The Passengers’ Airplane Behavior Bill of Rights

A prefectly hysterical post on lonelyplanet.com today.

The Passengers’ Airplane Behavior Bill of Rights

Article I: The right to remove shoes
Passengers shall be allowed to remove shoes from their feet, but only if the aforementioned feet don’t stink or present health risks to other passengers. The right of the passenger to go to the lavatory without shoes shall not be infringed, as it is really your own business should you want to stand in the urine of others.

Article II: Freedom from unreasonable aromatic assault
No passenger shall, in the time of flight, be subjected to unreasonable aromas, be it from powerful perfume, foods redolent of onion, or other fragrance wholly unnecessary whilst on an airplane.

Article III: The right to reasonable light
All passengers shall be allowed the right to use their own overhead light to read when the cabin lights are turned off, as that is its intended use. No passenger shall be unwillingly bothered by the thoughtless opening of window shades during this period; window seat passengers are not delegated the power to blind their fellow passengers.

Article IV: The article of reclension
A well-justified act of reclining one’s seat shall not be prohibited at all times, apart from meal time and other times specified by the flight crew. All instances of reclension shall be preceded by a rearward glance so as not to unwittingly crush the patellas or portable electronic devices of the affected passenger.

Article V: Freedom of no speech
There shall be no requirement for other passengers to listen to you drone on about your child, cat or other subject not directly germane to an immediate inflight emergency situation. The right of other passengers to give you the ‘book-off’ shall not be infringed, nor shall you assist with the answer to 14-across if unprompted.

Article VI: The right to bear armrestsIn all cases where an armrest is shared by two adjacent passengers, both parties must respect the right of the other to keep the armrest down. Passengers relegated to a middle seat shall be afforded special status, and aisle and window passengers shall endeavour to accommodate.

Article VII: Conditions of passenger quartersPassengers shall not be subject to the rubbish of others crammed thoughtlessly into seat-back pockets, or tossed onto the floor in a cavalier fashion. Chewing gum shall not be pressed to any surface affixed to an aircraft.

Article VIII: The right to heed the call of natureA well-organised attempt to use the lavatory, being necessary for inflight calm and gastrointestinal health, shall not be impeded by aisle passengers sleeping or otherwise. The rights of others waiting to use a lavatory shall supersede the frankly ill-advised wishes of current lavatory users to waste time poking around said lavatory.

Article IX: Provisions concerning use of electronic devices
The assurance of safety shall not be infringed by the desires of others to make one last phone call, update their social network status to brag about their impending holiday, or to plant cauliflower in their virtual farm. WhilstMythBusters and others have debunked most potential dangers of using common electronic devices on planes, safety and calm shall take precedence.

Article X: Cruel and unnecessary aisle cloggingNo passenger shall, in the time of disembarking, hastily grab their bag and congest the exit route before actual movement is possible. Likewise, when it comes time to exit, no passenger shall unaccountably act surprised that it is their turn to leave.

Article XI: Freedom from feral children
The right of passengers not to be kicked in the back, have their hair pulled, be presented with unasked-for mucous-moistened objects, or be otherwise assaulted by feral children shall not be infringed. Crying babies cannot be held accountable for their actions, and are therefore exempt.

Article XII: The right of reasonable alcohol consumptionNo person, apart from those who are drunk and obnoxious or minors, shall be prohibited from imbibing an alcoholic beverage should they feel that it is a good idea, despite all indications to the contrary.

Article XIII: The right to private mediaReading over others’ shoulders shall not be inflicted, unless achieved in a particularly stealthy fashion causing no annoyance to the book holder. The same shall be true for films and other non-private media.

In the News

Wanted to share a few fantastic articles that I read this morning.

