Cassandra Brooklyn

Cassandra Brooklynhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/cassandra-brooklynCassandra Brooklynhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-wiser/wellness/how-to-prevent-motion-sickness-when-travelingFrom bumpy buses to cruise ship cabins, motion sickness can make for a very unpleasant journey. Here’s how to prevent and treat motion sickness when traveling.2025-02-27T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-wiser/wellness/how-to-prevent-motion-sickness-when-travelinghttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Whether on a bus ride on a twisty mountain road or a boat that rocks a bit too much, motion sickness is an unfortunate side effect of travel. With symptoms ranging from dizziness and headache to actual vomiting, it’s worth knowing what causes it and how to deal with it. Here’s what you need to know before heading out on your next adventure.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#what">What causes motion sickness?</a></li> <li><a href="#how">How to prevent motion sickness</a></li> <li><a href="#remedy">Motion sickness remedies</a></li> <li><a href="#stop">How to stop motion sickness after it starts</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="what">What causes motion sickness?</h2> <p>According to the <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12782-motion-sickness" target="_blank">Cleveland Clinic</a>, motion sickness (also known as travel sickness) is a condition that occurs when your body, eyes, and inner ear send conflicting messages to the brain. This most often happens when your body is still but is being moved around by a boat, car, bus, or some other vehicle.</p> <h3>Seasickness on boats and cruise ships</h3> <p><a href="/travel-wiser/wellness/how-to-avoid-illness-on-a-cruise">Cruise ship motion sickness</a> is very common, particularly when the vessel is battling rough waters. On small and mid-size cruise ships, which typically have stabilizers, I’ve often gotten only a headache, but on very small boats (like scuba diving boats speeding out to far-out dive spots), I’ve been ill and even vomited several times.</p> <h3>Motion sickness in cars and on buses and trains</h3> <p>Motion sickness can hit anytime you’re moving, be it on a car, bus, or train, but especially on winding roads. It’s helpful to have a window seat vs a middle or aisle seat.</p> <h3>Airplane motion sickness</h3> <p>Airsickness is most common when <a href="/travel-wiser/survival/is-turbulence-dangerous">turbulence is moderate to severe</a>, but for some travelers (myself included), it’s also a threat during smooth take-offs and landings. I’ve found it helpful to put away my book or screen, lay back, and close my eyes to avoid getting queasy.</p> <h2 id="how">How to prevent motion sickness</h2> <p>Knowing how to avoid motion sickness can save you a lot of headaches (quite literally) and hassle. Here’s how to not get seasick, carsick, or otherwise motion-sick in the first place.</p> <h3>Choose your seat wisely</h3> <ul> <li><strong>On a boat:</strong> A middle seat on the upper deck is best.</li> <li><strong>On a cruise:</strong> It’s not just about choosing between the front or back of the ship – you also need to consider the level. The best spot on a cruise ship for motion sickness is toward the front or middle, on a lower level.</li> <li><strong>On a plane:</strong> The best seat on a plane for motion sickness is in the wing section.</li> <li><strong>In the car:</strong> The front passenger seat is the best, followed by rear window seats.</li> <li><strong>On a bus or van:</strong> Window seats toward the front or middle are best. Avoid the back, which can be bumpier.</li> <li><strong>On a train:</strong> In addition to finding a window seat, ensure that it’s forward-facing, as facing backward can be more problematic.</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-wiser/motion-sickness-curvy-road.jpg" alt="A car drives along a curvy road in New Jersey, USA." /> <figcaption>Traveling on curvy roads in a car or bus often causes motion sickness. Image credit: Getty Images / Pie Ball</figcaption></figure> <h3>Other strategies for avoiding motion sickness</h3> <p>Erin Carey ran her PR firm, <a href="https://www.roamgeneration.com/" target="_blank">Roam Generation,</a> from her boat, sailing more than 5,000 nautical miles over four years. To prevent motion sickness, she suggests:</p> <ul> <li>Avoiding coffee before rough passages</li> <li>Avoiding alcohol the night before</li> <li>Taking motion sickness medication an hour before departure so it has time to set in</li> <li>Avoiding reading or looking at screens</li> </ul> <p><em>Heading off on an adventure? Find out <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered">how travel insurance can cover</a> lost or stolen baggage, sudden illness, trip cancellation, or other mishaps.</em></p> <h2 id="remedy">Motion sickness remedies</h2> <p>In addition to being smart about your seat, various remedies exist to help prevent and treat motion sickness. I chatted with Dr. Cristián Franco, the on-board physician with the expedition cruise company, <a href="https://www.adventurecanada.com/" target="_blank">Adventure Canada</a>, about some popular motion sickness remedies. Here’s what he had to say. (Note: always consult with your own physician before taking any medications.)</p> <h3>Over-the-counter motion sickness medication</h3> <ul> <li>Pro: OTC motion sickness tablets like Dramamine are affordable, easy to find, and effective.</li> <li>Con: Dramamine can make you sleepy.</li> </ul> <h3>Prescription medications</h3> <ul> <li>Pro: Some prescription meds like Meclizine work well and are less likely to cause sleepiness.</li> <li>Con: Prescription medication can be more expensive and harder to secure.</li> </ul> <h3>Patches for motion sickness</h3> <ul> <li>Pro: Behind-the-ear patches for motion sickness can be highly effective.</li> <li>Con: They may have multiple side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision.</li> </ul> <h3>Motion sickness wristbands</h3> <p>Do motion sickness bands work? Yes, they often can, but only when applied properly.</p> <ul> <li>Pro: An accupressure wrist band can be helpful for some travelers. These bands are affordable and widely available.</li> <li>Con: They are often applied to the wrong spot, rendering them ineffective. To find the correct pressure point, Dr. Franco suggests laying three fingers across the inside of your wrist and applying the wrist band just below.</li> </ul> <h3>Motion sickness glasses</h3> <p>Motion sickness glasses are googly-eyed frames with holes on each side to protect peripheral vision from becoming sensitive to motion (which is often what brings about the motion sickness). Do they work? According to the Cleveland Clinic, there’s no firm evidence of this, but some people believe they do. This could merely be the placebo effect, but a positive effect, nonetheless.</p> <ul> <li>Pro: They are cheap, easily available, and work for some people.</li> <li>Con: There is no documented evidence of their effectiveness, and they can be uncomfortable.</li> </ul> <h3>Natural remedies for motion sickness</h3> <p>According to Dr. Franco, there are several natural ways to help prevent and minimize the effects of motion sickness.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Fresh air:</strong> If you’re able to (for instance, you’re on a large boat), stepping outside can help. If you’re inside a car or bus, opening a window has a similar effect.</li> <li><strong>Look off to the horizon:</strong> Instead of reading a book or looking at a screen, refocus your gaze on a stationary object in the distance or the horizon.</li> <li><strong>Lie back and close your eyes:</strong> If you have the option, lie down, or at least lay your seat down a bit.</li> <li><strong>Limit water:</strong> Dr. Franco says to not drink too much water because if your stomach is full of liquid, it will move around a lot. Instead, he suggests taking small sips.</li> <li><strong>Eat sparingly:</strong> Because you may not know how your body will react, avoid large meals which you might then vomit up. Having been sick on many rocky dive trips, I can attest to the benefit of having an empty stomach.</li> </ul> <h2 id="stop">How to stop motion sickness after it starts</h2> <p>In addition to the above strategies, Dr. Franco suggested some natural ways to help you feel better if you’re already motion sick.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Ginger ale:</strong> While ginger ale isn’t a cure-all for everyone, it does help some people suffering from motion sickness.</li> <li><strong>Green apples and plain crackers:</strong> Eating these can help settle your stomach.</li> </ul>Getty Images / piola666 11438714759 Getty Images A traveler stands on the deck of an expedition ship looking out over rough seas.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-wiser/practical/how-to-travel-safely-with-cashBe it credit cards, banking apps, or cold hard cash, here’s how to travel safely with money.2026-04-03T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-wiser/practical/how-to-travel-safely-with-cashhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>When I first started traveling to Cuba over a decade ago, <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Cuba.html#:~:text=U.S.%20credit%20and%20debit%20cards,over%20the%20equivalent%20of%20$5%2C000.">American credit cards and ATM cards didn’t work there</a> (and still don’t), and <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/is-airbnb-an-ethical-option">Airbnb hadn’t yet arrived</a>. I had to learn how to travel with cash because I would go for months at a time, carrying enough to pay for accommodations, activities, transportation, and food. Once, I ran out of money after a three-month trip and had to ask a friend in Mexico to book my flight out of Cuba.</p> <p>Carrying large amounts of money can be inconvenient at best – and dangerous at worst – so I developed several strategies for traveling with cash while minimizing risk. Years later, I still rely on these strategies to get through trips where cash is king.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#why">Why travel with cash?</a></li> <li><a href="#how">How to travel safely with cash</a></li> <li><a href="#other">Other ways to be money smart</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="why">Why travel with cash?</h2> <p>In some destinations, such as very remote areas, there may be no other option. But even if you can use credit cards, there are still a lot of benefits to carrying cash.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Have a backup for emergencies:</strong> Cash is nearly always accepted so it’s often the best form of payment for housing, medical, and other emergencies, particularly in remote areas.</li> <li><strong>Cash for small purchases and tips:</strong> Paying for small purchases and gratuities with cash is often quicker and easier than negotiating with credit cards.</li> <li><strong>Cash is preferred in some places:</strong> In some destinations, there is a strong preference for cash and merchants may require a large minimum amount to use a credit card, or they simply may offer a discount on cash purchases.</li> <li><strong>Inability to access your bank account:</strong> Even if you should technically have access to your bank account, unsecure internet connections and malware threats could block access when traveling.</li> <li><strong>Limited access to banks or ATMs:</strong> Even if a country has ATMs that accept your bank cards, they may be few and far between, or charge exorbitant withdrawal fees.</li> </ul> <h2 id="how">How to travel safely with cash</h2> <p>Regardless of where you’re going, some strategies apply across the board. Here are my top tips.</p> <h3>How much cash are you allowed to travel with?</h3> <p>The amount varies from country to country, so check the rules related to your destination before your trip to avoid being hit with fines. Now, knowing how much cash you’re allowed to travel with is different from determining exactly how much you should bring. Just because you’re allowed to travel with $5,000 doesn’t mean you <em>need</em> to travel with that much. Determine what daily and total expenses you anticipate needing to pay for with cash and bring a bit extra for emergencies.</p> <h3>Where is the safest place to keep cash when traveling?</h3> <p>I’ve found that the safest place to store my cash is everywhere. Money belts are a popular way to keep cash safe (tucked under your shirt, of course), but if a <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/baggage">pickpocket makes off with it</a>, you’ll be out of luck if you kept everything in that one place. Personally, I like to distribute my cash among various places, such as:</p> <ul> <li>In several inner pockets of my backpack</li> <li>Zippered sections of my toiletries bag</li> <li>Inside my hip pouch</li> <li>Rolled up in socks</li> <li>Between pages in books</li> <li>Folded into souvenirs</li> </ul> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-wiser/traveling-with-cash-belt-bag.jpg" alt="A traveler wears a belt bag across her body." /> <figcaption>A cross-body bag or money belt can help keep your cash safe – but it's still best not to store it all in one place. Image credit: Getty Images / PeopleImages</figcaption></figure> <h3>How to keep your money safe</h3> <p>As mentioned previously, the safest way to store your cash is to spread it out across multiple places. If you’re staying at a hotel with a safe, store your extra cash in the safe and only carry with you what you need for the day.</p> <p>In Cuba, most of the private houses I stayed in didn’t have proper safes so I sometimes asked the owner to hold my money for me. To minimize risk for both of us, the owner would draw up a receipt stating how much cash they were holding and we would both sign it. While this strategy could have negative consequences, I never had a bad experience.</p> <h3>What to do if your cash is lost or stolen</h3> <p>Once you’ve checked and rechecked everywhere that your missing cash may be, sit down and figure out how much money you’ll need for the rest of your trip. If you can’t get by with credit cards or bank cards, contact friends or family at home to see if they could wire money to you through a local bank or <a href="https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/home.html">Western Union</a>, or if they could pre-pay any remaining expenses you have like unbooked hotels.</p> <h2 id="other">Other ways to be money smart </h2> <p>Savvy travelers should consider all financial transactions, including those made with credit cards, pre-paid cash cards, banking apps, and travel bank accounts.</p> <h3>What is the safest way to pay when traveling?</h3> <p>Paying with cash is often safer than paying with credit cards or banking apps, which are inherently susceptible to fraud. An AARP survey shows that <a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/fraud-awareness-survey-2025/">4 in 10 Americans have lost money</a> due to fraudulent activity. However, traveling with large amounts of cash that could be stolen presents its own threat.</p> <p>To avoid having to pay for everything with cash in the destination, try to prepay large expenses like accommodations, meals (which are sometimes included with hotel reservations), and activities beforehand. Traveling with a group tour can also help, as these pre-paid trips typically include most large expenses.</p> <p><em>Planning an overseas adventure? Find out <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered">how travel insurance can cover</a> lost or stolen baggage, sudden illness, trip cancellation, or other mishaps.</em></p> <h3>Traveling with credit cards</h3> <p>Keep your credit cards safe by keeping them close to your body, be it in a money belt, front-facing waist belt, or deep front pocket. Up the security even more by storing credit cards in a tamper-proof, RFID-blocking wallet.</p> <p>Should you be the victim of theft, know how to<a href="https://www.occ.gov/topics/consumers-and-communities/consumer-protection/fraud-resources/credit-card-and-debit-card-fraud.html"> report a stolen credit card</a> without actually having your card in front of you. If someone stole your wallet, you can no longer look for the 1-800 number on the back of your card so keep that number stored inside your phone, a digital calendar, or even within an email for easy access.</p> <p>In countries where credit cards are rarely accepted, there may be a workaround app. For instance, in Bhutan, the Department of Tourism suggests the <a href="https://bnb.bt/mypay/" target="_blank">MyPay app</a>, a mobile wallet app where you can link your international credit cards to use across the country.</p> <h3>Traveling with a pre-paid cash card</h3> <p>Some countries offer pre-paid cash cards specific to that country (like Cuba does), but for cards that go beyond the boundaries of a single country, look into pre-paid international travel cards.</p> <p>Like credit cards, pre-paid international travel cards eliminate the need to carry a lot of cash. They can be used at hotels, restaurants, and shops, and some include chip and PIN capabilities that enable them to be used at international ATMs or to be cancelled and replaced if stolen.</p> <p>These cards can help with budgeting and fraud protection, but they also typically cost more, be it through foreign transaction fees or fees associated with recouping any remaining money not spent overseas. Also note that some of these multi-currency cards only work in certain countries and with certain currencies, so confirm all the details before you buy them.</p> <h3>Travel bank accounts</h3> <p>Creating a separate bank account just for withdrawing money during your trip can be a smart way to save money for vacation and then minimize risk abroad. Should the bank account be hacked, criminals would only have access to funds in that account, and not your main savings account.</p> <p>Here is what to look for when setting up a travel bank account:</p> <ul> <li>Minimal fees (monthly and per-transaction)</li> <li>Number of ATMs you’ll have access to</li> <li>ATM fee reimbursements</li> <li>Contactless debit card, which is an increasingly popular way to pay abroad</li> <li>Comprehensive mobile and online banking experiences, including the ability to disable your debit card from the banking app if you’re a victim of fraud</li> <li>Interest rates</li> </ul>Getty Images / FluxFactory 11402476608 Getty Images Two travelers pay cash for a meal at a night market in Thailand.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/best-cities-to-visit-with-great-public-transportUsing public transport when you travel helps you get under the skin of a destination, interact with local people, and it’s cheaper.2023-11-08T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/best-cities-to-visit-with-great-public-transporthttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>As sustainability-minded travelers are prioritizing <span><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/the-destinations-turning-green">eco-friendly travel destinations</a>, having the ability to take public transportation during a trip can be a big selling point. Not only is taking public transit while traveling a great way to cut back on car emissions, but it is also far more affordable, and faster (sometimes), and it can be a fun, unique way to get to know a destination. Here are four cities with excellent public transportation.</span></p> <ul> <li><a href="#1">New York City, USA</a></li> <li><a href="#2">Edinburgh, Scotland</a></li> <li><a href="#3">Mexico City, Mexico</a></li> <li><a href="#4">Tokyo, Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#5">Other notable cities</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="1"><strong>New York City, USA</strong></h2> <p>It’s no surprise that the Big Apple tops the list as it has, by far, the best public transportation system in the USA. Not only does the <span><a href="https://new.mta.info/">MTA system</a> run 24/7 (something few cities can boast), but the train network is extensive, and a league of buses helps fill in further-out corners of the five boroughs that the trains don’t reach. A single ride costs less than $3, and frequent riders can save even more money by purchasing a weekly or monthly MetroCard). Considering that <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/putting-cycling-first"></a></span></p> <p>What I love best about the New York City subway is that it is a true slice of New York. Everyone – and I mean <em>everyone</em> – rides the train, from stockbrokers and politicians to cooks, cleaners, and content creators. Riding the train is the best way to experience the diversity of the city, as you’ll hear nearly every language in the world spoken, and you’ll probably also be entertained by some pretty preposterous performances. While locals sometimes tire of metro magicians, singers, dancers, and acrobats, their shows are usually a real treat for visitors. To get out of the city, there’s also the Long Island Rail Road that can easily whisk you away to Long Island, the MetroNorth that spreads around upstate NY and Connecticut, and Amtrak to get you everywhere else.</p> <h2 id="2"><strong>Edinburgh, Scotland</strong></h2> <p>Scotland’s <span><a href="https://www.scotrail.co.uk/">ScotRail</a> system makes it easy to get around all over the country (and to England), as it seamlessly connects large cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh to Highland areas such as Fort William and Inverness, stopping in tiny towns and villages along the way. Trains are clean, quick, and easy to use, and they travel through some of the most fantastic scenery. In general, Scotland is an easy country to navigate by public transit, but Edinburgh stands out in particular simply due to the sheer number of different public transit options. Edinburgh has set an ambitious <a href="https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/climate-2/climate-target-net-zero-2030">goal of net zero emissions by 2030</a>, which includes the decarbonization of its extensive public transport system. </span></p> <p>In addition to ScotRail’s several stations throughout Edinburgh, you’ll also find loads of buses that are clean, convenient, and run all over town and to airports (you can even catch a bus from Edinburgh Airport to central Glasgow, which is what I did). The brand new <span><a href="https://edinburghtrams.com/">Edinburgh Trams</a>, which was completed in June 2023, offers a pleasant way to get from central Edinburgh out to the airport, the Ocean Terminal, and the traveler hotspot neighborhood of Leith. A month after it opened, I took the tram from the city center out to explore Leith and again to the airport, and in both cases, the ride took about as long as a cab would have, yet it was a fraction of the price and it gave me a new way to see the city.