Glass:

The Chrysler Museum’s glass collection and state-of-the art glass blowing studio have literally made the venue a center of learning for the craft. For those with even a casual interest, be prepared to be blown away. The collection itself is every bit as expansive as the erotic pottery collection on display in Lima, Peru and includes everything from Tiffany lamps and stained glass windows to art nouveau pieces and items from ancient Egypt. There are some wonderful modern pieces as well.

The glass-blowing studio, located in an entirely separate building from the original Chrysler Museum, is state of the art. Students pursuing their Masters of Fine Arts degrees, renowned glass artists, families, tourists and local school groups can all benefit from the program. Freed from the budget constraints similar programs might experience, the studio offers free daily demonstrations to the public and a chance for visiting master artists to mentor the student interns participating in the program. For those who would like a more intimate, hands-on experience with the glass, the studio offers paid classes and workshops with limited class sizes focusing on everything from decorative beads, cold work, inclusions and even fusion.

Diversity:

In addition to the Chrysler Museum of Art’s extensive glass collection, you’ll find roughly 30,000 objets d’art spanning 5,000 years of human history. Examples are on display of European and American painting and sculpture, art nouveau furniture and pre-Columbian art as well as Islamic, African, Asian and numerous ancient Egyptian pieces. There’s even a notable photography program.

One that struck me in particular about the Chrysler Museum is the number of interactive opportunities there were for a museum that focuses mainly on older, more traditional art forms. In addition to the expected reflection benches in various gallery spaces, paintings of importance have soft couch seating in front of them. This invites longer, more introspective analysis of the works and makes a struggling art student’s life just a bit more comfortable. Also, in the neoclassical sculpture exhibit, there’s a place for youngsters to sit with sketch chalkboards and try their hand at capturing the essence of a variety of classical pieces.

Rotating Exhibits:

For those who visit regularly, fresh viewing opportunities are worked into the schedule at the Chrysler Museum of Art. At the time of my visit, the big draw was the 30 Americans show, featuring works from 30 different African American artists using a variety of styles. There was also an interesting black and white photo show featuring images from the deep south. Other works of note featured on a rotating basis include items by such artists as Norman Rockwell, Rembrandt, Andy Warhol and more.

Historic Homes:

Within walking distance of the Chrysler Museum, and part of its overall program are two period homes of note. First, the Moses Myers House. Built by one of Norfolk’s prominent families after the Revolutionary War, the home contains an extensive collection of the family’s personal belongings over several generations, as well as a number of art works owned by the Myers.

Additionally, the Willoughby-Baylor House is also affiliated with the Chrysler Museum and is currently home to the Norfolk History Museum. The building contains several private works of the Chrysler family as well as a number of other items donated by private citizens to represent an accurate picture of the history of Norfolk. The garden was specifically designed to represent the most specific understanding available today regarding the look and feel of Colonial architecture.

The Chrysler Museum of Art if free to enjoy for all who would like to visit, although memberships are available for those who would like to provide additional support for the venue’s mission. When you are done sampling all of the food adventures the city of Norfolk has to offer, then this museum is a great way to incorporate a bit of culture into your vacation itinerary.

Photo Credits: Trek Hound

Food: Breakfast is one of the most affordable meals to enjoy while traveling. When possible, consider choosing an eco option. Locally-supplied restaurants offer travelers a chance to vote green with their pocketbooks while still experiencing a relaxing vacation. For example, Max’s Harvest in Delray Beach, Florida is a farm-to-forks venue offering surprisingly reasonable Sunday brunch selections. Sustainable snack options include hand-cut rosemary chips and gourmet deviled eggs, both available for $5.

Supplies: Cosmetics, sunscreen and other personal care products are available in reasonably-priced eco versions suitable for travel. HandSan, an organic spray-on hand cleaner from Bio Green Crystals is packaged for easily tucking into your messenger bag or day pack and rings in at roughly $6 per travel-sized bottle. Similarly, Badger, an all-natural body care company sells $3 tubes of USDA – certified organic lip balms in flavors such as Madagascar vanilla, highland mint and tangerine breeze.

Accommodations: Researching your chosen hotel’s green efforts in advance is a great way to stay informed. I try to pay particular attention to linen-laundering procedures and the venue’s selection of personal care products. Does the hotel encourage you to be more conscientious in your requests for fresh towels or drop off more than you would reasonably need? What types of soaps and shampoos are stocked in your room? On a recent visit to the Plantation at Crystal River along Florida’s nature coast, I enjoyed cruelty-free shower and hand soaps with sustainable packaging as well as paraben-free shampoo and conditioner.