Happy Tuesday :)

Thomson Airways Becomes First Airline to Fly UK Customers on Sustainable Biofuel: http://www.adventuretravelnews.com/thomson-airways-becomes-first-airline-to-fly-uk-customers-on-sustainable-biofuel

Mexican tourism officials in 'total shock' at Princess move: http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/post/2011/06/puerto-vallarta-mexico-princess-cruise-travel-vacation-safety/175366/1

Francis Ford Coppola Resorts Reinforce Commitment to Sustainable Travel: http://www.adventuretravelnews.com/francis-ford-coppola-resorts-reinforce-commitment-to-sustainable-travel

National Geographic Wildlife Explorers Alarmed by Declining Lion Population: http://www.adventuretravelnews.com/national-geographic-wildlife-explorers-alarmed-by-declining-lion-population-photo

You Can Call Me at the Beach

Well, it seems that my plans to take it easy this year may be changing. Life has tossed me a few ups and downs over the last month and it is now time to rethink and take sock of some plans

I am thinking now that working remote from the stunning shores of Costa Rica for a while may be just what the Dr ordered.

I have a place to stay
I have internet and other required connections
I have aeroplan points to get me there
I woud be paid to be in paradise

Is there really anymore to consider ...

$40 a Day

Interesting article from bootsnall.com on how to traverse the globe on just $40 a day.

I stuck to a budget of $30 a day during my 4 months in Africa and South East Asia and it was dead easy. I cant imagine how much more I could have gotten for that extra $10. It would have been pure luxury!

How to Travel Around the World for $40 Per Day | BootsnAll Travel Articles

International Voluntourism Guidelines Research Launched

Press release that popped into my email this morning. Very interesting stuff:

Industry Leaders Collaborate to Create Global Initiative

 to Transform Good Intentions into Best Practice

WASHINGTON, DC and TORONTO, April 5, 2011 - The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) and Planeterra, a leading non-profit foundation dedicated to sustainable community development and environmental conservation through travel, are collaborating to develop a set of criteria that will help international voluntourism providers plan and manage their programs in a responsible and sustainable manner.


An increasing number of travel companies are adding volunteer opportunities to their tour itineraries worldwide, and the trend, which is now commonly known as voluntourism, is growing rapidly. The 2008 Condé Nast Traveler/MSNBC poll, for example, stated that the number of regular volunteer vacationers has doubled since 2002, and the number of those who have volunteered at least once has tripled. According to the 2009 Green Traveler Study by CMIGreen, 59.1% of those surveyed said they were interested in volunteering during a future trip.


With this growth, a myriad of issues and challenges has emerged, including: project development concerns, impacts on host communities, travelers' skills and experiences, and the potentials for positive change. There is an increasing need for effective tools that help providers and travelers make smart decisions. The goal of the TIES-Planeterra effort is to address these challenges and to outline parameters that will guide both project leaders and travelers alike.


"Travelers are searching for new authentic experiences worldwide, like voluntours, that put them face to face with some of our most important global challenges," says Megan Epler Wood, Executive Director of Planeterra. "There are now more opportunities for travelers with skills, in areas like engineering and health care, to assist local communities and help develop beneficial projects, like assisting with clinics and developing clean water systems for villages that lack adequate services," says Epler Wood.


To ensure that this project incorporates a diverse range of industry knowledge and experiences, TIES and Planeterra are working with an International Expert Committee representing a variety of industry sectors and regions:

• Bodhi Garrett, Co-Director, Andaman Discoveries, Thailand
• Valeria Gracia, Asociación Civil Voluntario Global, Argentina
• Sallie Grayson, Programme Director, People and Places, U.K.
• Nancy McGehee, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Virginia Tech University, U.S.A.
• Paul and Thandi Miedema, Founders, Calabash Tours, South Africa
• Kristin Lamoureux, Ph.D., Director, International Institute of Tourism Studies, The George Washington University School of Business, U.S.A.
• Lelei LeLaulu, President, Community Benefit Development and Co-chairman, Innovation for Sustainable Development Centre, U.S.A.
• Daniela Ruby Papi, Founder, PEPY Tours, Cambodia
• Gopinath Parayil, Founder and Chief Executive, The Blue Yonder, India
• Marnie Heim-Stafford and Jeremy Stafford, Owners, Voluntours, South Africa
• Andy Woods-Ballard, Director of Operations, Global Vision International, U.K.
• Dr. Stephen Wearing, Associate Professor, University of Technology, Australia

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with industry leaders and voluntourism experts from around the world,” says Dr. Kelly Bricker, Chair, TIES Board of Directors. "We believe that there are a number of opportunities to apply lessons learned from the ecotourism community’s experiences in the past couple of decades to effectively support voluntourism in order to maximize positive impacts of the power of travel."


