Tag: uzbekistan

When in Uzbekistan: 5 Surprising Encounters that Make the Best Travel Stories

March 18, 2019

Uzbekistan has never been considered an easy country to travel but it is continuously changing, now more than ever before, as it opens its doors to the world. Even our brand new Central Asia Lonely Planet (despite it’s best intentions) had become outdated in some respects just three months after publication. That’s how fast the country is changing. In some ways, it was easy to travel Uzbekistan – streets were spotless, public washrooms were incredibly clean, people were friendly with local vendors in bazaars offering generous samples while pushing for a sale more in an endearing rather than annoying way. But traveling a country essentially closed off since independence almost 30 years ago, is never without its surprises. And Uzbekistan is no exception. But it’s often these surprises that make the best travel stories when you return home. Here are a few funny things you may encounter on a trip to what is often viewed as the most preserved ancient Silk Road country in the world. … More When in Uzbekistan: 5 Surprising Encounters that Make the Best Travel Stories

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