Virginia Green tagging certified tourist sites

Virginia tourism officials are promoting environmentally friendly attractions with a new Web site, www.VirginiaGreenTravel.org.

The site is a guidepost to "certified green" tourism businesses, such as lodging facilities, parks and other attractions.

The site also has links to outdoor adventure programs, the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, eco-friendly events and travel tips.

To be certified "green," a business must commit to waste-reducing activities, such as recycling, purchase environmentally friendly products, and other steps that are kind to the environment.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality manages Virginia Green, a program that awards certification to tourism-related businesses that take voluntary actions to reduce harmful impacts on the environment.

"It's smart business sense for Virginia and will help preserve and protect our natural heritage," Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, said in a news release.

Virginia Green worked with the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association to educate such businesses as hotels, inns and bed-and-breakfasts about the benefits of green practices. The program has grown to 140 lodging facilities, 23 restaurants, 20 conference centers, two convention centers and six attractions.

DEQ plans to expand Virginia Green to include wineries, golf courses and Virginia's welcome centers and rest areas.

Beach resorts roll out red carpet for families

NEW YORK -- More beach resorts are offering pools with water slides, no-cost children's programs and other amenities that make them attractive, affordable alternatives for families looking for one-stop vacations, according to Parents magazine.

The magazine evaluated more than 200 beach resorts in the U.S. and the Caribbean, based on room rates and other costs, quality of children's programs, variety of family activities, pool and beach area and other factors.

The May issue of Parents lists the 10 resorts the magazine deemed to best meet those criteria.

"Our winners are practically rolling out the red carpet for families on a tight budget," said Sally Lee, editor in chief of Parents. "Great kids' programs and perks are no longer exclusive to resorts with high price tags."

The resorts that made Parents' list offer seven-night vacations, May-September, for prices ranging from $129 a night to $500 a night (for an all-inclusive with meals and activities covered), with most falling under $250 nightly.

The resorts are Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya, Bahamas; Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island, Fla.; Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas; Disney's Vero Beach Resort in Florida; Beaches Negril Resort and Spa, Jamaica; Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu; Ocean Edge Resort & Spa, Brewster, Mass.; Loew's Coronado Bay Beach Resort & Spa, San Diego; and Rio Mar Beach Golf Resort Casino & Spa, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.

Details at www.parentsmag.com.

Take children for free on Auto Train to Florida

WASHINGTON -- Amtrak is offering free passage for children ages 2 to 15 on the Auto Train between Lorton, Va., near Washington, and Sanford, Fla.

The nonstop train allows you to transport your car from the mid-Atlantic region to Florida and back.

Reservations can be made now through June 6 for travel between June 1 and Sept. 30 in sleeping car accommodations. The promotion allows two children to ride free with each full-fare paying adult. To use the offer, you must book at least seven days in advance. Some restrictions may apply.

The Auto Train also carries motorcycles, trailers and small boats. Visit www.Amtrak.com or call (800) 872-7245 and use the discount code H749. -- The Associated Press -RD>