We’ve all seen it. You arrive at the Taj Mahal or the Louvre, filled with pure anticipation to see a world-famous landmark for the first time. Yet when you finally reach the perfect spot for your long-awaited view you get hit in the head with a selfie stick. As you inch your way into the mass of fellow tourists, craning your neck to get a peek, you are rudely shoved aside by an Instagram wannabe star who elbows you in the ribs to get their winning shot. Disheartened, you step aside being engulfed in the swarm of people beside you.
Welcome to the distorted world of social media, a world filled with Instagram influencers who are literally falling to their death to get that perfect shot or buying their followers, comments and likes on some underground website to reach their dreams of becoming a wealthy, world-famous star.
But the obsession with social media comes with a huge price. Not only to our sanity but to the way we view and see the world. Here are some of the problems we face and how we can survive online without jeopardizing our soul.
Contributing to Overtourism
One downfall of social media is its influence on overtourism in already popular, ecologically or culturally sensitive places around the world. Think about Iceland, Machu Pichu, Angkor Wat and beaches in Southeast Asia filled with trash and being trampled almost to death, and it is heartbreaking. Even once far-flung destinations such as Myanmar and Palawan in the Philippines have become Instagram sweethearts with millions of pretty posts. The world is your oyster and up for grabs for anyone with a cellphone and a social media account. However, the surge in tourism for that instagram-worthy photo of that popular place does not come without a price.
A recent article in AFAR states: Social media is increasingly taking its toll on some of the world’s most photogenic locations, with growing numbers of Instagram-inspired travelers causing concerns about site crowding and conservation. Recently, hugely popular destinations have implemented new rules aimed at combatting overtourism. Just this year, Machu Picchu introduced a stricter ticketing system and Venice announced a visitor tax. Now, an extremely recognizable natural landmark in the United States has joined the expanding list. For the first time ever, travelers must pay an entrance fee to visit Horseshoe Bend, a regularly photographed spot in Arizona’s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area where the Colorado River takes a dramatic U-shaped turn.
Esteemed travel bloggers such as The Expert Vagabond also question Instagram and Social Media’s role in hurting travel. In his thought-provoking piece, Matt states that “Instagram has become a publicly accessible bucket-list of places you NEED to visit, fueling a FOMO (fear of missing out) attitude. We’re trying too hard to impress everyone with our list”. I couldn’t agree more.
Isn’t it wonderful to have a view like this all to yourself? Photo credit: Pexels
On April 22nd, the 49th annual Earth Day is being celebrated around the world. This year’s theme – to protect the Earth’s endangered and threatened species – could not be more important. The world is facing unprecedented climate change and a mass extinction of many of the amazing species of plants and wildlife that make our planet so incredibly unique. Unlike the extinction of the dinosaurs 60 million years ago, the devastating changes to our planet are driven by us. As concerns grow, there is still hope that we can fight climate change and reverse the mess we’ve made of our planet. As travelers, we have a choice on how we spend our money and we can make a difference by supporting travel organizations that help protect the environment and its wildlife.
In honor of Earth Day’s Protect Our Species campaign and as a member of Impact Travel Alliance (the world’s largest community for impact-focused travelers and travel professionals), I am highlighting some of the amazing tour operators working to help travelers responsibly visit and protect wildlife around the world.
“Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat can become some of our most vivid travel memories. I was deeply impacted by a trip to Uganda where I watched gorillas go about their daily lives in the Bwindi National Park and I bonded deeply with elephants while interacting with them at a conservation park in Thailand,” said Kelley Louise, Impact Travel Alliance founder and executive director. “It’s important to take the time to research and book wildlife tours that put the animals and their environment first.” As an avid traveler and nature lover, I could not agree more. Whatever we can do as travelers to make a difference is better than not doing anything at all. By choosing to travel with an ethical organization, we are making a big difference in hope that these incredible animals will be around for future generations.
