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Tips For Planning Your Next Sustainable Trip

When I founded Go Eat Give in 2011, sustainable travel was a fairly new concept. Beyond gap years and volunteering abroad, there weren’t many options for vacationers to travel sustainably and meaningfully. But today, I feel we are more conscious about the impact we make when we travel. From protecting the environment, leaving lower carbon footprint, to ensuring our travel dollars sustain local businesses, there are many things in your control as a traveler. So be aware of them!

When I travel or consult others on where to go, I consider where I would stay, eat, shop and tour with that would be sustainable. It is often not straightforward to find these resources, but thats why you can rely on me or do additional research.

Whether you are looking to plan a trip on your own, or book with Go Eat Give, here are a few tips to help you make your next vacation more sustainable.

plan a sustainable trip — *Chartered penguin flight to Antarctica.*

Plan Your Transport

While it may not always be possible to avoid a commercial flight, there are ways to offset your carbon footprint by picking airlines that use alternative fuels, sustainable practices and invest in planting trees. When possible, I also opt for family-owned airlines, such as Point2Point Air that operated between Seattle, mainland Washington and the San Juan Islands.

If you are in the habit of printing tickets, itineraries and boarding passes, you can save a lot of trees by going digital. Download the airline’s app on your phone so you can not only see your booking, but get the latest flight updates.

Avoid unnecessary travel, combine trips and use public transportation when possible. Europe has a wonderful rail network which is often cheaper than flying. Plus you don’t have to worry about paying baggage and seat selection fees on the low cost carriers.

To organize my travel details, I use Evernote and Travefy apps. Both sync to my laptop and phone. I can easily share the details with my travel companions and send a copy to my family. Also, you can modify any changes, add directions and contact information on the app and not have to reprint your entire itinerary.

Hotel Miramare in Italy — *Hotel Miramare near Portofino is* *independently owned luxury historic hotel*

Book Sustainable Accommodations

The most important factor to consider when choosing your accommodation, especially in developing countries, is to make sure that the money stays within the country. This means picking locally-owned, boutique hotels, that will employ local staff and reinvest profits in the community. Some hotels also utilize environmental-friendly materials in its construction, source art and crafts from local artists and use biodegradable bath products. The Good Hotel in Antigua trains and employs unemployed and single women to work in hospitality and invests 100% of their profits in the community.

Another way to check if the hotel is sustainable is by seeing if they have been certified. Often, the hotel’s websites will list LEAD certified or similar accolades. Check out Jade Mountain in St Lucia, the first Caribbean resort to be certified LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council, one of the highest levels in the green building rating system.

Of course, places such as Inns, AirBnb, and independently owned Bed and Breakfasts will empower locals to earn revenues directly. Plus, you will get to know the owners and have a more intimate experience. Aroha Luxury New Zealand Tours did a wonderful job of selecting luxurious B&B accommodations for me around the country. Not only was I able to stay at some of the most exclusive places, but also got a glimpse of the local lifestyle.

sustainable tourism stay — *My B&B hosts in Hoteni dressed me up us a Romanian bride*

Pick Local Experiences

A big reason to travel is to see new places and experience different cultures. But there are more sustainable ways to see the major tourist attractions without causing more stress to the places and to yourself.

For attractions, avoid peak hours, go off season, and book tickets in advance. Instead of a guided bus tour, opt for an e-bike or walking tour, where you will be able to discover more of the city and hear enriching stories. Black History Walks in London walks offers some of the most insightful walks, film exhibitions and talks around the city.

Look for experiences that are not heavily advertised in touristy areas. These may include salsa dance lesson at a Havana rooftop, Batik painting with an artist in Bali, or harvesting olives in Tuscany You can also enroll in an activity that gives back, such as diving to build coral nurseries or restoring sea turtle habits at the beach.

Book With a Tour Operator

The best way to book a sustainable trip is through local operators. You can also get better rates for a more personalized experience. I often work with women-owned independent tour operators around the world. Many of them don’t have the resources to advertise themselves internationally, but have good connections with the local communities. They are better able to serve the need in case of any situation, and will go and above and beyond to ensure that you have a pleasant experience.

sustainable tours in TCI — *Make your own batik at Saba.*

When I was in Romania, my guide Ramona Cazacu of MyRomania, picked me from the airport at Cluj and accompanied me to see my ‘Beato Goes To‘ book illustrators team. She even joined me for dinner at a friend’s place. Toward the end of our week-long tour, I had dinner with her girlfriends in the beautiful city of Brașov. That wouldn’t have been possible if didn’t have a direct connection with my tour operator/ owner.

I often find unique tours with locals through the Airbnb Experiences website. Some of these may be offered by local experts or even celebrities! You can go behind the scenes of a recording studio in Nashville or have a professional photographer take your shots around Berlin.

Remember, most major cities also have free walking tours. You can simply pay whatever you like and meet some interesting people who like to show their neighborhoods. I have found students, single moms and retirees make a decent income while having flexible hours doing walking tours.

eat local on food tour — *Rum tasting during a food tour at Turks & Caicos.*

Dine Sustainably

If you are like me, you probably search for where you are going to eat before you even get to your destination. Food is not just a source for nourishment, it helps us understand cultures and traditions. Avoid brand name restaurants and go to the ones that source their ingredients locally and sustainably.

The first thing I do in each country is take a food tour. This gives me local insight into the most popular dishes, their names in the foreign language and the best places to eat them at. The local tour guides will also point out locally-owned restaurants that serve authentic food where the locals (not the tourists) go to. If you are looking for something specific, such as vegetarian or vegan options, they will be your best source. Some of my favorite food tours have been in Bangkok, Istanbul and Krakow.

If you have more time at your festinate, take a cooking class and dive deeper into the cuisine. On my first trip to Tokyo, I learned to make miso soup, okonmayaki and sushi rolls. It was very insightful as I learned about the ingredients and cooking utensils (they cook with chopsticks not ladles). When I would dine at restaurants in Japan, I knew exactly what was in the dish and how to pronounce its name.

Breaking bread together will also help you meet other locals and learn more about the place and its culture. Plan your trip around food festivals, join a home hosted dinner, or a group celebration (white parties, fundraisers).

What To Do When You Test COVID Positive When Traveling

It seems that the entire world is tired of staying home for over 2 years, and travel has returned with vengeance. In fact, airline ticket sales are at their all time high and hotel prices have skyrocketed this year. People are traveling abroad despite the confusing and constantly changing policies. For example, Europe now allows vaccinated travelers as long as their last shot was taken within 270 days. And USA still requires a negative COVID test result within a day of departure to the country.

