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Elissa Garay head shot - Condé Nast Traveler

Elissa Garay

Modern-day explorer, perpetual seeker, and diligent travel scribe.

Modern-day explorer, perpetual seeker, and diligent travel scribe Elissa Garay has traveled to and reported on nearly 60 countries around the globe. Tag along on her travels by land and by sea as she reports back on captivating cruises, hot hotels, and timely travel trends. When not out globe-trotting, Elissa lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband and two fluffy cats, where she also co-owns a culturally focused walking tour company, BQE Tours: The Brooklyn Queens Experience.

Sailing the Aegean Sustainably—Just Like the Ancients Did

Wind-powered tall ships can offer the cruise industry a roadmap to more sustainable sailings.

Are ‘Green’ Airfares Really Better for the Planet?

Airlines are adding new, sustainably-minded ticket offerings to more traditional carbon offsets—but the jury’s still out on their efficacy.

You’re About to See Electric Ferries Everywhere—Here’s What to Know

From San Francisco to Singapore, battery-powered boats are emerging as the latest trend in green transport.

Iceland’s Most Surprising Tourist Attraction? Power Plants.

Geothermal and hydroelectric power plants, which supply the island nation with energy, fuel many of the stops on travelers’ itineraries—and have themselves evolved into unlikely visitor destinations. 

Virgin Atlantic Will Fly the First-Ever Transatlantic Flight With Net-Zero Emissions

The historic flight will be powered solely by sustainable aviation fuel.

This Scandinavian City Will Have the World's First Fully Electric Public Transit System in 2023

It's part of the city's ambitious plan to be emissions-free by 2030.

How Hydrogen-Powered Passenger Trains Are Transforming Rail Travel

The trains, which emit only steam and condensed water, are projected to expand throughout Europe by 2035.

These European Countries Are Offering Free Public Transport to Help Combat Air Pollution

The policies are aimed at local commuters, but in many places, tourists can take advantage of them, too.

These 5 Airlines Are Using the Latest Technology to Make Their Planes Greener

To make flying more sustainable, airlines are investing in everything from electric fleets to biofuels.

How Short-Haul Flight Bans Are Transforming European Travel

A growing number of E.U. countries have proposed bans on regional flights where a train route exists to reduce carbon emissions.

The Best Cruise Deals for 2021 and 2022

Welcome to "wave season," where you can nab serious deals on the cruises you've been dreaming about.

How Cruise Lines Have Adapted to Sailing During Coronavirus

Major changes to screenings and response protocols have led to multiple sailings with zero cases.

All Your Questions About Cruise Travel Insurance, Answered

Planning for when life gets in the way of getting away.

What's Happening to All the Halted Cruise Ships During Coronavirus?

With the industry suspended in response to coronavirus, here's the status of the ships.

Cruise Cancellation Policies: What to Know

In this unprecedented time for the cruise industry, here's how to stay on top of policies.

Everything You Need to Know About Cruise Ships and the Coronavirus

How the industry’s been impacted, and what measures cruise lines are taking to ensure your safety.