Leatherback Sea Turtles on the shore of Playa Viva, Mexico. Photo credit Playa Viva and Dave Krugman
Here is a list of sustainable tours that help travelers see and protect Earth’s wildlife:
Atlas Obscura
Atlas Obscura’s mission is to inspire wonder and curiosity about the incredible world we all share by offering unique trips, sharing stories, holding events and fostering a global community to create a comprehensive database of the world’s most wondrous places and foods.
Atlas Obscura offers some pretty fabulous trips such as tracking wild bumblebees in the wild with expert biologists. Travel to Sequoia National Park with Atlas Obscura and expert biologists to track, conduct research on and help protect wild bumblebee populations and explore this peaceful landscape. You will learn firsthand about the plight of the humble bumblebee while also supporting them.
Giant sequoia grove near auburn california trees, nature landscapes. Photo credit: Atlas Obscura
Playa Viva
Playa Viva is a unique yoga retreat destination where you will enjoy the rugged, unspoiled beauty of Mexico in the guilt-free luxury of an environmentally conscious resort. Become immersed in nature, volunteer in the turtle sanctuary, give back to the local community, engage in a workshop, or just relax completely.
This Mother’s Day, why not considering giving a gift to that special mom in your life that also gives back to someone in need? Over the years, I have curated an ever-growing list of Gifts that Give Back and am delighted to share some of the latest gifts that give back for this Mother’s Day. Each organization below works to create a beautiful, meaningful gift that also gives back to the women who make the products or helps to support a cause.
Here are some of my top picks for the mom in your life from some of my most favorite organizations. I hope you enjoy the list, and please share this giving guide with friends and family. To read product descriptions and price details, click on the image to enlarge to full size and open up a slideshow. Enjoy!
All Across Africa currently works with over 3,000 artisans in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi, paying artisans up front for the goods at many times what they could sell them for in a local market. This sustainable income allows them to send their children to school, feed their families and even create savings accounts (something that is unheard of in this part of the world). In addition, money goes back into the communities in the form of education and training programs. All Across Africa believes that job creation is the solution for the rural poor in these countries.
Here are some of the latest ideas for Mother’s Day:
GEO BLACK EXTRA LARGE RAFFIA BOWL. ntricately crafted with timeless tradition, this carefully dyed raffia fiber and sweet grass extra large bowl makes a stunning statement piece. Price $68.00
EXTRA LARGE SILVER BLUE + NAVY BASKET. Price $98.00
EMERALD BAY COLOR BLOCKED EXTRA LARGE RAFFIA PLATE WALL DECOR. Price $220.00
Anchal [on-chal] believes design can change lives. As a non-profit social enterprise, Anchal uses design thinking to create innovative products and sustainable employment for exploited women worldwide. To date, we have provided alternative careers in textiles and design to over 200 women in Ajmer, India and Louisville, KY.
Anchal is committed to producing the highest quality home goods & accessories while maintaining the integrity of our artisans and natural resources. Distinct design, craftsmanship and a personal signature connect you to the individual maker. Our eco-friendly products are entirely hand-stitched from vintage materials, certified organic cotton and low-impact dyes.
Here are a few favorites for Mother’s Day:
ECLIPSE CANVAS TOTE. Price $ 58.00
SMALL KANTHA THROW QUILT – ORANGE AND TAN ABSTRACT. Handmade by an Artisan in Ajmer, India 48″x32″. Price $ 110.00
Vintage Cotton Square Scarf -Handmade from the highest quality vintage cotton sari, this lightweight square scarf adds a stylish accent to any look. Available in an assortment of one-of-a-kind colors and patterns.Prioce $46
Naturally Dyed Pillows – Update your home decor with these beautiful naturally dyed pillows. Every panel is individually hand dyed using madder root, indigo leaves or marigold flowers. The vibrant shades will add a fresh pop of color to your living space. Available in toss and lumbar sizes. Price $70-$82
Bloom & Give sells beautifully handcrafted scarves and bags made in India using techniques passed on from generation to generation. Each product is designed in the US by one of Bloom & Give’s designers, and made in India with love. Bloom & Give donates 50% of their profits to support girls education programs in India through their partner Educate Girls to improve the lives of girls in Rajasthan.
