Global Citizenship
As the summer sun beat down on the emerald waters of Pasco County, Florida, a treasure hunt unfolded beneath me. We glided through the clear shallows of the gulf waters, our eyes scanning the seagrass below for telltale flashes of blue - the tiny eyes of bay scallops peeking out from their fan-shaped shells.
With oceanfront suites, a hammam-anchored spa, and an intimate rum room, Anguilla's Zemi Beach House has five stars — and nearly 3,000 solar panels. Installed this past winter, a solar farm runs adjacent to the Caribbean resort and powers the property from dawn until dusk. The resort ranks as Anguilla’s first five-star hotel that’s completely solar during the day, indicating a bright future for green travel.
North of the Arctic Circle, Norway’s Henningsvær plays to the strengths of its surroundings. Framed by dramatic, jagged mountains and the icy Norwegian sea, this Lofoten fishing village attracts hikers, climbers, cold plungers, and divers alike. Two of these divers — Norwegian couple Matias Nordahl Carlsen and Alexandra Anker — repeatedly zip up their dry suits for more than just sport. Since the pandemic, Carlsen and Anker have been repurposing self-collected sea urchins into colorful table lamps. The idea began when Anker accidentally illuminated a decorative sea urchin with her phone flashlight while working at Henningsvær Bryggehotell. The result? Lofotlys, which serves a role in both Henningsvær’s business ecosystem and Norway’s environmental one.
Gliding silently through the winding channels of the Okavango Delta, I felt a bit nervous. Our mokoro canoe, a type of dugout canoe skillfully guided by a local poler, sliced through the murky waters as we navigated past water lilies. But the large pod of hippos standing at the shore not too far away dampened the soothing atmosphere. The remaining serenity was suddenly broken by a loud splash and grunt – a reminder that we were sharing these waters with some of Africa's most formidable creatures.
As travelers, one of the most exciting aspects of visiting another country is experiencing a new culture. We get the opportunity to learn about the history of places around the globe, participate in local events, and experience traditions and cultural practices first-hand. But, we also have a responsibility as global citizens to travel ethically and only participate in socially responsible tourism.
I knew very little about the black rhino when I first arrived in Africa. In fact, I knew next to nothing about African wildlife in general and even less about the impact of hunting in Zimbabwe. After three years guiding on the continent, black rhino poaching is now a problem with which I am very familiar.
Nestled deep in the enchanting region of Transylvania, Romania, the town of Sighisoara is home to one of Europe’s last inhabited medieval fortresses. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often overlooked by tourists, boasts a rich history spanning centuries and a cultural heritage that far exceeds its modest size.
Sumatra’s Leuser Ecosystem is a magnificent place. One of the largest intact forests left in Southeast Asia, the Leuser covers 2.6 million hectares and is the only place in the world where four important key species co-exist in the wild—the orangutan, tiger, elephant, and rhino.
The Azores is somehow forgotten European tourism destination. Lost in Atlantic the archipelago is a unique place. Hundreds of volcanoes, wonderful landscape and interesting architecture make it an interesting place to visit.
As the awareness of sustainable travel grows, more travelers are looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Choosing responsible travel methods not only benefits the planet but can also enhance your overall travel experience. Here are some tips to help you travel more responsibly on your next holiday.
In the grand scheme of world travel, Saint Vincent often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. Some might say this little island should stay hidden to avoid the effects of mass tourism. But keeping such a beautiful place a secret would be a real shame. Saint Vincent, part of the Grenadine Islands, is a true paradise with its own unique charm and rich history.
The earth belongs to not only some humans, but all humans and other species that co-exist together. So it’s important to ensure everyone is on board in a conservation initiative.
