Porto Torres: A case for slow travel
By Torrance McCartneySardegna, Italy. An idyllic and rugged island in the middle of the Mediterranean. The mountain ranges at the heart of the island are surrounded by a coastline spotted with small cities and fishing towns, all wrapped in sparkling blue sea. It was finally my time to experience this oasis I … Read more Read more
Europe Experiences
Zero-waste travel: Can it be done?
By Jessica BarrettOver the last few years, we’ve seen a huge push for greater sustainability and concrete steps towards reducing waste. San Francisco was the first American city to ban plastic bags back in 2007 (and many more followed suit), new bulk food stores are opening up around the world, and places like Singapore … Read more Read more
The World Eco-tourism Sustainability
The trouble with animal tourism and how you can help
By Nikki GillinghamThe dangers and harmful effects of animal tourism on the individual animals are starting to become more widely known, thanks in large part to a recent National Geographic article by Natasha Daly. Natasha’s research helped expose the truth about the conditions that surround many animals in captivity, which include elephants, tigers, … Read more Read more
The World Insights Social Responsibility
The positive influence of eco-tourism in Sumatra
By Bianca CaruanaGreen Hill tracking rangers in the village of Tualang Gepang, North Sumatra, received a call last month concerning a solitary orangutan who had wandered up a durian tree nearby the local village. The great ape was spotted by villagers who notified the rangers, and the case was quickly escalated to … Read more Read more
Asia Eco-tourism Sustainability
Aran Mor: Reliving a Traditional Way of life in Ireland
By Derek CullenFor many visitors, it comes as a surprise that two languages are spoken in certain parts of Ireland. That is to say, Ireland is predominantly an English-speaking country but specific pockets known as “Gaeltacht” regions use Gaelic (Irish) as their spoken tongue. Now, that’s not to say these locals will … Read more Read more
Ireland History Preservation
Rediscovering and Reviving American Culture
By Jen TouseyWhen we think of cultures on the brink of extinction the mind usually wanders to earth based cultures world wide being infringed upon by modern development. Another common image is that of oppressed peoples being forced to assimilate, flee, or possibly be put to death in a hostile regime takeover. … Read more Read more
United States Family Travel History
Why every visitor to Western Australia needs to visit Rottnest Island
By Audrey LimIf there’s one thing I’ve learned from living abroad over the past two and a half years, it’s that Western Australia is truly unrivaled when it comes to their beaches. While I may be quite biased, just picture fine white sand as far as the eye can see and clear … Read more Read more
Oceania Off the Beaten Path
Have a high time in Albuquerque
By Kathleen WallsA major highlight in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a hot air balloon ride at daybreak. But floating through the sky into the sunrise is not all there is to do in Albuquerque, and this city is full of culture and education to provide a well-rounded and enriching experience. Before you … Read more Read more
United States Off the Beaten Path Food & Drink
One Magical Night on the Great Blasket Island in Ireland
By Derek CullenI was frustrated when the Wi-Fi died. My trip to the Great Blasket Island was hinging on the availability of a small boat, and I was now unable to contact the owner. However, after a ten-minute jog to the harbour in Dunquin, I was welcomed on board – the result … Read more Read more
Ireland Off the Beaten Path
Why You Must Visit Warsaw: 30 Years After the Fall of Communism in Poland
By Patti MorrowCareening through the backstreets of Warsaw in a minibus that bumped and jostled us through a former Communist neighborhood, I immediately regretted that extra pierogi I’d had for lunch that now threatened to expel itself. As if clairvoyant, Tomas, our guide, stopped and shepherded us into an area where partially destroyed, … Read more Read more
Europe Off the Beaten Path Architecture History
Is it safe to travel to Australia after the bushfires?
By Ann-Marie CahillThe Australian bushfire season for 2019/2020 has been the worst on record. Globally, news reports have tried to capture the enormity of the situation, often falling short. Red, orange, and black smother the traditional Australian green-and-gold. And yet, from the ashes, there is a sprout of new growth; as a … Read more Read more
Oceania Social Responsibility
Swim with whale sharks – the largest fish in the ocean
By Melissa CurtinSwimming with whale sharks was something I had never contemplated until visiting La Paz, Mexico, a few hours north of Cabo San Lucas in southern Baja California Sur. My immediate response was “no way” until I learned the name “whale shark” is quite misleading. Whale sharks are the world’s largest … Read more Read more
Mexico Experiences
How Spending Time Alone on the Pacific Crest Trail Changed My Life
By Derek CullenI recently spent five months hiking from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. It was an incredible backpacking trip through stunning deserts, mountains, and forests but also a journey of self-discovery. At the same time, my trips were now motivated by self-growth rather than deficiency. That is to … Read more Read more
North America Backpacking & Camping Off the Beaten Path
Traveling with small footprints: A guide to eco-tourism
By Chelsea WiersmaEco-tourism has been rapidly growing in popularity over recent years. There are now eco-friendly stores, eco-lodges, vegan restaurants, and sustainably made products in almost every major travel destination. It is the responsibility of travelers to be mindful of their impact on the environment and make informed decisions while exploring our … Read more Read more
The World Eco-tourism Sustainability
The rise of ‘second city’ travel
By Katherine BertrandI’m going to take a wild guess here: following your latest travel adventure, the story you were most excited to entertain your friends and family with wasn’t one of the long, winding lines at the Louvre. Or the sea of tourists obstructing your view of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. … Read more Read more
The World Off the Beaten Path Sustainability