Some great gift ideas include:
DITI SCARF – B/W. Made of ultra-light organic Bengal cotton and accented with hand-stitched motifs that create a stunning floating effect. Price $80
NILA THROW. Made of ultra-soft hand-woven cotton in a traditional Panipat loom. Use as a throw, a blanket, or a bed cover. Pre-washed. Price: $ 75.00
TEMPLE INDIGO PILLOW. Made with “Khadi” – a form of heirloom cotton that is hand-spun on a traditional spinning wheel, and then hand-woven in a loom, producing rich texture and a breathable fabric with a near-zero ecological footprint. This special fabric has been finished with hand-stitched ‘Kantha’ accents to create a stunning addition to any room. Price: $ 40.00
dignify helps women shop for excellent quality, meaningful gifts and goods: items that promote dignity, empower humanity, and champion good. dignify’s online boutique sells premium quality, ethically made “kantha” quilts — blankets stitched by hand from layers of sari cloth using a centuries old tradition in Bangladesh. The women who sew dignify’s blankets are the most vulnerable in society: recovering from sexual exploitation or in a high risk environment. Now, they are employed with dignity in safe, loving, and sustainable work, producing beautiful blankets that customers love.
The most popular gift for moms is their Classic Kantha Throw. Each is $98 USD and each throw is made one-of-a-kind. dignify’s classic “kantha” throw is a quilt made from six layers of vintage sari cloth, hand-stitched together by women in Bangladesh working in a job with dignity:
Ecuadane is a social enterprise started by three sisters who love to travel and share cultures and traditions around the world. Ecuadane sells traditional wool and Alpaca blankets from Ecuador made by native Otavaleños living amidst the Andes Mountains and volcanoes. These soft, warm and beautiful blankets celebrate the customs and traditions of Ecuadorian villagers while each purchase helps support the craftsmen and their families. 10% of the proceeds from the blankets in Ecuador go back to the community.
Ecuadane’s alpaca-blend blankets crafted by artisans in Ecuador are its signature product. Soft, warm and beautiful, they celebrate the customs and traditions of Ecuadorian villagers while each purchase helps support the craftsmen and their families.Price ranges $149.99-$159.99
Ecuadane’s alpaca-blend blankets crafted by artisans in Ecuador are its signature product. Soft, warm and beautiful, they celebrate the customs and traditions of Ecuadorian villagers while each purchase helps support the craftsmen and their families.Price ranges $149.99-$159.99
Ecuadane’s alpaca-blend blankets crafted by artisans in Ecuador are its signature product. Soft, warm and beautiful, they celebrate the customs and traditions of Ecuadorian villagers while each purchase helps support the craftsmen and their families.Price ranges $149.99-$159.99
Give Back Goods mission is to create a positive impact on the world with every purchase. Give Back Goods wants to make it easy for people to purchase goods that are eco-friendly, sustainable, ethically sourced and support the people who make them with fair wages and healthy work environments. Each Give Back Good purchase will give 10% back to important grass-roots causes. The products carried at Give Back Goods includes home goods, jewelry, electronics, accessories, toys for children and pets, and more.
For this Mother’s Day, check out these wonderful gift ideas:
These natural soy wax candles not only smell good but help support young moms in the USA have a brighter future! This innovative social enterprise creates brighter futures for young moms in the USA by employing them to craft premium soy candles in a supportive, professional environment. Through their paid job training program, they provide the guidance and job skills young moms need to secure quality employment and begin working toward professional success. In most cases, these women are living in low-income communities without access to quality education or job opportunities. Your purchase of these candles empowers these strong women and help illuminate the path toward a brighter future. By investing in young moms, you can touch the lives of two generations at once: the emerging life of a young mom and the unwritten story of her child. We invite you to light a candle and transform a life with us to make these moments possible. Price $35-56 per set.