With the rise in travel, no more masks or social distancing mandates, it is inevitable that you will encounter someone who has COVID-19 during your trip. On my recent flight from Atlanta to Aruba, there were people coughing (without covering their mouths) and there was no way for me to protect myself (yes, I had a mask on). Even though I was vaccinated and boosted, I probably caught the virus on the flight, or somewhere at the airport, because I tested positive during my stay in Curacao. Therefore, my 7-day long business trip turned into a 10-day long wellness and recovery stay.

Testing positive when traveling abroad means, you cannot leave the destination, and if you are an American citizen, you cannot travel back home. So what should you do if you test COVID positive when traveling abroad? Here are some tips based on my recent personal experience.

stay positive while traveling abroad — Colorful downtown Willemstad in Curacao.

Don’t Panic

The first and most important thing when you do test COVID positive is to not panic! It is hard when you are stuck abroad, not knowing where you will stay, when you will get home, and how you will deal with work and family responsibilities. Moreover, if you have symptoms, you may not be feeling so good. So, don’t cause yourself more anxiety, and don’t stress. Take a deep breath. Remember, this too shall pass. Make a plan of action. Talk to your close friends and family members. Discuss with your local contacts or hotel manager. And read this blog!

Seek Medical Attention

If you are having any COVID symptoms, such as high fever, cough, cold, chills, body aches, ask your hotel to call for a doctor immediately. When I started feeling a scratchy throat while traveling in Curacao, I first tried to self medicate, thinking it was probably just the air conditioning or change in weather. Two days later, I was lying in bed with 101 F fever, chills and sweats. The resort called the doctor on my request, who came to my room for only $200. He prescribed antibiotics that were included in the cost. This helped me recover quickly.

traveling to beach destination — Enjoy a quiet walk at the beach.

Self Care

At this point, I did not test positive for COVID, but had all the symptoms. My doctor advised me to drink lots of fluids, eat light food (soups and fruit), and rest. I always carry Vitamin C packets, my favorite Masala Chai powder, and a few over-the-counter medications (such as Ibuprofen) with me when I travel. Also, I purchased a few self testing COVID kits that came in handy. They were only $5 each at the pharmacy in Curacao.

It is very important to self isolate, rest, and wear a mask when you go outside. Since I was staying at a hotel by myself, I had no choice but to out to get food and medicine, so I wore a mask and kept distance from people.

Still, try to breathe fresh air by sitting at the balcony or taking a walk on the beach. Keep your mental health in check by talking to people on the phone, watching funny movies, and getting lots of sleep.

I had a great support system while in Curacao. The owner and manager of Terra Boutique Hotel were available 24 hours a day via WhatsApp. Every morning, they delivered breakfast to my room, comprising of fresh orange juice, tea, omelette, toast, fruits, and granola. My room was cleaned and sanitized daily. The kitchen at the hotel was well stocked with bottle water, tea and fresh tangerines, so I could stay hydrated. And they arranged for doctors, medicines, airport drop offs, as well as any request I had. Since I was traveling alone in a foreign country, it was calming to know that there were friendly and caring people I could count on whenever needed.

Often, you can get this kind of personal service only at smaller boutique hotels. The 300-room resort I stayed at previously offered no such help, and their reception desk rarely answered the phone.

restful sleep while traveling abroad — Relaxing room at Terra Boutique Hotel.

Test Regularly

Most travelers take their COVID test only 24 hours before flying out. If your test is positive, you cannot board your flight. The USA and few other countries still have this restriction. Most countries only check your COVID vaccination card. And the general protocol is that you have to isolate for 5-10 days before you are cleared to fly. Now, the problem with this rule is that your waiting time starts from the first time you tested positive, not the first day you had symptoms. Which means, in the best case scenarios, you can fly 4 days after your scheduled flight.

If you test regularly at a clinic, you will be able to detect the virus early on and your countdown will start earlier. For example, if you first tested positive 3 days before your flight, that will be your day 0, and you may only need to stay 2 extra days. Note that home test kits don’t apply. You have to test at a lab and obtain a written document showing the date of your test.

eat healthy food to combat COVID — Breakfast basket at Terra Boutique Hotel.

Call the Health Department

According to the CDC, you should self isolate for only 5 days, after which you can move about freely as you are no longer infectious. However, you also need to obtain a negative COVID test for air travel, or get a note from the doctor that you have fully recovered. The main problem with this rule is that you can test positive for COVID for weeks and months after you may have had it. Therefore, you may not be able to return home if you simply rely on test results.

So the only way to get around is to obtain a recovery letter from a local health authority. This can be a little complicated, as most doctors are not even authorized to give the letter. In Curacao, the doctor who saw me at the resort said that he was not allowed to write the recovery letters, and there were only 2 doctors on the island who could do it. I had to look them up, contact them individually, and because it was a long weekend, they were unavailable.

There are also many online healthcare companies who will give you the letter. You will need to fill out a form, pay a fee, and perhaps do a virtual consultation. The catch is they will only do it 10 days after your first positive test. You should have had no fever and recovered from all symptoms.

Because every destination has its only policy on who and when is authorized to give recovery letters, your best resource is the local health department or ministry of health and epidemiology. I had a phone consultation with the public health official, texted them my records, and they emailed me the letter within a few hours. This allowed me to travel internationally back to the US even though I was testing COVID positive.

Some travelers revert to the US Embassay for this information, but they are often not able to help.

what to do when you get COVID — View from my balcony at Mangrove Corendon Curacao Resort.

Carry Good Travel Insurance

During this time of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to carry comprehensive travel insurance that covers sickness resulting from pandemics. I have Allianz Travel insurance which covers cost of hotel, meals, flights, doctors, etc. for me and my caretaker (if I was traveling with someone who had to stay back). Make sure to save every receipt, test results, and doctor’s records. Having this protection will cause less stress as you don’t need to worry about the extra bills you encounter abroad, and can focus on just getting better.

How G Adventures Gives Back to the Community

When you are planning a trip abroad with sustainability in mind, it can sometimes be complex and hard to execute. You may think of options like a group trip, head to a particular destination you think is more sustainable, or look for ways to make a positive impact when you arrive. Thankfully, some travel organizations, like G Adventures, take the difficulty out of preplanning and allow you to focus on how you can truly be a positive, impactful traveler.

