Helpful Hints for Traveling in Asia

Thailand:
Helpful Hint #1:
As a Westerner, it is often hard to get past the vast amount of Thai children begging, or selling small goods throughout city streets. I always feel a surge of pain for the carefree childhood that I had, that most of the world’s kids never will.  So in a nut shell–what do [...]

Cautionary Tales: Elephant Treks in Chiang Mai

If you are interested in a hill trek tribe around Chiang Mai, as everyone seems to be…be very careful and choosey before you buy tickets at the first storefront you encounter.  There are literally hundreds of places where you can buy “exciting trekking tours” throughout the Tha Pae area, and prices run the gamut from $15-$50 [...]

Travelers with a Conscience and Passports with Purpose—One of the Coolest Things We’ve Ever Seen

We like to consider ourselves responsible travelers.  I mean, we throw our cigarette butts in our pockets instead of on the ground, and try to support local business whenever given the chance.  But, no matter how many articles we write about Eco hostels or reducing your carbon footprint, our efforts are [...]

Seven Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint While Traveling

“A person writing at night may put out the lamp, but the words he has written will remain. It is the same with the destiny we create for ourselves in this world.”
-Shakyamuni

Over the years, travel has gained a negative image as a materialistic, unsustainable indulgence that only few can afford. I say its time we [...]

The Principles of Ecotourism

“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.”
-Gaylord Nelson

Since the early 1990s, ecotourism has exploded into one of the most expansive and lucrative sectors of the travel industry, producing its own lexicon of travel jargon such as: [...]

Eight Excellent Eco and Outdoor Hostels

In reality, true eco-tourism is almost impossible. Unless you’re walking, biking or moving at extremely slow paces, you’re still creating a large carbon footprint. The irony of eco-tourism is that it can sometimes be more destructive than just staying at a traditional hostel, and native peoples can often be displaced in the pursuit of authenticity.
While [...]