Top of The Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center. Photo credit: Rockefeller Center.

Dining al fresco can be the perfect way to experience the local sights and sounds of a city.

In New York, this week Rockefeller Center is featuring outdoor dining at its restaurants with its Restaurant Days, May 16 through 18, 2012.

The Top of The Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center (above) is considered one of New York’s top tourist attractions.

Setting up picnic tables and benches, Rockefeller Plaza has become an outdoor dining spot with seasonal specials from its restaurants.

Here are some of the participating Rockefeller Center restaurants and their features:

• The Sea Grill – Triple C - a crab cake slider, chips and chowder;
• Rock Center Café – spit roast porchetta sandwich;
• Tri Tip Grill – Tri Tip Steak Sandwiches and Greek and Caesar salads and
  
• Potbelly Sandwich Shop – signature sandwiches including their new Mediterranean Sandwich.

Among the other participating restaurants are Bill’s Bar & Burger; Ben & Jerry’s; Del Frisco’s Grille; ‘wichcraft; Harry’s Italian Pizza Parlor; Blue Bottle Coffee; Godiva Chocolatier and Bouchon Bakery.

For more info on Restaurant Days, go to the Top of The Rock at Rockefeller Center site.

A beckoning London balcony. Photo credit: the athenaeum.

Art lover and traveler? If you’re traveling to London this summer, plan to see The Royal Academy’s annual Summer Exhibition, June 4 – August 12, 2012.

At this contemporary art show, there will be a homage to Matisse’s The Red Studio in The Main Galleries.

In London, the athenaeum is partnering with The Royal Academy of Arts, offering a special “Art of Summer” package. This package includes one night’s stay and two tickets to the Summer Exhibition 2012.

Founded by George III in 1768, The Royal Academy of Arts is led by artists and architects and promotes “the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate.”

The Apartments. Photo credit: The athenaeum.

In the heart of Mayfair, the athenaeum features 164 bedrooms including 12 suites and 18 apartments and The Restaurant, Garden Room, Whisky Bar, Spa and Gym. The hotel and apartments are located near The Royal Academy and other London attractions including Harvey Nichols and Fortnum & Mason.

The athenaeum is also known for its British afternoon tea for two served in the Garden Room. Afternoon tea guests choose from a classic menu of finger-sandwiches, baked scones with Regents Park honey, Devonshire clotted cream and pastry treats.

For more info, visit the hotel site.

Mitiaro homestay, Cook Islands. Photo credit: Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.

The Cook Islands are 15 islands spread across the Pacific Ocean halfway between Sydney and Hawaii.

In the Cooks nation, Mitiaro is the flattest island, known for its subterranean limestone caves and pools, lakes, greenery and sea life.

With a dramatic beginning, the island was a volcano that sank to become a coral atoll. It is a 45-minute flight from the capital Rarotonga.

Now, the island has opened the Mitiaro Homestay Project, three kikau villas hosted by local Mitiaro families. Part of the islands’ green tourism program, the homestays are the only accommodation option on the island.

With the support of Cook Islands Tourism, the homestay project was initiated by Temu Okotai of Cook Islands Tours and the Mitiaro community.

Each of the three thatch-roofed villas feature one or two bedrooms, shower and toilet facilities and a porch. Guests will be catered by the hosting family and served fresh seafood, yams, sweet potatoes and other local delicacies.

The Mitiaro Homestay Project will include seven more huts and a two-bedroom family unit, scheduled to open within the next three years.

“Homestays are a sustainable way for the 180 Mitiaro locals to preserve their distinctive rural lifestyle, their history and the culture of this precious little place,”says Metua Vaimene, special projects manager, Cook Islands Tourism.

“There are less than ten cars on Mitiaro and the pace of life is something that deserves to be cherished and needs to be protected. Homestay accommodation ensures these remain intact.”

Lovers of all things Scandinavian, Copenhagen + Grieg’s Peer Gynt are two of our all-time favorites.

So we’re thrilled to share this: Flash mob in the Copenhagen Metro. Copenhagen Phil playing Peer Gynt.

