Guide gives some tips on faith-based trips
Guide gives some tips on faith-based trips
NASHVILLE — A guide to faith-based trips is out called “The Christian Travel Planner.”
The $16.99 paperback includes information about missions and ministries; Christian cruises, camps and retreats; and Christian heritage sites overseas in the Middle East, Greece, Italy, England, Germany and other places.
Domestic attractions noted in the book include the Holy Land Experience biblical park in Orlando, Fla., and “The Great Passion Play” performed in Eureka Springs, Ark. Listings for monastic guest stays include the Monastery of Christ in the Desert in Abiquiu, N.M., and the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, Ky.
The book from Nashville-based publisher Thomas Nelson was written by Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association.
Feel like climbing? You can register online
DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE, Alaska — Online registration is available for mountaineers attempting climbs of Mount McKinley or Mount Foraker.
Park officials say the system is a quick, safe way for climbers to register with park officials.
All climbers attempting McKinley or Foraker are required to preregister with Denali National Park and Preserve at least 60 days in advance of the climb.
As of mid-April, more than 730 mountaineers had registered to climb McKinley this year. Ten climbers have registered for Mount Foraker.
Park officials say they anticipate between 1,200 and 1,300 climbers this year, with most of them attempting their climbs in May and June.
Travel booking sites offer greener options
NEW YORK — A couple of travel booking Web sites are trying to make it easier for consumers to be environmentally friendly.
Orbitz is featuring energy-efficient hotels at www.eco.orbitz.com.
These properties have earned an “ENERGY STAR” label from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency because they use nearly 40 percent less energy than average buildings and emit 35 percent less carbon dioxide. The Web site also makes it easy to book hybrid car rentals, take a volunteer vacation or buy carbon offsets for your travel.
Expedia has a new “Going Green” store.
The online store at www.expedia.com/gogreen also allows customers to browse for environmentally friendly hotels, hybrid car rentals, and carbon offsets.
Starwood launches Element hotel brand
LEXINGTON, Mass. — Starwood is launching a “green hotel brand” called Element, with the first property opening in July in Lexington, Mass., and 20 more hotels scheduled to open in the next year.
The hotels are built with technology that saves water and cuts electric use, including heat-reflecting roofing materials, energy-efficient appliances and 16-foot windows to allow natural light into common areas. Laundry bags will be reusable, hybrid cars will get preferred parking, and garbage cans in the rooms will make it easy for guests to recycle.
Associated Press