Tourists meet Tortoise.

Credit: VisitFlorida.com

By now you've probably seen the ads: Come to Florida/Another Gulf Coast state, our beaches are still beautiful (despite the worst oil spill in U.S. history).

This photo is actually from the 2008 oil spill in San Francisco -- but still gets the point across. Photo via cccpublishing.com

The Gulf Coast -- which stretches across the beaches and marshlands of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas -- has some of the country's most beautiful landscapes, thriving waters, and unique plants.

Photo via Planet Green

You can take advantage of the great outdoors in any season, but summer camping and hiking have gear requirements all their own, from lightweight sleeping bags and waterproofing spray to short-sleeved shirts and sustainable daypacks.

Increased ferry service (left) is in the works for Istanbul's Princes' Islands, while Kisebükü cove (right) on the country's southern coast is threatened by development.

Organic farmer's market in Australia. Photo by avlxyz via Flickr

Wondering how to green your summer vacation? Seeking healthy places to stay, eat, and visit?

Credit: USGS.

An ancient, jelly-like invasive organism from Japan has been discovered along Oregon's coast.

Exterior of one of the zimmerbuses.

Lloyd Alter

I have always thought that those "save the planet, re-use your towel" signs in fleabag motels were less about saving the planet than they were about saving money, and it appears that hotel workers feel the same way; In Toronto, hotel workers are claiming that green initiatives are "bogus."

Starwood's Sheraton chain has started a "Make a Green Choice" program where guests get a $5 voucher for food or drinks in exchange for d

Mr. Universe from Serenity

Travel is enriching and educational, but it is not without its problems. But it seems that it will be less of a problem in the future; young people appear less interested in it.