Responsible Tourism: The Right Blend of Authenticity and Sensitivity

"Interacting with local people, being part of the real lives of the locals, participating in local traditions and customs... these are some aspects of ecotourism and responsible tourism that many travelers seek, in order to find unique and authentic experiences. But are we being intrusive when we seek more local and more personal experiences? What are responsible ways of conducting tourist activities in local communities, and what's the difference between responsible and irresponsible ways?"

So begins The International Ecotourism Society's recent article on the tension between finding authentic travel experiences and being culturally sensitive.

Being a respectful visitor should always be at the forefront of every world traveler's mind when they travel, but the challenge for many is finding a way to blend responsible travel and authentic experiences. As an outsider, it can be exceptionally difficult to identify whether the context you are stepping into (activities, guide services, political requirements for visitors, etc.) is sensitive to the prevailing social situation or not.

The key for travelers is to locate agencies that have consciously postured themselves as a positive force for change in the local community. One of the best ways we have found to navigate the murky waters of cross-cultural sensitivity is to sign on with a travel company that hires local guides, or even better, a locally owned firm. While "hiring local" is not a guaranteed way to avoid irresponsible practices, it is a good place to start.

Ziplining and other ecotourism activities
can bring a huge boost to local communities

As the Ecotourism Society's article points out, "In order for businesses and destinations to avoid exploitative forms of tourism and to be responsible and respectful, they must not only seek opportunities to engage travelers in an educational manner (for example through learning to cook local food, or participating in lessons to learn traditional craft-making), but also ensure that they are working with – and not for – the local communities."

We saw examples of this in our post on China's Yunnan province, with guiding and travel outfits using their platforms as mediums for conservation and community betterment efforts, not merely vehicles for gaining profits. Organizations such as The International Ecotourism Society and the Center for Responsible Travel can help shine light on which companies have a proven record of responsible travel practices.

Get out and travel responsibly.

Full article: How Can Travelers Find Authentic Experiences That Are Culturally Respectful and Socially Sensitive? (from The International Ecotourism Society)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park To Charge For Backcountry Camping

A measure to introduce a fee for backcountry camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which was adopted last year, goes into effect 2 days from now, on February 13th. The National Park Service has said that fees collected will allow for more staff and longer hours in the Backcountry Office, in order to provide more trip planning assistance for potential visitors.

The system for obtaining permits is still being finalized and the latest information can be found at the Great Smoky Mountains Backcountry Camping website, but the word so far is that it will be $4 per person per night to camp in the backcountry and that an online reservation system is in the works.

Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance, so be sure familiarize yourself with the new system in advance and nab your reservations before someone beats you to it!

Hosteling Bangkok - The Best of Cheap AND Chic

Bangkok used to be well-known as Asia's home for cheap accommodations, affordable drinks, and budget thrills for backpackers and world travelers, but the Asian financial boom of the '90s and Bangkok's financial renaissance have cause prices to move in one direction - up.

CheQinn hostel brings bright color and modern style together

Now, finding cheap room and board can be a challenge for travelers on a shoestring budget, and often "cheap" comes at the expense of cleanliness and comfort (and sometimes even safety).

However, the BBC has set out to remedy that by scouting a handful of Bangkok hostels that are economical without sacrificing the standards of today's "flashpackers."

BBC Slideshow - Bangkok's hippest hostels

If you're looking for cheap digs while you tour Bangkok's ornate temples, instead of reserving a room in Thailand's tallest building, check out one of these modish hostels:

• @Hua Lamphong - No frills but right in the thick of it, @HL is just down the street from Silom Plaza
• CheQinn - Ideal location near world-renowned Bumrungrad Hospital, east of Siam Square
• HQ Hostel - Located halfway between the river and Lumphini park in the Patpong district
• Lub d Siam Square - Right at the flashy Siam Square shopping complex, this is the heart of Bangkok
• Lub d Silom - Another option near HQ Hostel in Patpong district
• Suneta Hostel Khaosan - We weren't able to find an official website for them, so your guess for contacting them is as good as ours
• Take A Nap - Great location near Lumphini Park and the Saladaeng BTS station

Hong Kong's MTR - Getting Around "The Pearl of The Orient"

Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station in Hong Kong

"The Fragrant Harbor," where East meets West, the Pearl of the Orient - China's Special Administrative Region has a rich history, an intriguing modern posture, and occupies a unique position in the Asian landscape. Hong Kong is home to a booming movie industry, cosmopolitan shopping districts, an iconic skyline, and is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

Like an Asian version of New York City, Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps, and while all the hustle and bustle may seem overwhelming to travelers, Hong Kong consistently ranks in the top 5 best public transportation systems in the world. Consider this: over 90% of Hong Kong travel is done by mass transit every day, over 7 million people.

"World's Ten Best Ethical Destinations" - Your New Adventure

The world is a lot different than it was 50 years ago - travel destinations are easier to reach and information about those destinations is much easier to obtain. In addition, the prevalence of responsive consumer markets around the world means that we are able to make statements about what is important to us by how we spend our time and money, especially when it comes to travel.

Riga, Latvia's capital, decked in snow

One group that seeks to help concerned travelers make educated decisions for "ethical" travel decisions is Ethical Traveler, a non-profit that produces an annual report of their "World's Ten Best Ethical Destinations." Their report considers a combination of factors, focusing primarily on social welfare, environmental protection, and human rights.

"We urge you to visit these destinations, and explore the wonderful sights, cultures, and activities they offer," says Ethical Traveler's 2013 report, which has just come out. "Each country selected as a Best Ethical Destination also offers the opportunity to experience unspoiled natural beauty, and to interact with local peoples and cultures in a meaningful, mutually enriching way."

2013 Ouray Ice Festival - Ice Climbing Clinics

As a follow up to our recent post about Josh Wharton's lessons learned while ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies, we wanted to highlight the 2013 Ouray Ice Festival.

One of the best ways to get into a new sport, especially one as intimidating and potentially dangerous as ice climbing, is to attend a clinic run by experienced professionals.

Organized by San Juan Mountain Guides, the Ouray Ice Festival is a great place to get into the sport, with clinics that are very well priced ($49 for half-day) and guides who are billed as "The Local Experts."


Located near the picturesque mountain town of Telluride, the 5-day festival offers a perfect opportunity right after New Years to get away to the Colorado mountains for some skiing, Telluride nightlife, and a day or two (or a full 5) of ice climbing.

Add ice climbing to your New Year's resolutions and make your way to Ouray!

See China By Rail

For the budget or adventure-minded traveler, seeing China by train is a great choice. China's rail system is extensive and almost any destination can be achieved, at a fraction of the price of airfare.

Both of the following websites offer expedient search capabilities for all of the train routes in China:

CNVOL - Search by cities or by train number; also, a convenient drop-down menu aids in locating train ticketing offices in 32 of China's most commonly traveled cities.

Travel China Guide - This travel agency website also provides reliable searching by city or train number, as well as a ticket availability search.

In addition:

12306 - This is China Railway Ministry's online ticketing site, but it is only in Chinese at this point. If you choose to reserve tickets through this site, tickets must still be picked up at a ticketing office and a valid passport be provided.


Finally, once you do procure your tickets, you may still have trouble reading them. See the image below for a helpful guide to what your ticket actually says: