New Educational and Service Trips!

New Educational and Service Trips! Combining learning and service with Green Tortoise adventure! We've developed an exciting line of trips especially for students! Our new Educational and Service trips combine educational and volunteering opportunities with Green Tortoise's gourmet camping meals, spectacular sightseeing, and fantastic adventures. These journeys include ecology, environmental awareness, and volunteer opportunities in unique outdoor settings. Some treks afford school groups an opportunity to lend a helping hand and participate in environmental projects or humanitarian services. Others offer college credit through a collaborative effort with Dr. Ken Carloni, a professor in the science department at Umpqua Community College. For more information, check out our new Educational and Service work trips. Be sure to check back often as new trips are being developed and will be ready to take off soon!

Shorter Days + Cooler Weather = SAD

Shorter Days + Cooler Weather = SAD Tips on how to beat the winter blues! Camp on the beach! Warm yourself in Death Valley! Head for open waters! Autumn is upon us and that means shorter days, cooler weather and less opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. Although there are positive benefits to longer nights, for many people the shortened amount of daylight causes a mood change known as Seasonal Affective Disorder -- or more simply, The Winter Blues. These seasonal blues are temporary and will lift when the days get longer in the spring, but you don't have to wait it out. Here are a few natural ways to beat back that "down in the dumps" feeling: Get thee to a lower latitude. Take a break from winter where the days are longer and warmer. Spend time socializing with friends. Laughter is the best medicine! Increase your activity level. Activity can stimulate your brain to release natural anti-depressants. Cut the junk and eat your veggies. A healthy diet can help regulate brain chemicals. Ready to "bust a mood"? Hop on one of our winter trips: Southern Road trip, Gold Coast Loop, Baja Beach Daze, Death Valley Loop and Florida Sun Escape!

Travel Tips for the Ultra Chic From Our Travel Diva, Ava Adventure travel ... in style! To all the Tortoisettes out there, this one's for you! Naturally you want to look your fabulous self during your ultimate road trip so we're spilling our secrets to help you look like the glamorous road warrior you are. Here are some helpful tips on staying beautiful and comfortable on you next adventure. Dry Shampoo: This is amazing stuff and you just need a tiny bit to sprinkle at the roots. Forget heavy shampoo/conditioner bottles, they will only weigh you down. If you're on a longer trip, consider trial size packets for one time use mid-trip to revitalize those gorgeous locks as well. "Yes to Cucumbers": Makeup removing and cleansing towelettes. These are refreshing and you will smell and feel delicious! Scented dryer sheets: If you need to use clothing more than once (which you should be, we are camping after all!), pack your clothing with some dryer sheets in between to keep your clothes smelling fresh. Roll them up with them after uses. Dry, static hair? No problem - just swipe with one of these and calm those locks down! Cotton knit sundress: is a good staple for your travel wardrobe, especially if your trip offers you a city stop and a night out on the town. A hat: Maybe even two. Keep the sun off your face with a big floppy sunhat; the ones that you can crush without consequence. Also great for bad hair days. Sea salt deodorant: Awesome and natural! Works on everything..underarms, stinky shoes, fabric, etc. Unfortunately it does nothing for those corny driver jokes, ha! Carry minimal makeup: Allow your skin to go Au Natural. Maybe a little tinted moisturizer with an SPF. And don't forget your regular sunscreen which is a must! Burt's Bees lip Shimmer: Fantastic to add a little color and moisture for those pouty lips. A Cotton pashmina: Mine has a million uses ... Sunbathing wrap, shoulder coverup for those sunny hikes or an extra layer around the neck for those chilly campfire nights. With these tips you're sure to be a smash on the trail, in a hot springs or by the campfire. Guys - all you need to do is bring chocolate ... Bars of chocolate to share with the ladies for some instant friends!

Ten Things to Bring on an Adventure Vacation

Spring is here and with it comes dreams of warm weather, the promise of summer, and travel to new and exciting places. Preparing for a journey can be daunting at times, so here's a handy list of some items that you may not have planned to take, but probably should.

1. Loop wallet/Money belt – Need we say more about this? Keep your valuables secure at all times with this hidden pouch.
2. Pillow case – Pillows are bulky and can take up a lot of space, but you can bring the case and then fashion a pillow out of clothes. Or, use it to add an additional layer on a questionable offering in your not-so-luxury accommodations.
3. Notebook/pens – Sure you think you'll always remember the details of your trip, but this handy item will guarantee you'll still have the name of that sweetie you met in D.C and are planning to reunite with in San Francisco.
4. Day pack – For those times when you want more than what's in your wallet.
5. Sleeping bag liner – If you've ever been to a hostel besides the Green Tortoise, this needs no explanation.
6. Novel – be it electronic or print, this will help on those long flights when you end up sitting next to someone not particularly interesting.
7. Flashlight/Headlamp – You're snuggled up, ready to snooze and suddenly remember you've forgotten something in your luggage. No worries, you wont be fumbling around in the dark when you have this along.
8. Sewing Kit – Repair a hole in your trousers, the loose button on your favorite shirt, or a rip in your day pack, this kit might just save you more one than it costs! Be sure to include safety pins and a larger needle for bigger jobs.
9. Floss – Not just for your teeth, the super-strong fibers can be used to tied things together or used with a needle for a quick, heavy-duty repair.
10. First aid kit – Treat minor wounds on the spot, blast a hangover headache, or solve an indigestion dilemma without ruining your day. Antibacterial cream, painkillers, bandages, antiseptic and indigestion remedies are among the important items in your kit.