</span></p> <h2 id="3"><strong>Mexico City, Mexico</strong></h2> <p>Latin America’s largest city is home to nearly 23 million people spread across 16 municipalities and 300 neighborhoods. To accommodate this steadily growing population, Mexico City continuously improves and expands its public transportation while also placing an increasing number of restrictions on cars to encourage people to take public transit. The result? A dizzying array of options, including a sprawling <span><a href="https://www.metro.cdmx.gob.mx/">Metro</a> train network, aboveground light rail, Metrobus (known as bus rapid transit, or BRT), regular buses, minibusses, and loads of interstate buses that can quickly and easily get you to Tepoztlan, Cuernavaca, Oaxaca and beyond. </span></p> <p>system. While minibusses might be a bit confusing for first-time visitors, the proper Metro trains Metrobus buses are very straightforward, with clear signage and maps.</p> <h2 id="4"><strong>Tokyo, Japan</strong></h2> <p>There isn’t a metro network anywhere else in the world quite like the labyrinth of the Tokyo transit system. Not only is the Tokyo subway system sprawling (and said to serve the most riders in the world), but it’s also shockingly clean, efficient, well-maintained, and timely – something that can’t be said about most other networks. You won’t be able to ride every route 24/7 (so be sure to check schedules if you plan to be out late), but the Tokyo public transportation system is, by far, the best way to get around. It’s fast, far more affordable than cabs, and it goes just about everywhere, including all the popular attractions.</p> <p>Tokyo has two separate train systems, the <span><a href="https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/index.html">Tokyo Metro</a> and the <a href="https://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/eng/services/subway.html">Toei Subways</a>, but they are interlinked very well, and the only time you have to worry about the two separate systems is when you buy an individual ticket. To skip the confusion, buy a subway pass or prepaid card, which can be used on either system. Prepaid cards like the <a href="https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html">Welcome Suica</a> and <a href="https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/buy/">Pasmo Passport</a> are sold at the airport and a handful of metro stops, rail stations, and other locations. Not only can the cards be used to pay for the train, but you can also use them to pay for goods and services all over Japan, and they are much faster and easier than dealing with individual tickets. Ready to be amazed? Check out this <a href="https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/routemaps/pdf/RouteMap_majorrailsub.pdf">Tokyo Combined Subway and Train map</a>.</span></p> <h2 id="5"><strong>Other notable cities</strong></h2> <p>We didn’t have enough space to really dig into every city offering great public transportation around the world, but some other top spots to keep in mind are London, Stockholm, Barcelona, Berlin, Montreal, Mumbai, Shanghai, Taipei, Chicago, and Copenhagen. Some cities’ public transportation networks also include unique and iconic ways to get around, such as continent-crossing ferries in Istanbul and Lisbon’s famous tram network.</p>Getty Images/B.S.P.I. 1522169322 Getty Images A Yamanote Line Train Crosses Over Pedestrians and Traffic at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/destinations-combating-overtourismFrom Bhutan to Barcelona, here’s what’s being done to curb mass tourism which makes destinations pricey, crowded and bad for the environment.2025-01-15T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/destinations-combating-overtourismhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>From cheap flights to remote work conditions, there are numerous reasons why some of our favorite cities are becoming saturated with tourists. Crowds make travel more expensive, frustrating, and difficult, and they can also be dangerous to the destination by trampling on sensitive environments and eroding local culture.</p> <p>What should an ethical traveler to do? The first step is to consider <span><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/how-to-avoid-the-masses-when-you-travel">visiting less-crowded alternatives</a> to popular destinations or to prioritize <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/the-destinations-turning-green">destinations putting the planet first</a>. Also, contemplate traveling during off-peak seasons, which are less crowded and less expensive.</span></p> <p>Wondering which places have figured out how to limit the number of tourists passing through? We’ve rounded up a list of global destinations that have taken significant steps to curb mass tourism.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#1">Bhutan</a></li> <li><a href="#2">Barcelona, Spain</a></li> <li><a href="#3">Manchester, UK</a></li> <li><a href="#4">Amsterdam, Netherlands</a></li> <li><a href="#5">Venice, Italy</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="1"><strong>Bhutan</strong></h2> <p>The Eastern Himalayan <a href="/explore/southern-asia/bhutan/10-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-bhutan">Kingdom of Bhutan</a>, which is landlocked between China and India, is known for clifftop monasteries, misty terraces, and Himalayan hiking trails. Since last year, Bhutan is also now known for a hefty tourist tax that was introduced to curb the number of visitors and preserve its unique cultural heritage. Bhutan follows the tourism motto of "high value, low volume" and its government believes that if travelers have journeyed all the way there, they should contribute towards the country's development.</p> <p>As a result, the previous daily visitor fee of US $65 (which remained unchanged since 1991), jumped up to $200 per day in September 2022. (The fee was revised again in 2023 and is currently USD $100 per day.) Known as the <span>Sustainable Development Fee, it is utilized to support healthcare, education, and environmental infrastructure projects and it is separate from the mandatory $40 visa fee.</span></p> <p>According to Brijesh Sarsar, of <a href="https://www.authenticindiatours.com/">Authentic India Tours</a>, which operates tours in Bhutan, while the previous fee covered expenses such as guides, hotels, and meals, the new tax does not include these services, it simply allows you to visit. He also adds that his company’s Bhutan office saw an immediate and substantial fall in new travel bookings after the new tax went into effect, so it would appear the new rules are working.</p> <h2 id="2"><strong>Barcelona, Spain</strong></h2> <p>As one of the most tourist-choked cities in the world, Barcelona has long struggled with how to balance welcoming the visitors – who are necessary to sustain the local economy –while also maintaining quality of life. Residents have long complained that the 32 million annual tourists clog their streets, clutter their beaches, and create loud nuisance. Barcelona, which was, in 2012, one of the first cities to implement a city tourist on top of the regional tax, announced in 2022 that guided tours would also have capped numbers and limited routes. They also would have to adopt headsets and earpieces instead of megaphones.</p> <p>While the city has not yet found a perfect solution, economy professor, Pedro Aznar, says the answer is <span><a href="https://en.ara.cat/society/barcelona-tourism-mass-easter-overcrowding_130_4350435.html">distinguishing between different types of tourism</a>. For instance, he says there is a large economic difference between a bachelor party ( which comes to spend one night in a budget hotel) and a family (who stays multiple days and plans a full schedule of cultural and gastronomic activities). In 2022, Barcelona announced an incremental growth of this city tax that will vary based on the accommodation type. <a href="https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/07/01/barcelona-is-increasing-its-tourist-tax-heres-how-much-youll-have-to-pay-in-2023" target="_blank">As of October 2024</a>, visitors to the city must pay €4 on top of the regional tax. This means guest rentals will cost an addtional €5.25/night, and five-star hotels will charge an additional €7.50/night.</span></p> <h2 id="3"><strong>Manchester, UK</strong></h2> <p><a href="/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/top-pubs-to-visit-in-manchester-uk">Manchester</a> became the first UK city to impose a tourist tax on April 1, 2023. Dubbed the “city visitor charge,” the tax will impose an additional £1 per night, per room in hotels in the city center. Though the fee is modest, it’s expected to draw in £3 million per year, which will go towards the new Manchester Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) and its goal of supporting the city’s visitor economy and experience.</p> <p>Its strategy will include increasing overnight visitors by amplifying marketing campaigns but balancing that push by securing large-scale events during low-season periods. For instance, it plans to hold large sporting events, concerts, conferences, and festivals during off-peak months to incentivize travelers to visit when the city is less crowded.</p> <h2 id="4"><strong>Amsterdam, Netherlands</strong></h2> <p>While the Dutch city of Utrecht is helping combat climate change by <span><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/putting-cycling-first">putting cycling first</a>, its sister city, Amsterdam, is focused on combating overtourism by decreasing visitors to its famed Red Light District. What’s unique about its approach is that it’s specifically targeted at British male visitors aged 18-35, who tend to focus their travels on drinking and using drugs. Many of these visitors specifically come for raucous stag (bachelor) parties, which the city is actively trying to discourage.</span></p> <p>In a campaign launched in March 2023, would-be British tourists searching terms such as “pub crawl Amsterdam” and “stag party Amsterdam” were greeted with a<span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDwhRdHk7hc">serious video advertisement</a> warning visitors of the consequences of an alcohol- and drug-fueled trip. Amid images of police arrests and jail stays, viewers seeking a “messy night” are warned to stay away.</span></p> <p>On top of their ad campaign, on May 25, 2023, Amsterdam also enacted a new rule <span><a href="https://nltimes.nl/2023/05/20/last-weekend-legally-smoke-cannabis-outside-red-light-district">prohibiting marijuana smoking on the street in the Red Light District</a>. A majority of the city council approved the measure to curb the crowds, noise, and general nuisance associated with tourists in the area.</span></p> <h2 id="5"><strong>Venice, Italy</strong></h2> <p>As visitors far outnumber residents on the narrow streets of Venice’s historic center, the city implemented a new rule that went into effect in 2024. Day trippers will no longer be able to just show up in the historic center; rather, they must first make an online reservation up to four days in advance and pay a fee. Overnight visitors, whether staying in hotels, guesthouses, or other accommodation, are exempt from the rule. Considering that about 80% of the city’s visitors are day trippers (approximately 19 million per year), the new policy stands to have a tremendous impact.</p> <p><span>The daily trip fee is 10 euros (USD $10.30) per person and <a href="https://cda.veneziaunica.it/contributo-di-accesso" target="_blank">will be applied on specific days during the high season</a> (April 18 through July 27). Violators risk fines as high as 300 euros (USD$315) if they are stopped and unable to prove (via QR code) that they pre-booked and pre-paid.</span></p>Getty Images/Alexander Spatari 11428441295 Getty Images Crowds of people on the shopping street in Vienna, Austria

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-wiser/survival/how-to-stay-safe-and-hydratedWith heatwaves becoming the norm around the world, here’s how to cope and stay safe when traveling in extreme heat conditions.2024-07-09T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-wiser/survival/how-to-stay-safe-and-hydratedhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#hydrated">Stay hydrated</a></li> <li><a href="#snacks">Travel with snacks</a></li> <li><a href="#breaks">Take regular activity breaks</a></li> <li><a href="#sunscreen"> Wear sunscreen </a></li> <li><a href="#clothing">Sun-protective clothing and headwear</a></li> <li><a href="#midday">Avoid the midday sun</a></li> </ul> <p>The world is seeing hotter temperatures, year after year. In June 2024, temperatures in Mecca reached 125°F (52°C), causing hundreds of fatalities among Hajj pilgrims. And the western and southern US experienced record-breaking heatwaves in late June and early July this year. It goes without saying that when the weather heats up, it’s important to stay hydrated; but water isn’t the only factor in staying cool in the extreme heat. Here’s what you need to know about staying safe and hydrated when traveling in hot climates and unusually hot weather.</p> <h2 id="hydrated">Stay hydrated</h2> <p>Regardless of how long you’ll be in the sun, it’s crucial to always to <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/bottled-vs-filtered-water">bring sufficient water along</a>. If you <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">do a lot of hiking</a>, you may even want to invest in a hydration pack, which is basically a mini backpack with a removable “water bladder” inside. A tube connects the water bladder to a mouthpiece, which runs up and along one of the backpack’s straps so you can easily sip while walking. These hydration packs come in different sizes and can usually accommodate some snacks, your phone, and perhaps a light jacket. Many large backpacker-style backpacks also have a hydration sleeve to slide the bladder in, so you don’t have to purchase separate bladders for different backpacks.</p> <p>If a hydration pack isn’t your style (or it’s not in your budget), there’s nothing wrong with packing good old-fashioned reusable water bottles. If you’ll need more water than you can or want to carry that day, bring a high-quality water filter so you can drink from streams, rivers, and questionable public water sources. Some travelers like to bring one large water bottle or canteen, but I like to bring several small ones since I think they’re easier to whip out and drink from. </p> <p>Most backpacks have side pockets that can accommodate water bottles; if not, you can throw them inside if they are leak-proof. You could also attach bottles to your backpack or hip pouch using a carabiner if your bottles have handles. If you want to combine the convenience of small water bottles and the easy access of a hydration pack’s sip tube, you can buy a holster attachment for your backpack’s front strap to store your bottle right on your chest. And, while insulated bottles aren’t necessary, ice-cold water is especially refreshing during a long hot hike.</p> <p>Also, remember that as important as drinking water is when you’re active outdoors, it’s just as important to replenish electrolytes if you’re doing strenuous activities. Electrolyte supplements help restore the salt and minerals lost through sweat, which helps prevent fatigue. Instead of buying pre-made energy drinks, which are full of artificial colors and flavors and which come in earth-destroying plastic bottles, you can purchase small electrolyte tabs that you simply drop into your water to dissolve.</p> <h2 id="snacks">Travel with snacks</h2> <p>Though overeating can make you feel extra sluggish and uncomfortable in extremely hot weather, getting enough calories in your system to fuel your adventures is important. Always eat breakfast if you’re heading out on a hike or an action-packed day, and bring along snacks to munch on when you get hungry. While headaches and dizziness are often a symptom of dehydration, they can also be a symptom of low blood sugar. If you begin to feel lightheaded, it’s time to drink and eat up. In fact, it’s past the time you should have been drinking and eating, so you really need to pause, take a break, and start sipping and snacking.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/learn/travelsmarter/travel-heat-in-article-image.jpg" /> <figcaption>Traveler admiring Plaza de Espana, Seville, Andalucia, Spain. Credit: Getty Images / Francesco Riccardo Iacomino</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="breaks">Take regular activity breaks</h2> <p>If an adventure is really that good, it’s possible you might not take enough breaks. After all, the trail is just another mile long, you want to finish before sunset, or you’re having so much fun that you simply forget to stop. If it’s very hot outside, it’s imperative that you stop regularly, even if you don’t feel tired, hungry, or thirsty. If there is shade, find it and sit down for a few minutes; you’ll be surprised by how refreshed you can feel after only a few minutes of resting in the shade. Use the break to throw another electrolyte tab in your water, eat an apple or granola bar, or just relax and breathe. If you’re out with someone who moves faster than you, don’t feel embarrassed to let them know you need a break. It may not occur to them that you’re tired or overheated, and it doesn’t help anyone if you push yourself too hard and suffer heat stroke.</p> <h2 id="sunscreen">Wear sunscreen</h2> <p><a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/sun-safety-tips-for-travelers">Sunscreen is important anytime you’re in the sun</a>, and if you’re traveling in a hot climate, it’s extra important to re-apply frequently since you’ll likely be sweating it off. According to <span><a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine">Johns Hopkins Medicine</a>,  SPF 30 may be good enough for day-to-day use, but if you are outdoors, they recommend using SPF 60 or greater and reapplying it about every two hours. If you’re sweating a lot or if you’ve been swimming, <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/sunblock-or-insect-repellent-first">you may need to reapply even more often</a>. Also, remember that even if it’s cloudy out, the sun can still burn, so wear sunscreen regardless of what the skies look like.</span></p> <h2 id="clothing">Sun-protective clothing and headwear</h2> <p>No sunscreen is perfect and it can be annoying to apply and reapply every two hours, so wearing sun-protective clothing can be very convenient. Sunglasses may protect your eyes, but wide-brimmed hats provide additional coverage for the eyes and also shield your neck and face. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants are also readily available, and many hiking pants are “convertible,” so you can zip off the bottoms to easily turn them into shorts. UPF is the clothing-rating equivalent to SPF and for the best protection, choose clothes with a UPF rating above 50.</p> <p>While you might think that wearing long sleeves in the heat is counter-intuitive, know that long sleeves protect your skin from damaging UV rays and also help keep you cool by providing a barrier between you and the sun. The best fabrics are lightweight and wick away moisture, as cotton can trap your sweat and leave you walking around in a hot and soggy shirt all day. Instead, look for light-colored clothing made from wool or synthetics that were specially designed for the heat.</p> <p>Since long-sleeved shirts can be warmer than short-sleeved shirts when you’re indoors or in the shade, I like to pair short-sleeved shirts with detachable UPF arm sleeves. This way, I can easily whip them off, similar to how convertible pants zip off at the bottoms. I use cycling sleeves for biking, hiking, and sightseeing since they are specifically designed to protect you from the sun without causing you to overheat.</p> <h2 id="midday">Avoid the midday sun and extreme heat</h2> <p>Regardless of where you are and what time of year it is, the sun is usually strongest – and the temperature usually highest – right around midday and in the early afternoon. By heading out early (or even late in the afternoon), you can avoid the hottest time of day, which is safer and more comfortable. If you absolutely cannot avoid being out during peak sunshine, aim for activities and itineraries that include shade. For instance, instead of mid-day desert hikes where there is nowhere to duck into the shade, opt for a forested hike where the leafy branches block out some sun. If there’s a river, lake, or water source where you can safely jump in, consider taking a dip to cool down.<br /><br />If temperatures are unusually and extremely high, consider not venturing outside at all. Instead, stay indoors with windows and doors closed, blinds or shades closed, and limit your physical activity.</p>Getty Images / Buena Vista Images 0 A hiker walks on a desert sand dune