Wayuu Hand-woven Basket Bag or Crocheted Bags, Fair Trade & Hand Crafted, supports the indigenous artist. All are one-of-a-kind. The Wayuu Tribe is an artisan community that live in the desert on the border of Columbia and Venezuela. The women are dedicated to keeping their traditional Wayuu craft of weaving and crocheting alive. Price $115
Sterling Silver Resilience Necklace- Gives Freedom to Girls and Women. Your purchase helps support, educate, train and employ these women artisans, 100% of there profits go to help fight slavery, to programs for the women and girls, and to the artisans who create this jewelry. Profits also benefit children in shelters and education programs to help support and give them a better future. These programs help women and children become free and independent. Price $93.00
Set of 4 Embroidered Bee Hand Woven Stone Washed Linen Cocktail Napkins, Eco-Friendly, Fair Trade. Employing a longstanding and rich traditional art form, these artisans spin and weave 100% locally grown environmentally friendly high-quality fibers. The pieces are then washed and accented with AZO-free dyes. By creating a sustainable niche for these artisans, they help to ensure their craft supports the health, education, and economic stability of their families. They believe that conscious consumerism — in which the act of buying is also one of giving — is a powerful way to effect change. $89.00
Gifts for Good serves companies and professionals with high quality goods that people will love to give and love to receive. Their gifts are made by nonprofit or social enterprise partners who make and sell their own products to support their mission. Each product supports one of 40 nonprofit and social enterprise partners tackling the world’s most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. Gifts for Good generates impact in over 19 states and 65 countries around the globe.
Here are a few awesome picks for Mother’s Day:
Soap and Candle Gift Set – Soap and candle set comes in three scents and is made by women. $29 Impact: Provides more than 1 hour of job training to women transitioning out of homelessness in Los Angeles
Three Soap Gift Set – This soap set comes in choice of a white or black box and includes natural and loofah soaps inside. $16 Impact: Each gift set provides 4 hours of dignified employment for a refugee woman
Cozy Gray Alpaca Blanket – Super soft baby alpaca throw. $207.99. Impact: This hand-woven throw provides over 6 hours of employment for an artisan in Peru
Three Knees Spicy Gift Set – The ultimate gift set for every hot sauce lover! This gift set comes with Bees Knees Spicy Honey, Trees Knees Spicy Maple, Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha, Chile Pepper Dish Towel, and a set of Five Spicy Recipes. $44.99 Impact: Every purchase provides 10 meals to children-in-need
Nomi Network’s vision is a world without slavery where every woman can know her full potential. Their mission is to create economic opportunities for survivors and women at risk of human trafficking by equipping them with the leadership, entrepreneurship, and production skills to become financially independent. Their programs are currently based in India and Cambodia, with hopes of expansion in the South East. Profits from the sales of these items are reinvested into job creation and market access programs for our women.
Logo Bracelet
This Mother’s Day, Nomi Network is featuring the Logo Bracelet. Purchase a statement charm for your mother or loved one. “She is Free” and “Empower” showcase Nomi Network’s vision to see a world without slavery where every woman can know her full potential! Only $20 and with limited time coupon, “thirdeye30” – get 30% off your entire order from today until May 1st 11:59 PM EST. (Click on image to enlarge).
PURPOSE Jewelry is handcrafted by young women escaping human trafficking in India, Uganda and Mexico. The art of jewelry making paired with holistic care ensures every artisan gains dignity and hope for the future. 100% of the proceeds go to our nonprofit, International Sanctuary. Through iSanctuary’s wide range of services young women can begin to heal and grow in mind, body, and soul. It is iSanctuary’s mission to not just sustain victims of modern-day slavery, but to provide the tools and life skills they need to embrace their true identity and worth, and transform into survivors with true freedom.