"Our first priority is to develop, through an interdisciplinary approach, sound guidelines for voluntourism activities that will serve as a practical tool for voluntourism providers," says Megan Epler Wood of Planeterra. "This tool will both complement existing knowledge and make an important contribution to ongoing efforts to develop and grow voluntourism in a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable manner."


Planeterra was founded in 2003 by Gap Adventures, the largest independent adventure travel company in the world, and is a leading international organization promoting voluntourism activities, which give back to destinations and contribute to the sustainable development of communities.


"It’s very rewarding to see Planeterra and TIES leading this work to establish guidelines that will ensure the long-term health and well-being of communities and destinations around the world," says Gap Adventures Marketing Director, Richard Edwards. "We believe the guidelines will serve as an important tool for voluntourism providers – from large global companies like Gap Adventures to small-scale local community enterprises."


The research project will incorporate a global survey program to be undertaken in May 2011 and stakeholder meeting, which will be held Sept. 19-21 during the upcoming Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference organized by TIES in Hilton Head Island, SC. TIES will produce the final draft for expert committee review and publication in early 2012.


For more information on the TIES-Planeterra Voluntourism Guidelines project, see updates on: www.ecotourism.org/voluntourism.

ESTC 2011

I would kill to attend this, but alas, this year I will be 8 months pregnant and flying will not be an option:



Hosted by Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA, the ESTC 2011 will be held from September 19th-21st, 2011. Bringing together 500+ business leaders, industry professionals and community stakeholders, the ESTC 2011 will feature dynamic sessions, public forums and social functions that offer eye-opening insights into the latest on sustainable business strategies and unparalleled networking and knowledge-sharing experiences.

http://www.ecotourismconference.org/

Update on Japan

Dear friends of GLOBIS & KIBOW,

This is my 4th email to you after March 11th. The reasons why I am sending emails to you are simple. I feel that foreign media are not doing their jobs and I guessed that you would love to hear what an entrepreneur living in Tokyo is thinking about.

One Canadian student who has flown from Toronto on March 13th to Tokyo to join GLOBIS International MBA Program (our academic year starts from April) said to me, “CNN and Fox are disgusting; I thought BBC was fair, but this time even BBC is over exaggerating”.

One female Malaysian student who has flown into Tokyo just two days ago said “If you are in KL, you think that all of Tokyo is contaminated by radiation. My parents strongly begged me not to come to Tokyo. After arriving here, everything is amazingly normal.”

This is the typical reaction you get when you talk to people in Tokyo now.
In this 4th issue, I would like to draw your attention to just 3 points.

1. Fukushima Nuclear Reactor seems to be stabilizing:

Hong Kong Radiation Exceeds Tokyo Even After Nuclear Crisis -Businessweek

http://buswk.co/gSUS9P

If you live in Tokyo, the radiation you get in the air is minimal. The level of the air and water is decreasing and most of us are back in business as usual. My wife who has to take care of 5 kids does not mind drinking tap water now.

2. You get all the attention just being in Japan now!

If you come to Tokyo now, you will get all the attention. After the exodus of foreigners, Roppongi is quite a different place and hotels are filled just with local residence. Shangri-la Hotel has decided to close down for one month. We would just have to question their level of commitment to Japan.

At the last email that I had sent to you, I have criticized French
Government for having caused panic in Tokyo by sending chartered flight to evacuate French people out of Japan, but recently French is showing strong sing of coming back. President Sarkozy and CEO of French nuke firm Areva has visited Japan, and vowed to support Japan.

