independent traveller
Bridging the tourist divide in Berlin
In Berlin, two buildings face each other on the Spree River: one is a shiny highrise, its mosaic of metallic colours gleaming on the roadside. It is the new Mercedes Benz building that will be constructed by Caimmo. Across the road from it sits a beach club, called YAAM, with a colourful graffiti-style sign and […]
Five ways to explore Kyiv (Kiev) like a local
Who said that ticking off your guide’s sightseeing suggestions is the ultimate way to see a city? How many of us have gone somewhere just to be tired of the same tour schedule, hordes of tourists with their noisy cameras and a feeling that, even though we flew/drove all this way to our destination, we’ve […]
Going local with AWOL – a guide to getting lost
Here at the Local Travel Movement, we have always believed in the power of getting lost to go local. The beaten path really has been too well trod, so why not throw caution to the wind – and with it the bucket lists of must-sees and must-dos – and detour through that alluring alleyway filled […]
Top 5 local things to do and see in London
Urban Adventures is all about experiencing cities like a local. One of our favourite cities, London, is also one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, so it’s easy to get lost amongst the big attractions. Here are our top 5 recommendations for local things to do and see in London. Visit the Markets London’s […]
Importance of supporting local communities when you travel
While traveling through the Banff/Lake Louise region, I was fortunate enough to experience some of the activities that make the area great. Hot springs, snow tubing and exploring nature were all highlights, but one of my favorite activities was dogsledding with Kingmik Dogsled Tours. Megan is also the owner of Kingmik Dogsled Tours, a business […]
Experience Ukraine as a local: comfort foods, bread, grandmas and bazaars
What foods do you know from Ukrainian cuisine? Is it the borshch that first pops up in your head? No doubt, it is the main representative of Ukrainian culinary talents abroad, beside pierogi, or varenyky as they are called here, and vodka or horilka. However, Ukrainian cuisine extends much farther than that! You won’t find […]
Responsible Tourism Week 2012: Planeta hosts global unconference
Fall in love with responsible travel from February 13-19, 2012, as Planeta.com hosts Responsible Tourism Week 2012, the annual, week-long online unconference, an inexpensive way to broaden and deepen conversations about travel and tourism. 2012 is the fourth year for Responsible Tourism Week (read more about the event in 2011 and 2010) and we expect […]
Urban Adventures and the Local Travel Movement
Local travel is what we do. It’s the backbone of our operations, and a fundamental aspect of our day-to-day business. As a strong believer in and practicer of responsible travel, Urban Adventures is committed to its core tenets, which include local travel. As a proud member of the Local Travel Movement, Urban Adventures strives to […]
How to avoid ‘localwashing’ while on vacation
Have you noticed how companies of all sizes are touting their local credentials these days? Whether you are shopping at your local supermarket or deciding on your next vacation destination, advertisements are replete with images of locally sourced fresh food or locally guided unique vacation services. And why not? “Buy local” and “local first” campaigns […]