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/putting-cycling-firstBy prioritising cycling, these cities are becoming more flexible, sustainable and liveable.2025-04-08T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/putting-cycling-firsthttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#madison">Madison, USA</a></li> <li><a href="#nyc">New York City, USA</a></li> <li><a href="#utrecht">Utrecht, Netherlands</a></li> <li><a href="#bogata">Bogotá, Colombia </a></li> <li><a href="#paris">Paris, France</a></li> </ul> <p>Not only are cars incredibly damaging to the planet, as their fuel pollutes the air we breathe, but many people simply can’t afford to own cars so they rely on public transportation and bicycles to get around. <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/cycling-travel-insurance">Cycling</a> affords flexibility and freedom, where your leg strength (and the condition of your bike, of course) are the only factors limiting you from getting where you need to go.</p> <p>By making cycling a more accessible option, cities can create a more level playing field where everyone – regardless of whether or not they own a car – can move around the city safely, easily, and in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.</p> <p>The best-known and most popular example of cycling infrastructure is the cyclist’s beloved bike lane, which comes in many forms. Some lanes are shared with cars, with nothing more than minimal on-street markings, while others are fully separated, protected paths.</p> <p>Bike lines create a demarcated safe space for cyclists that both encourages more cycling and forces drivers to respect the street space afforded to cyclists. They are a great start to encourage more pedal-powered transportation but they are just that, a start, as they are only one tool in the cycling tool box.</p> <p>Some cities around the world have made strong investments in education and broader cycling infrastructure that make cycling easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Here are some of the top global destinations that are putting cycling first.</p> <h2 id="madison">Madison, USA</h2> <p>This small state capital may be known to visitors for its lively nightlife, frequent political rallies, and “forever young” college town vibe but, for locals, it’s also well-known for its love of cycling. Wisconsinites are a hearty bunch, as anyone who lives here needs to put up with brutally cold and snowy winters, including cyclists.</p> <p>Madison city officials have responded by not only installing bike tools along popular bike routes, but by actually plowing bike lanes in the winter so that cyclists can still ride. Bike lanes often get ignored by snow plows (most of which can’t even fit in them) and it’s especially rare to find a small city footing the bill to plow them. But because Madison lanes are plowed, you’ll see Madisonians riding no matter the weather.</p> <p>The city has also received one of the coveted few <a href="https://www.cityofmadison.com/mayor/blog/2024-02-07/madison-renewed-as-platinum-bicycle-friendly-community" target="_blank">Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community status awards</a><span> from the League of American Bicyclists. The award was granted as a result of Madison investing in pedestrian and bicycle bridges over major highways, cross-flow bike lanes (bike lanes going in both directions on a one-way street), a citywide <a href="https://madison.bcycle.com/" target="_blank">Madison BCycle</a> bike share system, bicycle crossing signals at intersections, and an extensive network of bike lanes that connect Madison with surrounding communities.</span></p> <h2 id="nyc">New York City, USA</h2> <p>The city that never sleeps is one of the best places in the world for cycling, in no small part thanks to the priority the city has placed on cycling infrastructure. While local cyclists (myself included) still complain about how much more could be done (and about the NYPD cops who consistently park in the bike lanes), there is no denying the huge investment the city has made to make cycling safer and easier here. From installing bike lanes – and maintaining them in good condition – to offering free helmet giveaways in the summer, the Big Apple has long prioritized and promoted cycling as a way to stay fit and reduce the city’s famous congestion problem.</p> <p>New York City has an extensive network of bike lanes across the city, including dozens of large, wide, fully protected bike paths along main avenues. In many cases, entire parking and driving lanes have been eliminated to create space for cyclists, much to the anger of local drivers. New York’s <span><a href="https://citibikenyc.com/" target="_blank">CitiBike bike share program</a> is the largest in the country, with over 26,000 bikes spread across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and two communities across the Hudson River in New Jersey.</span></p> <p>New York’s Department of Transportation also produces highly detailed, extremely useful <a href="https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bicyclists/bikemaps.shtml" target="_blank">NYC bike maps</a> each year, which not only plot out all the bike lanes, but also include bike shop information, and have close-ups of difficult-to-navigate bridge crossings.</p> <h2 id="utrecht">Utrecht, Netherlands</h2> <p>Surprise, surprise, the Netherlands made the list of most bike-friendly destinations. Many <a href="/explore/europe/netherlands/dutch-cities-worth-visiting-beyond-amsterdam">Dutch cities</a> could actually appear on this list (and Amsterdam often gets all the attention, thanks to its many bike lanes and public bike parking options), but Utrecht deserves special mention thanks to its enormous bike parking storage lot. This behemoth of a bike garage, <span><a href="https://www.utrecht.nl/city-of-utrecht/mobility/cycling/bicycle-parking/bicycle-parking-stationsplein/">Stationsplein</a>, is the world’s largest, accommodating an astounding 12,500 bicycles. The garage was strategically located near Utrecht Central Station popular public transportation terminal (to further encourage carless transportation) and it’s open 24 hours per day. Best of all, parking is actually free for the first 24 hours, as a way to both encourage its use while also discouraging misuse (using it for permanent storage).</span></p> <h2 id="bogata">Bogotá, Colombia</h2> <p>Colombia’s cultural and political hub may be known for its history, museums, and street art, but many visitors are surprised to learn how bike-friendly it is. Bogotá is blanketed with about 250 mi (400km) of bike lanes and is extremely proud to be home to Latin America’s oldest and largest Ciclovía ride. <span>Ciclovía, also known as Open Streets, was founded in 1974 and <a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/11/50-years-ciclovia-open-streets-cycling-cars/" target="_blank">celebrated its 50th anniversary</a> in December 2024. </span>Each Sunday, tens of thousands of cyclists hit the streets to enjoy 75 mi (120km) of car-free lanes in the otherwise congested capital city.</p> <p>Even if you can’t make the Sunday ride, you’ll find large, well-defined bike lanes (many of which are protected) throughout the city but know that cars are still king here so you’ll want to stay alert while riding.</p> <p>Either rent a bike from a local shop or borrow one from the city’s brand new bike share system, <span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://tembici.com.co/en/" target="_blank">Tembici</a><span style="color: #0e101a;">. The program launched in 2022 and, with 1,500 mechanical bikes and 1,500 electric bikes across 300 stations, it’s the largest in Latin America. Bringing the whole family? Look out for one of the 150 bikes that comes equipped with a children’s seat!</span></span></p> <h2 id="paris">Paris, France</h2> <p>In late 2021, Paris announced that it would spend $291 million on infrastructure to make the entire city “100% cyclable” by 2026. The city’s impressive <span><a href="https://www.paris.fr/pages/un-nouveau-plan-velo-pour-une-ville-100-cyclable-19554">Bike Plan</a> details how Paris would gain 112 mi (180km) of new, permanent segregated bike lanes and how it will prioritize infrastructure that will connect the city to neighboring suburbs.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.paris.fr/en/pages/bicycles-outperform-cars-in-paris-and-its-inner-suburbs-by-far-28354" target="_blank">According to a 2024 study</a>, far more people already get around Paris by bicycle than by car. This can cause traffic jams on more popular routes. Additionally, most of the city’s current bike “lanes” are actually just shared spaces with cars and not segregated lanes that are fully separated from traffic. So, this plan is a dramatic improvement.</p> <p>Also, not only will Paris add 30,000 new metal arches to increase the number of bicycle parking spots from 60,000 to more than 130,000, but 1,000 of these arches will be dedicated to cargo bikes, which many people rely on to transport goods, groceries, and children around town.</p>Getty Images / peterspiro 0 Cyclist on the Brooklyn bridge

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-wiser/practical/how-to-plan-for-a-cycling-tripExplore the world at your own speed on the perfect cycling holiday.2023-02-07T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-wiser/practical/how-to-plan-for-a-cycling-triphttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#planning">Planning your trip</a></li> <li><a href="#training">Training for your trip</a></li> <li><a href="#bike">Bringing your own bike vs renting</a></li> <li><a href="#gear">Essential gear packing list</a></li> </ul> <p>Walking may be fun and leisurely but it’s slow so you can’t cover much ground. Cars, on the other hand, quickly get you from point A to point B but you rush by so rapidly that you miss many details and opportunities. <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/cycling-travel-insurance">Bike</a> touring, on the other hand, offers practically the perfect pace for exploration. You set your own pace, go as long or short -distance as you like, and you travel at a speed that allows you to cover a lot of ground without missing many details. Bike touring is very different than traditional travel, however, so if you’re considering a holiday on two wheels, here’s what to know and how to <a href="/explore/worldwide/sustainable-travel-for-women">pack</a>.</p> <h2 id="planning">Planning your trip</h2> <p>Not all types of<a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/6-epic-cycling-trails"> cycling</a> holidays are created equal so consider the sort of trip that appeals to you; for instance: mountain biking, flat road cycling, road cycling through the mountains, or gravel biking. You could also consider what destinations you'd like to visit and then research the types of cycling that destination offers. For instance, some countries may be completely flat or mostly mountainous but a country such as Slovenia has both flat areas and very hilly regions so it can accommodate different styles of cycling tours.</p> <p>If you’ll be doing a multi-day loop cycling trip, in <a href="/explore/northern-europe/iceland">Iceland</a>, for example, you could start and finish in Reykjavik, where you could probably stash your bike box at your hotel while you’re riding. If, instead, you’ll be doing a one-way route from A to B, you’ll need to get yourself (and your bike) back to the starting point to fly back out. Otherwise, you’ll need to figure out how to box up your bike to fly out of destination B if you left your box in destination A. In some countries, such as the United States, you can find a bike box at a local bike shop in the city you fly out of (confirm this in advance) but in other countries, such as <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba">Cuba</a>, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a bike box anywhere so you’ll want to figure out these details before you arrive.</p> <p>Finally, know in advance what sort of<a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/how-green-is-your-accommodation"> accommodation</a> is available. For instance, while <a href="/create/learn/travelstorytelling/how-to-plan-a-winter-camping-trip">camping</a> may be an option every night, you may only want to camp a few nights – or not at all. Whether you’ll be camping or staying in hostels and hotels, you’ll probably want to make reservations in advance to ensure you have somewhere to stay if you’re in an area with few options or options that fill up quickly (those in or near national parks, for example).<br /><br />If you don't want the hassle and responsibility of organizing everything yourself, there are plenty of bike tour companies around the world that can also organize your bike and helmet rental, plan the route, book your accommodation and arrange for your luggage to be waiting in your next night's bedroom. They can also offer guides to accompany you or leave you to it with a map and directions.</p> <h2 id="training">Training for your trip</h2> <p>Regardless of how far you ride, it would be wise to do a bit of training before your bike tour. After all, even if you ride to work every day, you’re probably not riding with fully loaded panniers and several large bottles of water, which add quite a bit of weight. Figure out what gear you’ll be bringing with you, load up your bike at least as heavy as you expect it to be on the trip, and begin training for your ride. If you plan to ride 50 mi (80km) per day during your trip, start your training by riding 50 mi per day on the weekends as you get in shape. If riding that distance on just the weekends is a challenge, then you know that you’ll need to do more training before your trip.</p> <p>Also, make sure you’re preparing for the climate and terrain in the <a href="/explore/europe/portugal/5-ways-to-discover-portugal-by-bike">destination</a> you’ll be visiting, as riding 50 mi on flat pavement is not representative of riding 50 mi on rocky dirt roads that wind up and down along steep mountain hills. Also, consider that if you’re heading to a climate very different than your own, the riding will also be more difficult. For instance, if you’re training during warm spring weather in the global north but heading to ride in the hot and humid tropics, plan to expend quite a bit more energy during your rides.</p> <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/learn/practicalskills/cyclingholiday/bike-trip-in-copy.jpg " alt="The author with tropical views behind her." /> <figcaption> The author takes a break during a cycling trip in Cuba. Photo credit: Cassandra Brooklyn.</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="bike">Bringing your own bike vs renting</h2> <p>Most serious cyclists prefer to bring their own bikes for long bike tours because they know the bike will fit them perfectly. After all, riding hundreds of miles on a bike that’s too small or too large is not only impractical and inefficient but also uncomfortable and unpleasant. That said, it’s quite a hassle to break down and pack your bike to fly, put it back together when you get to your destination, then break it down again to fly home, then reassemble it when you get back. You also have to find a previously mentioned bike box (which can be very difficult in some destinations) and if your bike is carbon, you’ll want to be <em>very</em> careful when wrapping it to make sure it doesn’t crack.</p> <p>If you want to skip the hassle of packing your bike, look into local bike shops at your destination to see if they rent the sort of bike you’d like to use. Confirm the correct size and the condition of the bike and get measured at your local shop if you’re not sure what size you are. In some cases, bike shops may also rent panniers for you to carry all your gear but, if they don’t, confirm in advance that the bike you’re renting has racks that can accommodate your panniers. If not, you’ll need to also bring your own racks, in which case, confirm in advance that the bike can fit your racks. If you do rent a bike, you may still want to bring your own saddle, since you don’t want to risk developing any saddle sores during your trip.</p> <h2 id="gear">Essential gear packing list</h2> <p>To have a successful trip, you’ll want to bring a good selection of comfortable cycling clothes, accessories, and tools. If your bike has any specialty or hard-to-find parts, you may want to bring replacements with you, especially if you’ll be cycling through rural areas where high-end bike shops will be hard to come by.</p> <p>To get you started, here's an essential bike touring gear checklist:</p> <ul> <li>Panniers</li> <li>Multi-tool</li> <li>Spare tubes</li> <li>Tire levers</li> <li>Wrench</li> <li>Bike lube</li> <li>Spare chain</li> <li>Travel bike pump</li> <li>Patch kit</li> <li>Fenders</li> <li>Bike lights (front and back)</li> <li>Helmet</li> <li>Water purification device</li> <li>Hydration pack or water bottles</li> <li>Rain jacket</li> <li>Hat</li> <li>Gloves that provide padding and sun protection</li> <li>Socks</li> <li>Padded shorts/pants</li> <li>Cycling jerseys</li> <li>A change of clothes to sleep in</li> <li>Cycling shoes</li> <li>Sunglasses</li> <li>First aid kit (band-aids, gauze, moleskin, disinfectant)</li> <li>Toothbrush and toothpaste</li> <li>Sunscreen</li> <li>Prescription medications</li> <li>Portable charger</li> <li>Topo map</li> <li>Compass</li> <li>If camping, also bring a tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and headlamp.</li> </ul>Getty Images / GibsonPictures 0 two cyclists face a mountain range

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-wiser/practical/how-to-plan-a-winter-camping-tripWhat to know (and pack) for a cold-weather camping trip, so you’re prepared for the frigid temperatures and snow and will be cozy and comfortable all night.2023-01-06T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-wiser/practical/how-to-plan-a-winter-camping-triphttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Come wintertime, far fewer hikers hit the trails and even fewer camp overnight, making winter an especially serene time <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/camping-travel-insurance">to camp</a>. And while frigid temperatures can be deadly – and it's essential to take additional precautions when camping in the cold, with proper planning and packing – even relatively inexperienced campers can have a great, safe time in the snow.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#plan">Planning your winter camping trip</a></li> <li><a href="#prepare">Preparing for your trip</a></li> <li><a href="#tent">Choosing the right tent and sleeping bag</a></li> <li><a href="#gear">Essential gear for winter camping</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="plan">Planning your winter camping trip</h2> <p>Most importantly, unless you are very experienced, you'll want to ease into <a href="/explore/travel-the-winter-collection">winter</a> camping and avoid the most extreme weather. Instead of planning your first trip when it will be windy, snowy, and below zero, get your feet wet (metaphorically, not literally) on a warm winter night where no snow or strong winds are expected. For your first foray, try just one night instead of committing to a multi-night adventure. If you have a car, set up camp near your vehicle, so you have options should the weather take a turn for the worst.</p> <p>About five years ago, a friend convinced me to join him for one night of winter camping, and, despite his extensive experience and even more extensive stash of cold-weather <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/snow-gear-tips">gear</a>, I was terrified. I was sure we'd freeze to death, so he agreed to a single night of car camping at a state park just an hour from his house in Milwaukee so we could bail should I freak out in the middle of the night. We went on a relatively warm night (around 30°F/-1°C) with only about an inch of snowfall accumulating overnight. Surprisingly, I was sufficiently cozy and woke up feeling like a hardcore wilderness woman.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/learn/travelsmarter/winter-camping/camping-shelter.jpg" alt="Looking out onto a snowy landscape from a camping shelter in the Adirondacks." /> <figcaption>Winter camping in the Adirondacks. Image credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <p>On another winter camping trip, a couple of years ago (this time in New York's Adirondack Mountains), I knew I didn't have the right gear for the 0°F (-17°C) evening we were expecting, so a friend lent me his down booties, mittens, and pants to sleep in, which were supremely warm, cozy, and comfy. If you're just getting into winter camping (or any camping, really), instead of dropping a ton of money on new gear, it may be worth asking friends to see if they have anything you can borrow. Some outfitters also rent equipment, or you could seek out local environmental or conservation clubs, which may have a lending program for members. This way, you can see what gear you like and if you even like winter camping enough to invest in your own gear.</p> <h2 id="prepare">Preparing for your trip</h2> <p>If you're entirely new to <a href="/explore/worldwide/tips-and-hacks-for-camping-skiing-road-trips">camping</a>, it would be wise to take in as much information as possible before hitting the trails. Before my first solo camping trip in <a href="/travel-safety/caribbean/cuba">Cuba</a> (far from a winter wonderland), I had joined more experienced friends on camping trips from <a href="/explore/north-america/mexico">Mexico</a> to Massachusetts. By the time I finally felt comfortable enough to go winter camping, I had spent dozens of nights camping in warmer weather, but I relied heavily on friends to teach me how to pack and dress for the cold and use a camp stove.</p> <p>If you don't have experienced friends to guide you, you could seek out wilderness, survival, camping, and general outdoorsy classes at places such as the Audubon Center, REI, or your local parks department.</p> <p><em>Planning an epic camping trip? Find out <a href="/travel-insurance">how travel insurance can cover</a> lost or stolen baggage, sudden illness, or other mishaps.</em></p> <h2 id="tent">Choosing the right tent and sleeping bag</h2> <p>The type of gear you'll need for winter camping will vary a bit based on your climate and the current weather. For instance, is it a clear and mild 35°F (1°C) night or a below-zero snowstorm? If the weather is mild, you may be able to get by with a three-season tent, but if it is very cold, windy, and snowy, you'll need a tent specifically designed for that weather. Keep in mind that the three-season rating isn't so much about the tent's ability to protect you from the cold (that's more the job of the sleeping bag), but rather, its ability to handle the weight of snow piling up on top of it.</p> <p>The same goes for sleeping bags. Your summer bag won't cut it when the temperatures plummet, and because the weather can often feel colder than it is (and dip even lower than what was forecast), you'll want to bring a bag rated at least 15°F colder than the temperature you expect. If there's excess room in your bag where cold air can sneak in, stuff some clothing there to fill the gaps.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/learn/travelsmarter/winter-camping/winter-camping-tent.jpg" alt="A woman in a down jacket looks out from her camping tent in the mountains." /> <figcaption>Stay warm with down-filled clothing and a sleeping bag rated for the weather. Image credit: Getty Images / AscentXmedia</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="gear">Essential gear for winter camping</h2> <p>Regardless of the weather or how many days you'll be out there, you'll still need essentials like a headlamp, change of clothes, waterproof jacket, first aid kit, etc. If you're only heading out for one night, you may get away with packing hot food in insulated containers (oatmeal, chili, pasta, etc.), but if you are out there several nights, then you'll likely need to cook your food.</p> <p>Confirm in advance whether you can have a campfire where you'll be camping, as some areas don't allow it. If you plan to build a fire, consider bringing fire-starter materials to make it easier to get the flame going. Bring a small camp stove with fuel if you're not allowed to <a href="/create/learn/travelstorytelling/travel-survival-skills-world-nomads">build a fire</a> (or question your ability to create one).</p> <p>If you're camping in an area that doesn't have toilets (or that has bathrooms but closes them during the winter), keep in mind that part of <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/keep-nature-pristine#Poop">keeping nature pristine</a> involves proper poop management. Packing your poop out is the best, and sometimes the only, option when the ground is too frozen to dig into the ground, but if you're not into packing poo and can hollow out a hole, bring a shovel to dig a "cathole." Holes should be 6-8 inches (15-20cm) deep and at least 200ft (60m) from your camp and any trails or water sources. Also, carry out all used toilet paper, which can be easily stored in low-tech, re-sealable plastic bags.</p> <p>To get you started, here's an essential winter camping gear checklist:</p> <ul> <li>Tent</li> <li>Sleeping</li> <li>Sleeping pad or mat</li> <li>Pillow (could also use rolled-up clothes)</li> <li>Stove with fuel (for multi-day trips)</li> <li>Food</li> <li>Cooking utensils</li> <li>Water purification device</li> <li>Hydration pack or water bottles</li> <li>Rain jacket</li> <li>Hat</li> <li>Two pairs of gloves</li> <li>Spare socks and undergarments</li> <li>A change of clothes to sleep in</li> <li>Waterproof boots</li> <li>Sunglasses</li> <li>Headlamp</li> <li>Knife</li> <li>Dry bag</li> <li>First aid kit (band-aids, gauze, moleskin, disinfectant)</li> <li>Toothbrush and toothpaste</li> <li>Sunscreen</li> <li>Prescription medications</li> <li>Topo map</li> <li>Compass</li> </ul>Getty Images / Shaiith 1531599209 Getty Images A snowy campsite with a campfire at dusk.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/worldwide/traveling-muslim-countries-ramadanRamadan is the holiest period in Islam and it can be an excellent time to visit Muslim countries, but there are a few things to know before your trip.2022-12-11T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/worldwide/traveling-muslim-countries-ramadanhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Ramadan is a month-long period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community observed by Muslims worldwide. It takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar, not the Gregorian (solar) calendar which the US, Australia, and most countries follow. As such, Ramadan has no fixed date, so it changes each year and could occur during any month. In 2024, it will begin on March 10.</p> <p>While Ramadan is considered a period of self-restraint, during which Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking between pre-dawn and sunset, it is also very much a period of celebration. Visiting a country with a significant Muslim population during Ramadan can make for an incredibly unique visit. For a real treat, plan your visit for the end of the month so you can witness and participate in Eid Al-Fitr, the closing celebration that marks the end of Ramadan.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#1">Choosing which country to visit during Ramadan</a></li> <li><a href="#2">Food and fasting</a></li> <li><a href="#3">Breaking fast</a></li> <li><a href="#4">Alcohol during Ramadan</a></li> <li><a href="#5">Traveling during Ramadan</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="1">Choosing which country to visit during Ramadan</h2> <p>Middle-Eastern and North African countries have the largest Muslim populations, so you will see and feel the holiday more intensely. More people will be fasting, more restaurants will be closed, and alcohol will be harder to find. Several Jordanian friends were jealous to learn I'd be spending most of Ramadan in <a href="/explore/north-africa/egypt/things-to-do-and-see-in-egypt">Egypt</a>, where they said I would "really feel it". I did, and I loved it, but if you are concerned about food and drink restrictions, it may be best to visit a country with many non-Muslims.</p> <p>Countries such as India and Malaysia have large Muslim populations, but many people also practice Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, or no religion at all. As such, it will be much easier to find food and alcohol, and tourist attractions will be more likely to operate on their usual schedules.</p> <p>Turkey and Indonesia are also majority-Muslim countries, but neither is as strict as Arab countries during Ramadan. In large Turkish cities, you'll see business operating as usual, and, in the words of an Istanbul-born and based friend of mine, food and alcohol will be "as easy to find as bubble gum." In smaller eastern cities, however, alcohol will be much harder to find. In Indonesia, some restaurants will be closed during the day, but you'll always find large chain restaurants open. As Bali is a majority-Hindu island, it is mostly unaffected by Ramadan.  </p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/middle-east/ramadan-in-article-3.jpg" alt="The souk of Nizwa, Oman" /><figcaption>The souk of Nizwa, Oman. Photo credit: Matteo Colombo</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="2">Food and fasting</h2> <p>Regardless of the country you're visiting, it is a sign of respect to not eat or drink in public. If a restaurant is open for lunch, then, clearly, it's expected that you will eat (though the shades may be drawn so that local Muslims do not see food being consumed). However, it would be rude to eat a sandwich on the street or to drink water in front of your fasting guide during a tour. In many cases (Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, for instance), travelers are allowed to eat openly, but there may be fewer restaurant open. Hotels catering to tourists typically do not interrupt regular meal services even if the staff is fasting.</p> <p>In Morocco, many restaurants will close during the day and during prayers in both small and large cities; however, your hotel or host should be able to give recommendations as to where you can find food. If there will be no nearby restaurants open, speak with your hotel in advance, as they can typically arrange a to-go lunch early in the morning or the night before.</p> <h2 id="3">Breaking fast</h2> <p>To prepare for a long day of fasting, many Muslims wake up early for <em>sahur</em>, the pre-dawn meal, which could be as early as 3am, depending on the time of year. After that, they will not eat or drink anything – including water – until after sunset. At this time, you'll see volunteers handing out snacks and bottles of water all over town, even to non-Muslims. I'm a white American woman, and I was often offered water and dates (the typical food for breaking fast) all over Jordan and Egypt.</p> <p>During the evening meal, <em>iftar</em>, many families gather at home to eat together, while others dine in restaurants, some of which take orders in advance so the food is ready immediately when you come to break fast. In some places, <a href="/stories/connection/breaking-fast">large communal meals</a> are held on the street for anyone who wants to join. This past year, I spent several weeks in Egypt during Ramadan and was invited to join dozens of Muslims who had gathered to break fast on a busy street under a highway in Cairo. As Ramadan has a strong charity aspect, all the food provided was free. I initially felt guilty accepting the free food and tried to decline the invitation, but locals (whom I couldn't communicate with because I don't speak Arabic) insisted I join them. They pulled up a chair and ensured I had water, dates, and a meal in front of me when it was time to break fast. </p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/worldwide/communal-feast-ramadan-egypt.jpg" alt="Residents of Cairo break fast at a communal meal during Ramadan." /> <figcaption>A communal <em>iftar</em> meal in Cairo. Image credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <p>Visitors are not expected to fast, but I chose to fast for much of my time in Egypt because I felt it would help me appreciate Ramadan. Locals were impressed and touched that I was fasting though some were worried about a non-Muslim first-timer going without water (I got some headaches but was fine).</p> <p>While Muslims are enjoying their evening meal, many shops will be closed. I enjoyed walking the streets in Alexandria during <em>iftar</em>, taking in the rare experience of emptiness in otherwise very crowded areas. I also saw people stopping on the highway to break fast in Hurghada, Egypt. When leaving Jordan during Ramadan, I saw airport employees gathering tables together to break fast in a quiet corner of the terminal.</p> <h2 id="4">Alcohol during Ramadan</h2> <p>In very conservative Muslim countries, such as <a href="/explore/middle-east/qatar/6-things-to-know-before-visiting-qatar">Qatar</a>, which already has strict rules around the consumption of alcohol, finding liquor during Ramadan may prove impossible. While Egypt is less conservative than Qatar, it has a public ban on the sale of alcohol during Ramadan so shops and bars that typically sell alcohol are closed during the month. Large hotels, resorts, and restaurants that cater to tourists may have a stash they're willing to sell to visitors, but these places will be few and far between. While Jordan is much less conservative overall, and it's relatively easy to find food during the day there, alcohol is still quite challenging to find during Ramadan. Typically, it's only available in 5-star hotels. </p> <h2 id="5">Traveling during Ramadan</h2> <p>In some countries, Ramadan will have little impact on your ability to visit popular tourist attractions, while in others, it may significantly impact your itinerary. In Jordan, for instance, you'll find that some attractions, like Petra, operate as usual, but areas that tend to be more conservative, such as Wadi Rum, small communities, and rural areas, may offer limited services. This is often the case because the staff and guides are more likely to be fasting, so it would be much more challenging for them to lead tours (particularly physically demanding offerings like hiking and biking tours). This is especially the case when Ramadan occurs during summer. In this case, some activities may be canceled, or they just may be shortened and only offered during the morning hours.</p> <p>In Egypt, on the other hand, you'll find that even the most popular tourist attractions in/around major cities will close early in the day, but they will sometimes open again later in the day to accommodate visitors. This past spring, I found that Alexandria's libraries and historic sites (and other important places like banks and info centers) opened early and closed for the day around 1pm or 2pm. In Sharm El Sheikh, however, the museums and sites would close early but reopen in the evening and stay open much later than usual (say, from 8-11pm).</p>Twenty47studio 0 Twenty47studio

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/ethical-safari-camp-wilderness-experienceWhether it’s a wildlife watching trip in Africa or a desert dune adventure in the Middle East, here’s how to find an ethical safari.2022-06-30T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/ethical-safari-camp-wilderness-experiencehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>While African bush experiences may be what most people associate with safaris, you’ll find aquatic safaris in Tanzania, desert safaris in Peru and Jordan, and wildlife-watching safaris right in the United States. Considering the dramatic difference between safari experiences – and operators – it’s worth doing some research to ensure your safari experience is an ethical and sustainable one.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#1">Research, research, research</a></li> <li><a href="#2">Animal interactions</a></li> <li><a href="#3">Employing local community members</a></li> <li><a href="#4">Expense vs affordability</a></li> <li><a href="#5">Desert safaris</a></li> </ul> <p>Certainly, the phrase “ethical safari” could be interpreted differently by different people, but we’re looking at it in terms of the sustainability of the camp, who they employ, how much of the safari-generated money trickles down to the local community, and attitudes toward animal interactions.</p> <h2 id="1">Research, research, research</h2> <p>No matter what kind of safari you’re looking into and what country you’ll be visiting, it’s essential to do your research. If a website doesn’t mention any specific policies or practices around ethics and sustainability, reach out to the tour operator with questions. Scroll through reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, or on the company’s website to see if previous guests have left positive (or negative) remarks about the issues that matter most to you. And if you witness something during your safari that raises a red flag, be sure to bring it up with the company and leave a review online to alert future travelers. Beware of general phrasing like “we’re a sustainable camp and we invest in our community,” which could be meaningless if they’re not backed up with specific, real-life examples.</p> <h2 id="2">Animal interactions</h2> <p>As exciting as it is to get up close and personal with wildlife, it’s not good for the animals and it can be dangerous for you. Safari operators that promise to get you close to the animals aren’t doing you (or the animals) any favors. Seek out operators such as Wyoming-based <a href="https://www.jhecotouradventures.com/" target="_blank">EcoTour Adventures</a>, which makes sure a safe distance is kept from bears, moose, big-horned sheep, and other wildlife, and uses safari-style vehicles that provide unobstructed 360-degree views. Some safari operators go a step further to support animal conservation, such as <a href="https://www.shamwari.com/" target="_blank">Shamwari</a> in South Africa, by having rescue programs and on-site animal rehabilitation facilities.</p> <p>In Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and around the Middle East, camel rides are frequently offered to travelers and while it’s possible that the camels are reasonably well cared for (after all, animals that are constantly beaten and malnourished won’t be able to perform), the fact is that these are still animals in captivity whose sole purpose is to entertain humans. With so much desert beauty to explore by foot and car, and even bicycle, it might be best to avoid camel rides entirely.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/participation/ethical-safari-in-article1.jpg" alt="Woman on safari" /> <figcaption> A woman on a safari. Photo credit: Getty Images / Tamara Malesevic / EyeEm</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="3">Employing local community members</h2> <p>In areas where tourism is the primary source of income, hiring locally is urgently important. This is especially true in regions such as Eastern Africa, where the alternative to sustainable safari employment could be poaching. When local communities are employed by safari companies, they witness first-hand how conservation-focused tourism can support the ecosystem and help sustain their own families. And while the safari industry is still male-dominated, Asilia’s <a href="https://www.asiliaafrica.com/camps-lodges/dunia-camp/" target="_blank">Dunia Camp</a> in the Serengeti is the first (and only) camp in Africa that’s entirely run by women, including the managers.</p> <p>While many safari operators in Africa do employ local people, and some also have African-born leadership, it’s still fairly rare to find black-owned safari companies. Beks Ndlovu, the founder of <a href="https://africanbushcamps.com/" target="_blank">African Bush Camps</a>, is a black African who runs safari tours in Zambia, Botswana, and his native Zimbabwe. And while the color of Ndlovu’s skin may not matter to travelers, it’s important for his employees, who see him as a role model. Working for a successful safari founder and CEO that looks like them has been enormously motivating to his staff, many of whom now dream of starting their own safari companies because “If Beks can do it, maybe I can do it, too.”</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/participation/ethical-safari-in-article2.jpg" alt="Four wheels drive on a dirt road" /> <figcaption> Four wheels drive on a dirt road. Photo credit: Getty Images / Buena Vista Images</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="4">Expense vs affordability</h2> <p>Unfortunately, sustainably sourced and ethically produced products, services, and experiences are often more expensive, be it food, clothing, hotels, or safaris. For example, well-trained, highly experienced guides cost more than novice guides and it can be more difficult (and expensive) to source sustainable building materials. Electric vehicles (such as the electric safari jeeps that <a href="https://www.asiliaafrica.com/" target="_blank">Asalia’s Bush Camp</a> uses in Kenya) also cost more than gas-guzzling vehicles. All these factors push up the price of a safari because it’s just plain difficult and costly to transport and host people safely and comfortably in the middle of the bush, wilderness, and wildlife areas that often also charge steep (but necessary) conservation fees.</p> <p>That said, just because a safari is expensive doesn’t mean it is ethical. That high price tag may be going to pay for on-the-ground luxuries such as 5-star tents, expansive lodges, and private plunge pools. Conversely, just because a safari is affordable doesn’t mean it’s unethical. <a href="https://www.gamewatchers.com/porini-camps/" target="_blank">Porini Camps</a> is a great example of an ethical safari that is relatively affordable (several hundred dollars cheaper per night, depending on the season) and has been integral to habitat protection, community support, and employment in Kenya. It has trimmed away the high-end fat, so to speak, so accommodation is modest and electricity availability is minimal, which is also better for the environment. Its <a href="https://theinsatiabletraveler.com/porini-affordable-african-animal-safaris-kenya-sustainability/" target="_blank">safari experience</a> is focused on wildlife viewing and conservation, and their pricing structure is tied to habitat preservation, equating to the preservation of 700 acres, per tent, per night. And while solar power is becoming more popular at safari camps, Porini is a pioneer in the industry, having been 100% solar powered for 28 years.</p> <h2 id="5">Desert safaris</h2> <p>In many desert regions of the world like <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/middle-east/jordan/how-to-stay-safe-while-traveling-jordan">Jordan</a> and Egypt, jeep safaris are a popular activity but the emphasis is typically on the thrill of racing jeeps through the sand at high speeds and stopping for travelers to climb sand dunes, sand surf, or scramble up rock formations. Desert camps that accommodate travelers on these jeep safaris, are a mixed bag of basic, eco-friendly camps, low-impact glamping, and higher-end luxury camps that offer amenities that are never sustainable in the desert, like swimming pools. When seeking out an eco-friendly desert camp, look to see how water is sourced, whether solar panels are used to power air-conditioning units, and if local communities are being employed at these camps.</p> <p>At the <a href="https://www.myjordanjourney.com/social-enterprise-ammarin-bedouin-camp" target="_blank">Ammarin Bedouin Camp</a> in Little Petra in Jordan, the Ammarin tribe has decided that this social enterprise will continue to only have a shared toilet and shower area instead of installing separate toilets and showers in every single tent. While the trend to provide more and more accommodations may provide additional comforts, the Ammarin tribe has decided to minimize the installation of plumbing in the desert, which can pose significant threats to the environment.</p> <p>While many of these desert camps promote potentially problematic camel rides that should be avoided, many also offer guided hikes, evening stargazing excursions, or classes in traditional dance, carpet weaving, or instrument making. Having one-on-one interactions with the Bedouins leading these classes (and safari tours) offers an opportunity for cultural exchange and buying the teas, herbs, and crafts they sell are another way to help support local communities.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/participation/ethical-safari-in-article3.jpg" alt="Camp in the White Desert at sunset with a bonfire" /> <figcaption> Camp in the White Desert at sunset with a bonfire. Photo credit: Getty Images / Anton Petrus</figcaption></figure>Getty Images/Paul Biris 01085538716 Getty Images

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/why-indigenous-and-traditional-languages-matterTraditional languages not only help preserve Indigenous cultures, but their presence can also enhance a traveler’s understanding of a destination.2022-05-31T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/why-indigenous-and-traditional-languages-matterhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#dissapearance">The disappearance of language</a></li> <li><a href="#significance">The significance of stripping native names</a></li> <li><a href="#restore">Efforts to restore Indigenous names and languages</a></li> <li><a href="#storytelling">Language, context, and storytelling</a></li> <li><a href="#connection">The connection of language and identity</a></li> <li><a href="#preserve">How travelers can help preserve Indigenous languages</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="disappearance">The disappearance of language</h2> <p>Despite 7,000 languages spoken across the globe, half of the world’s population speaks only 23 of these languages. The sad truth is that when a language isn’t spoken, it dies, and right now, approximately 90% of the world’s local languages are in danger of disappearing. According to the United Nations, the <a href="https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/social/preserving-indigenous-languages.html" target="_blank">preservation of Indigenous languages</a> is “the preservation of invaluable wisdom, traditional knowledge, and expressions of art and beauty” that we can’t afford to lose, yet another language dies every two weeks.</p> <p>Across the Americas, we find examples of how colonization attempted to – and, in some cases, succeeded in – eliminating the languages spoken by local populations. In Trinidad and Tobago, French Creole stopped evolving and is no longer in mainstream use because the language was stigmatized by English colonizers. Across what are now the United States and Canada, Native American tribes were forced into boarding schools where only English could be spoken. The results were devastating.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/people/aboriginal-stories.jpg" alt="A close up of an Aboriginal man's hand drawing the Dreamtime stories in the dirt" /> <figcaption>Drawing the Dreamtime stories in the dirt. Photo credit: Getty Images / kerriekerr</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="significance">The significance of stripping native names</h2> <p>Not only did colonizers attempt to eradicate Indigenous languages in their spoken form, but they also tried to remove them from the geographical landscape. Elder Mike Bruised Head of the Blackfoot tribe in Canada <a href="https://www.galtmuseum.com/articles/the-transferring-of-knowledge-from-miistakists" target="_blank">explains here</a> how the “demeaning” and colonially imperialistic practice of stripping mountains of their Native names is an “encroachment” on his tribe’s history. The relationship Blackfoot people had with the mountains is so strong that it is even expressed in the surnames of some of the tribes and in the name of spirit animals in the mountains.</p> <p>Instead of bearing the names that local tribes assigned to the mountains that they lived in and cared for – land that is now part of Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada – the geography was assigned new names in honor of Western explorers and British elite who had no connection to the land. According to Elder Mike, restoring Indigenous names provides a non-colonial interpretation of the history of Native people in the area.