Saudi Aramco has grabbed the headline by CEO Al-Falih visiting Japan on
March 22nd when no foreigner even thought about touching Japan, and offered
a $20 million donation to help Japanese recovery efforts.

Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of Renault- Nissan Alliance, visited a Nissan factory in Iwaki, which is within 40 KM radius from Fukushima Nuclear Reactor on March 31st has gained the support of people in Iwaki by showing his commitment to Fukushima and Japan. GE chief executive Jeff Immelt is now in Japan.

You will get all the attention just by visiting Japan now. On the other hand, if you do not show your commitment, you will just simply be disregarded after Japan recovers.

I am still shocked with Lufthansa who stops in Seoul-Incheon to allow for crew changes. “That way the crews no longer have to stay in Japan overnight”. What a bad message that Lufthansa is sending to Japan. Japanese people are so frustrated with this policy that some of my friends told me that they would never fly Lufthansa. After all, we have not heard strong messages from German, yet.

3. Going back to business as usual

Most of the houses in Japan except for the region that was hit by Tsunami have regained electricity, water and gas. The roads have been fixed and trains have gradually started running. The speed of the recovery of factories is acclaimed by an Israeli friend of mine as “amazing”.

As for me, GLOBIS has just finished Entrance Ceremony for newly entering students of International MBA program today. We have 12 different nationalities, such as French, Canadian, Thailand, Chinese, Korean, Nigerian, Danish, etc. All together, the number of students who entered GLOBIS MBA in both Japanese and English languages is 348, which makes us as the largest business school in Japan with best ranked by Nikkei Career Magazine for 2 consecutive years.

I have attached a speech memo that I have used today. Japanese are working hard to go back to business as usual, but we still have three issues hanging in front of us.

1)Perceived danger & uncertainties on Fukushima

2)Power shortages caused by the shutdown of most of nuclear reactors in Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area.

3)Supply chain problems: The tsunami has washed out some of the critical factories in Touhoku region, and Radiation is forcing some factories operating within 20‾30km radius from Fukushima to cease operation.

However, cherry blossoms have started to bloom, so the mindset of Japanese people is becoming much more positive now. Furthermore, I can feel that there is strong energy coming out from within us. We can say that Japanese people are truly committed not only to rebuild Japan, but to create and innovate something new after this disaster.

So hopefully, you can spread words that Japan is coming back.

Yours,

GLOBIS & KIBOW Leader
Yoshi Hori

Facebook:YoshitoHori
http://twitter.com/YoshitoHori
http://blog.globis.co.jp/hori_english/

Trains Make the World Go Round

As a pretty seasoned traveller I have spend my fare share of time on trains. I have taken the rails in Canada, Scotland, England, Holland, Germany, Czech Rep. and Thailand.

Most of the time the stations have been clean, but unremarkable. All have the same standard fare; food stalls, notice boards, ticket counters and hords or people going here and there.

But clearly I have been missing out! Just take a look at some of these babies:

11 of the World’s Coolest Train Stations

I have been thinking that my next adventure would bring me back to Britain and Europe and this seals the deal. I foresee a fare bit more train travel in my future now ...

10 Constants of Air Travel

If you have EVER flown you have encountered at least one of these.

If you have yet to take on the open skies, well, you will ...

10 Constants of Air Travel

The Lone Traveller

When I was in South East Asia for 3 months last year I was essentially alone. Sure I met people every time I turned around and ended up sharing rooms, boats and buses with familiar strangers, but at the end of the day I was on my own.

I had wanted to take off and explore the world by myself, with my own agenda and plans.

And while I am one of the seemingly rare folks who enjoyes her own company and has no problems being alone with my thoughts and a good book, some people thought I was nuts to go at it on my own. They all expressed various reason, mostly them being safety related, but some were worried about me getting lonely or depressed.

With all honesty I can say that I was never lonely or depressed. Sure I pined for home a few days here and there & missed my boyfriend. Sure long night bus rides through the Vietnamese countryside can be a bit trying solo, but the experiences changed me.