Ready for an adventure, but not quite sure where to go?  Check out some destination ideas at Green Tortoise Adventure Travel, or call 415 956-7500 and we'll be happy to help plan your next holiday!

Spring is for Travel!

Easter Vacation

Still scrambling to make holiday plans?

Upcoming Baja and Mexico Tours: Fri, Mar 29 - Sun, Apr 07 9-Day Baja Tour

It's beginning to look a lot like springtime ...

Hammock swaying in the gentle ocean breeze, hummingbirds hovering over desert wildflowers, warm sea waters bathing you as you go for a leisurely swim ...

Wait, this isn't what your spring holidays will be like?

Well, it can be! The Green Tortoise still has space on the upcoming Baja Beach Daze 9-day trip!

Escape the cold weather, the candy tooth-ache, and the brunch blahs. Come to Baja where the sand, sun, and sea will rejuvenate your spirit and will create memories that will last a lifetime.

You'll meet new friends to have adventures with, share some incredible gourmet meals together and maybe even form some new holiday traditions!

Come by yourself or bring your loved ones ... either way, you'll be following your dreams of travel and adventure!

Contact us and book your spot today - 415 956 7500 Ext 1. We will be happy to help you!

Top 10 tips for Winter Travel

Getting there and away may be more complicated than you imagine during the winter months. Winter storms, ill tempers and heavy luggage stuffed with overcoats and boots are just a few details that can cause delays on any leg of your journey. While many airlines will allow a free change in your itinerary due to weather conditions, the simple task of changing a flight can take an hour or more on the phone. And your new flight may not be so pleasant (think jam-packed with travelers desperate to reach their destination after a canceled or delayed flight).



So why go at all during the winter? Outdoor activities, visiting family or just plain getting out of town can be an alluring reason to travel during the frosty months. If you've decided to take on the challenge of winter travel, here's a few simple tips to help keep your journey a smooth one.

1) Know the weather. It seems simple enough, but check the weather of your destination AND all of your connecting cities.

2) Check your flight status early and often. Also check for notices that the airline puts in their website. Often there are special offers to switch flights well in advance of an approaching storm.

3) Do NOT wait until the day of the storm to switch flights. Be proactive and take care of the details as early as possible.

4) Use the internet to do as much as possible. Wait times on the phone can exceed an hour during foul weather. If possible reserve your seats early.

5) Consider alternate transportation if you cannot reschedule. Trains or buses can be an excellent alternative.

6) Pack smart - bring your large overcoat on board with you. It makes more room in your luggage for other items, and you'll be prepared for weather when you arrive. You might consider wearing your bulkiest shoes for the same reason . .

7) Take advantage of free luggage services. If your airline offers free checked baggage, great! If not, ask at the gate if there is an option to "gate check" your luggage. The airline may offer early boarding as a reward for this convenient way to offload your roll-away.

8) Be prepared for the delays that may occur. Books to read, games for the kids, meals and/or snacks are all a good idea to bring. Remember you could be "stranded" at an airport for 24 hours!

9) Take your vitamins. Preparing yourself physically for your upcoming travel should be high on your list. Start weeks in advance so your immune system is in tip-top shape by the time your trip comes around. It is flu and cold season after all . . .

10) Inform your family or friends of any changes in travel plans or flight status. No sense in having others worry.

Fit for Travel

Enjoy a Healthier Adventure!

For many people maintaining a steady weight while traveling is difficult -- location changes, sleep pattern disruptions, climate variations, and tempting foods can all help pack on pound after pound during a vacation.

Taking off a week from working out wont break the scale, but any longer than that may allow those dastardly fat cells to set up camp on that flat belly. Here are a few tips to keep you healthier on your vacation and help you avoid bringing back an unwanted souvenir.

1. Rest. Your days can be packed with non-stop excitement, but leave plenty of time to get in 8 hours a night. You'll have energy the next day to experience even more fun!
2. Limit alcohol. Not only are alcoholic beverages packed with calories, but studies show that chemical changes happen in your body that will increase the size of your gut.
3. Water. Water will help you to feel full and might help you eat less. It also has no calories (unlike sugary sodas and "hydration" drinks).
4. Ditch the "All You Can Eat" syndrome. Avoid piling your plate to the sky with food and grubbing down quickly so you can pack in a second helping. Instead think "All You Should Eat" and go easy on the serving sizes.
5. Stay active. During long drives, do crunches, squats, push-ups or isometric exercises (contracting your muscles without moving). Make it a point to walk, hike or swim daily or as often as possible.