When we’re not traveling, travel magazines can fill that void. Last year, we were on a Budget Travel kick but in the past few... »
Cultural Tourism
Fake Cultural Tourism in Guam?
Dave Davis writes a thought-provoking column about Guam’s cultural tourism (or lack thereof) in this week’s Pacific Daily News. He argues that while Guam’s history and indigenous people can claim authentic and unique cultural cultural aspects, these are not the ones presently shown to tourists. He writes: “… nearly everything purported to be culturally indigenous almost certainly... »
Promoting Indigenous Tourism
With all the different types of tourism, sometimes it’s hard to sift through and find the ones that are truly worth the effort. Poorism? Not so much a fan, thanks. Staycation? Uh, no. But here’s one that absosmurfly should be on your radar screen if you’re interested in socially conscious tourism, ecotourism, or sustainable tourism:... »
Ecotourism and Cultural Tourism in Cyprus – Opa!
Cyprus is a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea south of Turkey. Though a small country both in land and population, because of its location, Cyprus has been occupied by major powers throughout history: Hittites, Assyrians, Phoenicians, Egyptians, Persians, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans. These occupations have led to Cyprus now being able to... »
Building from Scratch the Best Eco-Tourism Project in the History of the Universe
After a particularly inspiring trip to Chile this holiday season, we are embarking on a plan to fulfill a long-awaiting dream of opening and operating our own ecotourism facility and program. Yes, unless we get financial backing (dream on, sistah), this plan and its implementation may be many years in the making. But, we... »
Cultural Tourism in Argentina Heating Up
Is it finally time to head down to Buenos Aires like you know you’ve been wanting to do for years now? Sure, buy a leather jacket, eat some steak, but don’t think you’re going to find your own Maria Belen right away, alright? Let’s not go overboard on the whole cultural tourism thing, people. »
Orbitz’s Petition on Travel to Cuba: Fidel, Here We Come!
Check out Orbitz – getting’ all political! The online travel company has put together a website and petition promoting the legalization of travel for U.S. citizens to Cuba. We applaud their efforts and encourage all of you to sign the petition. We won’t attempt to do a better job than they have of just why this transcends... »
Cruising with Karl
How fitting is this? Karl Rove and a bunch of other Bush apologists are inviting you to spend up to $14,000 to come pollute the ocean and the air with them on a luxury cruise in the Mediterranean. But it figures. According to the League of Conservation Voters (and other environmental organizations): “The Bush administration has arguably... »
Bulldozing Over Cultures in China
We’ve already been informed that The Mindful Tourist is one of the many websites blocked by the Chinese government (and quite frankly, we feel honored. Thanks, China!), and we don’t think our discussing the latest cultural catastrophe the Chinese are committing will make them change their minds. While we sit fretting over the new six-lane... »
Why to Watch TV on Vacation
Why spend your valuable time on vacation watching the boob-tube? True, you don’t want television-watching to get in the way of going out, seeing the sights, meeting people, and working on that all-important tan (skin cancer prevention advocates: no emails please). But when you have some down time, instead of turning on your computer... »
Point Break LIVE!: The San Francisco Treat
Local theater (or theatre, if you must, dahling) is a great way to experience local culture – be it the show itself if its topic is local, your fellow theater-goers, or even the neighborhood if the venue is not located in a typical tourist section of town. Our last experience in local theater was highly... »






