“A “stay-cation” is a great way for travelers to get away without depleting their wallets and gas tanks and explore Florida’s natural and cultural resources in their own backyards,” said Costa d’Este Beach Resorts Director of Sales and Marketing Monica Smiley “With Indian River Counties rivers, lagoons, beaches, and the cool air circulation that keeps the temperatures about 10 degree’s cooler than the rest of the east coast, guests can beat the summer heat while remaining close to home and avoid the stress of a long distance trip.” Indian River County also offers a vast array of cultural and shopping experiences.

With the summer vacation season reving up, Florida Governor Charlie Crist (Governor’s press release ) unveiled the Florida Backyard Card  and is encouraging Florida residents to plan a“stay-cation”. “Every dollar spent in our backyard – Florida – is spent many more times before its economic value is depleted. Dollars spent close to home provide jobs and generate the tax dollars that pay for vital services. Dollars spent with out-of-state companies are gone forever.” Read more about the back yard economics campaign http://www.backyardeconomics.com/

So take a One-Tank Adventure instead of making an out-of-state road trip and spread a little sunshine! Enjoy room rates as low as $89 weekdays and $99 weekends now through September 30, 2009 as a Florida resident with Costa d’Este Beach Resorts “Summer of Savings” Florida Resident Program. Call 772-562-9919 or 877-562-9919 and ask for the Florida resident rate.

The idea that travel can be educational, fun, and positively influence a destination is the cornerstone of the socially conscious tourism trend, which encompasses many areas of focus including ecotourism, cultural tourism, and sustainable tourism. For the traveler who wants to combine adventure and altruism, Costa d’Este Beach Resort offers 3 tips for travel that transforms both the traveler and the community.

1. Learn about and embrace the culture around you; with the rise of Google, it’s not difficult to learn about your final destination. You can learn even more through the local tourism board site or even destinational blogs. (see what  “marilynsonthemove” blog says about Costa d’Este Beach Resort.) These avenues will clue you in to local haunts, festivals, and events you might not hear about otherwise. You can always get in touch with the bloggers - they are usually happy to talk to you via email about your plans in their city. 

2. Contribute to the local economy; stay at a locally owned hotel,(Gloria & Emilio do have a home in Vero Beach) eat at locally owned resteraunts, and take advatage of  excursions that are owned by locals that are passoinate about the destination and preserving the enviroment like kayaking with Kayaks Etc.

3. Leave the place in better shape than you found it ; this doesn’t mean you have to carry around a bag and an EZ Deluxe Litter Stick. Instead, be consious of your own footprint, don’t litter, walk when you can, and donate money or time to a local charity or non-porfit organization.

If you do these simple things, you’re well on your way to being a socially conscious traveler. Embrace Costa d’Este Beach Resort’s effort to assist local non-profit organizations. Hometown Hospitality embodies our mission to give back to our community. Please help us in our efforts to support the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary dedicated to the protection and conservation of Florida’s wildlife and natural resources. The sanctuary takes care of over 4000 sick, injured and orphaned animals a year, with the ultimate goal of returning them to the wild once recovered. A percentage of your room rate will be donated to support Busch Wildlife Sanctuaries efforts to protect and conserve.

photo credit: bionicteaching

photo credit: divemasterking2000

Owned by Gloria & Emilio Estefan, nestled on Florida’s east coast in the ocean-side community of Vero Beach lies an exquisite world-class retreat surrounded by white sand beaches and lush natural views. Specifically designed to pamper, relax and inspire, this Personal Luxury Resort that seamlessly blends Four-Star accommodations with an array of the finest amenities, eagerly awaits your arrival. With a prestigious location in one of America’s 100 best art towns known for its relaxed atmosphere, Costa d’Este provides an exclusive oceanfront haven accompanied by Benchmark’s renowned hospitality.