“Changing the world through travel” has been the organization’s motto since its creation in 1990. For over 20 years, G Adventures has curated numerous bookings for individuals to revel in sustainable vacations, the local community and volunteer services that provide an enriching experience. Furthermore, G Adventures works closely with its non-profit partner – Planeterra, which aims to empower people, protect the environment, and create a ripple effect of positive impact through tourism.

From all across the globe, there are numerous vacation projects for you to pick from. The organization just introduced five new projects to the public in 2020. Be sure to check them out below to gain some destination inspiration or learn more about how you can give back to communities while traveling.

1. Dqae Qare San Lodge – D’Kar, Botswana

g adventures — The Dqae Qare San Lodge is a unique experience as it is owned and run by the San people

D’kar is a village in the Ghanzi District of Botswana. A large number of the San of Southern Africa, a marginalized group of indigenous people, resides there. They are excluded from the economy and lack social services. Moreover, they are under constant threat of their language and history being demolished by infrastructure development and lack of cultural resources.

In the D’kar village, the Dqae Qare San Lodge is a wildlife area, lodge and campsite. It also aids in the protection of the San of Botswana. It offers full-time employment and part-time work for those who offer cultural activities and other small jobs there. Over USD $38,000 is annually paid to upkeep development projects like freshwater infrastructure and resources for preschool. Such projects are invaluable to the community, which lives in extreme poverty.

Planeterra partners with Dqae Qare San Lodge to assist them with upgrades to their site and accommodation. Funds are used to improve facilities and connect the lodge with a steady stream of travelers from G Adventures. The tourism income ensures a regular revenue for the camping grounds.

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2. Reef Ecologic – Whitsundays, Australia

The Whitsundays Islands is made up of 74 continental islands off the coast of Queensland, Australia. People from all over travel head here to see some of world’s finest white sands beaches and barrier reefs. However, a tropical cyclone swept through the Whitsundays region in 2017, decimating terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Along with the environmental and economic impacts, the ecosystem began to collapse because of damage done to the coral reefs. The lack of coral reefs affects marine life and leads to the disappearance of fish, sharks and sea turtles.

In a collaboration with Reef Ecologic, Planeterra integrated reef restoration programs into tourism experiences in the Whitsundays. With the sponsorship of a new coral garden, Reef Ecologic secured funding for monitoring efforts for the coral garden through tourism. When booking a trip to Whitsundays, Australia, travelers engage in various materials to learn about marine rehabilitation. They also physically help in reef recovery and integrate tourism with the community.

3. Soa Zara – Ranohira, Madagascar

Located off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is the world’s fifth-largest island. It has some of the world’s largest coral reef systems and mangrove areas. In addition, it is home to an abundance of plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. However, Madagascar has lost 90% of its original forests because of destruction caused by humans. Deforestation is a major issue that has spurred from agriculture and fuel usage.

L’Association Soa Zara has planted over 10,000 trees, and Planeterra worked with them to create a tree planting activity for travelers staying at the ITC Lodge nearby.

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Planeterra further supports the local organization’s efforts through community outreach programs. Soa Zara helps create washbasin stations and a water filtration system. As a result, they bridge the protection of the environment with economic development for the local people. Travelers stay at the nearby ITC Lodge and have hands-on experience with planting their own trees next to the Isalo National park. In addition, travelers learn about the reforestation project and discover ways their trip can support the renewal of habitats.

4. Libaran Island – Borneo, Malaysia

On the northeast coast of Sandakan in Malaysia, there is Libaran Island. There, you will find long beaches and crystal blue water. With its beautiful sunsets, it is also called the “Turtle Island”. Libaran Island has two species of turtles – Green Turtles and Hawksbill turtles. The remote island has little economic opportunity, but the importance of the island as an endangered sea turtle nesting site also ties into the local people having the ability to earn an income on their island.

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The Planeterra Foundation provided a grant to fund the necessary training for Libaran villagers to make souvenirs from ocean plastic waste. Local plants are weaved and local snacks are cooked to create new tourism activities while having a new way to earn income. Travelers have more opportunities to learn about the community, observe traditional craftsmanship and enjoy the local cuisine. The project helps locals increase their capability to earn an income from sustainable tourism opportunities on the island.

5. Mesilou Home Stay – Borneo, Malaysia

At Mesilou Atamis Homestay, all travelers can engage in the daily traditions of the locals

The Mesilou Atamis Homestay is “The Highest & Coldest Homestay in Malaysia.” It lies at an altitude of about 1600m above the sea, and temperatures can reach 15 degrees celsius. The cold, highland area once showcased unique and traditional cultural activities to guests, but it had become a home rental service due to the demand from domestic tourism. The community’s goal to share their unique travel became difficult to do as many travelers saw the area only as a place to stay. Since then, a large disconnect between locals and travelers resulted.

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G Adventure’s Planeterra funds improvement to the homestay operation and created new tourism activities for tourists to enjoy real experiences. As a result, the project provides opportunities for young entrepreneurs returning to their home town and turning their family home into local accommodations. Also, the community can feel that they are able to shine again after years of not having the ability to share their culture with international guests. There, travelers can engage in fishing, farming and cooking with members of the community, while economically aiding through tourism.

~By Virtual Marketing & Communications Intern, Laura Vo. Laura’s a Public Relations Major at Kennesaw State University and has a passion for supporting great causes like Go Eat Give.

The Funniest Travel Stories from the Go Eat Give Team

When you travel, interesting things happen. You may miss your flight, get almost arrested, find yourself communicating through signs, indulge in a whimsical cultural nuance, or forge lifelong friendships with total strangers. In the moment, you may feel anxious, frustrated, or pushed out of your comfort zone. Yet, when you look back and think about those times, you have a good laugh about it. Every travel memory is a learning lesson and a great story worth sharing.

While our team is working virtually during summer 2020, we decided to share our funniest travel stories with our readers. We hope that in sharing ours’ you may be reminded of your own humorous travel moments.

Melissa Ting: Always Do your Research

Melissa Ting in front of Notre Dame in Paris, France — Melissa on her anniversary trip to Paris

I always research restaurants before I travel to make sure I’m getting the best representation of a country’s food. On this particular vacation to Paris however, I may have fallen a bit short…

It was my first time in Paris, France, and as it is a place known for its marvelous food, I knew I wanted to do something absolutely amazing to celebrate my boyfriend and my anniversary of being together for 3 years. In conducting my initial research, I discovered that Chef Cyril Lignac had a 1 Michelin star restaurant, and I just had to try it!

