Category: Responsible Tourism

Travel with thought and leave a positive footprint as you wander this beautiful world.

Volunteering Abroad: Don’t expect to change the world. Instead, choose an organization that is.

April 20, 2019

When we told people we would volunteer abroad in Central Asia’s second poorest country, Kyrgyzstan, the most common response was to ask if we would either build houses or help orphans.
Our answer? None of the above.
As young professionals, taking care of kids and doing construction labour aren’t exactly our strongest points. We went through ups and downs as we researched the most impactful volunteer opportunities out there, and finally came to a simple realization. If we want to make an impact, just ask the locals what they really need. And so we did. … More Volunteering Abroad: Don’t expect to change the world. Instead, choose an organization that is.

Travel with Thought: How You Can Change the World with 5 Easy Decisions

February 18, 2019

Did you ever think about when you go to a resort in Central America, and the locals are prohibited from entering the beach, does it actually benefit them and their society as a whole? Imagine if you are not allowed to watch the sunset on the most beautiful section of your own country? This is how it was for local Cubans before 2008. When you eat at Mac Donald’s in a foreign country or beeline for that Starbucks, are they really the only businesses that can offer you that cup of coffee or greasy burger you crave? Or could you take your dollars to the family cafe next door instead and enjoy a similarly delicious burger or cup of coffee after practicing ordering in the local language? Travel has the power to change the world. But it also has the power to destroy environments, offend local customs and fail to bring money to the hands of locals who need it most. If we put a little thought into our travel and into where our money goes, our trip will actually do good in the places we visit, without requiring a lot of extra money or time. Read more to find out 5 easy decisions any traveler can make to travel with more thought, positively impact the world, and in turn, gain richer cultural experiences and personal growth with each trip we make … … More Travel with Thought: How You Can Change the World with 5 Easy Decisions

Off the Tourist Trail in Kyrgyzstan: 5 Reasons to go to Sary-Mogol

January 22, 2019

When you tell people you’re traveling to Kyrgyzstan, that’s already pretty far off the beaten global tourist track. The response you will probably get from most people is a big question mark: “Where’s Kyrgyzstan?” and “what language do they speak there?” will be common questions. In our 2 month journey in Central Asia, the highlights of our adventure always seemed to be in the small places we almost decided to skip, off the tourist radar, and partly because of this, turned out to be incredibly special. Sary-Mogol was no exception. Check out 5 reasons why you should put Sary-Mogol on your must-go list when traveling Kyrgyzstan, the country often termed the “next Nepal” and still an undiscovered gem. … More Off the Tourist Trail in Kyrgyzstan: 5 Reasons to go to Sary-Mogol