Enroute to the Mui Ne

My time travelling solo made me stronger, more sure of myself, gave me the courage to step out of my confort zone and take on the unknown. It made me a better woman in all sorts of ways.

Enjoying my 2 day boat journey up the Mekong River from Laos back to Thailand

But thats just me.  Some people just cant even fathom the idea of travelling alone. And for some who do take it on, it may not end up being the experience that they had hoped for.

Cycling around the Mekong Delta

BootsnAll has posted another great article on Dealing With Loneliness As a Solo Traveler, how solo travel can change you.

I encourage EVERYONE at some point to get out and do it on your own, even if its just a short road trip. You may just surprise yourself :)

A time to reflect on Sakura

As sent to me in a newsletter today from The Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors

Sakura is the Japanese cherry blossom and the annual blossom festivals are just about 3 weeks away. In city parks throughout Japan, the cherry blossoms will resemble forests of pink clouds, and this visual treasure has inspired poets and artists to regard the sakura as an omen of good fortune, an emblem of love and a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life. In fact, the Japanese expression “mono no a-ware” includes the concept of ‘empathy toward things’ as well as ‘the impermanence of things’, both associated with the Sakura.

This year’s cherry blossom festival will include much ambivalence for the Japanese people, as well as many travellers who have explored the country and fallen in love with the people, the history, culture, the food and everything else that ‘is Japan’. For some the delicate beauty and bouquet of the blossoms will elicit feelings of strength and hope; that despite the terrible catastrophes that the country is enduring, the cherry blossoms will have bloomed and brought joy and a sense of ‘things will get better as time goes on”.

For others, reflecting on the poetic impermanence of the cherry blossoms, the feeling may be more empathetic; that good times, reflected in the blooming of the Sakura, and bad times, symbolized by the fact the sakura will eventually fall to the ground or be dispersed in the wind and die, are part of the cycle of life. But there is no negativity or regret in these feelings, it is more a positive projection that next spring, once again, the sakura will appear and put smiles on people’s faces and reaffirm that life goes on.

The sakura has been a favourite topic for Haiku poets over the years, and as in the past, schools will hold Sakura Haiku competitions in 2011. The inspiration for this falls to the famous Japanese poet, Kobayashi Issa who wrote in the early 19th Century,

when cherry blossoms

scatter...

no regrets

From many other Issa poems, and of course personal one-on-one involvement in appreciating the sakura, we can all take comfort in the fact that Japan will recover with our help and support.

The travel industry is ideally suited to contribute to the recovery by suggesting that travellers contact one of the many charitable organizations collecting money for shelter, medical supplies, clean water, food and clothing. This includes www.humanitariancoaltion.com (founded by Care, Oxfam and Save the Children) or the Canadian Red Cross (www.redcross.ca), World Vision (www.worldvision.ca), Doctors without Borders (www.msf.ca), and more. In addition, travel counselors and travellers may wish to contact the Japanese Cultural Centre in the city nearest to you to see what else you and your agency and clients may be able to do to assist. Travel counsellors can be proactive with their clients. Compassion and care for the planet—which is the product that you sell, goes a long way in establishing and maintaining relationships with your current and future client base. We are all in this together

In the spirit of |Mono no a-ware, the impermanence of life to which the expression alludes. is not restricted to referring to the short life of the sakura; the cherry blossom. It can be also seen as a hopeful expression that tragedy and catastrophe is also impermanent

Reflect on the sakura and see the strength and beauty of the blossom. They will bloom in full force in the weeks ahead.

A Note from the International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

In the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, our members and partners are responding with help for victims and calls for action, and are standing ready to provide volunteer support for relief efforts in the affected areas.

Japan Ecolodge Association has set up the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund to collect donations. As we've all learned from various major disasters around the world, recovery will be a long process, and the need for support will be even greater in the coming weeks and months as the country starts to fully grasp the extent of damage and the rebuilding efforts begin.

