It has only been in the past few years that environmentally-friendly travel has become accepted by the mainstream travel industry.  Green-minded travelers will appreciate one of the gifts listed below this holiday season.

The Tokyo Citizen Bike (only $164) is a fold-able bicycle that weights only 30 pounds, making it a perfect size for checking with the rest of your baggage.  So it is convenient to go car-less no matter where in the world you find yourself.

To-Go Ware’s Repeat Utensil Kit ($11.99) brings one of the world’s most versatile sustainable materials to campers.  Instead of plastic, the spoons, forks, knives and chopsticks in the kit are made from bamboo.  They are completely biodegradable and do not stain or leech.

The Sunforce Solar-Powered Backpack is able to charge a set of batteries.  This is practical for campers and backpackers, and a small statement about the usefulness of solar power for individual travelers.  The Sunforce is not as high tech as some other solar-powered models, but it is one of the more reasonably priced options at $69.

The Metolius Eco-Ball is one of the more interesting items on this list.  It is geared towards climbers who don’t want to leave chalk on the rocks that they are scaling.  The price is reasonable too, at $4 per bag.  The highly absorbent material is biodegradable and purchases help Metolius support the Access Fund, an organization that helps preserve climbing routes.

The ECO Edition Solarlink Radio can be powered by batteries, solar power or hand crank.  In addition to acting as an AM, FM and weather radio, the Solarlink has LED lights for emergency lighting and a jack for charging iPods and other USB-connect-able devices.  The radio is available at REI for $50.

Carbon credits have become a popular way for travelers to offset the carbon that they created by flying or driving to their destination.  CarbonFund.org offers e-certificates for carbon credits and promises to plant a tree for each $20 purchase made on their site.  A 5 ton offset certificate costs $50.

The Ech2o Filtered Water Bottle (25 oz.) is a practical camping tool made from eco-friendly materials.  Even those who are looking for a reusable bottle will find this an attractive option because of its built in filter.  There will never be the need to purchase bottled water whether you plan to stay in a tent, a hotel, or at home.

Two camping supply companies are taking recycling to a new level.  Nemo and Big Agnes are both creating tents from recycled fabrics and sleeping bags lined with recycled materials.  Nemo is in the process of developing bamboo poles for its tents.  Prices for a two or three person tent can reach $300, but there are a host of cheaper sleeping bag and camp gear options.

There are hundreds of green-themed iPhone applications that can be downloaded for a low fee ($.99-$3.99).  The Around Me app allows users to track down environmentally-friendly businesses while on the road.  The Tap It app shows users where they can re-fill water bottles for free.

The Areaware Torch Wooden Flashlight ($48 on Amazon) features a biodegradable casing and a high-efficiency LED bulb.  The interior is partially made of aluminum.  This is a stylish flashlight as well as being an environmentally-friendly lighting option.

There are thousands of eco-tour operators in the world.  The Eco-Tour Directory web site lists the best of the best.  Tours can range from $2,000 treks to the jungles of Brazil to other options that are much closer to home and more reasonably priced.

Its easy (and inexpensive) to be green with your gift-giving this holiday season.

The holidays bring cold weather.  And cold weather brings thoughts of cruises and tropical vacations.  The Yachts of Seabourn is offering the ultimate luxury cruise experience at a steeply discounted price.  But the experience doesn’t start once you arrive at the port.  Seabourn is luring customers with door-to-door luxury.  Packages, which start at $7,980, include round-trip business-class airfare to destinations in Asia, as well as airport transfer and luxury accommodations.  Pricey? Yes.  But these are no mere quick, generic Caribbean cruises.  The line’s ship Seabourn Pride has ports of call including Dalian, China and Kagoshima, Japan.  Each 12-day leg includes multiple stops.

The $7,980 price tag represents a 45% discount.  To take advantage of the door-to-door packages, tickets must be purchased by February 15th.  The Pride’s journey on the other side of the Pacific begins in January.  The cheapest leg includes stops in China, Vietnam and Thailand.

Other options include trips from Shanghai to Kobe, Japan and Bangkok to Shanghai.  These legs are priced at $8,500 each, if booked before the February deadline.