</p> <h2 id="restore">Efforts to restore Indigenous names and languages</h2> <p>And while Canada has a long history of stripping Native names from the land, the country, and <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/culture/autochtones-indigenous" target="_blank">Parks Canada</a>, in particular, is also leading efforts on the continent to restore relations with Indigenous communities. Not only have some traditional names been restored, but Parks Canada has begun returning some power to the people who have historically and currently occupy the land. <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nl/torngats" target="_blank">Torngat Mountains National Parks</a>, which resides within the Inuit homeland, is the only park in Canada that is 100 percent managed by Inuit people, who also serve as park guides.</p> <p>In Australia, the traditional home of the Butchulla people, K’gari, has resumed being referred to by its Aboriginal name, instead of its “new” and now-former name, Fraser Island. Similarly, in Alaska, Mount McKinley was “renamed” with its original Indigenous name, Denali, which is derived from the Koyukon language. Unfortunately, no efforts have been made to return control of this or any other National Park in the United States to local tribes.</p> <h2 id="storytelling">Language, context, and storytelling</h2> <p>Maintaining local languages can help stop the Westernization of peoples and their cultures by giving them the freedom to speak, read, learn, and express on their own terms and in their own words. Mishel McMahon, the Indigenous Student Services Officer at La Trobe University in Victoria, Australia explains quite simply how <a href="https://www.latrobe.edu.au/nest/naidoc-preserving-indigenous-languages/" target="_blank">when language is lost, so is context</a>. “There are teachings in the Indigenous language where there is no English equivalent,” says McMahon. Storytelling has long been a part of Indigenous culture around the world and when a story can’t be told in its original language, crucial context is lost, to the detriment of individual families and to society.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/people/native-american-art.jpg" alt="Barrier Canyon Style Native American Rock Art at Sego Canyon in Utah" /> <figcaption> Barrier Canyon Style Native American rock art at Sego Canyon in Utah. Photo credit: Getty Images / Daniel A. Leifheit</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="connection">The connection of language and identity</h2> <p>While we often think of the loss of (and efforts to preserve) traditional languages among Indigenous and First Nation people in North America and Aboriginals in Australia, a fascinating example of current language revival efforts comes from <a>Ireland</a>. Until recently, the last feature film made entirely in the Irish language was released 44 years ago but Irish language is now becoming increasingly centered in pop culture, as it’s appearing in more films, music, and books around the country. The Irish author, <a href="https://www.manchan.com/" target="_blank">Manchán Magan</a> describes the connection with one’s language (Irish, in this case), as a sort of portal through which one can understand nature, spirituality, land, and themselves. “You cannot understand Ireland without understanding its relationship with the Irish language,” says Magan.</p> <p>Meanwhile, just across the water in Scotland, a <a href="https://www.gaidhlig.scot/en/gaelic-language-plans/the-national-gaelic-language-plan/" target="_blank">National Gaelic Language Plan</a> seeks to “encourage and enable more people to use Gaelic more often and in a wider range of situations.” Not only is Gàidhlig (Gaelic) used on Scottish road signs, but there is also a new <a href="https://islands.scot/" target="_blank">Scottish Islands Passport</a> mobile app that is geared at travelers. The purpose of the app is to introduce travelers to the history, folk tales, and stories of daily life, all told by local islanders. Each passport stamp includes both English and the local language, be it Gaelic, Shetlandic, or Orcadian.</p> <h2 id="preserve">How travelers can help preserve Indigenous languages</h2> <p>At a bare minimum, seeing Indigenous languages on street signs, informational plaques, and highway markers is a reminder of who lived there long before the streets, plaques, and highways were built. In many corners of the world, it’s possible to spend a week exploring without ever learning that your holiday is occurring on land that was stolen from Native people. Seeing Indigenous languages reinforces the place that Native people have had in history while also recognizing their crucial role in modern society.</p> <p>Most travelers are not going to begin studying Native languages at home just because they see the language displayed on a road sign. However, you could begin asking more questions about who used to live there, who currently lives there, who is making decisions about the land and its use, and how your tourist dollars could support local Indigenous groups. Many English speakers have grown accustomed to seeing English everywhere they go. We’ve been thoroughly spoiled and have no concept of what it’s like to travel in a land where we can’t understand any of the words around us. Seeing non-English languages present, and, ideally, as the default language, is also an important reminder that English is not the only language on earth and the needs, interests, and comfort of English speakers do not outrank those of local populations.</p> <p>Seeking out <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/indigenous-tourism-companies" target="_blank">Indigenous-led tourism</a> is one way to support Indigenous communities and can provide some first-hand exposure to Native languages and how they are currently being used from Australia to the Amazon. Supporting Indigenous-led tourism can be a fun, unique way to get to know a country and, more importantly, it can also help stop the speakers of local languages from becoming socially and economically isolated.</p>Getty Images/Penny Tweedie 0297380-001 Penny Tweedie

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/indigenous-tourism-companiesThese Indigenous-led tour companies provide travelers with rich, fulfilling experiences while making a difference in their own communities2022-04-06T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/indigenous-tourism-companieshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, one of the <a href="https://www.adventuretravelnews.com/adventure-travel-trends-2022" target="_blank">top travel trends</a> in 2022 is diversity and inclusion, which includes welcoming Indigenous groups into the travel conversation, sometimes for the first time. While we should all celebrate the fact that the Hawaii Tourism Authority is now <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-12/indigenous-groups-are-finally-getting-a-seat-at-tourism-s-table" target="_blank">majority-led by Native Hawaiians</a> and that Tourism Australia has developed a <a href="https://www.tourism.australia.com/en/about/our-programs/signature-experiences-of-australia/discover-aboriginal-experiences.html" target="_blank">Discover Aboriginal Experiences program</a> – these are big wins! – we shouldn't leave it up to the powers that be to make the change we want to see.</p> <p>We, as individual nomads, have the power – and responsibility – to seek out and support Indigenous and Native-owned companies, tours, and initiatives when we travel. Here are a handful of Indigenous companies that are making waves in the travel world while also making a difference in their communities.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#subhead1">Bike touring in Navajo Nation</a></li> <li><a href="#subhead2">Cruising through the Inuit homeland</a></li> <li><a href="#subhead3">Female-run community tourism in the Amazon</a></li> <li><a href="#subhead4">Discover Aboriginal culture in Australia</a></li> <li><a href="#subhead5">Hike the highest peak in Brazil</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="subhead1">Bike touring in Navajo Nation</h2> <p>Until recently, bike tours weren't even legally recognized as a permitted tourism category in the Navajo Nation but <a href="https://www.dziltaahadventures.com/" target="_blank">Dzil Ta’ah Adventures</a> recently changed that. After jumping through hoops and cutting red tape, they were finally granted a permit in 2020 to run overnight bike-packing trips on Navajo land. Not only do Navajo history and creation stories provide context for these desert landscape adventures, but all tour revenue is reinvested back into Navajo communities. Profits are directed toward a Navajo youth bike program that aims to help train the next generation of Navajo bike-tour guides and to help instill an even stronger connection with their land and ancestors.</p> <p>So far, they've only gotten one tour approved, a 44-mile multi-day tour on the southern Monument Valley loop and to Hunts Mesa that has about 1,547 feet of elevation gain. Though the terrain itself isn't especially difficult, the ride is only recommended for intermediate to advanced riders due to the amount of water and gear one needs to carry. After all, there are no supermarkets or service stations in the desert but that's part of the appeal.</p> <h2 id="subhead2">Cruising through the Inuit homeland</h2> <p>Arctic Canada is a massive region where small, spread-out communities are separated by hundreds of miles of land. As few to no roads connect them, the best (and sometimes, the only) way to explore them is by ship. While many large cruise companies operate in the region, only one has an Inuit expedition leader guiding travelers through their sacred homeland. <a></a><a href="https://www.adventurecanada.com/">Adventure Canada</a> may not be an Indigenous-owned company but their long-established commitment to placing Inuit staff both as guides on the ground and in positions of power within the company has translated to contributing to meaningful change across Arctic Canadian communities.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/arctic-canada.jpg" alt="Arctic Canada" /> <figcaption>This Inuit guide carries a gun to protect against possible bear attacks. Photo credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <p>Not only do Inuit guides share their history and culture with travelers during day hikes and kayaking trips, but when Adventure Canada stops at cruise ports in Inuit towns, they partner with local Inuit-run businesses on the ground. This strategy both funnels money into these rarely-visited communities while also creating meaningful <a href="/stories/transformation/learning-to-listen-in-greenland">interactions between local residents and travelers</a>, who can visit independent shops, learn how community food programs operate, and see how youth initiatives are helping combat climate change on a local level.</p> <h2 id="subhead3">Female-run community tourism in the Amazon</h2> <p>Just a four-hour drive from Quito, <a href="/explore/south-america/ecuador/visiting-ecuador-during-covid-19">Ecuador</a> is one of the easiest-to-reach sections of the Amazon – no gas-guzzling airplanes required! Here, near Puerto Misahuallí, several community tourism centers are run by Quechua women whose goal is to offer travel experiences that help preserve traditional customs and create educational and professional opportunities for Quechua women. One of these centers is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SinchiWarmis" target="_blank">Sinchi Warmi</a> (which means “Strong Women” in Quechua), a rustic lodge that immerses guests in local culture and customs like harvesting cacao and weaving bracelets out of plant fibers sourced from on-site gardens. Staying and dining at these lodges helps support Indigenous- and female-owned businesses, even if you spend your entire stay relaxing in a hammock. That said, to get even more out of the visit, you might also consider joining a river tubing trip or a scenic boat ride to a nearby rainforest animal shelter.</p> <h2 id="subhead4">Discover Aboriginal culture in Australia</h2> <p>Sometimes, it can be difficult to find specific travel experiences and even if you find an ethical, sustainable, and perhaps even Indigenous-owned tour operator, cookie-cutter itineraries might not actually include the specific activities that you’re looking for. That’s where the non-profit<a>, </a><a href="https://www.welcometocountry.com/" target="_blank">Welcome to Country</a>, fits in. The platform was launched to connect travelers with a wide range of educational and cultural experiences across Australia. All 200 experiences were created and are run by Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Peoples, including half-day hikes, paddle boarding and sandboarding sessions, and story-telling walks, and five-day female-only immersion at a <a href="https://experience.welcometocountry.com/products/gay-wu-the-dilly-bag-womens-tour" target="_blank">Yolŋu Homeland community</a>.</p> <p>As a means to promote even more economic self-sufficiency and sustainability among Indigenous-owned businesses, Welcome to Country also serves as a <a href="https://shop.welcometocountry.com/" target="_blank">virtual marketplace</a>, where travelers can purchase everything from Aboriginal-produced luggage and beauty products to wool rugs to laurel cutting boards (they only ship within Australia).</p> <h2 id="subhead5">Hike the highest peak in Brazil</h2> <p>Serious hikers looking for an uncrowded alternative to more popular peaks can now head to the Cabeça do Cachorro (Dog’s Head) region of the Brazilian Amazon. At 9,822 feet, Pico da Neblina is the highest peak in Brazil, some 525 miles away from the nearest big city (and a two-hour drive and six-hour boat trip from the nearest village. Though the mountain has been closed to tourists for the past 20 years, in March 2022, the mountain finally re-opened; this time, under 100% Indigenously-owned management. The local Yanomami are now managing all activities in the area (all of which will adhere to strict eco-tourism principles), and tribal members have organized to become guides, boat pilots, porters, and cooks for the expeditions.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/amazon.jpg" alt="An Amazon tribe" /> <figcaption> Amazon Emotions tour in Cabeça do Cachorro. Photo credit: Vanessa Marino</figcaption></figure> <p>While the tribe has not yet formed its own Indigenous-led tour operation, female-owned <a href="https://amazonemotions.com/tour/pico-da-neblina-expedition/?tag=thrillist0d-20&asc_source=facebook&asc_campaign=dodo&asc_refurl=https://www.thrillist.com/amphtml/travel/nation/visit-pico-da-neblina-amazon-brazil">Amazon Emotions</a>, is one of only three companies authorized to lead tours here. The 10-day trek (which includes six to 10 hours of hiking per day) is not for the faint of heart. Full-on mountain climbing equipment such as ropes and crampons aren’t required but the gradient is steep and some days can get extremely windy, cold, foggy, and/or rainy.</p>Getty Images/SheraleeS 0 Indigenous cave paintings

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/empowering-women-through-travelTravel empowers women globetrotters as well as the female entrepreneurs whose businesses we can support while traveling.2022-02-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/empowering-women-through-travelhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#trekking"> Women-led trekking company in Nepal </a></li> <li><a href="#rickshaw"> Female rickshaw drivers in India </a></li> <li><a href="#riverboat"> Mother-daughter riverboat tours in Bangkok </a></li> <li><a href="#dancing"> Tribal dancing and sewing in Uganda </a></li> <li><a href="#taxis"> Female-run taxis (and food tours) in Egypt </a></li> <li><a href="#safaris"> Tanzanian safaris that empower women and girls </a></li> </ul> <p>Let’s face it, much of the travel world is run by men. While women make up over half the <span><a href="https://www.unwto.org/news/putting-women-s-empowerment-centre-stage-in-tourism-s-recovery">tourism workforce</a></span>, most are stuck in low-skill, low-paying positions with little to no opportunity for advancement. Men, on the other hand, typically call the shots and remain the financial beneficiaries of the tourism sector. We can change this. As conscious consumers, the <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/the-destinations-turning-green">choices</a> that we make while traveling can help empower women and support gender equity around the world.</p> <p>Female-led culinary classes can be a delightful (and delicious!) way to learn about a region’s culture and some countries, such as Jordan, have done a great job supporting female entrepreneurship through <span><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/middle-east/jordan/exploring-jordan-from-a-local-womans-perspective">women-owned culinary enterprises</a></span>. That said, women have long been associated with kitchens, cooking, and domestic life so it’s exciting to see more and more female-run travel companies that empower women to become taxi drivers, trekking guides, and tour operators.</p> <p>Here is a sampling of female-run travel experiences and companies around the globe. And fellas, note that while all of these businesses are led by women, male travelers are allowed (and encouraged) to participate in some of them.</p> <h2 id="trekking">Women-led trekking company in Nepal</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/empoweringwomen/3sisters3.JPG " alt=""" women="" hikers="" admire="" a="" spectacular="" mountain="" view="" with="" 3="" sisters="" adventure="" trekking="" /> <figcaption> Women hikers admire a spectacular mountain view. Photo credit: 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking.</figcaption></figure> <p>Thanks to Mount Everest and the extraordinarily-skilled hiking guides that climb it, Nepal is a well-known trekking destination. Unfortunately, it’s extremely rare to encounter a female guide in the country because women receive less education than men and are expected to work in the home. For the past 25 years, however, <span><a href="https://www.3sistersadventuretrek.com/">3 Sisters Adventure Trekking</a></span> has been working to change that. In 1993, three Nepalese sisters were running a restaurant and a lodge, where they met female trekkers from all over the world who told them about bad experiences they’d had with their male guides. The following year, the woman started their own trekking company that’s “by and for women” and which trains and employs female trekking guides and assistants for treks in and around the Himalayas in Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Women who join a guided trek with the company help to empower these Nepalese women to become more independent and self-reliant.</p> <h2 id="rickshaw">Female rickshaw drivers in India</h2> <p>India is known for extraordinary food, colorful festivals, and one of the richest and most fascinating cultures on earth. Unfortunately, it also has a reputation for pervasive sexual harassment. In the city of Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City” due to the large number of historic pink buildings, a non-profit is training women to run rickshaw tours. <span><a href="http://pinkcityrickshawcompany.com/">Pink City Rickshaw</a></span> recruits women from surrounding slums and teaches them how to drive e-rickshaws so they can lead heritage, craft, and shopping tours around the Old City. Not only does the concept provide economic empowerment for women, but it’s also an <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/6-ways-to-be-a-better-traveler-in-the-post-pandemic-world">eco-friendly</a> solution to the growing demand for experiential tourism in Jaipur. About 4% of rickshaw license holders in India are women but the hope is that this innovative model, which enables women to purchase their e-rickshaws and hold ownership shares in the company, will continue to encourage other women to join the profession.</p> <h2 id="riverboat">Mother-daughter riverboat tours in Bangkok</h2> <p>One of the most popular activities in Bangkok is a riverboat tour, and while most Thai river cruises are run by men, one company stands out as being female-led. You may see men working the boats of the <span><a href="https://www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/?lang=en">Supatra & Chao Phraya Express Boat Group</a></span>, but this fourth-generation company was started by a woman in the 1920s, a time when very few women in Thailand (or anywhere in the world, for that matter) owned businesses. The boat dynasty was passed down from mother to daughter and is now run by a mother-daughter team who oversee 10 companies and 600 employees. Their 57 express boats run up and down 13 miles of the Chao Phraya river and haul more than 1 million passengers a month (both local and tourist).</p> <h2 id="dancing">Tribal dancing and sewing in Uganda</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/empoweringwomen/Ride4awoman.jpg" alt=""" local="" women="" from="" the="" bwindi="" impenetrable="" forest="" in="" uganda="" learn="" new="" skills="" /> <figcaption> Local women in Uganda learn new skills they can also pass on to travelers. Photo credit: Ride 4 A Woman.</figcaption></figure> <p>Just outside the misty hills of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda is the female-run collective, <span><a href="https://www.ride4awoman.org/">Ride 4 a Woman</a></span>, which empowers and provides microfinancing to women struggling at home with issues associated with HIV, domestic violence, and extreme poverty. Hundreds of women from 11 surrounding villages use or work at the Ride 4 a Woman community center, where they learn new skills that can help them to support their families and provide their children with an education. Women at the collective learn to pedal sew, weave baskets, dance, sing, and drum. Visiting travelers can take tribal dancing, basket weaving, and traditional cooking classes or they can choose their own African fabric and make anything from a coin purse to a dress in a pedal sewing workshop.</p> <h2 id="taxis">Female-run taxis (and food tours) in Egypt</h2> <p>In general, the Middle East tends to be less welcoming to solo female travelers than other parts of the world and it can be intimidating to try to hail a cab alone, especially if you don’t speak Arabic. <span><a href="http://www.pinktaxi.net/">Pink Taxi</a></span> was created in 2015 to increase employment opportunities for Egyptian women while providing a safer riding experiences for all women. All of its drivers are women and the company only gives rides to female passengers; it’s the first “girls-only” transportation in the country. If you’re in Cairo, be sure to also check out another female-run company, <span><a href="https://belliesenroute.com/">Bellies En-Route</a></span>, which offers <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/eat-like-a-local-when-you-travel">food tasting tours</a> around the capital city (the food tours are also open to men).