In honor of all those affected by this tragedy, we ask for your support and solidarity - please donate if you can, spread the word and continue following updates from credible sources about recovery efforts.

Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund

Ayako Ezaki, Digital Traveler Editor
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

Holland in Bloom

A beautiful email from a friend that just made me smile.

The Netherlands in May:

At first glance, it looks like a giant child armed with a box of crayons has been set loose upon the landscape. Vivid stripes of purple, yellow, red, pink, orange and green make up a glorious patchwork. Yet far from being a child's sketchbook, this is, in fact, the northern Netherlands in the middle of tulip season. The Dutch landscape in May is a kaleidoscope of color as the tulips burst into life. The bulbs are planted in late October and early November. More than three billion tulips are grown each year and two-thirds of the vibrant blooms are exported, mostly to the U.S. and Germany ..


Their dazzling colors are thanks to the years in the 17th century when tulip mania swept the globe and the most eye-catching specimens changed hands for a small fortune. But like a Rainbow, this colorful landscape is a short-lived phenomenon. When the flowers are gone, the land will be cultivated for a rather more mundane crop of vegetables.. The Netherlands produce more than nine million bulbs a year.

Top 6 Ways to Get around in Thailand

I loved my time in Thailand and 2 months exploring such a beautiful and diverse country was just not enough. One of the things I loved about my travel through Asia were the many different types of transport I was able to enjoy. And while each country had some similarities, they also each had their own distinct brand and feel.

And since I spent most of my time in Thailand I thought I would start my transportation review there (Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to come soon!)

So here you have it, my top 6 (because 6 is better than 5) ways to get around in Thailand

#1 Tuk Tuk – Basically a small three-wheeled motorized cart, named after the sound their not so eco-friendly engines make (it’s took-took, not tuck- tuck), they are one of the iconic images of Thailand. They are loud and seem to be driven by maniacs who have their own set of rules of the road. They are all over the major city centres and will get you anywhere you need to go and for a price that is fare, just use those well honed haggling skills BEFORE you jump in.

TukTuks in Bangkok - Copywrite E. Travis 2010

#2 Night Trains: Sure, there are trains in almost every corner of the earth and most people have traveled from here to there on them, especially if you have been to Europe. But Thai trains are not like your squeaky clean and uber comfy Euro rides. Nope, these are commuter trains in all sense of the world, they are all about function, not fashion, set to get you from A – B. Now, that being said, they so have sensible bunks with bedding, dining cars and friends (if not pushy) staff roaming up and down the cars selling food and drink. And trust me, there is nothing is more entertaining than a sweaty, Chang and Sangsom filled 14 hr ride up or down the country side.

Night Train from Bangkok to Khao Sok - Copywright E. Travis 2010

#3 Motos: Also know as scooters, motorbikes or vespas, motos will be found darting in and out of traffic in the busy street of Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Chiang Rai and well, just about everywhere else. Your first time on a moto may be one where you are in fear of your life, but soon you will become used to and if not addicted to the wind ripping through your hair and the lightening speed at which you can get from here to there.

Motos in Chiang Rai - Copywite E. Travis 2010

#4: Long Tails – You have all seen them. They are in every postcard of Thailand and I am surprised they are not on the currency at this point. They are the long, usually colourful wooden boats used to get around in shallow waters and for short trips between bays. Their name comes from their onboard engine with a long driveshaft which are perfect for maneuvering through the shallow and tight waterways they regularly ply.

Long Tails in Phi Phi - Copywrite E. Travis 2010

Long Tail in Lipe - Copywrite E. Travis 2010

#5: Ferries: If you go to Thailand, you will go to the islands. It’s a given and for some it’s the reason they have come ½ across the world to this little slice of heaven on earth. And well, to get to any of the hundreds of different locations scattered through the Gulf of Siam and in the Andaman Sea you are going to need to take a ferry. Thai ferries are very similar to any other ferries I have been on before in Europe or North America, except for the face that they are mostly passenger based. You wont see as many vehicles on a Thai ferry as you do in Canada. And ferries can be just as much fun as trains. If you are luck you will score a seat, but if not just find yourself a nice place in the shade on the open air deck, spread out your sarong or hang your hammock and off you go for a few hours of stunning open sea views, some laughs, drinks and spend some time working on your golden tan.