Seabourn offers an ultra-luxury experience.  This is the kind of cruise line that stocks its wine cellar with vintage fine wines and has as many crew members and service personnel as passengers.  The ships are smaller than most luxury liners, accommodating just over 200 passengers with plenty of room to spare.  The line also offers cruises in Europe, though these are not part of the business-class airfare deal.  More information about that can be found on the Seabourn web site.

Here’s three great deals going on now in Las Vegas: Mandalay Bay offers $100 resort credit before Christmas, Room rates start at $85 per night at Mandalay Bay.  In addition to the $100 resort credit, the package also includes a 2-for-1 buffet, 2-for-1 spa access and two free drinks at the eyecandy sound lounge & bar. Room rates are based on single or double occupancy. The third and fourth guest in the same room will be charged an extra $30 each.

Starting at $81 for a night at the luxurious Caesars Palace on The Strip. Elegant accommodations, fine dining featuring an array of cuisines, world-class gaming, plus legendary entertainment and special events await.

$25 a night at the Landmark Stratosphere, located at the top of the Las Vegas Strip. As one of the closest properties to downtown Las Vegas and the Fremont Street Experience, Stratosphere offers the best value in accommodations, extreme thrill rides and exciting casino action.

Holiday & Winter Europe Airfare Sale starting at $465 for round-trip airfare if you book online by Dec. 17, 2009 and depart by Mar. 28, 2010.

You’ll save almost 40% off a stay at the Blackstone Hotel, located in Chicago’s South Loop. December 20 to April 10, 2010, you can book a standard room for $115 (including taxes) per night. Normally, this room would cost $184, so you’re saving around 37%. During this time, the hotel will serve classic cocktails (think a Singapore Sling or a Flora Dora) at its Jose Garces-helmed restaurant Mercat a la Planxa—all for a celebratory $1 each.

New York City flights from $129 Round-Trip, as airlines are slashing prices from cities nationwide. We’ve uncovered fares from as little as $129 round-trip! Go ice skating in Central Park, take in a Broadway show, or do a little shopping for what you really wanted this holiday season. Travel is valid from January–March.

$597 for a London 6-Night Vacation including Airfare. This offer from Delta Vacations includes roundtrip airfare with select nonstop flights. Six nights in a Deluxe room at the Thistle Euston Hotel, Daily English breakfast, and Two-for-one dining at the hotel restaurant. The Hotel is Conveniently located behind Euston Station and minutes from top London attractions including Buckingham Palace, Kensington Gardens, Westminster Abbey and Hyde Park.

$69-$109 a night at the Regal Sun in Downtown Disney, Save 50%. Regal Sun offers 626 rooms located on 13 beautifully landscaped, lakeside acres offering two heated swimming pools, hydrotherapy pool, and zero-entry beach pool featuring a child’s play area, therapeutic thermal spa, for the ultimate in relaxation. Hot tub, lighted tennis & basketball courts, volleyball & shuffle board. Disney Character Breakfasts, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, (check with hotel for pricing).

Florida Vacations with Airfare and Hotel from $340 and up, but ends Thursday: If you choose a Florida vacation and add a car rental, you can fly into 1 city, drive wherever you like, and fly home from another (except to/from Key West), with no drop fees.

Right now there are two hotels in San Diego and one in San Francisco with rates starting at $36 per night. The Bristol, a boutique hotel in San Diego, has rooms starting at $46 per night on select dates through Jan 1, 2010. The King George Hotel in San Francisco starts at $36 per night through Jan. 10. The third hotel is the Best Western Seven Seas in San Diego. It also has rooms starting at $36 through Jan. 10. Grab them while you still can from this LA Times article.

Breckenridge is one of the more popular skiing destinations in the Colorado Rockies.  Like Aspen and Steamboat, even people who have never hit the slopes recognize the name “Breckenridge.”

Yes, the popularity of the resort can lead to some crowded ski runs and snowboard terrain parks, but Breckenridge has more than 2,000 ski-able acres including plenty of powder and back-country runs.