Some top picks for Mother’s Day include:
The Alta necklace is a must-have! Its interlocking double circle and oval pendants come together in perfect harmony so you can wear this piece confidently with any outfit. Pair it with the Costa Earrings to complete the look! Price $34
Ava Necklace. Simple and playful, the Ava necklace is an easy addition to any outfit, whether you are dressing up or down. Its half moon shape will give you a fresh design to proudly wear in support of making a difference in others’ lives. This item is part of the “Hope Line” which consists of introductory pieces made by our new artisans escaping human trafficking, and it tells a powerful story of fresh beginnings. Price $22
Catalina Necklace: The delicate Catalina necklace adds a touch of shine to any outfit. Handcrafted with love, you can wear it proudly knowing your purchase helps women escaping human trafficking. Finished in elegant 14k gold or luminous rhodium and packaged in a beautiful box. Price $51
Thistle Farms is dedicated to helping women survivors of addiction, trafficking, and prostitution find healing, hope, and freedom. Thistle Farms lives into this mission through three integrated paths: In residential communities where women experience healing, restoration, and love without judgement; Through social enterprises where women gain skins, financial independence, and the opportunity to connect with customers and partners globally; and across a coordinated movement of survivors, customers, advocates, and communities collaborating, on innovative ways to deliver justice and challenge the systems that commodify women. Thistle Farms’ signature body and home collections are handmade in Nashville, TN with high quality ingredients, including: the finest essential oils available on the market and healing ingredients like Moringa oil, organic rose geranium, shea butter, and aloe vera.
Here are some goodies for that special mom:
Bath Soak Trio. Infused with essential oils our salt soaks provide an array of healing benefits that include relief from anxiety, muscle soreness and the replenishment of key minerals and nutrients. This set includes; Lavender Serenity, Citrus Wood Uplifting, and Eucalyptus Moringa. Presented in a giftable box set, this trio transforms your bath into a meditative experience. Price $34
Soy Candle. Thistle Farms’ hand-poured soy candles burn with the promise that Love Heals Every Body. Each day, members of the Thistle Farms community light a candle in our Nashville headquarters as a universal symbol of sanctuary and love. Group multiples together to create an inviting ambiance filled with purpose and well-being. Price $28
Home Gift Set; Inspired by our top-selling home essentials, this special gift is curated to provide a calming environment with great purpose. The Home Gift Box includes our Citrus Wood Candle, Lavender Hand Soap, and Lavender Hand Lotion. The aromatherapeutic value of each featured product is blended with pure essential oils and formulated to promote personal well-being. Price $55.00
Hand Care Duo. Two must-have products paired together to provide a gentle cleansing experience with long lasting protection. Packaged in a lovely box set, the Hand Soap and Lotion Set is an ideal gift for expressing gratitude to all the special people in your life. Price $30
TO THE MARKET | Survivor-made Goods (TTM) combines the powers of commerce and storytelling to empower the world’s most courageous survivor populations, in the belief that resilience is more powerful than suffering. TTM showcases handmade goods made exclusively by proud and passionate artisans who have overcome the perils of abuse, conflict, and disease. By assisting local partners around the world in bringing these goods “to the market,” we take an active role in equipping the survivor’s they employ with economic independence, while raising awareness of the challenges that they face.