</p> <h2 id="safaris">Tanzanian safaris that empower women and girls</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/empoweringwomen/matriachhill1.jpeg" alt=""" end="" of="" the="" hike="" /> <figcaption> Matriarch Hill Safaris are all guided by local Tanzanian women. Photo credit: Matriarch Hill Safaris. </figcaption></figure> <p>What could be better than getting up close with elephants, rhinoceros, and lions on an African safari? Doing it with a company dedicated to supporting the rights of East African women and girls. <span><a href="https://www.matriarchhillsafari.com/">Matriarch Hill Safari</a></span> leads wildlife watching safaris in Tanzania (including some budget-friendly options) with add-on activities like waterfall hikes, coffee plantation tours, and visits to female empowerment organizations. To top it off, the company donates a percentage of their income to non-profits that provide vocational training to women and that are fighting to stop female genital mutilation. In a country where less than 5% of girls finish secondary school, helping young girls become self-sufficient women instead of single parents and subservient wives can be more fulfilling than even the most spectacular safari.</p>Matriach Hill Safari 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/united-states/hiking-hot-air-balloons-history-in-new-mexicoNew Mexico is famous for its hot air balloon festival, but this Southwestern state is also great for hiking, biking, and exploring Native American history – especially in wintertime.2022-01-24T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/united-states/hiking-hot-air-balloons-history-in-new-mexicohttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>I’ve always wanted to visit New Mexico but since I’m not a fan of dry climates where temperatures can regularly soar over 100°F (38°C), I knew I’d need to avoid the summer. A winter visit meant both manageable temperatures and smaller crowds – double win!</p> <p>But bear in mind, the state has dramatically varying temperatures and climates depending on where you are, so plan (and pack) accordingly. Las Cruces, which is only about 50mi (80km) from the Mexican border, might be 10-15°F warmer than Albuquerque. In turn, Albuquerque may be another 10-15°F warmer than higher-elevation regions such as Taos, where you’ll also find significantly more snow.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#sands">Sand sledding in White Sands National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#caverns">Stunning geology at Carlsbad Caverns National Park </a></li> <li><a href="#balloons">Ballooning, biking, and exploring Pueblo Indian history in Albuquerque </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="sands">Sand sledding in White Sands National Park</h2> <p>My first stop was <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm">White Sands National Park</a> ($25 admission per car or free with an annual pass) located near Las Cruces, in the far south of the State. As Las Cruces doesn’t have a major airport, I flew into nearby El Paso, Texas, where I rented a car and drove the 50 minutes northwest to start my trip. While I was looking forward to <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hiking</a> in the park (hikes range from ¼-mile boardwalk strolls to full-day desert treks), I was most excited to go sand sledding. Since the soft, snow-white sand gets uncomfortably hot in the summer, winter sledding is far more enjoyable (sleds are available in the gift shop for about $20). Note that unlike snow sledding, you need a steeper hill to get the sled going on sand so make sure you have plenty of clearance at the bottom. Not only was it thrilling to quickly slide down the sand dunes, but it also felt amazing to be sledding – actually sledding! – in warm weather, no cumbersome winter jackets, gloves, or hats required.</p> <p>The following morning, I rented a bike from <a href="https://www.bikelc.com/">Outdoor Adventures</a> to explore the local pecan orchards. The shop staff had great suggestions for how to access the orchard-lined roads without traffic (take Snow Road south then head back north on bike paths along the Rio Grande). Initially, I was sorry not to be exploring the orchards in fall, when the trees are full of colorful leaves but, to my surprise, I discovered that winter is pecan harvesting season, so the trees were still full of nuts. I had never thought twice about how pecans are harvested so it was interesting to see huge, tractor-like machines make their way through rows of trees, whipping up dust storms as they gathered the pecans that “shaker” machines had previously shaken off the trees.</p> <h2 id="caverns">Stunning geology at Carlsbad Caverns National Park</h2> <p>The most direct route from Las Cruces to Carlsbad takes you through northern Texas, so I made a quick pit stop at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Even if you don’t have time to hike, it’s a stunning place for a bathroom break. Though there are a handful of motels right outside <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm">Carlsbad Caverns National Park</a>, I overnighted 20mi (32km) north in Carlsbad, which has more dining options.</p> <p>Carlsbad Cavern is <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm">pretty accessible</a> since you’re able to take the elevator 75 stories down to the “Big Room”, where much of the cavern can be viewed via a mostly-flat trail and boardwalk. I opted to take the 1.25mi (2km) hike down the Natural Entrance Trail. During my hour-long hike, I only ran into two other people (plus a park ranger, who explained a bit of geology) so it felt like I was exploring the giant cavern on my own. Once I reached the Big Room, I was surrounded by thousands of stalagmites shooting up from the ground and stalactites dripping down from the ceiling, occasionally reflecting off small pools scattered around the cavern. You can either hike back up and out or take the elevator. Note that since the caverns (which are the park’s main draw) aren’t open-air, the park is requiring timed entry tickets to limit capacity.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/new-mexico/winter/carlsbad-cavern.jpg" alt="Stalactites and stalagmites in the Big Room at Carlsbad Cavern, New Mexico.." /> <figcaption>The “Big Room” at Carlsbad Cavern. Image credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="balloons">Ballooning, biking, and exploring Pueblo Indian history in Albuquerque</h2> <p>New Mexico’s largest city may be best known for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which began in 1972 and now features 500 balloons each October. Though I’m averse to festival crowds, flying sky-high in a hot air balloon was still a priority so I booked a morning flight with <a href="https://www.rainbowryders.com/locations/albuquerque/">Rainbow Ryders</a> ($139 weekdays / $159 weekends). Keep in mind that balloon flights are entirely dependent on the weather so try to schedule your ride early in your stay in case you need to reschedule. On the morning I went out, high winds cancelled the trip, but I was able to go on a successful (and stunning!) flight that afternoon. It was surprisingly silent up there, as we sailed over fields, roads, and subdivisions, gazing at mountains to the west and the nearing sunset in the east.</p> <p>I didn’t have time to hike the steep, 8mi (13km) La Luz trail up to the top of Sandia Mountain (about 17mi/27km northeast of downtown Albuquerque) so I took the <a href="https://sandiapeak.com/">Sandia Peak Tram</a> instead. My weather-altered schedule meant I missed sunset at the top of the mountain (which is supposed to be spectacular) but the morning tram ride was crowd-free, and I was able to enjoy the panoramic view of Albuquerque and explore some of the mountaintop trails, lined with snow-covered trees, before catching the next tram down.</p> <p>Since I couldn’t leave town without getting in a hike, I added in a visit to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm">Petroglyph National Monument</a>, just 10mi (16km) from downtown Albuquerque. The trails are each only a few miles long or less, but they vary dramatically in terms of elevation and difficulty (ask at the Visitor Center to determine which route may be best for you). And don’t worry, even on the easier routes you’ll still be able to see dozens – if not hundreds – of ancient petroglyphs depicting animals, people, and symbols that Native Americans and Spanish settlers carved into the rocks over 400 years ago.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/usa/new-mexico/winter/petroglyph-albuquerque.jpg" alt="A bird-like petroglyph at Petroglyph National Monument, New Mexico." /> <figcaption>One of the many ancient carvings at Petroglyph National Monument. Photo credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <p>Though I had a car for my visit, I did most of my exploring in Albuquerque on two wheels. I rented a bike at <a href="http://routesrentals.com/">ROUTES bike shop</a> (which also offers guided bike tours) for a 34mi (55km) solo spin around town. The shop helped me plan my route and gave me a city bike map marked up with points of interest (<a href="https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/lands/paseo-del-bosque-trail">Paseo del Bosque trail</a>, <a href="https://lospoblanos.com/organic-lavender-farm/lavender-farm/">Los Poblanos</a> lavender farm, <a href="https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark/tingley">Tingley Beach</a>, and the <a href="https://www.sawmillmarket.com/">Sawmill Market</a> food hall were my favorites). ROUTES is conveniently located in the Old Town neighborhood so after my ride, I walked around exploring dozens of unique local shops – think Navajo rugs, pottery, handmade soap, chocolatiers, tea, and oil and vinegar.</p> <p>The Southwest is famous for the <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/native-american-journeys">rich history and culture</a> of the Pueblo Indians that have occupied the region for generations. Since all the Pueblos remain closed to protect vulnerable populations during the pandemic, the best way to explore their culture and contributions is by visiting the <a href="https://indianpueblo.org">Pueblo Indian Cultural Center</a> in Albuquerque. The museum can be explored in about an hour and the staff is extremely well-informed. Don’t miss breakfast or lunch at the museum’s Indian Pueblo Kitchen, which specializes in traditional Native American foods of the region (I loved the corn, quinoa, and amaranth <em>atole</em> porridge).</p>Cassandra Brooklyn 0 Cassandra Brooklyn A man sits watching the sunset over the dunes at White Sands National Park, New Mexico.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/the-destinations-turning-greenWhen planning your trip, think about spending your tourism dollars in the places going the extra mile to make sustainability a priority.2021-12-16T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/the-destinations-turning-greenhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#Costa"> Costa Rica’s environmental credentials </a></li> <li><a href="#nyc"> New York City’s eco initiatives </a></li> <li><a href="#singapore"> Singapore’s green skyline </a></li> <li><a href="#portugal"> Portugal’s sustainable cities </a></li> <li><a href="#palau"> The Palau Pledge </a></li> </ul> <p><span>Sure, we can bring our own reusable water bottle and reef-safe sunscreen when we travel, and we can opt to use <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/low-impact-ways-to-see-the-world">bicycles and public transportation</a> instead of taxis, but what about the sustainability-consciousness of the actual destinations we visit? As eco-minded travelers, we certainly should make choices while traveling that help reduce our own carbon footprint, but if we want to go a step further, we can also actively seek out destinations that are prioritizing sustainability.</span></p> <p><span>Not only does visiting sustainable destinations incentivize and reward cities, businesses, and individuals that are environmentally responsible, but doing so also just makes it easier for we travelers to do the right thing. Here are some of the most eco-minded destinations around the world that are doing their best to be greener for the planet and more livable for their residents.</span></p> <h2 id="Costa">Costa Rica’s environmental credentials</h2> <p>The Central American country of <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/central-america/costa-rica/traveling-in-costa-rica-during-covid">Costa Rica</a> is often held up as the poster child of sustainable travel and with good reason. In Costa Rica, sustainability is not just a mantra that is preached to draw in eco-minded tourists, it is a closely-held belief that has trickled down across the entire population. Not only do you see large players like the government, tourism board, and non-profit leaders taking major steps to protect natural resources, but you see individual hotels eliminating single-use plastics and prioritizing locally-produced food and personal care products. Costa Rica was recognized by the United Nations as a “<a href="https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/costa-rica-named-un-champion-earth-pioneering-role-fighting-climate">Champion of the Earth</a>” and the country has its own <a href="https://www.ict.go.cr/en/sustainability/cst.html">official national certification system</a> for businesses that are avoiding gas emissions, using biodegradable products, reducing waste, recycling, conserving water, and hiring from local communities.</p> <p>Renting a car to explore the country certainly is possible but it’s also easy to catch buses from town to town. Just about anywhere you go, hiking, biking, surfing, zip lining, tubing, rafting, and wildlife watching opportunities await – all of which emphasize and engage directly with the stunning surrounding environment without reliance on gas-guzzling vehicles.</p> <h2 id="nyc">New York City’s eco initiatives</h2> <p>New York City may be best known for tourist meccas like the Brooklyn Bridge, Broadway, and Times Square but The Big Apple is also one of the most sustainable cities in the United States. Travelers may not interact with the citywide composting efforts or textile recycling programs that are still very rare elsewhere in the country but they surely will benefit from an extensive and easy-to-navigate subway system, a growing network of inter-borough ferries, a thriving network of bike lanes, and an ever-expanding bike share program – not to mention an abundance of restaurants specializing in locally- and sustainably-grown food!</p> <p>Not only does New York City make it easy for visitors to <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/walking-tour-of-new-york-lower-east-side">explore by foot</a>, bicycle, or public transportation, but loads of buses and trains leave the City That Never Sleeps every day for Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., meaning you can easily explore multiple cities in the Northeast region without having to rent a car or book a flight.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/destinationsgoinggreen/sustainable.jpg " alt="View of Manhattan from the plane." /> <figcaption> The view of Manhattan from the plane. Photo credit: Getty Images / Artem Vorobiev</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="singapore">Singapore's green credentials</h2> <p>When you arrive in <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/singapore/asias-top-food-destination">Singapore</a>, the first thing you’ll notice will probably be its unique skyscrapers. The second thing you’ll notice will probably be that most of the skyscrapers (and just about all the office and apartment buildings) are covered with greenery. These rooftop, balcony, parking lot, and wall-climbing vertical gardens make the city extraordinarily beautiful while also improving air quality, producing food, and providing habitat and nourishment for birds and insects. In fact, Singapore aims to have 80% of its buildings achieve Green Mark Certification (a sustainable development certification) by 2030. This sovereign island city-state aims to become one of the most sustainable urban destinations in the world and their national carrier, Singapore Airlines, recently announced their commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, partially through the usage of sustainable aviation fuel. Much of Singapore can be explored on foot or by bike (and there are several bike share programs to choose from), but the Tourism Board is also working with local hotels and attractions to develop and implement new sustainability standards, such as transitioning to 100% renewable resources by 2030.</p> <h2 id="portugal">Portugal’s sustainable cities</h2> <p>Portugal has not one, but two cities that stand out in terms of sustainability. Capital city, Lisbon, has a thriving network of buses, trolleys, and <a href="/explore/europe/portugal/5-ways-to-discover-portugal-by-bike">electric bikes</a> (meaning taxis and rental cars are completely unnecessary) but for those that do drive, the city has one of the largest electric vehicle charging networks on the continent. Lisbon, which has made substantial strides to reduce CO2 emissions, along with water and energy consumption, was even named the <span><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/lisbon-is-the-2020-european-green-capital-award-winner/">2020 Green Capital of Europe</a></span>.</p> <p>Further north in the city of Águeda (about an hour south of Porto), the focus has been on improving air quality by promoting non-motorized transportation and making public transportation more energy efficient. The city has also added new pedestrian walking trails, car-free zones, and bike lanes while encouraging the use of the public e-bike system both among locals <em>and </em>tourists.</p> <h2 id="palau">The Palau Pledge</h2> <p>Climate change is a palpable threat to the existence of the hundreds of islands that make up the Micronesian nation of Palau. As such, the country teamed up with international sustainability organizations in an effort to become the world’s first carbon neutral destination. The goal of the program is not only to conserve coastal ecosystems and neutralize the carbon footprint imposed by tourism, but to also increase local food security and empower women to participate more fully in the tourism industry. In 2020, the country also introduced a ban on the sale and use of sunscreens that are believed to be harmful to coral reefs.<br /><br />Palau is also the first nation to create an eco-responsibility pledge for travelers to sign before entering the country. Drafted by local children, the <a href="https://palaupledge.com/">Palau Pledge</a> includes a checklist of things that visitors promise to not do, such as not littering, feeding sharks, or collecting marine souvenirs like coral and shells, along with a list of things <em>to</em> do, like learning about local culture and supporting small businesses. As of this writing, nearly 600,000 people have taken the pledge.</p>Getty Images / Wendy A. Capili 0 Drone shot of Palau's stunning water

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/destination-visitor-capsA world without travelers has proved positive for many places. Now some locations are either maintaining pre-existing limits on visitors or introducing new ones.2021-12-06T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/destination-visitor-capshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><span>Whether the goal is to protect sensitive environments or provide a more enjoyable visitor experience, an increasing number of destinations around the world are <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/destinations-combating-overtourism">limiting the number of visitors</a> they welcome each day. </span></p> <p><span>In some cases, these tourism caps have been around for more than a decade, in other cases, pandemic travel patterns have encouraged new restrictions to take effect. Regardless of when or why the visitor caps were put in place, having to work with them means spending a bit more time planning your trip, such as booking timed-admission tickets months in advance and then planning your entire trip around it. But, is that such a bad thing? </span></p> <p>Visitation caps make for an inherently less flexible travel experience but as well as minimizing crowds and putting less strain on staff (which continue to be in short supply), limiting the number of visitors also helps to preserve and conserve natural resources.</p> <p>If thousands of people were to descend on an ancient archeological site that can only support a few hundred visitors, impatient tourists might stray from designated paths and potentially trample sensitive areas or wander onto historically-significant ruins and artifacts. Staff would struggle to manage crowds and clean up the mounds of trash that would, no doubt, be produced, and the visitor experience would suffer due to long lines, cramped pathways, overflowing garbage cans, and overcrowded (and under-serviced) bathrooms.</p> <p>Opting for lesser-known and off-the-beaten-path destinations is a great way to minimize overcrowding but, let’s be honest, some popular destinations just don’t have a less-visited alternative so if you want to explore them, you’ll have to work within the visitation cap restrictions. Here are a handful of alluring places to visit around the world that currently (and possibly indefinitely) impose tourism caps.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#glacier">Glacier National Park, Montana, United States</a></li> <li><a href="#howe">Lord Howe Island, Australia</a></li> <li><a href="#machu">Machu Picchu, Peru</a></li> <li><a href="#antarctica"> Antarctica </a></li> <li><a href="#seychelles">Seychelles, Africa</a></li> <li><a href="#barcelona">Barcelona, Spain</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="glacier">Glacier National Park, Montana, United States</h2> <p>As one of the most popular national parks in the United States, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm">Glacier National Park</a> has long suffered from over-tourism. Parking lots are often full by sunrise, some trails see more than 1,000 hikers a day, and entire areas of the park are temporarily restricted until traffic congestion clears up. As Americans who were unable or unwilling to travel abroad sought out outdoor spaces closer to home, Glacier saw an especially steep jump in the number of visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the country’s 10<sup>th</sup> national park imposed an online reservation system for the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor during peak visitor season (late May to early September 2021).</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/visitorcaps/Glacier-national-park.jpg" /> <figcaption>The unspoiled mountains of Glacier National Park, Montana. Photo credit: Getty Images / Ramesh Iyanswamy </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="howe">Lord Howe Island, Australia</h2> <p>Rising from the Pacific some 370 miles northeast of Sydney, Australia, lies <a href="https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/">Lord Howe Island</a>, part of a group of isolated islands born from volcanic activity that now appear on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This semi-tropical island is less than seven miles long and two miles wide, but the island’s status as a Marine Park, and the fact that nearly 75% of its land is classified as a Permanent Park Preserve, makes this protected piece of paradise perfect for nature and wildlife lovers. Rare flora and fauna blanket the island while the world’s most southerly coral reef encompasses surrounding waters. Tourism is the main industry supporting the island’s 400 residents, but a strict tourist cap allows only 400 visitors a night. The cap (which is equal to the number of available beds on the island) was put in place to protect the island's delicate ecosystem and is instrumental in conserving the high number of threatened and endemic species that have evolved to live in the area.