ENJOY!

Video courtesy of CPHPHIL.

Coastal beauty: Mawgan Porth Beach, Cornwall, UK. Photo credit: Merlin Farm.

Lucy of Merlin Farm wrote this guest post about their Eco Cottages in Cornwall, UK.

On the North Coast of Cornwall somewhere in between Newquay and Padstow lies the unspoilt Bay of Mawgan Porth.

A short stroll inland and you’ll come across Merlin Farm, a small complex of Eco Cottages. Nestled in the Cornish Countryside, Merlin Farm is soaking in the sunshine through Solar PV, heating the water and flooding warmth into the cottages through cathedral windows.

The Eco Cottages. Photo credit: Merlin Farm.

We developed derelict barns on our farm in 2009, opting for a sustainable design that in turn would be a viable business to pass down to our children.

Everything was researched thoroughly from the energy maximizing design concept through to the sympathetic interior design. Our vision came alive in April 2010 when the Eco Cottages opened their doors to their first guests.

Green + design. Photo credit: Merlin Farm.

Over the years, we improved and increased our eco credentials. At the end of our second season, we decided to ask the Green Tourism Business Scheme to come and inspect our business. We were delighted that the Eco Cottages scored over 80% and were awarded a GOLD award.

December 2011 saw the arrival of 216 Solar PV panels, now making Merlin Farm virtually self-sufficient.

Solar panels. Photo credit: Merlin Farm.

Sustainability lies at the heart of the farm from the free roaming chickens who lay varying colors of eggs for our guest’s welcome pack to the wonderfully photogenic Horace Donkey who provides organic hedge trimming.

Guests are encouraged to do their bit too, from recycling and composting their kitchen waste, to leaving their beach items for the next guests to re-use and even bringing and planting their own tree on the farm to offset their journey to Cornwall.

Donkeys on the farm. Photo credit: Merlin Farm.

‘Car free’ days out are also encouraged, details of these and local bus timetables are provided in the guest information book. Anyone bringing their dog is encouraged to dispose of their dog’s mess in the Eco Dog Poo composter Darrel created.

Guests often have many questions regarding green technology intended for their own homes, something Darrel is always too eager and enthusiastic to discuss.

We hope a visit to Merlin Farm will be inspirational, open your eyes to the possibilities of sustainable eco living and provide a wonderful holiday in the process!

Read more Green Traveler here.

Instagram Nation: The Smartphone Photographer’s App of Choice. Courtesy of Online Colleges.

Instagram, how we love you.

If you’re on Instagram, come join us at @travelinggreen.

DDG Retreat in Andalucia, Spain. Photo credit: DDG Retreat.

Retreat: withdraw to a quiet or secluded place. – Oxford Dictionaries.

No question, from France to Australia, retreats are our idea of the perfect holiday.

That’s why we’re dreaming about DDG Retreat and it’s eco treating ways in Andalucia, Spain.  Set in natural woodland, this Spanish escape offers views out over the Mediterranean to Gibraltar and North Africa and it’s only an hour’s drive from Malaga airport.

An afternoon siesta. Photo credit: DDG Retreat.

What we’re most inspired by is the Retreat’s commitment to preserving the environment which it shows through its diverse initiatives.

Near the pueblo blanco of Casares, travelers can explore this part of Spain on the region’s cycle routes riding bicycles provided by DDG Retreat.

Dinner by candelight. Photo credit: DDG Retreat.

In their woodland Spa (below), DDG Retreat has introduced eco products certified by ECI BIO standards and compliant with European standards for organic cosmetic products.

Woodland spa. Photo credit: DDG Retreat.

For every booking, the Retreat is planning to plant a new tree on their 4-hectare woodland site. Guests can sponsor their own tree (with commemorative name plaque) which they will plant during their stay.

A tree for every booking. Photo credit: DDG Retreat.