Check out these new ideas for the mom in your life:
Sammana Tote – Gold With Red, Pink, Green.Recycled saris are re-imagined and hand-stitched in the kantha style by a woman impacted by human trafficking and the commercial sex trade. Every product is “signed” by the artisan, the hero of her own story. Price $54
Almas Apron Darzah is a collection of fair trade, Palestinian “tatreez” embroidered products, hand-stitched by talented women artists in the West Bank. Our mission is to create economic opportunities for refugee and low-income communities and to connect women around the world through the story of tatreez embroidery. Darzah is an initiative of Child’s Cup Full, a non-profit social enterprise based in the West Bank. All of the leather in our products is sourced from a family-run leather manufacturer in Khalil/Hebron. Our artisans in the Jenin region collaborate with highly skilled shoe and bag makers in Khalil/Hebron to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind products that are 100% made in Palestine. Each purchase with Darzah supports our training and employment programs in the West Bank. Price $22
KAT Placemats | Set Of 4 | Chartreuse. All Living Threads products are handwoven by the artisans of our partner cooperatives and families. Artisanal naturally dyed cotton cloth placemats, set of 4 Mindfully handcrafted by artisans in Guatemala on traditional Mayan backstrap looms Purchase supports sustainable livelihoods and traditional artisan weaving Each set is one-of-a-kind Beautiful unique addition to your handmade table. Price $80
One of the highlights of any trip to Belize is a visit to the ancient Maya world and thankfully one of the best ancient Maya sites, the Lamanai ruins, is not far from Belize City and can be easily seen in a day. Lamanai is one of the largest and oldest Maya ceremonial sites within the region consisting of over 700 impressive structures. Lamanai – which translates into “submerged crocodile” – dates back to 1500 BC and tells the story of the ongoing Maya resistance against the European invaders for centuries making this site the longest known occupation throughout the Maya empire. It wasn’t fully abandoned until the 17th or even possibly 18th century. Its impressive setting along the banks of the New River surrounded by lush tropical jungle make a visit to the ruins all the more meaningful.
Located about 25 miles south from Orange Walk Town on the shore of the New River Lagoon, getting to the ruins is half of the fun and is quite frankly an adventure in itself. The majority of tourists opt to take an hour long speedboat ride to the site so you can observe and explore the fascinating flora and fauna that live along the mangroves of the river. Blessed with over 590 species of birds in Belize and plenty of unusual trees and plants, not to mention sun-bathing iguanas and crocodiles, the ride is magnificent and adds to the adventure of the arriving at the ruins. The ride back is full speed ahead and all the more thrilling.
Lamanai was my first experience exploring the fascinating ancient world of the Maya during a week long trip to Belize and Guatemala, and began a deep curiosity and appreciation for Maya culture and civilization.
Did you know that tourism is one of the largest industries in the world, employing 1 in 11 people and generating US $7.2 trillion annually? Imagine what can happen if we harness this powerful, global force with positive social, economic and environmental impact in the communities around the world we travel to. That is the vision and mission behind GOOD Travel, a social enterprise focused on changing the face and experience of travel in an effort to create a better world for all.
If you believe in having a positive impact on the places you visit, connecting with the communities you meet and learning through your journey, then GOOD Travel has the perfect trip for you.
I had the opportunity to talk with Eliza Raymond, one of the Co-Founders and the Director of Operations at GOOD Travel. Here is what she has to say.
When were you founded, by who and why?
GOOD Travel was founded in 2013 by four women from Peru, USA, South Africa and New Zealand. Our vision is to transform the tourism industry into a force for GOOD. We believe that change needs to happen at a variety of levels for this to be achieved – our focus is on travelers.
A Booking.com report concluded that while 46% of global travelers consider themselves a sustainable traveler, only 5% of travelers believe it is easy to travel sustainably. GOOD Travel exists to directly address this gap and to make it easier for travelers to have a positive social, economic and environmental impact on the places they visit. We do this through our GOOD tours as well as advocacy, research and events focused on influencing tourist behavior for GOOD. Our tours are carefully researched and designed to create unique, impactful and transformative experiences for travelers to have a positive impact on the destination being visited.
What is your mission?
Our mission is to inspire and empower travelers to have a positive social, economic and environmental impact on the places they visit.
What are five of your best trips?
Iceland
Iceland, September 23rd-28th, 2019– Discover stunning waterfalls and glaciers, support one of the world’s first eco-villages, explore your creativity with artist Baron Wright and experience Iceland’s famous (and secret!) lagoons.
In Iceland, we’ll explore stunning waterfalls, national parks and glaciers. Photo Credit: Traveller of GOOD Travel