I had done my research and had even made my reservations several months out; and before I knew it, we were finally in Paris. I thought I had done everything right. On the day of, however, I was on the restaurant’s website, drooling over the photos of the foods we were going to later experience, when I happened to stumble upon the menu…and the price. I was flabbergasted! I quickly converted the Euros into USD, hoping that somehow the value of a Euro had dropped and my USD was worth a lot more. It wasn’t. I debated whether to tell my boyfriend but figured it was better to let him know before we made a scene in the restaurant. When I told him, he was in shock. Lucky for me, we decided to go anyway.

This quaint little restaurant had the most exquisite food I had ever had in my life. We had a 7-course meal with white asparagus, scallops, lobster, steak, and adorable little desserts. When the bill finally came, we had been subdued by the incredible food and the 4+ hours of impeccable service. It’s a night that we (mostly me) still laugh about to this day!

Lesson Learned: Research beyond the pretty food pictures and definitely confirm the price in your own currency before booking a restaurant.

Laura Vo: Beware of the….Bucket?

Laura Vo on a travel trip — Laura Vo on a vacation

I was around four-years-old when I first traveled to Vietnam. Being a Vietnamese American, I was in tune with much of our customs and culture. However, it wasn’t until I went for the first time that I genuinely was culture-shocked. It was mid-day when it was time for me to take a bath.

Being only four, you’d think my parents or someone would supervise a child during this time, but everyone thought that I’d be okay on my own. So I walked in, ready to wash, only to come face to face with two buckets. One was small and filled with water, and the other was large enough for a person to stand in.

At first, I was confused about what I needed to do, but I decided to sit in the larger bucket for a few minutes. I don’t know when the thought hit me, but I realized that the water from the smaller bucket needed to go into the one I was sitting in, so I began dumping all the water into it. I also found a soap that I could use and proceeded to squirt as much of it as possible into the water I was sitting in. This resulted in a slippery, bubble bath concoction.

As the bucket was quite deep and everything was wet and slippery, I couldn’t get myself out and could only sit there screaming in sadness. I was in there for about 30 minutes when my mom finally came in to check on me. I remember her being so shocked to see the makeshift miniature pool and me hysterically crying. With my mom’s help, I was freed and cleaned off. For the rest of my stay, however, I was told that I was extremely terrified of buckets.

Lesson Learned: Don’t underestimate the bucket… or unexpected cultural norms.

Jordan Dunn: The Brig Is Real

Jordan Dunn on a Caribbean Cruise to St. Thomas — Jordan Dunn on a Caribbean Cruise

I am no stranger to cruise travels. Starting with my first cruise at the age of eight, my memories of these trips are endless. I will never forget however, the day I learned that the brig is real.

At fourteen, no one could have convinced me otherwise that I was not, in fact, invincible. With that mindset in tow, it never once crossed my mind that I should have checked in with my grandparents, or even my older sister about where I was venturing off to.

In my defense, I had simply made a new friend, a girl my age from England and we had spent the late afternoon and evening hanging out, exploring the boat, and talking about our respective cultures. Having always encouraged me to learn about new cultures, I thought my grandparents would be so happy to hear about how I had spent my time.

Never did I expect to hear “Jordan, please come to the main desk on deck 5” come blaring over the loudspeaker! I was mortified but of course, and made my way to the front desk, where I was met by – none other than my anxious grandparents and a terrifyingly stern cruise ship security officer. Expecting to speak my case and be scolded but lovingly embraced for my safe return, I was taken aback by what happened next. The security man said that if I did it again, I would be sent to the brig! My fourteen-year-old self didn’t even know what the brig was, so needless to say I was scared straight.

To this day I have no clue if that security man meant what he said, or if it was just a scare tactic, but it can be said for certain that I never again wandered off on a cruise…

Lesson Learned: 14-year-olds do not, in fact, know it all, and cruise security means business.

Sucheta Rawal: All’s Well That Ends Well

Travel Stories from Sucheta and Dipak in Santorini, Greece — Sucheta and Dipak in Santorini, Greece

A long time ago, my husband and I traveled to Greece. We rented a car in Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, exploring the little villages and getting a flavor for authentic Greek life. This was back in the days before GPS and smartphones. We didn’t speak Greek and only had a physical paper map to guide us through the complicated streets.

After our road trip around Athens, we were supposed to head to the port to sleep on an overnight ferry from Athens to Crete. I had everything printed out – direction to the port, car rental papers, cabin reservations, etc. Even with all my preparation, we just couldn’t find the port! We drove for hours and hours, until all the streets started looking the same. Finally, we asked a taxi driver to lead us to the ferry port. We followed him in our rental car and found the port that was only a few minutes away. We had been so close! In our minds, we had fortunately planned enough time to get lost and still make our departure time.

However, just as we got to the docks, the ship was pulling away. Based on my calculations, we still had hours before the ferry was supposed to leave. I pulled out my printed reservation which read as “Departure 19:00.” Somehow my brain misread the military time and converted the actual 7pm departure time to 9pm!

Since we still needed to get to the next island, we found the cheapest hotel nearby and booked the first flight out the next day for a quick flight to Crete.

Everything went smoothly. Instead of a 9- hour ride on a ferry, our flight took less than 1 hour. The hotel we had booked in Crete was walking distance from the ferry port (as per the original plan) and had a nice view of the Mediterranean. Just as we settled into the room and looked out the window, we saw our ship just pulling in. We had a good laugh at our own blunders and misadventures. At least we were right on schedule!

Lesson Learned: Know how to read Standard time vs Military Time, and just because the original plan didn’t work doesn’t mean everything is ruined.

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~By Jordan Dunn, Marketing and Communications Intern at Go Eat Give. Jordan is a Public Relations and Communications Marketing Major at Siena College in Upstate NY. She has a passion for writing, traveling, and advocacy. Follow her on Facebook and Blog for more about her personal travel stories.

What You Need To Know to Travel Sustainably and Meaningfully

More than Just Memorable

Painting a Rural Community Church in Jamaica

The more I travel, the more I find myself seeking meaningful, not simply memorable, travel experiences. This desire has taken me down the path of researching how to travel sustainably, considering the footprint that I have left on past trips, and even partaking in immersion travels where the focus is on cultural awareness and international relations.

I know first hand that this kind of travel can take a lot of time and effort to plan out, so let’s talk about some of the easy ways you can start traveling sustainably today.

Keywords of Sustainable Travel

In recent years, many keywords have emerged in regard to sustainable travel. These words include – Green Travel, Social Responsibility, and Environmental Consciousness.

