Category Archives: RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Why you should never pet a Tarsier

Sleeping Tarsier

I was walking in silence behind our guide, trying not to make any noise along the tiny path. We were surrounded by tight bamboo trees searching for the tiniest primate on earth, the Philippine Tarsier. Suddenly, the guide stopped. I nearly ran into him as I was looking into the trees, but managed to stop […]

Unethical animal tourism and what to do instead

Tourists bathing an elephant in Malaysia - unethical animal tourism

Animal tourism has been a part of travel as long as I know. Animals suffer more and more as numbers of travelers increase in the world. Traveling is more accessible than ever with 1.4 billion people traveling in 2018 according to World Tourism Organization. Even though there is an increasing knowledge by travelers on unethical […]

Kind Travel – An interview with Lauren Yakiwchuk

Lauren Yakiwchuk photographing wildlife

You might wonder what Kind Travel is? As a responsible travel blogger, this term piqued my curiosity too. So I decided to find out more and ask Lauren Yakiwchuk, founder of the responsible travel blog Justin Plus Lauren, more about this and how she focuses on responsible tourism. Lauren Yakiwchuk is specifically passionate about ethical […]

Things to bring to Cuba and other ways to support the locals on your trip

Things to bring to Cuba

Cuba is a wonderful travel destination with incredible white-sanded beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, pastel-colored houses, vintage cars, and super-friendly locals. But how is it to live in this intriguing country? After spending time with the locals, I found the answer quickly to be confirmed over and over again. The answer is “impossible”. With low wages, high […]

The Real Cuba – as told by locals

I was in a stranger’s house and just about to leave when the host’s friend looked me straight into the eyes and said: “I shot and killed three policemen. I sat in jail for eight years and was sentenced to death.” I froze. My eyes widened! Did I hear that right? He repeated himself. I […]

Akany Avoko Faravohitra gives new hope for Malagasy girls

Views of Antananarivo not far from the children's home

Akany Avoko Faravohitra is a non-profit organization in Antananarivo. They home around 50 girls of all ages from all around Madagascar. Some of the girls are victims of physical or psychological abuse. Others are underaged girls in conflict with the law that are awaiting trial. These girls are sent directly to the home by the […]

How to deal with overtourism when traveling

The Spanish Steps in Rome are always packed with tourists

Overtourism has become a serious problem too many places in the world. It drives locals away from their homes, spoils natural wonders and disturbs the ecosystem. As a person that feels that I can´t breathe unless I travel, I still question myself if I should travel sometimes. I once got stuck in the masses trying […]

11 Best wildlife encounters in Madagascar

Sustainable travel - lemur in Madagascar

Madagascar is known as a nature destination. And not without reason. However, most people mostly connect the island to lemurs, while the country has so much more to offer. In this post, I will show you the 11 best wildlife encounters in Madagascar, and where you can go for the experience. According to WWF (World […]

Where to see sea turtles nest in Madagascar

The white sandbar connecting the two islands of Nosy Iranja

Madagascar is home to five different species of sea turtles. They are all endangered as they are hunted either for their meat or their shell. Especially Green turtles and Hawksbill turtles are showing a marked decline in nesting. According to Sea Turtle Conservancy, there are only about 20-23 000 nesting females left of this species […]

Why you should never ride a donkey in Mijas

Mijas Pueblo is known for its Donkey Taxis. Bus tours travel daily to the idyllic Spanish village loaded with tourists from all over the world. They all want to tour the white village by donkey back. The village is situated halfway up the mountain with stunning views over the coastline of Costa del Sol. The […]