Activities: The venue also offers legally-guided manatee snorkeling tours for less than $50 per person, along with low-impact kayaking tours, bird watching and a variety of other ecological activities. Interacting with nature is one of the most inexpensive ways a traveler can keep it green on the road. Parks, nature trails and more can be accessed for free around the world. For those who want to take it up a notch, volunteering is an affordable way to have a higher-end experience for less. Govoluntouring.com provides a variety of international eco packages, including marmot conservation in the French Alps, low-carbon desert living in southern Spain and lion encounters in Zambia.

Photo Credit: Pictures of Travel Places

This architectural image represents many such photo opportunities in Amman, Jordan. The city is home to several sets of Roman ruins, as well a handful of notable restaurants, such as the Blue Fig.

Passes: It’s quite common for spa facilities to offer day passes to vacation or business travelers wishing to experience a few luxurious perks during daily downtime. Rates typically range from $25 – $30, making this an extremely affordable option for those who favor saunas and steam rooms to deep-tissue massage treatments.

Amenities: If you prefer both however, many spa venues offer complimentary day access to their non-treatment amenities, provided you have received a spa treatment. For example, at the Emerald Mist Spa in the St. Kitts Marriott, guests can access all of the additional amenities for free before and after their treatments. Perks include hot and cold plunge pools, dry sauna, spa water and snack selections. Similarly at Miami Beach’s Lapis spa, located at the Fontainebleu, wellness clients are granted full-day access to the spa’s unusual communal areas – including the rain tunnel and mineral immersion pool – when booking any treatment at any price.

Enhancements: At the NSpa in Delray Beach, Florida, $80 treatments such as reflexology experiences and hydrating facial masks are reduced in price to $45 when booked as a massage enhancement. With a savings of nearly 50 percent, this is likely your best budget bet, provided you were planning on getting a massage anyway. Similarly, the spa at the Rosewood Tucker’s Point hotel in Bermuda has an amazing 18-head Silver Tag shower experience that is typically only available as part of a more elaborate treatment regime. However, you are allowed to add it on to the spa service of your choice for just $45. Considering these showers cost roughly a hundred grand for private purchase and only about 7 spas in the world have them, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience worth considering.

Booking: How you book your spa getaway often makes a difference in your overall price point. For example, the Keystone Resort in Colorado provides a 10 percent discount on 50-minute custom massages when both the treatment and accommodations are booked through the hotel’s web site.

Photo Credit: Serenity by the Sea Spa at the Hilton Sendestin Resort

This high-altitude stream is located in the village of Ollantaytambo, in Peru. The site is home to some impressive Incan ruins and a very picturesque area of the country.

Savings: Because the sport doesn’t actually require a mountain, dishing out extra dough for the lift tickets typically required for a ski vacation is up to you. Depending on the style of snowshoe you purchase, it’s also possible to store your gear in the trunk of a small car, making the purchase of a roof rack or car carrier unnecessary. Moreover, after you’ve purchased your snowshoes and poles, you can pretty much get by with the regular winter clothing you already have. This is a huge money saver when it comes to exploring a new sport!

Simplicity: Vancouver marketing executive Rich Patterson enjoys complimentary access to his favorite trail at Mount Seymour Provincial Park. The best part, according to Patterson, is enjoying pristine snow trails less than 30 minutes after leaving his office. Since the trail head is at the edge of the parking lot, there are no lift lines to contend with. Patterson simply straps on his shoes and steps right into nature. Similarly, residents of Montreal can have an enjoyable snowshoe experience without ever leaving home. The city’s 200-hectare Mount Royal Park offers $15 – $20 tours by reservation, which include equipment and hot chocolate.

Scenery: At the Durango Mountain Resort in Colorado, $35 will get you a two-hour guided hike – complete with equipment and round-trip lift ride – in the San Juan National Forest to an area you’d never be able to see otherwise. Another unique snowshoeing option is the historic carriage trails of Acadia National Park. A gift from philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., the 45 – mile circuit includes scenic vistas and up-close nature encounters. Internationally-minded travelers can experience scenic snowshoe tours as well. Exploreworldwide.com for example, offers affordable snowshoeing packages to Lebanon’s Shouf Cedar Reserve, Spain’s Picos de Europa National Park and the Rila Mountains of Bulgaria. In addition to the natural scenery on the Bulgaria tour, travelers also get to experience the world-famous Rila Monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site. Those in the D.C. area have Shenandoah National Park at their disposal as well.

Photo Credit: Mt. Hood Territory

This horse is one of several in the riding stables of Shenandoah National Park, where visitors can go horseback riding as well as camping, hiking and stargazing.

This doorway exemplifies the typical architecture one can expect to see when touring Venice, Italy. Similar photo ops are possible along the various alleyways and canals throughout the city.

This Jordanian soldier stands guard among the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Jerash. The entire city plays host to a cultural festival every year, and is a popular destination for vacationers touring Jordan.

This man in Petra, Jordan takes a break with his donkey after taking tourists for a ride along the Siq. Petra is known around the world as the ancient rose red city in the rocks.