While figuring out the nuances of each term can be a bit tricky, it is important to know that they all promote the same thing – that is traveling with footprints and impact in mind.

Decide What it All Means to You

Impact Travel Alliance Mission for Sustainable travel changes — Impact Travel Alliance’s Mission for Change

Kelly Campbell, co-founder and executive director of The Village Experience, an organization we partner with, says “Green/Sustainable travel is traveling in a manner that respects and takes into consideration the local community, wildlife, and the environment.” Her company organizes tours to Kenya, India, Guatemala and other countries, that also combines giving back to the local communities.

Meghan Aftosmis, SR PR and Media Network Lead at Impact Travel Alliance, states that green travel and sustainable travel are not interchangeable concepts. Green travel connotes that it’s solely focused on environmental conservation, whereas sustainable tourism has a much broader perspective and meaning. The keys to sustainable travel are that a destination’s local people, culture, economy, and environment – are all benefited by tourism in that place. Even beyond the travel industry, businesses often describe this as a triple-bottom-line: people, planet, profit.

With this in mind, think about your own travels and decide what sustainable traveling means to you. Ask yourself how you will integrate more best practices on your next trip?

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Do Your Research and Choose What’s Right

Traveling sustainably with the Village Experience on a Kenyan Safari — Sunset on a Kenyan Safari with The Village Experience

With sustainable travel, as with any kind of travel, it is important that you do your homework before you go. Doing so will ensure that you not only choose the right destination, but that you also engage with the right kind of organizations and travel companies when you get there. To get an even better understanding of the destinations practicing sustainability, check out Go Eat Give’s recommended travel destinations and blog here.

One place to start your research is to look for travel companies that have direct partnerships with locally owned hotels, restaurants, excursion tours, and shops. Choosing entities like these, over large commercial tourism companies, helps to confirm that tourism dollars stay local. This also helps the community stay economically stable and that the culture of that destination stays intact.

Prepare For the Trip

Traveling Sustainably Starts with Packing Sustainably

If you are like me, you have a stash of basic travel products that you bring on every trip. In the past couple of years, I have personally added a reusable water bottle, snap and go snack containers, a cotton wrap sheet (to be used as a beach sheet, picnic blanket, or poolside cover-up), and a packable travel towel – to my ever-growing expanse of sustainable travel gear! Each item has saved me so much time and effort while I’m jetting off from place to place. It has also cut down on the waste that I have left behind.

These Hydro Cell Stainless Steel Water Bottles keep liquids hot or cold and come in a variety of fun colors.

Take the time to purchase a few sustainable travel products that you can reuse on all your trips. Keeping these items on hand can go a long way in saving you money, while reducing the footprint you leave behind.

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Engage With The Local Community

Immersion Trip to a Guatemalan Elementary School — Immersion Trip to Guatemalan Elementary School

In addition, it is important to continue giving back to the destination you visit every time you travel. By partnering with local charities and social enterprises that have sustainable visions and missions, you’ll leave a positive footprint behind. There are many easy ways to integrate this into your next trip, no matter where you choose to go. When you travel again, consider shopping at fair trade stores, taking eco tours, joining cooking classes led by locals, and eating at locally-owned restaurants.

Another way to take this a step further is by donating your time. Many local organizations offer opportunities to volunteer for a few hours to a few weeks, bring much-needed supplies, or donate any special skills you may have. It is best to find out from the local organization what assistance they need. Go only with reputable nonprofits that ensure that no one is taken advantage of in the process.

Also, some of the activities Go Eat Give volunteers have done in the past include teaching English to businessmen and women in Spain, farming on a cooperative farm in Cuba, giving lessons on health and sanitation in Indonesia, and organizing life skills classes for women in India. Anything that involves touching wildlife is typically a No Go!

Why I Ditched That Luxury Vacation For A Volunteering Trip

Start the Connection at Home

Even when you are not traveling, you can continue to learn about sustainable and meaningful travel while at home. Doing so will ensure that you have the right mindset before you take off on your next adventure.

The nonprofit travel organization, Impact Travel Alliance offers a series of virtual events that introduce travelers to a sustainable mindset. These are educational, offering facts and perspective from travel industry members from around the world. All events are free, but donations directly support their travel partners.

If you are ready to start planning your vacation, with sustainability in mind, of course, The Village Experience is offering $100 off any 2021 trip listed on their website. Make sure to mention this post when you book!

SharedKey: Property Sharing Just Got Easier!

Are you in need of a weekend getaway but tired of arguing who gets to use the family cabin? Do you co-own a family rental, and you’re getting calls asking about which plumber to use, who booked the location for next month, or if there’s enough toilet paper? Luckily, SharedKey makes the nitty-gritty aspects of homeownership simpler to manage. While helping families in over 30 countries, this unique application takes the stress out of sharing a property.

“SharedKey has been developed as a private and secure solution for the millions of vacation property owners around the world. For owners of rental and home exchange properties, SharedKey is a great way to share all of the logistics, instructions and other details after a booking has been made.The result is an easy, positive and rich experience for all users,” says Mattea Spradling, Account Executive at Everything Branding.

What Is SharedKey?

Anyone can try out SharedKey with a 30-day free trial

Chris and Eric Thrall vacationed at their grandparents’ log cabin in the Canadian Rockies for decades. As their families grew larger and the cabin became a shared property, scheduling and maintenance conflicts began to come up. With only virtual calendars as an option, the Thrall brothers created SharedKey.

SharedKey is a centralized online system that provides a communication hub for co-owners. In addition, owners can post house rules, a schedule of occupants, a notice board for supplies and even recommendations for things to do in the area. By keeping everyone on track with lots of details, SharedKey promotes greater harmony between owners and family members. Also, sharing property among family, friends and guests is now simple and easy.

Make sure to get yourself a sturdy doormat as family members and guests enter your home!

How Do You Use SharedKey?

SharedKey promotes family harmony and fun vacations

With a 30-day free trial, SharedKey offers a $49 pricing plan for one property with unlimited members and guests. Anyone can sign up on the website link or download the mobile app for complete access while on the go. On the platform, users post reminders for maintenance work, cleaning requirements, and create an information book for any important contacts or emergency services. Also, users have access to their personal booking calendar, which helps avoid scheduling conflicts and manage event planning. In addition, SharedKey can even help you be the perfect host by providing customized directions, a personalized welcome message, a list of activities to enjoy in the area and a virtual guest book for visitors to sign.

