As a relatively new field, ecotourism tends to attract entrepreneurs and innovators so you’ll have to be at the top of your game to... »
Places
This Week’s New York Times: Homestay in Guatemala and a Low Opinion for Slum Tourism
Whenever we travel, we don’t feel like writing about travel – ironic, no? So, since we just got back from a nice road trip in Chile, we’ll leave you with the following two articles from this week’s New York Times: 1. An opinion column on the nastiness of slum tourism. We’ve written about this before but... »
When Sustainable Tourism is at Odds with Sustainable Culture
Sometimes, sustainable tourism is a good thing. And sometimes, it’s a mask designed to demonstrate how progressive a country is when that country is in fact, catering to tourists more than to its own longtime culture and the health of its citizens. The latter is exactly what seems to be happening in Bostwana now. According... »
Iceland Volcano to Travelers and Mozzarella: Kiss My Ash
Iceland volcano Eyjafjallajokull (ay-yah-FYAH’-plah-yer-kuh-duhl or “Lady Jaja” as we like to call her) just gave the finger to hundreds of thousands of travelers in Europe and around the world. Jaja erupted earlier this week sending dangerous ash into the air; winds have scattered the air across many countries, disrupting air travel across the continent... »
An Inventive Way for YOU (yes, you with the funny shaped head) to Help Provide H20 to Haitian Children
We wrote about the Haiti earthquake and the Chile earthquake and since then have been interested to see the innovative ways people are helping these still-struggling countries. Here’s yet another and in our humble opinion this one takes the big ole lemon cheesecake. Nourish is a company that sells baby and toddler bottled spring water... »
Travelers to Mexico Can Breathe Easy
Good news, Captain. If you’re traveling to the “D.F.” or as many Mexicans call it, ”Mexico,” (meaning Mexico City; and yes, it’s confusing when you’re in Monterrey, Mexico and someone asks if you’ve been to “Mexico” - like, duh, yeah?), you will not be as overwhelmed by the poor air quality as you would have been... »
What Up, Buddhists?
This is interesting. Akon, no, not a city in Ohio, but a singer that some of those young whippersnappers seem to enjoy, was slated to have a concert in Sri Lanka, but, alas, no more. Apparently, much of the 70% Buddhist population was offended at one of Akon’s recent videos featuring a Buddhist statue behind... »
What is a Trip of a Lifetime? If Yours Includes a 10-day Adventure in the Galapagos Islands, Check This Out
“Trip of a Lifetime” – what does this phrase mean to you? We’ve never given it much thought but only because we hope and plan to travel so much to many unique and fun places that we hope all our travels would be considered a trip of a lifetime. Does it mean: Your one chance to... »
Saving Birds and Trees in Cambodia Through Ecotourism
We’re happy to report on this Phnom Phen Post story on how the village of Tmatboey in Cambodia is working with conservation groups to establish a model of ecotourism. Excerpts and some thoughts below: “As biodiversity in Southeast Asia suffers from an onslaught of habitat loss, climate change and overexploitation, a few organisations are determined... »
Not Keen on Vancouver? Try Montreal for a Change of Pace and No Olympic-Sized Crowds
Getting sick of the Olympics already? The Games have become so corporate-driven that sometimes it’s difficult to wade through the media overkill and the host city hard sell to remember that the Olympics is at its core, a way to bring countries together, sharing culture, friendly competition, and happiness. That said, if Vancouver is not... »
The Best Eco-Friendly Beach Destinations
With a record snowfall already in our little corner of the world and more than a month of winter to go, we can think only of the sun’s rays beating down on our bathing suited bodies. (Yes, a few more weeks on the elliptical will help that fantasy be a little more appealing.) Here... »
