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I’m a little bit obsessed right now; let’s just get that out of the way. Over the weekend, I purchased a juicer, largely inspired by the film Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. Right now, I’m full of juicer love, and I’ll be the first to admit that when I try something new, I usually go a tad overboard. I literally rushed home from work with two bags of produce, eager to start juicing in earnest. For the last few days, I’ve been drinking two to four large cups of veggie juice a day, interspersed with salads and other greens. I feel almost freakishly clearheaded and my clothes are starting to fit differently.

I’m Missing You, Juicer

I’m also preparing for a trip next month, and already I’m brainstorming. I feel like a juice junkie. How can I take my juice with me on the plane? Travel food is seldom, if ever, healthy, so of course, I can have the option of bringing some snacks and homemade sandwiches on the plane. But what about my juice? I thought. I’m already picturing my juicer, sad and alone, sitting on the countertop while I’m 3,000 miles away.

That’s right. I’m becoming a big, green juice junkie. I admit it.

Have Juice, Will Travel (Maybe)

What if alternative travelers want to travel with homemade juice? Sadly, airplanes seem to be low on the list of juice-friendly transportation. However, according to the TSA guidelines, I could bring salsa, jam, or dip on the plane with me – if I packed it in a three-ounce container and put it in a zip-top plastic baggie. Moms will probably be able to bring juice in a baby food container, but those of us without little ones may need to brave the plane without juice, depending on the TSA.

If you want to take homemade juice on trains or buses (or any other non-plane mode of transportation), go for it. Just remember that fresh juice contains the most nutrients if you consume it immediately after you make it. Plus, fresh homemade juice has a tendency to separate slightly, with the top part becoming a sort of juicy foam and the bottom part taking on a more liquid appearance. Adding some ice or putting it in a cooler might preserve the freshness as well, or at least keep it cold.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By cronewynd

You’re on vacation! You’re in an airplane or in a moving car and your little bundle of love needs a diaper change. Time to pull out diapers made of cloth, which you’ll have to wash later.

Oooh! Everything about that just sounds like fodder for a bad vacation movie.

My good friend who I consider an “eco-mommy” is always trying to find new ways to introduce green products into her kids’ lives. When she and her small family travel, she confessed to me that diapers are the one thing that never seem to go green in her family, especially when the family heads off on vacation.

But whether you decide on reusable or disposable diapers, almost anything is better for the earth than a traditional diaper.

Dirty (Traditional) Diaper Facts

It can take up to 500 years for one diaper to decompose, according to the EPA. Now imagine how many thousands of diapers most parents go through in one year? Disposable diapers make up a solid 5% of landfill waste and can cost several thousands of dollars from baby’s first diaper to potty training.

Cloth Facts for Traveling Parents

Simply put, cloth diapers can be reused. For this reason, cloth diapers may not be the most convenient option for parents on vacation. Most diaper services use non-green products to clean the diapers, and that may not be something green parents are comfortable with. As a result, you may have to figure out how much time you have to wash diapers. However, pro-cloth parents say that there are many green positives to cloth diapers. You’ll save a great deal of your own green by switching to cloth. Plus, most babies who are in cloth diapers seldom if ever get diaper rash, and cloth-diaper parents might have to use less cloth diapers in the first place, because babies can feel when they’ve wet themselves a little more acutely than if they were wearing traditional diapers. Due to the reality of cleaning cloth diapers, this option may not be the best for the family who’s traveling, although when you get back home feel free to check out all the great items at TinyTush.com, including these disposable diaper liners.

The Alternative

For families who want the convenience of a disposable diaper, check out earth-friendly brands, such as Seventh Generation , which has no petroleum-based lotions, fragrances, or latex. All that’s good and green for baby, but the fact is that most disposable diapers are not totally biodegradable. For more info, check out this fantastic disposable “green” diaper chart.
Disposable diapers may be flat-out easier to pack when you’re off to grandma’s or on a cross-country jaunt, but when you return home (and if you’re up for the time it will take), cloth diapers may be worth a try.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By majorbonnet

In early February 2012, the GLBT Travel Expo is coming to South Florida! South Floridians interested in GLBT-friendly travel will have two chances to explore the GLBT Travel Expo, one at the Pride Center in Fort Lauderdale, and one at the historic Moore Building in downtown Miami.

The GLBT Travel Expo is sponsored in part by the Equality Forum, the Miami Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the Best Gay Travel Guide, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, and the cities of Key West and Miami. Produced by Steven Levenberg Productions for the third year in a row, this exciting event promises a huge turnout. After the GLBT Travel Expo leaves South Florida, it will move on to Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York.