Why You Should Use SharedKey

SharedKey helps take the stress out of co-managing a residence or planning a vacation at a family rental. The application is also useful for managing your own home and for times when you’re hosting a get-together. In addition, when signing up for SharedKey property information is only open to owners and their selected guests. Also, the program uses SSL certification to ensure an encrypted connection for each time you log in or record personal data, which makes SharedKey a secure system to use among friends and family.

SharedKey can reinforce sanitation rules and correlate booking times to maintain adequate social distancing, which also helps keep COVID-19 regulations in mind. So try out this unique application for your next family vacation or trip. It makes communication much more efficient and easy to do.

~By Virtual Marketing & Communications Intern, Laura Vo. Laura’s a Public Relations Major at Kennesaw State University and has a passion for supporting great causes like Go Eat Give.

Best Travel Books of 2020 That You Need To Read

With several countries still closed and vacation plans coming to a halt, the need to travel is at an all-time high. If you are looking through old travel pictures, feeling nostalgic about places, or still trying to plan a trip for the near future, you’ll definitely get the travel blues. The pandemic has everyone on the edge of their seats, and eager to book the next flight out of town. However, who says you can’t scratch that travel itch while in lockdown?

Books are a fantastic medium to introduce yourself to new worlds, cultures and people, all from the comfort of your own home. Even if you’re not an avid reader, lounging on your patio, book in hand, while sipping a refreshing drink, is a great way to unwind or easily expand your knowledge. With the pages transporting you to a new world and life, this pastime takes your mind off of any current worries you may have.

Specifically, travel books take our imagination on endless miles that’s just as transformative as a physical journey. While self-quarantining, pick up a travel book to transport yourself to unbelievable locations, or simply cradle your wanderlust and be inspired. By the time traveling is safe again, you’ll have ideas for your next hike, drive, or even bike!

Here are a few travel books I recommend for the summer of 2020…

Hidden Places: An Inspired Traveller’s Guide by Sarah Baxter

Hole-in-the-wall places can be as unique and fun as going to the Eiffel Tower or the Taj Mahal. Author Sara Baxter is a travel journalist who wrote for Wanderlust Travel Magazine and The Telegraph. From her travel experiences, she compiled a list of the world’s most beautiful and unknown destinations for people to discover. From ancient gateways to underwater monuments, Hidden Places instantly transports its readers to cities with meaningful stories. The Black Forest in Germany, the Turban Oasis in China and the Kaisertal Valley in Austria are a few examples.

From the USA to Ethiopia, 25 countries are illustrated through colorful pages and descriptive details. For your next awe-inspiring view or moments that’ll take your breath away, check out this travel book.

Love with a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche

travel book — Love with a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche

This charming memoir tells the story of an Australian woman with a great fear of the ocean. But one day, the man of her dreams decides to voyage across the globe on his small boat. To save her relationship and conquer her fear, she takes the plunge and sails across the Pacific for one year. While traveling, they encounter tropical landscapes, welcoming natives and have thrilling adventures.

Love with a Chance of Drowning is an irresistibly, funny tale about the risk and rewards of living and the need to get out of one’s comfort zone. It’s a great read for someone wanting to overcome their travel fears!

The Only Gaijin in the Village by Iain Maloney

In 2016, Iain Maloney moved to a rural village in Japan. Maloney, who is a native Scot and now a foreigner or “gaijin” in a small Japanese village, talks about his experiences of trying to fit in and finding acceptance in the Gifu Prefecture. He learns the language, attempts farming, and even grows his own garden, while under the guidance of his neighbors.

As a travel book, The Only Gaijin in the Village enlightens the readers with aspects of Japanese tradition, history, language and politics that were never highlighted before. It also asks the question, “what truly makes a home?” With his sarcastic humor and unique personality, Maloney describes a side of Japan that is rarely seen and speaks about the positive benefits of immigration.

The Snow Gypsy by Lindsay Jayne Ashford

This novel narrates a story of two women. One searches for her missing brother, while the other hides from the truth of her past. Though both characters seem completely different, fate draws them together and takes them on a journey from London to Spain.

This novel dives deeper into the wildlands of the Camargue to the highest peaks of Spain’s ancient mountains, as both women discover a new understanding of themselves. The Snow Gypsy also plays out relationships among the British, Gypsies, and Spanish, making this travel book thrilling and informative.

Time of Birds: Reflections on Cycling Across Europe by Helen Moat

Leaving her day job, Helen Moat and her teenage son set out to cycle across Europe in the new novel. While this is a story about familial relationships, A Time of Birds also touches on topics of forgiveness, understanding and self-discovery. As Helen and her son pedal through Europe’s great forest and waterways, they make new friends and find a sense of belonging in unexpected places.

This travel book narrates the importance of going to new places, meeting new people and enjoying the little moments along the way. It is a must-read for those wanting a meaningful journey and for keen cyclists!

A Month in Siena by Hisham Matar

If you’re still nostalgic of your last trip to Italy, then this book is a must-read. Hisham Matar is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, who fell in love with Sienese art more than 25 years ago. A Month in Siena depicts the relationship between art and life during Matar’s month-long stay in the Tuscan city.

With beautiful illustrations, the inhabitants and culture come to life through recollections of food, conversations and artwork. For those who love to learn the history of a city and have an in-depth look at the lives of the people in Siena, A Month in Siena is the book for you.

~By Virtual Marketing & Communications Intern, Laura Vo. Laura’s a Public Relations Major at Kennesaw State University and has a passion for supporting great causes like Go Eat Give.

Greetings to Learn From Other Cultures

In America, what’s a common way for a person to greet someone? A usual “Hi! Nice to meet you!” followed by a handshake is what many would think of when asked that question. What started as a Greek symbol of peace has became an everyday action now, but how do you feel about the new elbow bump that’s becoming commonplace with social distancing?

With COVID-19 still a concern, you may be wary of exchanging physical contact. So instead of the usual universal greeting, why not take a look at how other cultures greet each other? Though the handshake has been a long tradition in American life, learning and trying out different new ways to greet people can be a fun, unique experience, while also helping you build stronger bonds with people from various backgrounds. It may even come in handy on your next business or leisure trip!

1. Bow

bow greeting — In Asia, a bow is appropriate for all social settings.
photo courtesy of TripSavvy

In Eastern Asian countries like Japan and Korea, bowing is a common greeting. Though everyone greets by bowing, the meaning of the gesture can take on different forms. It can symbolize respect, sincerity, humility, and remorse, depending on the context of the situation. Increase the emotion behind the greeting by bowing lower than the other person.