Ferry from Suratthani to Phangan

 #6 Songthaew: No list is complete without the Songthaew. And if you spend any time in the North of Thailand or on the islands, you will at some point encounter one of these colourful, converted pick-up truck taxies. While they usually run regular routes between bus stations and city centres and outlying towns & villages, in places like Chiang Mai you can hail them street side for short rides. They are best used then you have a few people to share the fare with, but if not, you can always just jump in with the rest of the travellers in the back after you have negotiated your fare and off you go!

Songthaew in Chaing Mai

And just one more thing: There are no meters, and trip costs are negotiated in advance (trains and buses excluded). Don’t forget this and get burned in the end … been there, done that!

Brazil 2011 - Make Your Plans NOW!

Sprawling across half of South America, Brazil has captivated travelers for at least 500 years. Powdery white-sand beaches, lined with palm trees and fronting a deep blue Atlantic, stretch for more than 7000km. Dotting this coastline are tropical islands, music-filled metropolisesand enchanting colonial towns. Inland, Brazil offers dazzling sights of a different flavor: majestic waterfalls, red-rock canyons, and crystal-clear rivers – all just a small part of the natural beauty. Its larger and more famous attractions are the Amazon and the Pantanal, the pair hosting some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet. Wildlife-watching is simply astounding here, as is the opportunity for adventure – though you needn’t go to the jungle to find it. Kayaking, rafting, trekking, snorkeling and surfing are just a few ways to spend a sun-drenched afternoon in nearly any region in Brazil.



Some of the world’s most exciting cities lie inside of Brazil’s borders, and travelers need not come to Carnaval to experience the music, dance and revelry that pack so many calendar nights. Given the country’s innumerable charms, the only drawback to traveling in Brazil is a logistical (and financial) one: you simply won’t want to leave.

Brazil Travel Information and Travel Guide - Lonely Planet:

40

It's has been decided. For my 40th Birthday, I will be taking the kids (yes. I plan on having kids by then) over to Morocco, India, Nepal and Tibet for the summer.

Two months on the road with two kids under ten. Some may say that sounds crazy. I say it sounds fantastic.

Anyone can go to Disney, but I want my kids to have more broad and open experiences. I want them to develop the same love of adventure and exploration that I have. I want to them to dive into new cultures, foods and places with excitement, not fear.

I want them to explore the bustling Moroccan souks,

Venture into the desert on camel back with the Bedouin,

Bask in the awe of the Taj Mahal,

Feel the power of the Ganges,

Glimpse the peaks of Everest,

Breath in the stunning beauty of Lhasa and be near the immense presence of where the Dalai Lama once called home.

And when they go back to school in the fall and are asked, "So what did you do this summer" I want them to tell magical tales of travel and adventure not from a book, but from their own experiences.

Photo of the Week

Berliner Dom, Berlin, Germany - Copywrite E. Travis 2008

Screw Winter

I wanna go to Costa Rica!!!

Photo of the Week

Holocaust Memorial, Berlin, Germany. Copywrite E. Travis 2008 

NatGEOs Ultimate Adventure Bucket List

Looking for a little thrill before it all ends?

Well look no further than NatGEOs amazing Ultimate Adventure Bucket List - Ultimate Adventure Bucket List - National Geographic Adventure:

This is 20 of the most extreme, hair-raising, legendary adventures on the planet, daunting even for the world's elite athletes

I will take a moment to brag and say that I have already knocked off the following:

• Kayak or Raft the Zambezi
• Ski the Dave Murray Downhill, Whistler

But I still have a few others still to check off:

• Hike to Everest Base Camp
• Camel Trek Morocco
• Bike the Baja Peninsula
• Trek the Salcantay Route to Machu Picchu

Gorilla Contest for the Golden Ticket

Gonzo the Gorilla has lost it.. His contract with BT is up, so who knows what's next for him. Here's a little video update on our hairiest employee..

