Qantas and Jetstar Offer CO2 Offsets for Passengers

by Catherine Bodry on

While some airlines are complaining about environmental directives for air travel, Qantas and its budget carrier Jetstar are actually doing something about it. On Wednesday, the two airlines launched a scheme that allows passengers to offset their CO2 emissions. No, passengers don’t hold their collective breath for the entirety of the flight; this offset is monetary. For example, the Associated Press reports that a flight from Australia to Los Angeles generates around 1.4 tons of greenhouse gases per passenger, which the airline says can be offset by paying just 17 Australian dollars ($14.50; 10.46 euros) per flight. The money is then donated to a “variety of environmental projects,” like government-approved carbon dioxide abatement schemes.

Critics argue that carbon offset programs don’t have a major impact on CO2 emissions. But at least it’s a step in the right direction. Would you buy carbon dioxide credits?

What’s The Silliest Thing In Your Pack?

by Brett Atkinson on

I’m loving the new “What’s In Your Pack?” series, although I’m feeling a mix of awe and sympathy for Nick Hawkins and the incredible range of gear he lugs around the planet.

Another highlight has been Martha’s disclosure about Lamby, her furry erstwhile travelling companion.

It got me thinking about what else we throw in our packs for tradition or good luck. I’ve got a little cartoon lion in a safari suit that I got from inside a Kinder Surprise chocolate egg about ten years ago.

He – strangely I’ve never named it – tags along in my money belt (the lion’s only a few centimetres high) and has probably now been to about twenty countries.

What are some other silly and unnecessary items that make the cut when you’re packing?

Budget Airlines Whine About Environtmental Concerns

by Catherine Bodry on

Budget Airlines, like Europe’s EasyJet, complain that they’re carrying the burden of concern about air travel’s environmental impact. EasyJet’s Chief Executive Andy Harrison argues that taxes should be based on the efficiency of planes and the distance traveled rather than being a per-passenger duty, claiming that budget airlines’ fleets are newer and thus more efficient than traditional airlines.

While I don’t think that budget airlines alone should be charged with “ruining the planet,” I do think it’s difficult to ignore the impact of cheap and quick airfare on less environmentally-damaging overland travel, like rail. That’s not necessarily the airlines’ fault though — they’re simply meeting travelers’ demands.

What do you think?

Skybus Opens for New Routes: Move Quickly for the $10 Deals

by Jamie Rhein on

I’m waiting for a Skybus route to upstate New York to open. Stewart Airport in Newburgh would be divine. Not yet, but there are four more routes to start December 5.

If you have any desire or need to head to Chattanooga, Gulfport-Biloxi/New Orleans Area, Milwaukee or Punta Gorda/Ft. Meyers, check out Skybus to see if its schedule and airport locations suits you. Starting December 17 there will be one more flight a day to Jacksonville/Daytona (actually St. Augustine.)

Keep in mind, when you do book a Skybus flight, make sure you have a way from the airport to where ever you are actually going. A friend of a friend of mine was thrilled to pieces over her cheap flight to Boston. She didn’t know that the airport Skybus considers the Boston area is actually about 50 miles away and in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The friend she is visiting in Boston does not have a car. At this moment, she has no idea how she is actually getting to Boston.

Last week I tried to find the route from that same airport into Logan International Airport for a friend of mine. He’s flying from Atlanta to Boston and then wants to come to Columbus. Figuring out the logistics of how to get from Logan to Pease Airport made me tired, so I quit. Sometimes it’s just worth paying the extra money to be able to get to exactly where you need to go–unless you are renting a car anyway. Then, I say, go for the bargain.

What’s in Your Pack, Rob Meyer?

by Justin Glow on

Today, Rob Meyer, author of the “budget-conscious traveler” website, GoBudgetTravel.com, gives us a sneak peak at his ultra-light packing style. So, what’s in your pack, Rob?

“While many people tend to follow the “just in case” philosophy of packing, I prefer the opposite. I’m more of a “not unless someone else is carrying it for me” style of packer. Or in other words, I’m not carrying all that extra stuff “unless someone else is carrying it for me”! Other than a couple changes of clothes and basic toiletries, there are 8 items that I carry with me. If I need anything else, I’ll buy it, or even more likely borrow it from someone else during my travels. I like to be extremely mobile and flexible when I travel. I frequently change my plans, and often find myself walking long distances on a daily basis. Therefore, I need a pack that’s as light and versatile as I am!”

  1. The Pack: I used to carry a nice, sleek North Face pack, which was great in the fact that it was waterproof, extremely durable, and light. However, I do a lot of traveling through more “off the beaten path” type destinations that don’t see very many backpackers. I have found that carrying just a basic “school-style” backpack draws a lot less attention to me, while still accomplishing everything I need it to do (which is carry my stuff).
  2. Duct Tape: The bulkiest thing in my pack, but I carry it anyways because it consistently proves itself extremely useful.
  3. iPod: Doesn’t need to be an iPod, and actually there are a lot of other options for portable music players that won’t hit as hard if they get lost, broken, or stolen, but I definitely appreciate having some form of portable entertainment.
  4. A book: Always carry a book to pass the time. I am actually considering purchasing an ebook reader as well so that I can carry multiple volumes on one device, and because I often have a really hard time finding interesting books in many of the developing regions I travel through.
  5. Toilet Paper: Again most of my travels are through the developing world, where a trip to the restroom rarely includes toilet paper. And on those rare occasions when it does, you better be ready to pay for it with exact change!
  6. Sleeping Pills: No I’m not a pill popper. However, I do a lot of extended train and bus travel (often 10-16 hours) as a way to conserve money, and also because these are often the only options available. The seats on these buses and trains are usually cramped, rickety, noisy, and smelly. A couple of sleeping pills transforms these trips from a 16 hour nightmare to an afternoon snooze.
  7. LeatherMan Tool: This last item only makes it into my pack if I’m doing a limited amount of flying (as you can’t carry-on a knife). I do a lot of hiking and other outdoors activities when I travel, so carrying a pocket knife as strong and versatile as a Leather Man is very beneficial. Most other equipment I will rent in-country, however the Leather Man is worth bringing on its own.
  8. Not Pictured – Camera: Of course you have to bring a camera as long as well. I’m not much of a photographer, so I don’t need a fancy camera. In fact my camera is the one item that seems to get lost, stolen, or broken more than any other, so I usually just carry a cheap model (often bought off ebay) that won’t break the bank. My current camera is an inexpensive Sony Cybershot that honestly does everything that I need it to do.

So what are you, a “just in case” packer or a “not unless someone else is carrying it for me” packer!?

***

Thanks, Rob!

Want to show Gadling readers how you pack for the road? Send me an email (justinglow at gmail dot com) with a full description and pictures — similar to what Rob has done here — and we’ll feature it on the site!