For a Japanese bow or “ojigi,” men should have their hands to their sides, while women would place their hands onto their laps. During the bow, make sure to lower your gaze and avoid eye contact. The neck and back should be a straight line. In informal situations, a 15-degree angle bow is acceptable, but during formal situations, a 30-degree angle bow is expected. In Korea, however, numerous bows or “konsu” are practiced. They vary from casual and respectful, to “belly-button” bows. Each gesture has different guidelines to follow for specific settings a person may be in.

Check out this video for a more in-depth explanation and the difference between the two cultural bows!

Want to try some Japanese snacks? Check out this fun box that comes with an assortment of food items anyone can enjoy!

2. Shaking Fist

I tried out this fun greeting, and it’s super easy! Try it out next time you’re with friends!
Photo courtesy by Mental Floss

This greeting of shaking your own fist in the air is common among the Kanuri tribe in Niger. The Kanuri tribe belongs to the Saharan Branch of the Nilo-Sharan, and its lineage traces back to the medieval Kanem-Bornu Empire. As farmers, fishers and traders, it’s common to encounter the Kanuri people in Southeast Niger. Instead of smiling or waving, shaking fists is a formal greeting!

To correctly do this, raise your hands at eye level and then form them into fists. Then, shake your fists while saying “wooshay!” which translates to “hi!”

3. Wai

For the wei, the higher your hands symbolizes the amount of respect shown.
Photo courtesy by Koh Samui Sunset

The wai, pronounced “why,” is exclusive to the people of Thailand. The wai complements the Thai word “sawasdee” which means hello. However, it’s recommended to not gesture the wai to people who are younger than you, as age plays a major role in social ranking in Thailand. Instead, give them a nod and smile. Use the greeting to say goodbye, to apologize, and to pay respects to spirit houses, temples or shrines!

To wai, place your palms together with each finger touching its counterpart. With your hands at the center of your chest, bend your neck toward your fingers. As your neck is lowering, rotate your hands to where your index figure will touch your nose. The higher you place your hands, the more respect is conveyed.

4. Tongue Out

Across the globe, children often stick their tongues out when making fun of each other. As adults, we refrain from this as it is considered rude. In Tibet, however, it’s quite the opposite, and is actually a formal greeting. The tradition stems from the 9th century during the rule of Tibetan King Lang Darma. Known for his cruelty and black tongue, Darma is an infamous figure in Tibetian history.

Tibetans fear Darma’s incarnation and stick out their tongues as a greeting. If the tongue is not black, they are deemed not guilty of evil deeds, and are not incarnations of the malevolent king. When you visit Tibet, you don’t have to worry about being impolite since the greeting is actually a form of respect!

5. Namaste

namaste greeting — Namaste symbolizes unity and good energy.
Photo courtesy of Stuff

During this time of social distancing, namaste has become the go-to method across the globe for greeting people. The action is a customary, non-contact form of Hindu greeting predominately found in India. The meaning behind the custom is to welcome guests, relatives, or to acknowledge strangers. It expresses courtesy, politeness and gratitude, while also acting as a salutation and valediction. Derived from the Sanskrit language and meaning, “I bow to the divine in you,” namaste is the highest and most respectful greeting in the world!

To say namaste, hold both palms together with forefingers posing upwards. Bring your thumbs close to your chest. Close your eyes as you bow, and say “namaste” loud and clear. For an example of how to correctly observe this greeting, watch this video from Hemalayaa.

~By Virtual Marketing & Communications Intern, Laura Vo. Laura’s a Public Relations Major at Kennesaw State University and has a passion for supporting great causes like Go Eat Give.

Sustainable Father’s Day Gift Guide

Many malls and shops around the world are still closed, but that should not stop you from shopping for the special man in your life. This summer, shop for products online, that will make dad happy and help change the world! Here are some recommendations for Father’s Day gifts that give back to the community...

Vintage leather toilet bag is handmade and ethically sourced.

Toiletry Bag for Zambia $34.95

A 100% authentic Leather Toiletry Bag that comes in a vintage style, is timeless and useful for when dad is ready to travel again. Each wash kit varies in appearance to be as unique as your loved one. All Moonster products are handmade and ethically sourced. With every Moonster product purchased, a percentage of profits are donated to Tehila, a non-profit organization in Zambia that promotes the prevention of child cruelty.

Order the toiletry bag from Amazon and ship it directly to your dad this Father’s Day.

father's day gifts — Help your family and event planner in Florida.

Ultimate Care Package to Combat COVID-19 $48.50

Send dad a thoughtful care package for his Father’s Day gift, which contains all the essentials he needs to stay healthy and safe. PPE Gifts has created care packages of personal protective gear including a large bottle of hand sanitizer, flushable wipes, two pairs of safety glasses, and several pairs of gloves. Event Services Group (ESG) created PPE Gifts after the coronavirus pandemic completely shut down their event business in Florida. It helps keep their employees working, while also donating much-needed supplies to essential workers on the front lines of COVID-19.

Simply order online at PPEGifts.com and they will ship it directly to his door. Use code GOEATGIVE10 to receive 10% off your order.

For every pair purchased, a pair of socks is donated to charity.

Socks & Sock Subscription For The Homeless $57

Need to refresh your sock drawer regularly? Forget the boring black-white-brown socks and look at these fashionable designs! With a Society Socks subscription, dads will receive 2 new pairs of bold and expressive patterned socks each month. With every pair of socks purchased, another pair is donated to charity. Society Socks works with several charities to not only donate socks but to create a positive change through community involvement. Besides this, if you want something funny, that can instantly lift your dad’s mood and make him burst into laughter, then you can try customized socks. Webshops like MYFACESOCKS are known to sell funny face socks that can be personalized easily. Moreover, these products are known to be quite affordable, so if you want you can just purchase one in every color for your dad! Who knows, he might just wear that to his work also!

Anyway, if you choose the Society Socks subscription, then you can gift a pair ($6) or a 3-12 month socks subscription.

father's day gift — Demeter Cologne will transport to you to another country!

Nostalgia Inspired Cologne $36

For something unique, check out this travel and place inspired cologne from Demeter Fragrance Library. Through the limited edition Destination Collection, dads can travel to New Zealand’s fresh green outdoors, walk through the meadows of Ireland, or experience the vibrant nightlife of Cuba.

Demeter also sells fragrant hand sanitizers, and donates them back to the community. They have donated over $20,000 worth of their hand sanitizer to first responders in the Selinsgrove, PA area where they produce their line of fragrances.