If You Go

Not only will you have the best and most up-to-date GLBT travel info at your fingertips, but you’ll have the chance to win great prizes and giveaways. Looking for a romantic getaway for two? How about a gay-friendly family vacation? Get the information you need to plan your adventure. From airline and train information to the best of GLBT hotels and resorts, there’s something for everyone at this free expo.

Fort Lauderdale

On February 9, 2012, come visit the GLBT Travel Expo from 4-8 pm at The Pride Center at Equality Park, located at 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. The Pride Center of Greater Fort Lauderdale is the hub of gay life in South Florida, featuring events and programs ranging from kid-friendly fun to dances for the elderly GLBT population, to community-based support groups.

Miami

On February 12, 2012, the GLBT Travel Expo will be presented as part of the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s 4th annual Explore Expo at the historic Moore Building in Downtown Miami, from noon to 5 pm. Built in the roaring 20′s, the Moore Building is located at 191 NE 40th Street, in the heart of Miami’s Design District.

For more information about the South Florida GLBT Travel Expo, please go here.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By Jason Pier in DC

As the world slowly moves towards complete legal and social acceptance of LGBT individuals, travel can pose a unique issue. Where can you be fully accepted? What areas should you avoid? And how do you know where to go in the first place?

Know the Laws

International travel poses some unique human rights concerns for LGBT couples. While issues of legal equality continue to come to light in America, there are certain areas where being gay is not only illegal but punishable by violent death, imprisonment, or corrective rape.  Sadly, not every country in the world is friendly to LGBT couples. Gay couples can either brave the dangers, find a primarily LGBT tour group to travel with, or choose another destination.

Do Your Homework

Read up on where you’re planning to go. The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA ) is an association of gay and gay-friendly travel agents, hotels, and more. They can provide a fantastic host of information about places you’ll feel at home and geographical areas you might want to avoid. Founded in the early 80s, the IGLTA is a wonderful travel resource. Learn what hotels, hostels, and travel companies are not merely tolerant but respectful and embracing of members of the LGBT community.

Have Fun

Olivia Cruises  just celebrated 20 years of lesbian and women-only cruises. Originally started as a record label, eventually Olivia Records morphed into the world-famous cruise line. Their 2012 trips include Russia, Scandinavia, and Paris. Male couples and singles can check out Atlantis Events. Italy, Greece, Stockholm and Copenhagen are just a few of the world-class events planned for travelers on the Atlantis Events cruise line. Got kids and looking to travel the world? Rosie O’Donnell’s cruise line R Family Vacations  is specifically for LGBT families, friends, and allies. Events through R Family Vacations include LGBT family camp, cruises to Vienna, and more. Your little ones can hang out with Sponge Bob Square Pants and other characters on board deck. Talk about diverse!

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By Jamison Wieser

I’ve always been impressed by women who traveled solo or with small groups. A few years ago, I had the chance to do some international travel to Southeast Asia and it was an amazing experience. However, women traveling solo should be aware of basic guidelines.

Know Your Area

If you’re traveling abroad, make sure that you’re dressed appropriately to the country you’re traveling in. In some areas of the world, wearing a long skirt or another item that covers your body is preferable. Long shawls can come in handy as everything from a head covering to even a makeshift blanket on long flights.

Smart Money

Going green often means being aware of financial issues. When traveling try to keep small and large bills separate. Consider an under-the-clothes money belt or divide your money on your person, putting some cash in your socks or even your bra, in lieu of carrying in your purse. That way, if you’re the victim of a purse-snatching, you won’t be left high and dry.

Surroundings

Green or alternative travelers are often encouraged to get to know other travelers. Chatting with others on the road can be informative and fun. But for women traveling alone, be mindful of surroundings. Look and act confident. When boarding a train or bus, try to stand next to other women or young families to ensure safety.

What to Leave At Home

Consider leaving valuables at home. Make sure that a trusted friend has a complete copy of your itinerary, a color copy of your passport, and your flight plans.

SmartPhone Smarts

Thanks to Smartphones, we have the ability to constantly document our surroundings. Smartphones are handy for taking photos, finding your way, and checking in with folks back home or members of your travel group.

Intuition

Many women report sensing that something is “off” before they are harassed or robbed. If something about your environment (or your interaction with a particular person) is making your stomach twinge, trust your hunches and find a safe way out of the situation.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo by garryknight

You can rest assured that if South Florida is your destination in December, snowstorms will not ruin your vacation. You can reinvent the usual white, chilly Christmas with the white sunny beaches where you can  make “snow” angels in the sand.

The holidays in Florida are colorful and charming.  The beach community can make a Christmas tree out of tall, majestic palm tree or a pink flamingo. The holiday lights sparkle in the distance as you take a winter swim or just walk in the nippy evening along the town just to enjoy the joyful, festive atmosphere, with coastline stretching in the distance.