</p> <h2 id="machu">Machu Picchu, Peru</h2> <p>Often considered to be the poster child of over-tourism, <a href="/explore/south-america/peru/alternatives-to-the-inca-trail">Machu Picchu</a> customarily received more than 4,000 visitors per day. When the site opened at 6am, there typically were hundreds of tourists already lined up at the gate, all attempting to be the first to enter. Tickets were issued as half-day admissions though the four-hour time restrictions weren’t strictly enforced so most visitors arrived early and stayed as long as they liked.</p> <p>As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the site closed in March 2020, as did pretty much everything in the world. Four months later, Peruvian authorities decided that when the site re-opened, the number of daily visitors would be limited to 2,244 but it didn’t tackle the problem of everyone visiting at the same time (usually early in the morning). Now, a limited number of tickets are issued in time blocks so if you buy a ticket for 10am, you’re only allowed to enter between 10am-11am. Tickets often sell out several months in advance and are not available on-site so if you are planning to visit, it would be wise to confirm your admission ticket before booking your flight or accommodations.</p> <h2 id="antarctica">Antarctica</h2> <p>Tourism to Antarctica was growing steadily until 2009 when the 28 nation members of the 50-year-old Antarctic Treaty decided to limit tourism in the region to protect the continent’s fragile ecosystem. Changes included banning ships with more than 500 passengers from landing sites, restricting landings to one vessel at a time, limiting the number of passengers on shore to 100 at a time, and requiring at least one guide for every 20 visitors while ashore. Given the extremely harsh environment, the only way to get to Antarctica is to go with a tour operator or organization that has been approved by its national authorities, all of whom must comply with the new regulations. Given the visitation caps and requirements have a larger impact on the experience of visitors of large ships, if you want to be able to dock and explore on foot, your best bet is to book a trip on a small ship.</p> <h2 id="seychelles">Seychelles, Africa</h2> <p><span>Officially the Republic of Seychelles, but better known simply as Seychelles, this archipelagic island country consists of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, about 1,100 miles southeast of Somalia and northeast of Madagascar. In 2007, the country recognized the problems associated with its swelling number of visitors (which was up 10% over the previous year) and proposed to cap the number of visitors at 200,000 beginning in 2010. The primary motivation for the cap was concern for protecting the environment but it was unsuccessful and visitor numbers reached 250,000 by 2015. While the country has struggled to enforce visitor caps, it has already begun restricting the building of large hotel developments in favor of smaller, locally-run properties.</span></p> <h2 id="barcelona">Barcelona, Spain</h2> <p>To “stop the city from becoming like Venice”, in 2015, Barcelona’s mayor introduced a cap on the number of tourists visiting the Catalan capital, which then hovered around 7.5 million annually. The mayor issued a temporary freeze on new developments while deciding which areas of the city could receive more tourists and imposed caps on groups visiting iconic places. La Boqueria market on La Rambla boulevard began limiting groups to no more than 15 people and Gaudi’s Park Güell, formerly free, began charging admission and limiting the number of visitors to 800 per day. Unlike other destinations, which typically impose tourism caps to preserve the environment and make for a better visitor experience, the main motivation behind Barcelona’s caps was a desire to improve the quality of life of residents, who, for years, had complained that tourists had taken over their city and made it unlivable.</p> <p><span> </span></p> <p></p>Getty Images/ Diamond Dogs 0 Untouched beach

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-wiser/wellness/how-to-plan-an-accessible-family-tripPlanning a family trip, that includes someone with a disability, takes time and patience – but it’s worth it. Here are some tips for how to get started.2021-09-09T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-wiser/wellness/how-to-plan-an-accessible-family-triphttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Family vacations can be hard regardless of who will be joining. On top of trip-planning logistics and unexpected snafus, anytime there are diverse personalities, interests, and priorities, there are bound to be challenges. To many people, the thought of planning a trip that would also be suitable for someone with a disability would be not only challenging, but also anxiety-provoking for everyone involved.</p> <p>My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s five years ago. Initially, her speech was slightly impaired, and she walked unsteadily, but she was still able to move around independently, board airplanes unassisted, climb stairs, and navigate cities without a walker or wheelchair. As the disease slowly progressed, I worried she wouldn’t be able to travel anymore because of how poorly most places accommodate disabled visitors. When I took on partial caregiver responsibilities for her this year, the idea of bringing her on our multi-day family vacation was too stressful to think about – I figured I’d probably have to put her in an overnight care facility instead of bringing her with us. I was wrong. Here’s what I learned.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#patient"> Be patient </a></li> <li><a href="#small"> Start small </a></li> <li><a href="#destination"> Choosing where to go </a></li> <li><a href="#accessible"> Accessible international travel </a></li> <li><a href="#accommodation"> Choosing accommodation for disabled travelers </a></li> <li><a href="#airports"> Navigating airports with a disabled traveler </a></li> <li><a href="#memories"> Creating lifelong memories </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="patient">Be patient</h2> <p><span>Nobody wants to let down their loved ones. If I’m being completely honest, traveling with my mom has been the most difficult, detail-oriented, patience-requiring travel I’ve ever done. Disability activists around the world, such as those supported through the<span> </span></span><a href="https://disabilityrightsfund.org/">Disability Rights Fund</a><span>, are working to create inclusive spaces and policies so that persons with disabilities can experience the world on an equal basis as others. Currently, however, most of the world is not set up for people with disabilities, so it’s inevitable that you’ll encounter challenges. A certain amount of trial and error is to be expected, so do as much research as you can but don’t get too frustrated when things don’t go perfectly.</span></p> <h2 id="small">Start small</h2> <p>Beginner travelers make new-traveler mistakes, but experienced travelers can also make mistakes when they’re in new situations. Although I’ve been a regular solo traveler for 17 years, when I first began traveling with my mom, I didn’t know where to start or where to turn. Terrified of something going wrong away from home, we both slowly got comfortable with the idea of traveling – by starting small.</p> <p>We started with small trips around town – lunch with a friend or to a concert in the park – and experimented with her level of comfort using a walker versus a wheelchair. This experimentation proved crucial; not only did it build our confidence, but it also established a baseline. We knew what my mother was comfortable with, what she struggled with, what obstacles we should be aware of on the trip, and what accommodation to ask for.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/accessible/accessible-museum.jpg" alt="A woman in a wheelchair enjoys an immersive Van Gogh exhibit at a museum." /> <figcaption>The author's mother enjoying an immersive Van Gogh exhibit. Image credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="destination">Choosing where to go</h2> <p>Last spring, for our first big trip since her condition deteriorated, we decided to visit Indianapolis, which was driving distance from my family’s home in Milwaukee. A road trip vacation meant we could throw everything we needed in the rooftop carrier and make frequent stops at visitor centers, which usually have bathrooms that are accessible for people with disabilities. I considered my mother’s interests (museums and theater) and called around to see which facilities could accommodate us. In Indianapolis, all the major museums provided free wheelchairs and the city even has an<span> </span><a href="https://www.visitindy.com/indianapolis-accessibility">Accessibility Guide</a>, which helped us identify potential activities that the whole family could enjoy.</p> <p>In the United States, the gold standard for accessibility is<span> </span><a href="https://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm">ADA-compliant design</a>, meaning the walkways, rooms, bathrooms, etc. were designed in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Keep in mind, however, that even the most thoughtfully designed places won’t necessarily eliminate all potential challenges (more on that later).</p> <h2 id="accessible">Accessible international travel</h2> <p>International travel is also possible for disabled travelers, but some destinations make the experience a lot easier and more inclusive. Costa Rica has been a global leader in terms of accessible travel, requiring every hotel to have accessible rooms. Many Costa Rican operators, such as <a href="https://accessible.ilviaggiocr.com/">Il Viaggio</a>, are making their most<span> </span>popular activities accessible<span> </span>to travelers with a variety of physical disabilities. So-called “sensitive” walking and hiking trips are available for vision-impaired visitors, as are surf lessons. Amphibious wheelchairs are available around the country, as well as surfing experiences, hanging bridges, and zip line and rafting adventures for travelers who use wheelchairs or who have limited mobility.</p> <p>Travelers who use wheelchairs should look into<span> </span><a href="https://gowheeltheworld.com/">Wheel the World</a>, which provides global travel resources and trip planning support. While its<span> </span><a href="https://blog.gowheeltheworld.com/2021/05/25/flying-with-wheels-wheelchair-air-travel-tips-for-exploring-without-limits/">flying tips</a><span> </span>are mostly geared at travelers in wheelchairs, some of the tips apply to travelers with a variety of disabilities.</p> <p>Airline bathrooms are notoriously cramped, but according to Alvaro Silberstein, one of Wheel the World’s co-founders, if you fly on a Boeing 787, the flight attendants can connect two bathrooms with a special door, which makes the space big enough to get a wheelchair inside. Even if a wheelchair isn’t being used, having the additional space would be extremely helpful when a caregiver needs to accompany the traveler into the bathroom.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/accessible/accessible-cassandra.jpg" alt="A young woman pushes her mother in a wheelchair in front of the Children's Museum in Indianapolis." /> <figcaption>The author with her mother at the Children's Museum in Indianapolis. Image credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="accommodation">Choosing accommodation for disabled travelers</h2> <p>Consider what your main challenges will be regarding accommodation – are stairs a problem? Loud noises? Cramped spaces? – then work to minimize those potential challenges. Since my mother wouldn’t be able to join all the activities on the trip (such as lengthy walking and biking tours), I made sure the B&B where we stayed had a small balcony in our room and a shared patio where she could relax while she was alone. Though she certainly could have just read in bed in any hotel, being able to read outside on a warm summer afternoon made the experience more of a vacation for her.</p> <p>Keep in mind, no two people are alike and the same goes for travelers with disabilities. Travelers who are visually or hearing-impaired, or who have multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s, are all going to have their own unique challenges. Just because a hotel is ADA-accessible doesn’t mean it will fit your needs perfectly and just because a museum offers a wheelchair doesn’t mean the visiting process will be seamless.</p> <p>Even though my mother and I stayed in an ADA-accessible room, we still encountered challenges. The bed was too high for her to comfortably get in and out of (a frequent problem for many travelers with disabilities), so the hotel made up the daybed for her and I slept in the main bed. In the bathroom, there was a large open area next to the toilet that could accommodate a wheelchair, but my mother doesn’t use a wheelchair in the bathroom, and an additional rail that she could use to support herself would have been more helpful. Now I know to call ahead and ask about rail supports in the bathroom.</p> <p>Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, the founder of<span> </span><a href="https://www.respectability.org/">Respect Ability</a>, says that some hotels and restaurants that claim to be ADA-accessible really aren’t, so it’s best if someone familiar with accessibility requirements can check them out in advance to verify accessibility. When it’s not possible to visit in-person (for instance, when planning an out-of-state or international trip), reading online reviews and speaking with staff on the phone are crucial.</p> <p>Also, be aware that transitioning from a hotel to a car to a museum or restaurant takes a lot more time – and patience – when you’re using a walker or wheelchair (especially if borrowing the wheelchair from the venue). The same goes for visits to the bathroom.</p> <h2 id="airports">Navigating airports with a disabled traveler</h2> <p><span>Mizrahi also suggests speaking with airline and airport staff to see how they can make the experience smoother. “During TSA screening and while in boarding lines, if you let staff know a member of your group would benefit from moving to the front of the line or a quieter line, they can usually help.” Some airports have recently introduced bathrooms that not only accommodate wheelchairs but also have adult-size changing tables for adults that rely on a caregiver.</span></p> <h2 id="memories">Creating lifelong memories</h2> <p>When planning (and enjoying!) an accessible family trip, patience is needed but I promise you, the payoff is absolutely worth it. Since my mother’s condition has made it more difficult for her to participate in family functions such as holiday parties or attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, it was important to me that she be able to join family vacations. Not only would these multi-generation trips be enjoyable for her, they would also become lifelong memories me, my sister, and our kids. </p> <p>While I thought my mother would most enjoy the museums, what mattered most to her were the small things – seeing her grandkids playing at the children’s museum and making friends with kids at neighboring tables when we went out to dinner.</p> <p>She told me that she was really scared to go on the trip but feels encouraged that nearly every place we visited was able to make arrangements for her. “Parkinson’s has changed my life and I worried I’d be cloistered away in my home for the rest of my life. Now I’m going out like a normal person, doing normal things on vacation,” she told me. “It just felt so good to be out with my family.”</p>Il Viaggio 192248133 Getty Images A disabled traveler enjoys ziplining in Costa Rica

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/worldwide/getting-a-covid-19-test-while-abroadNeed a negative COVID-19 test before returning home from your trip? Here’s what to know about getting tested abroad.2021-02-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/worldwide/getting-a-covid-19-test-while-abroadhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>An increasing number of governments are now requiring negative COVID-19 tests to enter their countries, so, it’s important to research the testing options available.</p> <p>As well as producing a negative test before <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/worldwide-travel-alerts">entering those countries</a>, you may also have to produce a negative test before returning to your own country of residence. Rules are constantly changing, so make sure you look for the latest country updates before booking flights.</p> <p>When I <a href="/explore/south-america/ecuador/visiting-ecuador-during-covid-19">visited Ecuador</a> in December 2020, the <a href="/travel-safety/north-america/united-states/united-states-travel-alerts-must-read-now">United States</a> hadn’t yet required travelers to produce a negative COVID-19 test. However, New York City, where I live, <em>did</em> require a test. Though the United States now requires all international air travelers to produce a negative test, it’s possible that some states may implement stricter policies than others (including mandatory quarantines, in some cases). And while some countries may require tests from passengers arriving from <em>any</em> foreign destination, other countries may only require tests when arriving from places with especially high infection rates or variants of the virus. Again, do your research before your trip.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#proof">Required proof of your COVID-19 test</a></li> <li><a href="#find">How do I find a COVID-19 testing site abroad?</a></li> <li><a href="#expect">What to expect when getting tested</a></li> <li><a href="#types">Understand the different types of COVID-19 tests</a></li> <li><a href="#checklist">Checklist for COVID-19 testing abroad</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="proof">Required proof of your COVID-19 test</h2> <p>In most cases, it’s not enough to simply check a box saying you recently tested negative for the virus. You usually have to prove this, typically by showing the negative results email you received from the testing facility. Each country specifies how recent the test has to be (72 hours, four days, etc.), so the results must show the outcome of the test and when it was administered. To eliminate any potential issues due to a poor Wi-Fi connection, take a screenshot of the results and save it on your phone. If you don’t have a smartphone, bring a printout of the results. (It’s a good idea to carry a printout anyway, in case your phone runs out of battery or gets lost.)</p> <p>When I checked into my flight to Costa Rica at Newark International Airport in New Jersey in November, airline employees went from passenger to passenger, carefully reviewing their test results. Only after someone confirmed my results was I able to proceed to the security check. Once I arrived in Costa Rica, my test results were reviewed again by immigration officials before I was allowed to proceed to baggage.</p> <p>In Ecuador, where I’ve seen some of the strongest safety and hygiene measures, arriving airline passengers met with medical staff who reviewed test results, took temperatures, and measured blood oxygen levels through a non-invasive finger sensor device. Only after this process could travelers proceed to customs. When I returned to the Quito airport a few days later to fly to Galápagos, my test results were reviewed by medical personal while I waited to check-in. They were reviewed again by the person who checked me in and reviewed a third time once I arrived in Galápagos.</p> <h2 id="find">How do I find a COVID-19 testing site abroad?</h2> <p>Some countries (such as Portugal or Ecuador) offer the option to get tested when you arrive in the country, but you typically have to pay for the test and your accommodation while you quarantine awaiting the results. If you’ve built time into your trip for this, you’re set, but if you expect to get your results within 48 hours and it actually takes 96 hours, your entire trip may be thrown off. As such, it’s best to secure negative test results before you travel.</p> <p>A quick internet search will likely yield some useful results regarding where to find a test. <a href="https://ec.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-ecu-2/">Embassy</a> or <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ecuador/coronavirus">state department</a> pages often include links to sites that offer testing within a specific country, but speaking with your hotel, guide, or tour operator could prove even more helpful. They may have recently coordinated tests for other travelers so they may know if a certain site has a six-hour wait to get tested or which laboratories tend to return results quicker. Some hotels and resorts have even started offering testing facilities for their guests on-site. (But be sure to check whether the test they offer is the type you will need.) If you don’t speak the local language, working with a guide or operator will be especially helpful.</p> <p>During <a href="/explore/central-america/costa-rica/traveling-in-costa-rica-during-covid">my trip to Costa Rica</a>, my guide helped me find a nearby testing facility, which required that I make an appointment online the day before. In Ecuador, my hotel in Quito, <a href="https://www.casagangotena.com/">Casa Gangotena</a>, arranged to have a testing agency come right to the hotel. When the tester was an hour late (she explained how busy the service was visiting other hotels), the hotel reached out to confirm she was on her way.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/covid-19/covid-test-nurse.jpg" alt="A nurse arrives in a hotel room in Ecuador to do a private COVID-19 test ." /> <figcaption>The nurse who performed the author's private test in her hotel in Ecuador. Photo credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="expect">What to expect when getting tested</h2> <p>The actual set-up and structure of my recent tests has varied quite a bit – an indoor clinic in Costa Rica, a hotel room in Ecuador, an outdoor tent in New York City, and a drive-through facility in Wisconsin – but the actual nasal swab experience has been the same across the board (though Latin America tends to push the swab up further than in the US). If possible, make an appointment in advance to minimize wait time, show up with your ID and appointment confirmation number, and record any phone/email address you could reach out to, should you not receive your results within the allotted time.