Map Mug to Save the Trees $18-24

Dreaming of all the places you will go to? Color these USA or world map mugs to remind dad of the places you have visited together or would like to go in the future. Each set includes a mug along with a special green ceramic pen to color in. Make the ink permanent after baking it! Trouvaille Global sustainably produces the mugs in Europe. One of the charities they support is Tree Aid. Tree Aid prevents deforestation and promotes sustainable development by helping communities plant and protect trees. This helps them make their way out of poverty and protect the environment for now and for future generations.

Buy customizable map mugs on Uncommon Goods.

Wallet for Charity $28

This trendy and company Fair Tribe men’s wallet is embossed with the world map and the phrase “miles to go” onto its sustainable leather. It is made with leather from sacred cows that die of natural causes and vegetable tanning methods, instead of chemicals. Each of their products has a story about the artisan who made it and this one comes from India! 1% of every sale is donated to one of 6 preselected, vetted non-profits of the customers’ choice, and the giving increases to 10% on Black Friday. Choose from charities that provide micro-loans, medical care, food security, environmental and wildlife protections.

Check out the Fair Trade Artisan shop.

Blisslets For Good Health $29+

If your dad suffers from nausea or motion sickness due to flying, riding in the car, cruising, due to medication or even over-indulging during a Zoom happy hour, this is the right Father’s Day gift for him! Fashionable wrist bands called Blisslets discreetly trigger a pressure point on the wrist connected to the area of the brain that regulates feelings of nausea. “We designed Blisslets to be a product people would want to wear: one that worked, felt good, and looked good,” says founder and mom Katie Aparicio.”

Take 10% when you subscribe to My Blisslets newsletter.

Beverage Bags Made of Recycled Sails $75

For a picnic, golf day out, beach getaway or cookout, dad’s will love this gift. Marlin Beverage Bucket Bags from Sea Bags are stylish and durable for any occasion. There is a grommet in the bottom of the bag so the melted ice can drain, while beers, drinks and ice creams remain chilled. The durable bags, totes and accessories from Sea Bags are handmade from recycled sail cloth, in Portland, Maine. Through their unique recycling and upcycling efforts, Sea Bags has helped keep over 700 tons (and counting) of sail cloth material out of landfills.

Purchase on Sea Bags website.

Handmade Masks $10

Masks are not a traditional Father’s Day gift, but an essential to go to work, grocery shopping or the airport! The triple-layered, 100% cotton reusable masks from ChicTweak, New York while also in fashionable prints and colors that men love. 10% from the profit of each purchase goes to a #HealthyHappyFund, which supports the Children’s Village and the International Rescue Committee.

Order your mask for a cause at ChickTweak.

Gifts That Give Back 2019

Virtual Tours Across the 7 Continents

Popular destinations across the globe are virtually capturing their highlights, so that people can still travel, even if it’s from the comfort of their own home. With the numerous travel restrictions in place and a major chunk of time being spent at home, virtual experiences of exotic places around the world can uplift spirits by enabling people to put on travel shoes once again, even if it means having to put on digital glasses, too. Could this be a new way for people to explore the world without having to step out of their homes? Follow us on an adventure across the seven continents, as we journey through some of the must-see places around the world.

Let’s take a (virtual) trip around the world!

North America

Start at the edge of the globe by taking in the breathtaking sights of America’s infamous Last Frontier, with a virtual vacation by Travel Alaska. Watch the brown bears at Katmai National Park and Preserve, or follow alongside a professional guide as he explores the glaciers at Kenai Fjords National Park.

Continue south and take a journey through the National Parks of the American West. Explore your way through the diverse landscape of Yosemite, the unique water features of Yellowstone, and the great expanse of carved rocksides of the Grand Canyon.

South America

In South America, begin in Peru with a tour of Machu Picchu. Soak in the ancient culture of the long-ago Incas, and marvel the site’s ability to withstand the test of time. Then, take in the astonishing grandeur of the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil. Finally, finish your South American tour, with an immersive venture into the wilderness of Patagonia, the famous mountain range shared by bordering Argentina and Chile.

If you have little ones, read with them children’s picture book on travel – Beato Goes To Brazil.

Europe

Start your European journey on the coast of Ireland, and have your breath taken away by the vertical plunge to the sea that sits just past the ridge of the Cliffs of Moher.

Next, travel to the popular city of London, England, and take in the city sights from the top of the London Eye. Or, immerse your self in the history, culture, and heritage that is encompassed by the virtual tour of Buckingham Palace.

Learn about the history of the famous architectural feat, the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Virtual traveling does not require a lot of stamina, so you can continue on with a virtual walking tour of the entire city of Rome.

Africa

Learn all about the geography, the people, and of course, the animals of this vast continent, with a short informational video from PBS.

Continue on your journey and view Victoria Falls, one of the biggest waterfalls in Africa, from an aerial perspective. Finally, take a virtual Safari compliments of Asilia Africa. You will quickly fall in love with the native elephants, hyenas, lions, and so many other wild animals.

Asia

Asia is a vast continent and it can be intimidating to pick where to start. The good thing about virtual visits is you can explore all the places you want to from your home and for free! That ways you can pick and choose where you want to go in the future.

Take a walk along one of the wonders of the world – the Great Wall of China. This amazing structure boasts a history of over 2,000 years and is over 3,000 miles long!

In Indonesia, walk through temples, rice fields, or even the famous sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Continue on westward and travel to Vietnam to experience the world’s largest cave – Hang Son Doong, located at Nha- Ke Bang National Park.

On My Way For Yamabushi Training

Antarctica

Finish your virtual tour around the world on a different edge of the globe – in Antarctica, also known as the 7th continent. To see this snowy landscape, Shackleton 100 has a great interactive map of the whole continent. Additionally, Quark Expeditions has created an online guide for viewers to get to know the animals that inhabit the land. These include but are not limited to Gentoo penguins!

Adventures in Flying To Antarctica – Part 2

Read about our adventure to Antarctica

Continue the Adventure

If you are looking for more opportunities to see the world from your own home there are numerous avenues to do so. Google, for example, has partnered with entities around the world to create vast galleries of Art and Culture, as well as a unique platform for Heritage Sites that are threatened by climate change. Or if you’re just looking for a day trip, National Geographic has created a gallery of 24 sites, one new place for one new hour of the day.

For even more, check out How to Satisfy Your Wanderlust at Home, here.

~By virtual Marketing and Communications Intern, Jordan Dunn. Jordan is a Public Relations and Communications Marketing Major at Siena College in Upstate NY. She has a passion for writing, traveling, and advocacy.