Other green features of DDG Retreat include:

• Use of bio waste tanks;
• Rainwater harvesting for plant irrigation;
• Active recycling;
• Conservative use of lighting;
• Support of local farmers in sourcing restaurant ingredients;
• Serving of organic wine options;
• Maintenance and use of a vegetable garden;
• Supplying of fresh water from the Retreat well;
• Using sustainable, construction materials and
• Hiring local craftsmen in the retreat planning and design.

Power by wind turbines in Andalucia. Photo credit: DDG Retreat.

A portion of DDG’s electricity is generated by nearby wine turbines, part of Andalucia’s renewable energy strategy.

For more info on retreating to Spain, go to the DDG site.

Nea Dimmata Villa, Cyprus. Photo credit: Akamas Villas.

Planning an island villa holiday?  If you’re an iPad traveler, you might fancy staying on the island of Cyprus with Akamas Villas.

The luxury holiday rental company has designed an iPad app “to shift the traditional villa vacation experience into more of a social media holiday.”

Based in West Cyprus, Akamas Villas offers 42 holiday rental properties. The luxury villa company’s properties are located in and around the Cypriot conservation areas of Chrysochou Bay, Agarka, Polis, Latchi and Neo Chorio.

Infinity pool. Photo credit: Akamas Villas.

Says Martin Maynard, founder of Akamas Villas:

“We understand the iPad is now an essential piece of tech, for the savvy modern traveler. From our experience, in this modern age, the lines between work and play get blurred, and guests will still be catching up with friends, or on the odd email while on holiday.”

Blue Lagoon, Cyprus. Photo credit: Akamas Villas.

Using the iPad app, guests can book their holiday in one of the Akamas Villas. On holiday, guests can continue to use the iPad app during their stay on Cyprus. They can connect with local partners and on-site villa service providers; find destination information and access travel deals with local establishments and attractions.

Features of the iPad app include:

• A villa booking guide;
• Details of property features;
• Locations and airport info;
• Links to live availability and pricing on a full screen calendar;
• Sharing properties via email, Facebook & Twitter;
• Services list;
• Travel discounts;
• Local map views;
• Tourism information and
• Local bar and restaurant menus.

For more info on Cyprus villas and the free iPad app, visit the Akamas Villas site.

The Android in the BioLogic weatherproof case. Photo credit: BioLogic.

Android traveler? If you cycle when you travel, you might fancy the Bike Mount for Android by bicycle accessories and gear company BioLogic.

The urban cycling gear specialist has designed this weatherproof case for Android-based smartphones that can mount to bicycles.

The Bike Mount for Android is compatible with most Android-based phones on the market using the right Bike Mount for Android Liner.  Currently, four versions of the liner are available with future versions planned for other models.

The Bike Mount for Android. Photo credit: BioLogic.

“The tremendous growth in smartphone use has revolutionized the way we work and play, and this includes how we ride,” says Kevin Chan of BioLogic.

“There are a lot of free and paid cycling apps for Android smartphones but no really good way to mount one to a bike. Our product not only securely attaches your phone to a bike, but also protects it against weather, sweat, grime, and shock.”

The Bike Mount for Android enables riders to use GPS and an app on the phone to track speed, position, or distance traveled, while they’re riding.

Features of the Bike Mount include:

• Weatherproof hard-shell case;
• Touch-sensitive membrane;
• Clear protected opening on the back which enables video or pictures to be taken;
• Ability to pivot 360° so the Android can be used in portrait or landscape modes;
• Mounting bracket that fits handlebars or stems with a diameter of 38 mm (1.5”) or smaller and
• Interchangeable inner liner.

For more bicycle accessories and gear, check out ThinkBiologic.com

Ethical fashion consultant Elizabeth Laskar. Photo credit: Elizabeth Laskar.

Elizabeth Laskar wrote this guest post on eco fashion. She is an ethical fashion consultant with over 10 years of international development experience. Laskar is one of the founders of the Ethical Fashion Forum (EFF) and co-founder of eco jewelry brand Crumple.

Eco fashion is being celebrated across the globe and it’s about time we all joined the party!