</p> <p>Aim for the earliest possible appointment in the day, which may result in your receiving the results quicker. For example, according to Mark Whitman of <a href="https://www.climbkilimanjaroguide.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Climb Kilimanjaro Guide</a>, tests taken around Tanzania (and near Kilimanjaro, where many travelers are based), are typically sent to the National Laboratory in Dar es Salaam. Tests taken after 11.30am aren’t sent to the lab until the following day, which can delay results by more than 72 hours.</p> <h2 id="types">Understand the different types of COVID-19 tests</h2> <p>There are two main types of COVID-19 tests being used to determine whether someone currently has the virus: rapid antigen tests and molecular tests (PCR tests are a type of molecular test). According to a <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/different-types-of-covid-19-tests/" rel="nofollow noopener">Cleveland Clinic report</a>, molecular/PCR tests are “more sensitive and specific” than antigen tests. The downside of the PCR test is that it takes about 24 hours to process and could take much longer if the tests are sent to an outside lab and/or if the lab is backed up. Antigen tests can give results in as little as 15 minutes. But, because antigen tests are considered less reliable, some destinations only accept PCR tests. (As of this writing, both antigen and PCR tests are accepted for <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html" rel="nofollow noopener">admission to the US from abroad</a>.)</p> <p>On my way to Ecuador, I had a layover in Panama, where I found four COVID-19 testing sites at the airport. They were offering antigen test results in 30 minutes for only US $50. According to <a href="https://www.metropolitan-touring.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Metropolitan Touring</a>, which operates tours across Ecuador, some travelers who had planned their own trips to Galápagos arrived at the airport with antigen tests, only be turned away. They hadn’t done their research to know a PCR test was required. <strong>Don’t let this happen to you.</strong></p> <figure><strong><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/covid-19/covid-test-airport.jpg" alt="A COVID-19 rapid testing site in a Panama airport." /> </strong><figcaption>A COVID-19 rapid testing site in the Panama airport. Photo credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="checklist">Checklist for COVID-19 testing abroad</h2> <ol> <li>Determine whether the country you’ll visit (and your home country) requires a negative COVID-19 test for entry</li> <li>Confirm the type of test required and how recent it must be</li> <li>Research how to secure a test in the country(ies) you’ll visit</li> <li>Make an appointment with sufficient time to receive the results before boarding your flight</li> <li>Bring your ID, money, and your appointment confirmation number to the test</li> <li>Get the phone/email of whoever to contact should you not receive the results on time</li> <li>Save a screenshot of your negative test results on your phone, and print out a copy if possible</li> </ol> <p><em>Note: having been vaccinated for COVID-19 doesn’t necessarily mean you are exempt from providing a negative test – check those requirements. Passengers who have already had COVID-19 may be required to show documentation of recovery.</em></p>Getty Images / RyanKing999 11218527777 Getty Images A woman in protective gear performs a COVID-19 nasal swab test on a traveler.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/ecuador/visiting-ecuador-during-covid-19Ecuador is welcoming international travelers to enjoy its volcanoes, jungles, islands, and beaches – but how safe is it to visit during a pandemic? Cassandra Brooklyn shares her experience.2021-01-06T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/ecuador/visiting-ecuador-during-covid-19https://www.worldnomads.com<p><em>Ecuador is currently accepting visitors from around the world, but with certain restrictions in place, including COVID-19 test requirements and possible mandatory quarantine, depending on where travelers are arriving from. <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/ecuador/travel-warnings-and-updates">Get more information here</a>.</em></p> <p>Ecuador may not be a very large country, but it’s jam-packed with outdoor activities. While no destination can be considered totally risk-free during a pandemic, if you do choose to travel, Ecuador is likely one of the safest places you can visit, considering the strength of its safety and hygiene protocols and its abundance of hiking, biking, kayaking, and fresh-air fun.</p> <p>Here’s what you need to know before booking your trip to Ecuador.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#expect">What to expect when you arrive in Ecuador</a></li> <li><a href="#covid">COVID-19 health and safety precautions in Ecuador </a></li> <li><a href="#activities">Outdoor activities in Ecuador</a></li> <li><a href="#galapagos">Visiting Galapagos during COVID-19</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="expect">What to expect when you arrive in Ecuador</h2> <p>I visited Ecuador in December 2020, and at the time of writing all travelers were required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 10 days before arrival and fill out a <a href="https://www.ecoventura.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Formulario_de_Salud_del_Viajero_MSP2020.pdf">Traveler Health Declaration</a> form. <em>(Note: As of March 22, 2021, travelers who have had a complete COVID-19 vaccination can present the official vaccination certificate instead of a negative RT-PCR test result for entry to Ecuador. It appears a negative PCR test is still required for Galapagos.)</em> Travelers who arrive without negative test results must self-quarantine at their own expense.</p> <p>As soon as you get off the plane, you’ll be taken to a room where health professionals will administer a survey, take your temperature, and test your blood oxygen level through a non-invasive finger sensor device. The entire process takes only five to 10 minutes and, assuming your vitals are healthy, you’ll proceed on to customs and arrivals. For more travel updates, see the <a href="https://ec.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-ecu-2/">US Embassy in Ecuador website</a>.</p> <h2 id="covid">COVID-19 health and safety precautions in Ecuador</h2> <p>Masks are mandatory both indoors and outdoors, and the vast majority of Ecuadorians respect this rule. Sure, you’ll find some unmasked people at beaches and parks in uncrowded, small towns and rural areas, but in dense cities such as Quito, masks are mandatory outdoors, so you’ll even see runners and cyclists wearing them. I heard that residents of Guayaquil have been accused of not respecting mask mandates, so I avoided this city.</p> <p>Across the country, you’ll find hand sanitizer stations outside supermarkets, hotels, and pharmacies, in addition to foot-sanitizing mats, but it’s always smart to carry your own sanitizer with you. All hotel and restaurant workers wear masks and most also wear face shields; instead of paper menus or check-in forms, most businesses display QR codes for visitors to scan with their phones.</p> <p>Some high-end hotels will also have “ozone tunnels” to help decontaminate you, your clothes, and belongings before entering the hotel.</p> <h2 id="activities">Outdoor activities in Ecuador</h2> <p>Hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, kayaking, and many other outdoor activities are available all over Ecuador, but here’s what I did:</p> <h3>Quito</h3> <p>I flew into Quito and used it as a base to explore other areas. I spent one night in the capital city, then spent a week in the Galapagos, spent another two nights in Quito, then visited the Amazon, the cloud forest, and Cotopaxi before returning to spend my last night in Quito. Though the city does have great museums, I focused my time on outdoor activities like a walking tour of Old Town Quito and riding 30mi (48km) of the Sunday, car-free <em>Ciclovia</em> (cycleway).</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ecuador/covid/ecuador-amazon-rafting-break.jpg" alt="A woman takes a break with her guide during a kayaking trip through the Ecuadorian Amazon." /> <figcaption>The author takes a break with her guide during her Amazon kayaking trip. Photo credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <h3>The Amazon</h3> <p>Ecuador is home to the most accessible section of the Amazon, which can be reached by a four-hour drive from Quito – no airplane required. My schedule was pretty tight and it was important to me to go kayaking in the Amazon, so I paid for a private taxi to get me to Tenas – a gateway city to many Amazonian activities – then paid for two slots on the kayaking trip because nobody else signed up during the four days I spent in the area. In total, I paid US $250 for the afternoon activity but, considering it was my absolute favorite experience during a three-week trip in Ecuador, I’d say that it was worth it. The category II and III rapids made the 22mi (35km) river trip thrilling, but I never felt like I was in danger.</p> <p>Next, I headed to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SinchiWarmis" rel="nofollow noopener">Sinchi Warmi</a>, a community tourism center run by Quechua women striving to preserve traditional practices while creating educational and professional opportunities for women. I pretty much did all the activities the rustic lodge offers, from river tubing and visiting a rainforest animal rescue to making jewelry out of plants I helped harvest and indulging in chocolate therapy (hand scrub and facial using locally harvested cacao).</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ecuador/covid/sinchi-warmi-canoe.jpg" alt="A Quechua woman sits aboard a canoe on a river in the Ecuadorian Amazon." /> <figcaption>Riding in a canoe with one of the Quechua woman from the Sinchi Warmi center. Photo credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <p><em>Pro tip:</em> do not leave food in your bag when you overnight in the Amazon! I forgot about a bag of cookies in my day bag and when I came back from dinner in the dining hall, I found a dozen cockroaches crawling all over my stuff.</p> <h3>Cotopaxi</h3> <p>Just 90 minutes from Quito is Cotopaxi National Park, named after its main attraction, a not-so-dormant volcano. The region has some incredible hiking (the best being multi-day backpacking trips) but I was there to bike. I stayed at dairy farm-turned-B&B, <a href="https://www.tierradelvolcan.com/hacienda-el-porvenir/">Hacienda El Porvenir</a>, which offers bike rentals and has all levels of mountain-biking trails on site (I opted for the super-beginner trails). Mountain biking within the national park was my favorite activity in the region, but a close second was hiking to several waterfalls at the nearby <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reservasantarita" rel="nofollow noopener">Santa Rita Ecological Reserve</a> (the B&B arranged my transportation).</p> <h2 id="galapagos">Visiting Galapagos during COVID-19</h2> <p>Although Ecuador requires a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken 10 days or less before arrival, travelers to Galapagos need to present a negative test taken no more than 96 hours (four days) before arriving in Galapagos. If you plan it right, you can use the same test. I took a rapid test on the second-to-last day of <a href="/explore/central-america/costa-rica/traveling-in-costa-rica-during-covid">my visit to Costa Rica</a>, flew to Ecuador and spent one full day in Quito, then flew to Galapagos exactly 96 hours after taking the test. If you want to visit Galapagos but don’t think you can get a rapid test in your home country, take the regular test in advance, then <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/getting-a-covid-19-test-while-abroad">take another in Ecuador</a>. Your hotel or tour operator should be able to arrange the test at your hotel or can give you information on where to find a clinic.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ecuador/covid/ecuador-boat-galapagos.jpg" alt="A naturalist guide wearing a face mask aboard a nature tour boat in the Galapagos." /> <figcaption>A naturalist guide and guests on a nature tour in the Galapagos Photo credit: Photo credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <p>Anyone visiting Galapagos must have a safe passage document (called a<em> Salvoconducto</em>) issued by the Ministry of Tourism. The tour operator or accommodation you’ll be working with in Galapagos is responsible for arranging this.</p> <p>When you check in for your flight to Galapagos (at either Quito or Guayaquil airport), you’ll present the <em>Salvaconducto</em> form, obtain a transit control card (US $20 cash), and show proof of travel insurance and medical coverage (I purchased World Nomads insurance and it was accepted). When you arrive at the Baltra airport in Galapagos, you’ll pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US $100 cash).</p> <p>Though it’s still possible to visit Galapagos on your own, where you can book a hotel and take daytrips to nearby islands, COVID-19 has meant a slew of additional rules, regulations, and required forms have been introduced, so a solo trip would require quite a bit more planning and flexibility.</p> <p>I visited Galapagos with <a href="https://www.metropolitan-touring.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Metropolitan Touring</a> (which is currently offering some of its yacht excursions for half price) and it arranged just about all the details of my Galapagos trip. I stayed a few extra days in Puerto Ayora and arranged my own scuba diving, hiking, and snorkeling trips, but Metropolitan Touring handled all the difficult logistics, connected me with a scuba dive operator, and arranged for the dive boat to pick me up from the ship on my last day so I didn’t have to make an unnecessary, multi-hour trip back to Puerto Ayora.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/ecuador/covid/ecuador-seals-galapagos.jpg" alt="A pair of seals on a sandy beach in Galapagos." /> <figcaption>Seals on a beach in Galapagos. Photo credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> <p>Though Ecuadorians have ramped up domestic travel to help keep the tourism industry alive, some restaurants and businesses remain closed and tour companies have reduced the number of activities they offer. Since most companies have a required minimum number of passengers to go out, you’ll either have to wait for enough people to join, pay for multiple slots on the trip (as I did with kayaking in the Amazon), or find another activity to do.</p> <p>As you would for any destinations, you’ll want to read up on general <a href="/explore/south-america/ecuador/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-ecuador">need-to-know tips</a> and <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/ecuador/travel-warnings-and-updates">travel safety warnings in Ecuador</a>.</p> <p>Still want more information? Check out the recent <a href="/explore/south-america/ecuador/the-world-nomads-podcast-travel-to-ecuador-during-covid-19">Ecuador episode</a> on the World Nomads Travel Podcast.</p>Cassandra Brooklyn 0 Cassandra Brooklyn A woman stands with her mountain bike in front of the Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/central-america/costa-rica/outdoor-adventures-in-costa-ricaThe land of Pura Vida is known for outdoor activities – surfing, rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and ziplining are just a few of the options available. Nomad Cassandra shares her tips.2020-12-15T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/central-america/costa-rica/outdoor-adventures-in-costa-ricahttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2 id="to-do">Things to do in Costa Rica</h2> <p>With six different types of forest, dozens of volcanoes, abundant wildlife, and both Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, Costa Rica is known for outdoor activities.</p> <p><a href="/travel-insurance/activities/mountain-biking">Mountain biking</a>, road cycling, <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">rafting</a>, paddle boarding, kayaking, zip lining, canyoneering, <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/scuba-diving-travel-insurance">scuba diving</a>, and many other activities are available all over Costa Rica. I’m including my itinerary here, but know you can find most of these options all over the country.</p> <h3>Zip lining and hiking in Monteverde</h3> <p>The Monteverde district, in the north-central part of the country, is situated in a cloud forest 4,662 ft (1,440 m) above sea level, so it’s a bit cooler and more humid than other regions. Be sure to bring a light rain jacket and waterproof hiking boots. Note that if you plan on doing any hiking in Costa Rica (even moderate hikes in the forest), you’ll want to bring actual hiking boots. Even if hiking sandals have sufficient grip for the terrain, they won’t protect you from snakes or fire ants.</p> <p>In Monteverde, I visited some wildlife reserves and went on an epic zip lining and hanging bridge walk with <a href="https://skyadventures.travel/monteverde/">Sky Adventures</a>. But my highlight of the region was El Tigre Waterfalls, a collection of several falls connected by a series of hanging bridges and rugged mountain trails. Note that this is a semi-strenuous hike, but if you’re up for the challenge, you’re in for a treat – and a swim.</p> <h3>Waterfalls and river tubing near La Fortuna</h3> <p>Also in north-central Costa Rica, and located near the famous Arenal volcano, the town of La Fortuna is a popular destination that’s known for <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/cycling-travel-insurance">road cycling</a>, mountain biking, zip lining. and rafting.</p> <p>The La Fortuna waterfall is the most popular attraction in this region, and with good reason. I visited late on a Saturday afternoon, making my way down (and then back up) 600 steps to the 230ft (70m) waterfall, and there was only one other couple swimming with me. Half a dozen other visitors swam in the calmer stream off to the side of the waterfall.</p> <p>My favorite activity in Costa Rica was river tubing with <a href="https://goadventurepark.com/">Go Adventure</a>. I had hoped to go rafting, but since there weren’t enough people to make the tour, I joined a Costa Rican couple and floated through mild rapids and along dense forest dotted with howler monkeys and sloth. I spent both of my evenings at <a href="https://paradisehotsprings.net/la-fortuna/">Paradise Hot Springs</a>, soaking in outdoor thermal water pools that overlooked the Arenal Volcano.</p> <h3>Wildlife and surfing lessons at Manuel Antonio National Park</h3> <p>Along Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast is the jungle-meets-beach <a href="https://manuelantoniopark.com/">Manuel Antonio National Park</a>. Luxury hotels surrounding the park get you closest to the beach, forest, and animals, but less-expensive accommodation can be found a 15-minute taxi ride away in the town of Quepos.</p> <p>Several prominent trails and beaches are closed to prevent crowding on walkways, but I was still able to hike several miles along wooden boardwalks, where I spotted various types of monkeys, countless birds, and (with the help of my guide), venomous snakes! Bring boots, not hiking sandals.</p> <p>I had hoped to go scuba diving, but a hurricane heading toward nearby Nicaragua had left the waters tumultuous and cloudy, so I took a surfing lesson instead. My instructor insisted that the “small” waves were good for beginners, but after falling about 20 times and swallowing two liters of the Pacific Ocean, I began to think he was leading me on. I did eventually stand up for about two seconds, then abandoned the activity for an afternoon nap. Should you wish to take a surfing lesson, just look for an instructor hanging around the shady area of the beach.</p> <p>I've since learned that there are <a href="/travel-safety/central-america/costa-rica/costa-rica-surf-safety-tips">great surfing opportunities</a> for beginners all over the country. The appropriateness of the waves depends mostly on the weather each day, rather than the location.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/costa-rica/cr-bridge-ride.jpg" alt="A woman poses with her mountain bike on an abandoned railroad bridge in Costa Rica." /> <figcaption>The author on her mountain bike tour outside San Jose. Photo credit: Cassandra Brooklyn</figcaption></figure> <h3>Mountain biking near San Jose</h3> <p>The capital city, San Jose, has the widest variety of museums, dining options, and art galleries, but if you’re looking for nature options, it’s best to just overnight here, then head elsewhere.</p> <p>I joined a thrilling mountain bike tour with Marin Bike Tours that journeyed along an old, abandoned rail line outside of San Jose. Though some of the route was along paved roads that twisted and turned through spectacularly lush and beautiful scenery, much of the route consisted of riding over very muddy, rocky terrain and, in some cases, along steep drop-offs. There were also two spots where I had to walk my bicycle along very high rails that overlooked the river several hundred feet below. I enjoyed the ride, but if I were to do it again, I’d ask the guides to eliminate the most difficult parts. If you’re not experienced with mountain biking or you’re afraid of heights, I strongly suggest booking a different route.</p> <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip Notes</h2> <h3>Getting around</h3> <p>Uber is available (and is often cheaper than taxis), as are affordable public buses that can transport you between cities. Most travelers, however, rent their own vehicle or hire a local tour operator to arrange transportation. Wi-Fi is widely available, so should you rent your own vehicle, you could download driving directions before leaving your hotel.</p> <h3>Costs</h3> <p>In general, Costa Rica is less expensive than the United States, but it’s not exactly a budget destination. Here’s a rough breakdown of major costs, but keep in mind that these figures don’t include tips (which many tourism industry workers rely on).</p> <ul> <li><strong>Transportation:</strong> If you rent in advance, an economy car runs about USD $60 (CRC 35,400)/day; taxis cost about USD $1 (CRC 590)/kilometer; and buses cost about USD $5 (CRC 3,000) between many major cities (La Fortuna to San Jose, for example).</li> <li><strong>Hotel:</strong> Budget hotels range from USD $30-50 (CRC 17,700-30,000)/night, mid-range are USD $80-120 (CRC 47,200-70,800), and many luxury resorts that usually run $400-600 (CRC 236,000-354,00)/night currently have discounted rates of USD $250-300 (CRC 147,500-177,000)/night.</li> <li><strong>Food:</strong> Expect to pay anywhere from USD $15-$50 (CRC 8,900-29,500)/day on food. Meals in luxury resorts and upscale restaurants can cost much more.</li> </ul>Getty Images / Niki Harry 1982999248 Getty Images A woman rides a zip line through the cloud forest in Costa Rica.