Photo of the Week

The Berlin Wall, Berlin, Germany - Copywrite E. Travis 2008

Andrew McCarthy - How I Travel

Andrew McCarthy has been a long standing crush of mine ever since Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo' Fire, Mannequin and the beloved Weekend at Bernie's,

And now, here I am in my 30s, still crushing on him, but for a whole other reason.

Andrew is a traveller, a man after my own heart. And he like to "travel", not visit or see. Travel, meet people, experince cultures, get lost, have no plans, go with the flow

How I Travel: Andrew McCarthy | BootsnAll Travel Articles

He's so dreamy ....

Beach Travellers Featured in Hush Magazine

Beach Travellers founders Graeme Barker & TJ Hermiston, a.k.a G & T, sat down with Vancouver's Hush Magazine for a beer and a little chat about BT. What BT is all about, where it came from, where it's going ... well, have a look:



For more Beach Travellers videos, please visit our YouTube Page

You see that sweet vehicle they're taking to the surf? It's a Scion xB, and it's legit. Check out Scion Canada's Facebook page

Photo of the Week

Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Copywrite E. Travis 2008

Facebook in the Travel Biz?

Could the social media monster take over where guidebooks, travel agents and travel writers now stand? I honestly don't see it happening anytime soon, but it's an interesting idea.

Can Facebook Morph into the New Travel Guidebook?

Sustainable Tourism is the Key

Sustainable and responsible tourism is something I feel very strongly about. It is something that I am trying to implement in my job now and I see it being a reality sooner than later.

In all my travels I strive to make as little a footprint as possible, and to give back in one way or another.

In Zambia I spent a day in a rural village with the local children, playing and providing them with school supplies and clothes.

In South Africa I spent the day touring Cape Town and the surrounding area with a former resident of District 6 and a survivor of Apartheid.

In Thailand and Cambodia I visited orphanages and brought with me reading and colouring supplies and had memorable days with amazing warm and loving children

In Vietnam I met with Agent Orange victims of the America War and spent time with local families learning about their way of life,

And in Laos I attended morning alms-giving and provided food to the Buddhist Monks and helped new Laos friends with their English school work and communication skills.

I took all local transportation (outside of flights required to get from North America to Africa and Asia), I ate local foods and bought locally made and traditional gifts and clothes.

All of this brought me closer to the people and places of where I was. All of it made the experiences more important to me. It opened my eyes to things I thought I knew about, but realized I had no understanding of. I made me want to go home and do more.

I aim to just do that in 2011.

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted by consensus at its 65th session three separate resolutions emphasizing the role of tourism in sustainable development. The three resolutions, on the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, on the promotion of ecotourism, and on the importance of sustainable tourism for Small Island Developing States stress the significance of the sector to the development agenda in terms of sustainability, employment, and poverty elimination. The resolutions further welcomed the efforts and work of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in promoting sustainable tourism for poverty eradication.

Read more here: UN General: Sustainable Tourism is Key for Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication:

December 26, 2004

A day that will live forever. The natural disaster that would occur this day would be the worst in human history. 230,000 people would die, 14 countries would be affected.

Throug the eyes of those that where there, this is the the story of the Boxing Day Tsunami which ravaged Burma,, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India and – thousands of kilometres away – Somalia in East Africa.

These stories are incredible and heart wrenching, and after traveling throughout Thailand this year and being in the very places that were ravaged by a series of giant waves, all of this is hits home more than ever.

Please note that this film contains images and descriptions which some may find distressing

Tsunami: Caught on Camera

Photos of the Week

Thought I would start something new. Each week I will post a new photo from my past travels. Let me know what you think ... I have millions of photos so I should be able to keep up with this new adventure for a while.

Since I am not too sure where to start I thought I begin with Europe and work chronologically over the past 2 years of globe trotting.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands - July 2008 - Copyright E. Travis 2008