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)
Monday, March 14, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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!
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!
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 |
 |
| 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:
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:
Monday, February 21, 2011
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.
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.
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