Green and Gay Travel Adventures

Being green and gay is all about being exactly who you are while giving back to nature. These two unique travel companies make sure you’ll have the time of your life while supporting eco-friendly travel.

For Women

Lesbian travel company Sweet  offers the best of lesbian travel combined with green principles.

• Where They Go: If cruising to Italy or France or rafting down the Colorado River suits your fancy, then Sweet is for you. But, if you also dream of vacation adventures where you can give back to the locals, then look no further than Sweet.
• Carbon Neutral Cruises and Travel: All cruises are carbon neutral. Don’t worry about footing your own carbon footprint. Sweet will do it for you. All of their travel – whether by air, land, or water – is offset. Sweet is an entirely carbon-free company, and they even contributed to a reforestation project in Louisiana.
• Giving Back: Most of Sweet’s vacations come with an option to help support local areas in a variety of ways, such as taking part in beach cleanups or planting trees. The “Sweeties” travel the world, bringing green goodness to all, and on one recent trip, actually sterilized feral cats. (Can’t you just hear your friends asking, “So, what’d you do on your vacation?”) On an upcoming cruise to the Bahamas, the Sweeties will donate goods and time to the Rainfurly Home for Children.

For Men

If you’re looking for all-male trips, check out Out Adventures.

• Carbon-Offsets Included: As of 2011, all trip prices include a carbon-offset charge. Plus, Out Adventures operates on the core green principle of “leave no trace.” In other words, Out Adventures makes sure to carry away any trash and leave the environment just as they found it.
• Small and Supportive: Travelers with Out Adventures can look forward to small group travels (with a maximum size of 12) that support local leaders, businesses, and culture. With 2012 trips from Nepal to China, Out Adventures brings you into the adventure.
• Three Styles For You: Out Adventure travelers have a choice of booking three styles of adventures: Active, Comfort, and Inspire. If you choose an Active adventure, have a blast kayaking, walking, or biking your way through your unique vacation. If you want to relax and hole up in a cozy little B-and-B, then Comfort is the style for you; however, if learning about the locals and yoga on the beach sound more exciting to you, go with an Inspire vacation.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By muskva