Over the last five years, London Fashion Week has been showcasing the best in eco fashion design at Estethica – the message is simple, exceptional design and ethical sourcing are the future of fashion.

Dotty. Photo credit: Crumple.

We have seen the rise of eco fashion – fashion weeks, NGOs, designers, retailers, manufacturers, communities and individuals are picking up the baton.

Eco fashion has evolved from being an underground movement associated to poor design and quality to becoming an industry bursting with innovation, quality, exceptional design and vision for a future.

Five years ago, to find a boutique that offered eco fashion was like going on a treasure hunt. Today, eco fashion is increasingly becoming more accessible to the everyday shopper and there are designs and prices to cater for every style and wallet size.

April. Photo credit: Crumple.

We are also seeing more and more participation by luxury fashion houses like Valentino, Armani and Vivienne Westwood who has recently worked with African women in Kenya. In the last month, we witnessed Livia Firth (Colin Firth’s wife) and a host of other celebrities (men and women) wearing the most exquisite eco gowns on the red carpet at the Oscars and flaunting it.

Over the last decade, eco fashion pioneers like Junky Styling, From Somewhere and Ciel from the UK have always maintained in their practices and message that excellence in design can marry perfectly with responsible sourcing and manufacturing. The secret is out!

A tiered dress from an earlier H&M Conscious Collection.  Photo credit: H&M.

Recently, H&M released its latest Conscious Collection that incorporates eco materials like recycled polyesters and organic cottons. The collection is fun, fresh, exciting and bang on trend. Tesco, Primark, M&S and Topshop are other retailers who are investing into strategies and partnerships to introduce more eco fashion and policies into their stores.

Eco fashion is about enjoying fashion that has minimum impact on the environment with maximum benefits to people.  For the everyday consumer, if you participate in any of the following, you are helping make a better future for everyone: fair trade, organic, up-cycling, re-cycling, new technologies and vintage.

Coral-inspired eco fashion by Sophia Rogge. Photo credit: Sophia Rogge.

Eco fashion is full of stories and exciting new talent – it’s the perfect arena to find something unusual or unique for your wardrobe.

Sophia Rogge started a year ago and took to fashion to support coral conservation. As an artist, she designs wonderful eco scarves with coral-inspired prints to support the cause she loves.

Luxury eco lingerie by Charini. Photo credit: Charini.

Charini is another newcomer from Sri Lanka. As a luxury eco lingerie label, she has helped revive heritage arts in her own country and successfully fused it with contemporary fashion forward design.

Hyperlove. Photo credit: Crumple.

Crumple (above + below) launched their eco earrings in the UK to combat landfill issues. They decided to design biodegradable fashion, a collection of trend-led earrings that could bio-degrade once you had finished having fun with them!

Pipperoo. Photo credit: Crumple.

When you are out and about, traveling for work or pleasure, try to seek out traditional heritage crafts and buy something useful (if you are going to buy at all). Think about the long term love of what you buy and learn about the story of what you buy.

Fashion with soul has this excitement about it that is contagious, you also learn lots about cultures, history and invest in livelihoods. Try it, wear eco fashion to a party or buy an eco gift for a friend – I have a feeling you’ll be itching to share the story. Here are more eco fashion tips:

10 Eco Fashion Tips

1. Visit charity shops often but don’t buy unless you find something that fits you and your style.

2. For every two items of clothing you buy that is not eco buy one that is.

3. Support local and new eco design talent and when you are on holiday, find local design labels.

4. Share your clothes and wash them less often. (Think about how much energy and water you use to wash clothes – Levi’s suggest washing your jeans less often.)

5. Keep your clothes in circulation – don’t throw them into landfill.

6. Link up with friends and have your own ‘pop up’ boutique.

7. Explore vintage clothing… celebrate fashion and your own style.

8. Buy well-made, durable clothing that will stay in style – a great staple for your wardrobe.

9. Check labels before you buy and make informed decisions about what you are buying.

10. Share stories about your eco clothes! Inspire others…