In Fort Lauderdale and Miami alike, you can warm your heart by making sure to take in one of the following South Florida annual pastimes:

Santa’s Enchanted Forest

If you want to see Christmas done gitchy style, this is the place. Home to South Florida’s tallest Christmas tree, Santa’s Enchanted Forest’s millions of lights and hundreds of holiday displays. It’s bright, loud and the decorations may have seen one too many seasons but its open thru Jan 8 from 5 pm – midnight each day, making it a dependable blast of holiday spirit any night of the week. Visitors can enjoy the festive Christmas music, and carnival foods and rides and plenty of live entertainment, Miami style.

Christmas on the Beach

This religious variety show extravaganza includes bands, vocalists, dancers and mime artists! Children can meet Grinchy, sing along Christmas carols, and dance to the unique sound of a steel drum band. It takes place at the Hollywood Beach Theater located on Johnston Street and Broadwalk , Hollywood.  For more information, call 954-921-3404.

Christmas on Las Olas

Walk along Las Olas Boulevard and feel the snow melt on your bare shoulders.  Snow is the attraction of this free annual Christmas tradition,
making the highlighted events sledding down a mountain and skating in the artificial ice rink at JM Lexus on the Riverside Lawn.  Take in some holiday movies and visit Santa. As you stroll, sing along with the holiday songs sung by local choirs, the Archbishop McCarthy Jazz Band and the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus. You will find Las Olas Boulevard decked out with wonderful seasonal lights and find all the wonderful fashionable shops open late on Tuesday from 5 to 10 p.m. for this holiday celebration.

Cirque Dreams: Holidaze

Catch a holiday show in Fort Lauderdale complete with thrilling performances from Florida’s version of Cirque Du Soleil, with just as much
dazzling talent. Be mesmerized by the high wire acts, juggling and balancing acts in this wonderful performance with a holiday theme.

Pines Ice Arena

You may have left your cold state, but you know you miss the ice-skating! Rent your skates at this Fort Lauderdale old time ice rink and twirl away on the ice, enjoying some holiday music. Warm up with delicious hot chocolate and watch as others take a turn on the ice. Very family friendly and inexpensive- not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

By Nuria Almeida

The Riverwalk is located in Fort Lauderdale, in the downtown historic district. It is a 1.5 mile long brick-lined walkway along the north bank of the New River. Many of the city‘s historical landmarks can be seen along the way.  The path starts near the oldest surviving structure in the city, the lovely pine and oak house known as Stranahan House. This gorgeous stretch of river front has been preserved by the city of Fort Lauderdale, ensuring the quaint park, which houses some interesting nautical ‘art’, is extremely clean and safe, and the outlining buildings, including the renowned Florida Grand Opera House, are showcased.

Take this pleasant stroll along one of the rivers of a network of canals known as the Venice of America, in the warm Florida sunshine, and enjoy a breeze and the view of the marina. It is truly one of the most romantic walks you will take along Florida’s most enchanting mile. The Riverwalk connects two main streets that run through the district- Las Olas Boulevard and Himmarshee Street. Along these streets, amidst lush tropical landscaping and wide, tree lined walkways link downtown Fort Lauderdale attractions, including the Broward Center for Performing Arts, the Museum of Discovery and Science, Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art and the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival- all within walking distance of one another.

If yachts and mansions float your boat, check out the year-around sightseeing cruise departing three times daily from the New River Docks. The cruise takes you along the Intracoastal Waterway and into Port Everglades, to enjoy the sights of large mansions, celebrity homes in Millionaires Row and massive yachts on the water. Visitors can also see some of the world’s largest cruise ships while in a smooth gliding tour cruise.

Treat yourself and loved ones to a scrumptious meal in one of the many restaurants right on the river or  hop on a water taxi and experience the marina’s fisheries across the way.  You can even become part of the Riverwalk landmark by purchasing a personalized, engraved signature brick.

The Riverwalk is the perfect place to unwind, fall in love or just have a truly unique experience. Even waiting for the various draw bridges along the way to be raised and lowered is a marvel. It is enjoyable anytime of the year, however if you are a music enthusiast, visit in February and dance to the Riverwalk Blues & Music Festival outdoor concerts.

By Nuria Almeida

Photo by Christopher Gosselin

Nothing is more amazing or exciting then the call of the open road. Even if the open road really means several hours on a highway or waiting to retrieve luggage, travel still broadens our minds, our hearts, and our horizons. It requires us to be childlike and optimistic, even if we think we’re cynical and have seen it all. When you’re packing your eco-friendly backpack, here are a few attitudes to cultivate.