Upcoming holiday package offers at Breckenridge give families an extra incentive to ski and stay at the resort.  Families of four who choose a five night/four day package will receive a 20% discount if they travel between December 18th and January 2nd.

The price break means that families can sleep and ski for as little as $155 per person per day.

That might not seem like an impressive discount, but it is one of the few rate cuts by any ski resort that takes place over the holiday season.  At many places, the holidays are the most expensive time of year to ski.

Condo rates are also 20% off.  The condo packages include a dinner sleigh ride and a catered holiday meal.  The meal features holiday classics like turkey and all the traditional side dishes.  However, the condo package is slightly more expensive than the standard package.  Rates start at $190 per person per night.

More info on both packages, as well as other holiday special offers, can be found on the Breckenridge web site.

The 3 Day Sale from Air New Zealand ends today. Save 20% on any fare from any city in the USA to anywhere Air New Zealand flies in New Zealand or Australia this Holiday Season.

Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa offers 2009/2010 Ski Package, which includes 2 adult lift tickets for Snow Valley Ski Resort, 2 $25 certificates to the Spa of the Pines, discounts on dining and more.

Speaking of skiing, Tom Robbins highlights the best ski deals in Europe, Canada, and the US in his article in today’s The Guardian. Check out what he lists as The Best December Ski Deals.

Toronto hotels offers deals up to 30% off when you stay for 3 nights or more and travel from now through Jan. 15th, 2010.

Romance in Aruba, from $2,100 for 5 Nights, featuring custom-designed Colonial West Indian furnishings including four-poster beds, marble bathrooms and spacious balconies and patios.

A Winter Caribbean Vacation for 40% Less at the Radisson Aruba Resort. Stay five nights and get a $150 beverage credit at the resort; stays of six nights or more get a $200 credit.

Support Canada in Vancouver in 2010 with Vacation Packages from C$689. Watch Canada go for glory next year! Stay in Vancouver where the action is, or, if you’re looking to save a bit, check Canadian hotel deals for the latest low prices in other areas.

Top five Christmas travel deals from USA Today. Highlights include London, Las Vegas, and Madrid.

$79 & up for 4-Star Downtown Los Angeles Hotels. Affordable areas near LAX with convenient freeway routes to key sights.

$149 & up for a luxury San Diego Hotel. The US Grant is located in historic downtown Gaslamp Quarter, and is near many top beaches, shopping, and dining.

$75 & up for 4-Star Washington D.C. Hotels near Capitol Hill. The country’s political epicenter is home to many national monuments easily accessible from where you choose to stay.

$200 Instant Savings on 5+ Night Curacao Vacation Packages. Travel to Aruba, Bonaire, & Curacao now through April 1, 2010, including holidays. Book now though, this Sale ends next Wednesday, Dec. 9th.

Kabuki Hotel

The Hotel Kabuki is one of the premiere Japanese-themed hotels in the neighborhood.  Actually, it is unfair to call it a theme hotel.  Many of the details at Kabuki are quite authentic, although there are plenty of Western elements in the design as well.  The ambiance, the popular O Izakaya Lounge (which boasts Japanese-inspired international cuisine), and the Kabuki Springs and Spa help Kabuki stand as one of San Francisco’s most unique hotel experiences.

A 48-hour sale on rooms, currently underway, will make this one of the best deals in the Golden Gate City as well.  People who book a room in the next two days will get 40% the Kabuki’s already quite reasonable (for San Francisco) rates.  The total cost will come to $84-$110 per night.  The deal also includes a $20 certificate to the Japanese-style baths located at the adjacent Kabuki Springs and Spa.

Location is another thing that the Kabuki Hotel has going for itself.  San Francisco’s Japantown is as close as you can get to experiencing the Land of the Rising Sun without traveling across the Pacific.  Japantown is filled with authentic shops, sushi bars, and movie theaters. In addition, Fillmore Street, one of S.F.’s hippest spots, is within walking distance of the Kabuki’s lobby.

For those who book in the next 48 hours, the $84 to $110 rates will be locked in until New Year’s Eve.  Even travelers who aren’t interested in staying in Japantown will find this a great price for a hotel in one of America’s most expensive cities.