured on the menu at this Loreto jewel are prosciutto and brie sandwiches, iced espresso, desserts to die for, iced pineapple rum punch, cucumber watermelon smoothies, and the list goes on. You can check them out on Facebook for their daily specials, and entertainment such as Cuban jazz or non traditional New Orleans music. A great change of pace and crazy good food. 

8. LA MISION HOTEL- Loreto's only 5 star! Super high end dinner menu, wine list and delicious breakfasts. If here for breakfast, opt for ordering off the menu instead of the breakfast buffet. La Mision is located right on the Malecon and is stunning both inside and out. If dining in the resto is not on the agenda, happy hour starts at 4 where you can order wood fired pizzas and 2x1 margies next to the pool. Offering one of Loreto's best views of the Sea of Cortez and surrounding islands. Whatever your taste, La Mision has you covered. 

9. GIGGLING DOLPHIN - On Ave Benito Juarez between Calle Davis and the Malecon. (Next to Dolphin Dive Center), the Giggling Dolphin is the face of low key Loreto. Traditional Mexican menu with homemade everything from Tortilla Soup to killer shrimp tacos. Super friendly wait staff and a cool bar made out of an old boat hull. Pop in for lunch at noon and dinner until 10 pm daily.

Happy Travels!

Sincerely,

LORETANAMAMA

Travel Safety Tips by GoMexico.com

Most people who travel to Mexico have a wonderful time and don't encounter any problems. However, as in other tourist destinations throughout the world, crime is a fact of life, and as a tourist you may be targeted for theft. In order to increase your chances of having a safe and pleasant vacation, follow these tips for Mexico travel safety.

Before you leave:

• Research your destination. The US State Department's Web site has information about Mexico as well as current warnings and public announcements regarding safety issues for travelers. World Travel Watch also offers frequently updated reports.
• As you're packing, think twice about taking valuables with you. If they're not essential, they're probably better off left at home. This will also make for lighter bags, allowing you greater ease of movement which can deter potential thieves.
• Scan your passport and travel documents and e-mail them to yourself. That way, if your documents are lost or stolen you can easily access copies from your e-mail.
• Take your bank or credit card's international telephone number with you (the 1-800 numbers used in the United States don't work in Mexico).
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home, but don't share details of your travel plans with others you meet while traveling.
• Buy a money belt (not a fanny pack) to carry your money and passport underneath your clothing. 
• Credit or debit cards are the most convenient way to access your money while traveling, but losing your card (or having it swallowed by a cash machine) can be a great inconvenience, so have a back-up plan. Take some travelers cheques (or a small amount of cash) just in case.

While you're there:

• Blend in as much as possible. Walking around with a camera around your neck and a guidebook in your hand advertises your tourist status and may make you a mark for thieves. Try to be discreet.
• Choose ATMs in malls, stores or banks if possible. Avoid using ATMs at night or in deserted places. When you withdraw money from an ATM put it away immediately.
• Carry only the cash you need for the moment in your pocket or purse. Carry your passport, credit card and extra money inside your clothes in a money-belt, or leave them in your vacation rental or hotel safe. When you need to get something out of your money belt do it in a private place.
• Exercise particular caution when in crowds, markets or on public transportation. Pickpockets can be very crafty and sometimes work in pairs - one person will distract you while another takes your wallet.
• Ask your hotel manager or another knowledgeable person if there are some areas of the city you should avoid.

Taxis

 There are official taxis (Taxis Autorizados) that you should take. Find out how to take an authorized taxi.

Check out the area by staying in a vacation home before you buy

Vacation Homes: Try Before you Buy!

Posted by: Lisa Mercer

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As baby boomers approach their twilight years, many consider purchasing a vacation home. While the idea certainly has its merits, it requires a careful analysis of the pros and cons. Before you let the fantasy of owning a vacation home seduce you into ignoring the stark realities, follow this checklist of things to do before you buy.

Rent First

Renting other people’s vacation homes or staying in friends’ homes probably inspired the idea of buying one in the first place, but keep in mind that the vacation experience usually occurs under ideal circumstances. A vacation rental of your own is worth the money if you plan to do one or more of the following:

• Use it at different times throughout the year

• Rent it when you’re not there

• Allow friends and family members to stay there

• All of the above

To determine whether any, some’ or all of these plans are in the cards, visit the area you love and rent vacation homes at different times throughout the year. Visit with friends and family members, and ask them their opinions. Note whether people are renting other vacation properties during the less touristy seasons.

High Season Destination, Off Season Ghost Town

In some towns, local businesses close their doors during the off-season. Note what services and amenities are available. Some vacation rental destinations thrive in all four seasons, while others turn into ghost towns during the off-season. While locals may enjoy the peace and quiet, a lack of grocery stores, medical services and community policing might reduce the attractiveness of your vacation rental.

Talk to the Locals

People often buy a vacation home because they enjoy the activities in a certain area, but these activities are subject to change. The inexpensive season passes that drew people to Summit County Colorado are now considerably more expensive. The economy may have had a negative impact on places that were once crime-free zones. If the safety of a given area has changed, do you feel comfortable leaving your vacation home unattended?

Other Factors to Consider

When you rent a vacation home, you can change your vacation destination each year and explore the world. Owning a vacation home may lock you into one destination. Are you comfortable with this idea? As you get older, will you still want to deal with the high temperatures on the Arizona golf courses? Will your heart be able to handle the high altitude destinations in Colorado and Utah? What is the real estate outlook for your targeted area? Factor in all of these issues before making you final decision, and remember, renting a vacation home leaves all of your options open!