Get Out of Your Own Backyard

When it comes to green travel, it’s true that staying home and enjoying day trips in your hometown is, of course, green and thrifty, but it also can practically eliminate the word travel. Sometimes it is just time to get out and have a look around your world. Take a (nonstop) plane flight, get together a group of friends for a car trip, or look into inexpensive and green-friendly train rides. Once you’re out of your hometown, appreciate and enjoy it. Take pictures and notes. Consider keeping a green travel journal, complete with photos of all the green choices you did – or didn’t – make. Make this journey fun because travel is life affirming.

Let Go

To travel for pleasure is to exist in a timeless space. We’re not held accountable to clocks or schedules unless we choose to be. We get a chance to experience what it means to have a good time while at the same time reusing what we need and recycling what we don’t. One of the most important attitudes about green travel is to relax, once you’ve explored the ins and outs of your green hotel. Let go and enjoy the experience.

Allow

I’ve yet to meet a green or conventional traveler who finds the art of allowing an easy process, yet it’s completely necessary. I’m not suggesting that to allow means to be utterly passive in the face of travel or changes on the road, but a certain amount of mindfulness and acceptance can help you stay aware of what you want to get out of your trip.

A Sense of Humor

Travel of any kind – sustainable or not – requires you to have a chuckle at yourself if not an out-and-out belly laugh. From Mark Twain to Bill Bryson to Anthony Bourdain, good travelers have always maintained a healthy sense of humor. It will help you enhance the positive gifts and chance meetings in your travels and help you reset your attitude on days where layovers, confusion, and missed connections seem inevitable.

Photo by madaboutasia

by Marissa Cohen

Art Deco Welcome Center Website – Miami

You do not have to be an art historian to want to experience and appreciate art and culture in the city you are visiting. If you love stories about real history, heroes and villains, then you will enjoy the Art Deco Tour conducted by local, very knowledgeable and very witty historians and architects.

Art Deco Welcome Center

To gain access to this old world of Miami, an essential stop to your South Florida vacation is the Art Deco Welcome Center (ADWC), located at 1001 Ocean Dr. Miami Beach, on the corner of 10th and Ocean Drive.

ADWC sits in the heart of the famous Art Deco Historic District contained within Miami Beach Blvd., Alton Road and Collins Canal. It highlights and helps protect 960 historic structures erected between 1923 and 1943. The three architectural styles which can be admired are Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modernism.

Since 1979, this historic gem has been protected from developers. In the 80s, this now colorful, clean area was a crime-ridden crumbling piece of history not to be walked in by the faint of heart.

Today, the ADWC provides great way to kick off your visit to South Beach via the informative permanent exhibit, guided walking tours, a self-guided audio tour, and a gift shop full of old-fashioned postcards and deco-style jewelry.

The guided tours are a bargain.  For the price of one entree on  Ocean Drive, you will gain VIP access to the lobbies and roof-tops, experiencing the gorgeous views from up there. Saturate your senses with the ambiance, furnishings and decor of some of the most breathtaking architectural jewels in Miami.

It is highly recommended to book the 90 minute tour offered every Wednesday thru Sunday at dusk to enjoy the spectacular neon lights highlighting these structures. One definite highlight is the Venetian Pool, an extraordinary beautiful swimming hole created in 1924. During its heyday, it hosted synchronized swimmer Esther Williams.This interactive history tour keeps the past of South Beach alive for you.

If your visit is in January, you can take in the Art Deco Weekend, an annual festival which takes place on Miami Beach.

By Nuria Almeida

While at dinner, a friend of mine announced to his mom that he rarely watched TV anymore and was thinking of getting rid of it entirely. About a week later, he visited his folks and his mom, still surprised by the anti-technology announcement, pointed to the set behind her. “See that?” she joked. “That’s called a television. Do you remember what one looks like?” My friend is a die-hard travel documentary man. He’s seen all of them, so I assumed he’d watched enough about interesting, far-flung places for a while, if he was willing to give up tv.

Arguably, many of us have internet on our phones – and with it, access to video sites. But when we’re in our homes, what are some benefits of turning off the TV?

Time to Think

Turning off the TV means that we don’t have constant background noise. What’s underneath the drone of several hundred channels? Silence.

Intention

When we turn off the TV (or other electronic items) we are making a conscious choice to live exactly in the moment. I read somewhere that most of us often get stuck watching something just because it’s “on.” What if we exercised the power of choice and only took the time to watch what interested us?

No Ads

What would life be like without commercial ads? How would we think about our lives? Often, we don’t realize the consumer mentality we’re stuck in until we take a step out of it.

In the case of my friend, the ignoring of the tv awakened a desire to travel, actually travel, outside of his living room. In the few months since he’s given up tv, he’s begun to look into taking some trips to the places he learned about on tv. He seemed less tired and more energized – and hopefully, he’ll write me when he leaves.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo by b.frahm