Meet Joanna Tovia

Travel writer

I grew up in the US, Germany and Australia, so it feels more foreign for me to stay in one place than to move around. Since then, I’ve called Boston, London, Seattle, Brisbane, Madison and Sydney home for study and work as a journalist, travel writer and photographer. I specialize in adventure travel, social issues and interiors/architecture. Home is now an 1890s cottage in the Blue Mountains near Sydney.

I have memories galore of my travels, including an action-packed expedition to Antarctica, snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies, galloping with gauchos in Chilean Patagonia, trekking through Japan, and camel riding in Jordan.

My least favorite travel hiccup was being stranded in Cameroon when I should have been winging my way to Paris for a little me-time. You win some, you lose some.

25 Articles published

My Articles

Practical

8 Ways to Travel Cheaply in a Cost-of-Living Crisis

When it comes to travel, where there’s a will there’s a way – as these tips to traveling more affordably reveal.

Practical

How to Survive an Unexpected All-nighter at an Airport

Pulling an all-nighter in an airport, train or bus station is a worst-case scenario but when it does happen, it pays to be prepared.

Responsible Travel - People

12 Ways to Make a Difference on Your Travels in 2023

Here's how to make travel help others – every month of the year.

Responsible Travel - Participation

How to Make Travel More Responsible and Sustainable

Every traveler that supports sustainable tourism practices is playing a vital role in creating a brighter future.

Wellness

How to Travel With Confidence When You're Pregnant

Having a baby? Planning a trip? Take these extra precautions to ensure you stay safe and well, advises travel writer and mother of two, Joanna Tovia.

Responsible Travel - Planet

How Airlines Are Innovating to Help Fight Climate Change

Work is underway to make flying more sustainable, and that’s good news for the planet and good news for responsible travelers wanting to reduce their carbon footprint.

Responsible Travel - People

Is it Ethical to Travel to Places With Low Vaccination Rates?

Before you travel, make sure you aren't risking the lives of people in the country you're visiting.

Responsible Travel - Participation

Is it Responsible Travel to Visit Very Remote Places?

As more of us choose out of the way places for our next adventure, we weigh up why that is and isn't a good idea

Responsible Travel - Participation

A Guide To Ethical Drone Photography and Filmmaking

Without care and compassion, drone flying can disrupt lives, cause offense and put people and animals in danger.

Responsible Travel - People

Is It Ethical to Travel in a Pandemic?

Lockdowns and restrictions have affected everyone, and many of us are desperate to be reunited with loved ones, or to just hit the road. But what should we consider when we travel during COVID-19?

Responsible Travel - Planet

Global Reset: Traveling for the Good of the Planet & Each Other

The COVID-19 pandemic gave us a wake-up call to become better travelers – and that’s just what the world needs.

Worldwide

Why Getting Back to Nature is a Family Getaway Worth Doing

Reconnecting with the natural world does wonders for our health and wellbeing – whether your family realizes it or not.

Responsible Travel - Participation

5 Great Ways to Teach Kids About Traveling Sustainably

A trip abroad is a great opportunity for kids to learn their travel choices matter. Nomad Joanna offers her tips for ethical eating, mindful packing, and more.

Wellness

Family Travel: How to Keep Your Kids Safe and Healthy

Illness or injury can soon turn a much longed-for family trip into an ordeal. Nomad Joanna Tovia explains how to stay happy and well on the road.

Responsible Travel - Participation

How to Have a More Authentic Travel Experience

Penny Watson, author of new book 'Slow Travel: Reconnecting With the World at Your Own Pace', gives us the lowdown on laidback travel.

Responsible Travel - Planet

Why Protecting Our Starry Skies Matters to Travelers

Why we need to support dark-sky reserves and restore the night skies.

Responsible Travel - Participation

20 Ways to Be a Better Traveler

Small changes can make a big difference to the people and places you encounter on your travels. Adopt these ethical and sustainable habits, and you can proudly call yourself a responsible traveler.

Caribbean

Vaccinations for the Caribbean: Travel Health & Hygiene

Mosquito-borne diseases, food safety, and water contamination are some of the risks to be aware of before you depart for the Caribbean.

Caribbean

How to Travel the Caribbean Safely: 7 Essential Safety Tips

Which islands are the safest to visit in the Caribbean? Find out about crime, pickpocketing and travel scams before you go on vacation.

China

Is China Safe? Our Expert Safety Advice For Your Trip

Joanna Tovia shares her tips to keep you safe and informed while exploring the Middle Kingdom.

Responsible Travel - Participation

How to Travel Safely in Countries With Oppressive Regimes

Countries under authoritarian rule hold an attraction for adventurous travelers but visiting them comes with risks.

Practical

The 24 Best Apps to Download Before You Go Traveling

These apps make travel easier, safe, and even more fun, reveals travel writer Joanna Tovia.

Practical

The Top 5 Best Ways to Make Money While Traveling

At the end of an overseas trip and don't want it to end? It doesn’t have to! Making money from wherever you are in the world has never been easier.

Responsible Travel - Planet

10 Simple Ways You Can Be An Eco-Friendly Traveler

It’s easier than ever to care for the planet when we travel, without having to sacrifice anything. Here's how.